Devotion
Where is our manna from Heaven?
David Jacobs
One thought that I have often had when reading the Bible is what I would do if I were in the place of several of the most famous characters. How could Thomas doubt Jesus so much if he was with him all the time? How could Judas betray Jesus if he bore witness to so many miracles? Why would the followers of Moses not be willing to do anything that he asked considering all the things that he had clearly done for them? Certainly I would be different! If only God would give me a sign as strong as He gave to them, then I would be more certain. Then, if only then, I would know how to behave!
I may have acted differently than certain characters in the Bible. In fact, I may have acted better than them at times. However, what selfishness I display when demanding a sign similar to theirs! Is my own life not a sign enough? Is my relationship with God not sign enough? Jesus Christ was sent to Earth to live amongst us and died so that we could be forgiven. If I need a stronger sign than that, I am not sure what I would have done differently than even the most selfish characters in the Bible.
Manna was sent from Heaven to Earth in the Bible. We have our manna: Jesus Christ. Just as sustenance was sent for the disciples of Moses, Jesus was sent so that we may all be his disciples. He is our sustenance, our sign, our manna. Doubt leads to hunger and belief leads to nourishment. We have many characters with which to compare ourselves, but ultimately the choice is ours.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I wish to thank you for the host of characters in the Bible that have helped feed my faith and assist me on my journey. Without them, seeing both the quality of their triumphs and the depths of their falls, I and other Christians, would not have the same relationship with you that we do today. Permit me Christ Almighty, to eat from your word, and drink from your truth. With your permission, I ask to be filled with your word, so that I will never be hungry. I pray this in your name, knowing that you have sacrificed your body and blood so that I may be sustained. Amen.
Devotion
True Prophecy
Frances Taylor
Peter is warning the people against false teachers and false prophets. There were false prophets among the Israelites and there would be again. Men, then, and men and women today who would lead people away from the will of God in order that they might exert influence over the leaders of the times to achieve their own ends. In ancient times, the prophets worked to bring the people back to living as God wanted them to live. The false prophets wanted to keep their jobs as the favorites of the kings and kept telling them not to listen.
Today we have many false teachers as Peter predicted who try to turn the words of Scripture to their own agendas. These people have often called for hate instead of the love which Jesus asked for. They have called for vengeance instead of forgiveness or mercy. They bring about division instead of unity. The true teacher will be attentive to the word of God and do his or her best to make Jesus law of love more visible in ...
Morning Prayer
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Inspiration
I constantly compare myself to Jesus Christ. Although I think that it is a good thing to contemplate how you live and compare it to Christ, it can also be very difficult. Jesus is the Son of God. It would be impossible for us to ever be as good as him because he was created without flaws. God sent him to earth as a mortal man, as a sinner, so that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5: 21) It is an impossible standard to reach, but is there any other person that you would rather be more similar to?
Prayer
Divine God, powerful creator of both Heaven and earth, I pray that these words convey my sincere gratitude to you for sending Jesus to us. Forgive me, Father, for I am selfish and weak, acting directly against your heavenly mandate. I know that Jesus Christ has shown light on a darkened ...
