Devotion
The only door for abundant life
David Jacobs
If you have ever spent any time on a farm, you quickly learn the importance of gates. Every summer growing up I would go with my family to my uncle's farm. Seeing as I was from the city, the change from urban to rural life felt like an adventure, and helping on the farm during my teen years helped me gain a real appreciation for work that is often taken for granted. It also helped me learn that animals are much more clever and observant than they may seem, and a gate that is not closed properly can lead to them walking astray.
Sheep occur frequently in Biblical references because they were a relatable image that was important for many households, tied intimately to their income and survival. Although the profession of a shepherd is not seen much today, it still serves as an apt metaphor. The parable of lost sheep shows that a good shepherd will stop at nothing to retrieve a member of their flock, for each is as precious as the others. John is saying that even if we are lost, we have a chance to be redeemed. Other gods or idols may have lured sheep for some time, but only God is the true door, the only one that welcomes sheep to safe haven and salvation. Understanding that we are offered protection and salvation will allow us to graze more freely, living less fearfully knowing that our shepherd will not abandon us.
Prayer
My Lord and my shepherd, I shall walk with you this day as always. I thank you, caring God, for allowing me to freely graze in your pastures, knowing that you will help lead me to salvation. Grant me the wisdom to understand that if I stray, my savior will find me. In your name, of the only shepherd, the door to salvation, I pray. Amen.
Devotion
Abraham is Father of All
Frances Taylor
There are questions in every age about the importance of the Old Testament for Christians. Abraham is considered to be the Father of Faith for Jews, Christians and Muslims. We forget that it was Abraham who believed in the doctrine of only one God. It is through him and his descendants that this tradition comes down to us. Another fact that we can overlook is that Jesus was Jewish. He was born a Jew, lived as a Jew, died, rose and ascended into heaven as a Jew. Because we believe that he was the Messiah, the Christ, and we follow him, we are called Christian. Without the Old Testament, we wouldn't understand the promise of salvation; we wouldn't understand why it was important for Jesus to be of the family of King David. We would not understand his teaching either, because Jesus quoted from Scripture – the Old Testament – frequently. He told us that he came to fulfill the Scriptures, not to abolish them. In the same way, we can ...
Morning Prayer
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Inspiration
We have a responsibility, as Christians, to abstain from the sinful practices we partook in before we became saved. While it may be a gradual process of change, we should ensure that we are putting in our best to play our part in resisting temptation. God enables us to resist temptation, but it is up to us to actually resist.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that I will always be a person of action. Father, I take delight in my new life in you and I do not desire otherwise. I pray that in times of temptation, may I act on the strength you have given me to flee and/or resist. May I never rely on excuses or procrastination, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Inspiration
We have chosen to surrender our lives and serve the Lord. We serve Him by witnessing, completing missionary projects, and ministering to those in need. There is always work to do and a world full of people to help. We will look for opportunities to provide for our brothers and sisters in Christ by any means necessary. We are servants to one another as a service to the Lord; He will never forsake us.
Prayer
Dear God, Help us see the world through Your eyes. We desire to serve those around us by reflecting Your love through our actions. You will never forsake us, and we will continually lift praises of thanksgiving to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
