Devotion
What would you do with a second chance at life?
David Jacobs
It is in our nature to be fearful of death: it is in our biological programming. Coping with missed opportunities and regretful actions is also a part of life. When you reach the end of your life, how do you think you will feel about your time alive? Loves lost, missed encounters, job and financial woes, parenting decisions...the list of impactful decisions that one might reflect on and feel guilty about is long. We often take for granted the most important factor of all: Christ has already given us a second chance.
Christ resurrected, presents one of the most miraculous events in Biblical history. All Christians were given a second chance and shown the path; life towards death, death followed by eternal life. Do you believe in Christ? If you can say yes to that, read these verses again. You shall never die! Life on Earth is not the end. It can be filled with mistakes, regrets, and pain but it is a brief moment before everlasting peace and glory. If you have heard the good news, how did you react? Was it like Mary, immediately rising and going to Christ? Or was it a decision that you would like to do differently? It is not too late my friends! Go forth to love the Lord, to love people, and leave everything else, to God!
Prayer
Glory to God! Glorious Father, we thank you. Through your Son, who paid our debt through his suffering, helped to absolve my sins, to purge and clean my soul of all fear and malice, so that I may one day join you in Heaven. May the words and deeds of my soul be acceptable in thy sight, a constant reminder to the second chance that I have been granted. Amen.
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
