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.
Devotion
All Have Sinned
Frances Taylor
We might try to deny it, but we have all sinned. And as Paul says, we fall short of the glory of God. There is nothing we can do to earn eternal life in heaven. Even to think that it is in our power to do so, is considered presumption. Only someone divine can redeem us, and only someone who is human and has free will and can choose to do so. In other words, only Jesus who is both human and divine is able to do so. Our responsibility is to accept this gift with gratitude and humility. We show our gratitude by following Jesus and living lives based on love. We show our humility by recognizing that all we have is gift. We are expected to use our gifts for the good of others, to develop them to the best of our ability and to say thank you. No one deserves God's love or forgiveness more than another. No one deserves his or her giftedness more than another. In fact, Jesus tells us that we must care for the poor and the vulnerable. So if you or I have more...
Morning Prayer
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Inspiration
Thanks to Jesus Christ, we are no longer strangers or foreigners to the word of God. We have been accepted into God's family, being identified as His children. The Bible even takes it further to define us as "Born of God". That is how deep our identity in Christ runs – we are coheirs with Him. We no longer live in isolation, being subject to the wiles of the enemy. We are safe in the Father's arms, for the rest of the days of our lives and beyond.
Prayer
Dear God, I am thankful because I am a part of your family, now. Lord, I am grateful that the enemy can never do anything that will pluck me out of your hands. This salvation is eternal and always here to stay. Father, thank you for loving me so much, when I should have been ...
Night Prayer
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
Inspiration
As sinners, we feel unworthy of salvation. We observe Calvary and tremble. Christ endured incredible pain for our deliverance when our thoughts and actions are undeserving. Our Creator sees past our sinful nature and into the depths of our hearts. He loves us beyond our understanding and spared no cost to rid our souls of the sin that separates us. We are thankful for His unconditional love and perseverance. We remain humbled by Christ's selfless act!
Prayer
Dear Lord, Thank You for Your ultimate sacrifice. You see our hearts in a way we cannot, and we are beyond grateful for Your mercy. In Jesus' Name, Amen.