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
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
