Devotion
How do we know whom to trust?
David Jacobs
In today's world, people have more access to information than ever before. There is certainly some good that comes from this, but with more access to information there is also more access to misinformation than ever as well. How can we find valuable information and people to listen to with the bombardment of noise and false-truths that we encounter in our lives? More importantly, what separates us from the prophets? Let us turn to these words from Moses in Deuteronomy for some guidance.
Moses makes it clear that we may never know what our Lord has in store for us. He may call upon us at any moment to do his bidding or to prove our devotion. Any prophet that aims to speak on behalf of God or another prophet will be seen as a liar. However, Moses makes it clear that prophets will be chosen from "the midst of thee, of thy brethren", meaning that it could be any of us! We need to be more than ready: we need to be active searching and listening for God's call. Did Moses know when the Lord would call for him to lead? He did not and neither will we. He was ready when he felt it, and we must also be ready, our heart must be poised, waiting on and longing to hear from God.
Prayer
Powerful and loving Lord, I am yours to command. I know that I am unworthy of your grace, but I stand to work in your service. Grant me the patience that is required and the wisdom to hear your call, and to never let my resolve weaken. You are the alpha and omega, and I wish with all of my being which you have granted to me, to be a conduit of your desires. 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.
