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
Pray for Leaders
Frances Taylor
How often do you or I pray for government leaders? Paul doesn't say to pray just for the leaders we like, either. If we do want a tranquil and quiet life, we need all leaders to turn to God and work for justice for all their citizens. It's probably even more important to pray and intercede for those leaders who work against justice, than for those who are already doing the right thing. For those who are already on God's side, we should give thanks to God that they stay in leadership and continue to do God's will. The same goes for city, state, and even church leaders as well as our national and international leaders. Good leaders should be supported and others need to be held to account for their behavior. Obviously different countries have different forms of leadership, but that shouldn't stop us from praying for them. God does listen even if the answer doesn't come as quickly as we might like. In the case of democracies, we sometimes need a bad ...
Morning Prayer
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Inspiration
We cannot allow ourselves envy, for it corrodes not only our relationships with others but also the things we already have. The end result is that we neglect to value and appreciate things already in our possession, and thus in turn, being ungrateful to the Lord himself for what he has provided. Rather, our energy would be better placed to focus on giving thanks to the Lord and his gifts, here and now.
Prayer
To my Lord above, my Creator and Heavenly Father, by your grace do I come to thank you for all I have. Teach me not to covet others and their lot, but grant me instead the ability to Love and see the blessings you have already bestowed upon me. In return for your grace, I thus offer up to you my humblest of gifts, my Lord -my heart in obedience, is yours. Amen.
