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.
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.
