Devotion
Mary’s big surprise
David Jacobs
For with God nothing shall be impossible. (Luke 1:37) How lucky we are to know the Lord? In turbulent times it can be easy to forget just how lucky we are. Put yourself in Mary's shoes: she is a virgin, in a relationship with Joseph, and is pregnant...not the ideal circumstances to say the least! What can she say to Joseph? Why would he believe her? How is it possible that she is pregnant? What is she going to do? Luckily for us, Mary and Joseph had the courage to follow God's plan. If God spoke to us today, would we also have this strength?
Think about a challenge in your own life: why do you view it as a challenge and not a gift? I am reminded of a story that I read in the book Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: a young woman has children, the youngest a boy that is unable to walk. In a group therapy session, she bemoans her plight in life, wondering why God has done this to her and her child. Another woman in the group, single and without children, is asked to imagine her life as an old woman. The woman says she would consider her life a failure because she has no family of her own. Upon hearing this, the woman with the paralyzed child changed her mindset, realizing that she wanted to have children and that she loved her son and he loved her. Just from hearing one story from another person, she was able to change her perception from a burden to a blessing. Mary and Joseph did the same, and we should do all that we can to follow their example.
Prayer
Holy Shepard and Heavenly Father, I pray that you help me to set my mind at ease as you did with Mary and Joseph. Help me to open my heart and realize that every person, relationship, and moment is a blessing. Lord, I ask that you fortify my soul for your doing and recognize your call when you come. Amen.
Devotion
Misrepresenting God
Frances Taylor
This passage is one I try very hard to take to heart. For over forty years, I have worked to bring the gospel message to children and adults alike. That is what I'm doing as I write this. It is so important that we don't misrepresent God to others. When someone tells me they don't believe in God, I wonder whose image of God they have been taught. When I was a child, it was common to hear that God was some policeman in the sky that was going to punish me for everything I did wrong. The idea of a loving, forgiving God was not taught as the norm. Ministers and other teachers of religion often spoke more of hellfire and damnation. It's no wonder that there are those who claim that God doesn't exist. On the other hand, there are those who taught that God was like Santa Claus, keeping track of our good deeds and rewarding us accordingly, or tracking our misdeeds and punishing us accordingly. Neither of these images of God are accurate. God is loving ...
Morning Prayer
Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!
Inspiration
Those in ancient Israel, as today and in all lands, who prey upon the poor and vulnerable, who pervert justice against them and deny them their rights, sin against God. His eyes see, his eyelids try the children of men, and nothing is done in secret where he does not know.
Prayer
Give me a heart of compassion, O Lord, for the weak and helpless, for the poverty stricken, for widows and orphans. And give me a righteous indignation against those who oppress them, pervert their justice, or deny their rights. Amen.
Night Prayer
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.
Inspiration
The earth is perishable and deteriorates over time; God's love is everlasting, and so is our relationship with Him. We continue to grow each day as we study and become well-versed in the Word. We see blessings, assist in miracles, and continually feel His presence in our lives. We do not deserve love like God's, yet He gives it to us freely and unconditionally. We humble ourselves before Him with thanksgiving for His mercy on our souls.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive our sins, and guide our steps so we may grow closer to You. Your love is the greatest gift, and we will devote our lives to Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
