Devotion
Do you now believe? Answer the question:
David Jacobs
When I was a child, I was often afraid of things that I thought were in my house or room: monsters, thieves, and murderers. Venturing into my parents' room, sleepy yet terrified, I'd tell them that I thought I heard something. Luckily for me, my parents were extremely patient and would try their best to get me to go back to sleep. They would reassure me in a number of ways: tell me that they will stay awake and listen, tell me that the door is locked, or even come in my room. Nobody or thing had ever come into my house, yet I still couldn't believe them! No matter how many times they reassured me, it would take several years for me to finally grow up and out of my fears.
Consider these verses. Through Jesus, we as earthly beings have also found a path to overcoming the world. Humans have tried other methods and others have heard the teachings of Christ and not believed. Without salvation and the word of the Lord, these attempts are doomed to fail. You may have heard of Pascal's wager. It essentially argues that deciding to believe or not to believe is up to the individual, but if you don't believe and are wrong, you are doomed to eternal damnation! Even with that being said, it is much easier said than done. One method above all else has helped reinforce my faith in Christ: I have surrounded myself with faithful Christians. When I feel fear, or doubt, just like when I was a child, I can turn to them and be reassured. Without God one cannot truly transcend this life. Be there for each other.
Prayer
Dearest Father, forgive me for ever doubting you, and understand that I am weak and undeserving of your grace. Strengthen my resolve Abba Father! I long for you and to be stronger disciple of your word. Help me touch those to whom you speak, but are too deaf to listen. May they find inner wisdom and the true path into eternal life; through your divine glory and mercy alone, 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.
