Devotion
We do not belong here
David Jacobs
We have all been involved in an argument at some point in our lives. In my younger years, I had a far worse temper than I do now, and I would not always filter my words in the most appropriate manner. I remember one argument vividly: in a discussion with my father, I implied that he was not a true believer of Christ because he did not devote his entire life to it. He went to church and raised me as well as a man possibly could, and here I was, young, passionate, but naïve, slandering the man who raised me. We had an argument, mainly because I thought I was right at the time. Luckily for me, my father is a very patient man, and he listened to my words even though they surely hurt him, and a few days later he gave me a book, Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis. Reading it changed my opinion on Christianity and, of course, my father.
The word of God and those recorded by the Apostles are the most sacred texts available to us, but our interpretation of these texts may differ. For many, these texts represent the sanctity and bond between us and the Lord. However, for others they may not have made an impact and may never make an impact. Even the Disciples of Christ had their doubts, and to selfishly attempt to impose our own beliefs on another person when they may not be ready is not for us to decide. The choice is God's. As believers of Christ, we are not meant for this world, as the verses suggest. We know that we are called to something higher. Literally taken, the words of our Holy Bible are no different from any other book. How these words are used, habitually, practically, and personally, by each and every Christian is what separates it. We are not meant for this world: it is our duty to emulate and do what came so innately to Christ; to make this word flesh, to sanctify it to the heights of Heaven.
Prayer
Lord in Heaven, I cannot wait to join you there. I pray that my word and deed be in accordance with Christ's word, knowing full well that I am meant for another place. Instruct and guide me God, through the Holy Spirit, so that your word may be made flesh, and your Testament be made sacred. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Devotion
Abraham is Father of All
Frances Taylor
There are questions in every age about the importance of the Old Testament for Christians. Abraham is considered to be the Father of Faith for Jews, Christians and Muslims. We forget that it was Abraham who believed in the doctrine of only one God. It is through him and his descendants that this tradition comes down to us. Another fact that we can overlook is that Jesus was Jewish. He was born a Jew, lived as a Jew, died, rose and ascended into heaven as a Jew. Because we believe that he was the Messiah, the Christ, and we follow him, we are called Christian. Without the Old Testament, we wouldn't understand the promise of salvation; we wouldn't understand why it was important for Jesus to be of the family of King David. We would not understand his teaching either, because Jesus quoted from Scripture – the Old Testament – frequently. He told us that he came to fulfill the Scriptures, not to abolish them. In the same way, we can ...
Morning Prayer
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Inspiration
We have a responsibility, as Christians, to abstain from the sinful practices we partook in before we became saved. While it may be a gradual process of change, we should ensure that we are putting in our best to play our part in resisting temptation. God enables us to resist temptation, but it is up to us to actually resist.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that I will always be a person of action. Father, I take delight in my new life in you and I do not desire otherwise. I pray that in times of temptation, may I act on the strength you have given me to flee and/or resist. May I never rely on excuses or procrastination, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Inspiration
We have chosen to surrender our lives and serve the Lord. We serve Him by witnessing, completing missionary projects, and ministering to those in need. There is always work to do and a world full of people to help. We will look for opportunities to provide for our brothers and sisters in Christ by any means necessary. We are servants to one another as a service to the Lord; He will never forsake us.
Prayer
Dear God, Help us see the world through Your eyes. We desire to serve those around us by reflecting Your love through our actions. You will never forsake us, and we will continually lift praises of thanksgiving to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
