Devotion 

Who has the Right

Frances Taylor 

We know that there can be debates as to which denominational – or non-denominational – church is the one that is "correct." In a way, Jesus answers this question. No one can do mighty works in his name and be against him. Now he presumes that these men and women are acting in good faith and not trying to win power for themselves. We may differ on how we worship, or even the necessity of organized worship, but if we are intentionally following Christ, who's to say that we are somehow less worthy of leading people to faith in Jesus. Some of the best discussions I have had are with people whose denomination is different from my own. I have also been allowed to preach in churches of different denominations, and have invited others into my church to preach. Just as God has given each of us different gifts, I believe that we need to listen to others in order to appreciate the wealth of knowledge that God has revealed to those who believe. Sometimes ...

Morning Prayer 

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Inspiration 

Paul and Silas were in a very discouraging situation – they had been arrested, beaten and placed in prison for doing nothing wrong. Anyone else in that given situation would have been in tears, discouraged by their circumstances. Paul and Silas chose to pray and sing hymns to God. This account ends with them miraculously escaping jail. Prayer can also help us in times of despair; it can open doors for the miraculous to occur. When we resort to praying, we are going over our emotions and setting our minds to God's faithfulness instead. That, in itself, is defeating the plan of the enemy, who was only interested in keeping you down.

Prayer 

Dear God, I thank you for your faithfulness and the blessed assurance I have in you, that I am in Christ and He is in me. Father, I thank you that there is no situation that is bigger than you. Lord, I pray that in any time I ...

Night Prayer 

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Inspiration 

Sometimes we look at Jesus’ perfect life and become even more discouraged over our struggle with sin. After all, we can never match Jesus’ perfection. How can his example help us? It helps us because he is no stranger to our struggle, and his victory over temptation has opened the door for us to receive his mercy. And by his grace, He makes the power of his perfection available to us, too.

Prayer 

Jesus, thank you for living a perfect life and dying a perfect death for me. I am unable to overcome sin on my own, but your grace and mercy have made a way for me. Empower me to lean on your perfection in all that I do, so that I may live in your grace and be prepared to stand in the face of temptation. In Jesus’ name, amen.