Devotion
Who or what do you seek?
David Jacobs
My grandfather led a life straight out of a Hollywood movie. He was from a very poor village, worked in a coalmine when he was twelve years old, had 14 brothers and sisters, joined the marines, fought in two wars, and was married and divorced three times. His stories were incredible, and his gregarious personality and sharp wit made him a pleasure to talk to. As he grew older, he explained to me that through all his adventures, one question plagued him: why was he here? When he met my grandmother, his priorities changed. Things that he previously looked to in search of meaning, were no longer of importance: sex, excitement, and drama. He knew what he was looking for when he met her, in large part because she knew what she was seeking: a strong relationship with God.
These sad verses are easy to illustrate in your mind. Judas has come to betray Jesus, and when they come to the garden, Jesus asks who they are looking for. Perhaps ironically because they do not fully understand what they are saying, they say they are looking for Jesus of Nazareth. They were looking for Jesus, to betray and kill him, but in doing so allowed all of us to also seek him. His captors are flung to the ground when he answers them, overwhelmed by the power of the answer to the question, "Whom seek ye?" We should all ask ourselves the same question. Like my grandparents, once we realize the answer, nothing else will matter.
Prayer
Merciful God, loving Lord, I seek ye and only ye. I know that I have wandered, strayed from your righteous path more often than naught, but I pray that you strengthen me to seek ye with all of my being. Forgive me, O Lord, when I commit to any action for other reasons than to search for ye. I am weak, but with you, strong. I pray this in your name, Amen.
Night Prayer
For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
Inspiration
We love our brothers and sisters in Christ and miss one another when separated. Paul was eager to see the church of Rome and anticipated blessing them with a spiritual gift. He saught to deliver encouragement by joining them in person to worship and fellowship. When we fellowship together, the unity strengthens our character, and we discover unique qualities amongst our brethren that aid in the church's ministry. We are all eager to unite in the name of God and develop and strengthen our gift of evangelism.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we love our church family and desire to make our time of fellowship a priority this day. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
Yahweh Has Triumphed
Frances Taylor
I understand that sometimes people think I'm nuts, but when I'm in a hurry and the lights turn green as I get to them, I thank God. When I find a parking spot right when I need it, I thank God. I even thank God each time I finish a reflection on his word. It's a habit I developed in my youth and continue. Gratitude is a habit. The Israelites were ecstatic after walking through the sea and also very pleased that the Egyptians were prevented from following them. And so they sang in praise of God's goodness. Now, green lights and parking places are not great triumphs, but as I said, gratitude is a habit. It's easy enough to develop; all we need is the will. It begins by realizing that all is gift, all we have is from God. Even the dark times give us reason to give thanks to God because it is through God's grace that we survive the dark times. When we begin to examine the events of the day we realize where God has been, where we've recognized him...
