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.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
