Devotion
Don’t cry. Jesus is risen!
David Jacobs
My best friend died when I was 21. He died of cancer even though he was given a high chance of survival. I was devastated, blaming myself and also blaming God. "How could God do this to him?" I wondered. In my pain and grief, other ideas began to emerge: "How lucky were we to have met each other? Would I have wanted it any other way?"
Losing a loved one can be a crushing blow. We all fear the unknown and are sad to think that the warm person we once knew is not a cold body, nothing more than flesh and bone. Similar to I thought with my friend, Jesus' death was a tragedy, but would you have wanted his life to have been any different? His life was a blessing for all of us, one that we are all indebted to him for. Be comforted by the words of Jesus, as Mary Magdalene was. He has ascended to Heaven with his Father, the prophecy has been fulfilled, and we have been saved. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Holy Lord, God of power and light, I am humbled by your sacrifices for me, a lowly servant. I ask that you utilize me in any way you see fit, for I long to be like your son, Jesus Christ, bringing light to the world. Comfort those that are mourning, my God, for their hearts may weigh heavy and need your support. Help me to recognize anyone that may be going through difficult times, so I may lend an ear, a shoulder, or a heart for them. In your name I pray, Amen.
Devotion
Lot’s Rescue
Frances Taylor
When I read about Lot and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, I tend to think about Lot's wife and her turning back just when salvation was in her grasp. The angels had brought the whole family to safety; all they had to do was follow God's instruction not to turn back. It sounds so easy. I wonder what was so important to Lot's wife that she turned back? I'm sure that Lot was grateful to God and to the angels for rescuing him and his family and also saddened by the loss of his wife. We, too, have been rescued. We have been rescued from the fear of death, from the effects of our sinfulness and from eternal damnation. We have chosen to follow our deliverer, our Savior, Jesus Christ. What is there in our lives that is so important to us that we risk losing it all? Because we do turn back, just as Lot's wife. We often return to old habits, old companions that lead us into sinful situations, old temptations that we think won't entrap us. We choose to...
Morning Prayer
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
Inspiration
When it comes to judging situations, we should never be partial in our reasoning. If we try to favor one party, instead of being just, we are doing a great injustice to the wronged person, and we are also doing a great disservice to ourselves as children of God. Be fair in every situation and strive to do the right thing. There is no honor in partiality.
Prayer
Dear God, I ask for your wisdom when I am asked to mediate situations. Lord, may I never be swayed by money, or anything else that could cause me to be partial. May my reasoning be just and pleasing before you, and may it be the truth I speak and nothing else, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
Inspiration
We cry out to the Lord when we are troubled. We ask for guidance, help, and protection because we know He is always listening. God comforts our anxious spirits and calms the brewing storm within our hearts; We can always count on our Heavenly Father to be present and prepared to help us fight any battle we encounter. God has been our refuge since the beginning; He will remain our rock of salvation until the end.
Prayer
Dear God, we are thankful for Your presence in our lives. We know we can always call out to You in times of trouble. You are always present and prepared to help us when we need You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
