Devotion
The dreams of the blind
David Jacobs
I enjoy studying psychology, and one day I pondered this question: can a blind person visualize things as they dream? I did quite a lot of research on the subject and found that it depends on when they became blind: the younger they lost their ability to see, the less likely the chance they would see images as they dreamed. Although it seems like such a shame, a person without the ability to use their eyes to see also has heightened senses and a totally different interpretation of the world than a person that can see. To say that one is objectively good or bad would be incorrect.
The Bible is full of references to 'eyes', of the Lord making the world 'visible' to his followers. On the other hand of course, many who do not follow are often 'blind' or 'blinded', often by sin or emotions. This passage is not to be taken literally, with an opening of the eyes a metaphor perhaps, for lifting the veil of ignorance. Physically blind people cannot help the fact that they cannot see; ignorant people that choose to live in sin can help it. The laws of the Lord are there to allow all of us to open our eyes to the ways of God. God's laws will open our eyes, his word is a lamp for our feet (Psalms 119:105). Choosing to be willfully ignorant is a choice to live in sin. Upon making such a choice, you will be truly blind, regardless of whether or not you have images in your dreams.
Prayer
Heavenly Lord, I pray for you to open my eyes to your divine Law. Show me the path towards light and truth, and allow me not to obscure this with my own will. Grant me wisdom to see further than my own feet, looking into the distance, towards your Heavenly Kingdom. Grant me the courage to follow you even when others do not, so that I may help lead the blind that thirst to see your face. I ask this in the name of Christ Almighty, 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.
