Devotion
A house united
David Jacobs
When my son was a teenager he was constantly getting into trouble. He was acting out in school, getting in trouble with the police, and generally ignoring all of the things that he had been taught by his mother and I. We were befuddled: where was the good, sensitive, and generous boy that we had known all our lives? We knew that he was there, but he was unwilling to show himself all the time. No matter what we tried to do, he had to figure it out on his own.
In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, he realizes that he is talking to early Christians or non-believers, and offers to thank the Lord on their behalf. He does it in a way that does not mock or condemn the Corinthians, which my wife and I probably had done too much of with our son. Paul, in his wisdom and generosity, is not blind to their good qualities, in their potential for redemption, and the early church's need for new believers. He patiently extends his hand, asking all who will take it to follow him to spiritual enrichment through Christ. Does God not love atheists, Buddhists, Muslims, and Jews? He does! God is the one that will judge who is worthy or not to join Him in the Heavenly Kingdom. My impatience with my own son drove him to misbehave; if only I had been like Paul! It is not up to us to condemn non-believers; it is up to us to offer our prayers, our thanks, and our hand to them, as Paul did, so that each and everyone has an opportunity to be saved.
Prayer
Patient and loving Lord, give me the strength to stretch out my hand for those that do not know you. Grant them the courage to take my hand, with your word a lamp at our feet as we walk the path towards salvation. Help me to not condemn them for what they do, and instead spread tolerance and kindness. Give me all of this, Lord, and the voices of your believers will grow as we shout our praises to Heaven. 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.
