Devotion 

The Secret of Happiness 

Frances Taylor 

Have you ever played a team sport? When the team plays as one, they are more apt to win. But even if they don't win, they still share in the knowledge that they did the best they could. Jesus prayed that his disciples and those who followed them would be one. That they would be one just as the Father and he are one. What would it be like if we all acted as one in Christ? How would our families be different, our communities, our church, our world? What we need to remember, is that this is a unity based on love. God is love and we are told that as long as we remain in love, God remains in us. In John's Gospel, we are told the secret to joy is love! It is so easy in our world today to create division. The politicians don't even bother to listen to one another since they might find a good idea in what their opponent says. The media follows every instance of wrongdoing and hypes those circumstances that will create conflict and chaos. This is ...

Morning Prayer 

Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Inspiration 

There will be trouble in this world. There is darkness that is prevalent. Have you sensed it? Have you noticed the culture changing to appease society rather than God? While it may seem like nations are turning their backs on the Lord, he will not be forgotten. The Lord will make himself known. While we do not know his ways, we have faith that he will show his greatness and holiness. For those who believe, we can cling to this promise. In the end, every knee will bow and every nation will worship the Lord.

Prayer 

Dear God, you rule over all the nations. When it seems like nations are turning away from you, we know that you will show your holiness. Your holiness will not be hidden. We can trust your promises that every nation will worship you and every knee will bow when your glory is revealed. I bow down to you, O Lord. ...

Night Prayer 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Inspiration 

The disciples had the joy of witnessing Jesus’ miracles. They saw healings and exorcisms. They saw sinners redeemed and lives transformed. And Jesus boldly promises the power to do all of these things to all who come to Him. Through the Spirit working in us, we have the power to carry on the great work that Jesus had started so that through us, healing and transformation may continue on and His kingdom may grow.

Prayer 

Jesus, thank You for taking on flesh and living among us. Thank You for all of the great miracles that You performed, and for all of the lives that You touched. Please send Your Spirit and fill me with Your power so that I may be used by You to do mighty things for Your name’s sake. Work through me to Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.