Devotion
Out with the old, in with the new
David Jacobs
I have had arguments with friends on both sides regarding one topic: evolution. Some of my Christian friends are completely against the theory, thinking that believing it is an attack on Christian beliefs. Some of my non-Christian friends think that religion and science are diametrically opposed, and that one cannot include the other. Science attempts to explain the things in our observable universe, but what about the unobservable things? Not only that, if we are made in the image of God and we are changing, wouldn't that mean that we are changing because of God? Do not presume to know anything about God because you have some information based on old events. At any time He wants, He can make something totally new.
Through God, all things are possible, and all things may be made a new. Dwell not on the past, of what was or could have been, but rather look forward to what through God's grace, may unfold within his divine plan. Being a Christian is constantly about a state of becoming, of a movement towards the Light of perfection shown to us by Christ. A part of this is to always remain open to Gods' works and feats, emerging all around us. Gods will to create and recreate the world is his right as our Heavenly father, and it is not for us to mourn what may pass, but rather to seek to adapt our faith in becoming, or in what is yet to come.
Prayer
Lord in Heaven, hallowed be your name. Grant me the wisdom to cling to what is important, but not to dwell on the past. I wish to improve each and every day, to grow closer to you, and to meditate on your word. I know that you and you alone, Abba Father, can lead me from darkness, a lamp unto my feet. Amen.
Night Prayer
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Inspiration
Paul says he has fought the good fight, meaning he has surrendered his entire life to the will of God and has a clear conscience regarding every action taken. When we look at our own lives, can we say the same? Paul was beaten, jailed, and persecuted; yet, he continued forward as the Holy Spirit directed. Paul surrendered his heart to God and lived only for Him. We may not experience the same struggles as Paul, but we have plenty of moments when we feel as though we should give up instead of moving forward; but, we stand firm in our faith. God is our salvation, and we remain devoted to Him.
Prayer
Dear God, we are devoted to You. We have no regrets about accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior. We will continue to surrender our lives to Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
Forgiveness
Frances Taylor
Joseph is a lot more forgiving than I'm afraid I would be. Joseph not only forgives his brothers but sees God's hand in allowing their sin to bring good out of evil. How do we look at sins committed against us? Can we find any good that has come from them? I can remember losing a job because of the lies of a co-worker. It was devastating at the time, and yet it led to my being able to live out one of my childhood dreams and then to some of the happiest years of my life. The co-worker lost her job soon after. There are so many times when if we look back we can see how God is working. We also can see how a lack of forgiveness can cause damage to families, communities and beyond. I've seen this with divorce where one or both parents try to turn their child against the other parent. This can damage the child but also the parents themselves and their families. Forgiveness might not be easy, but ongoing hostility and anger can cause physical as well as ...
Morning Prayer
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Inspiration
I honestly believe that the world is in a state of crisis right now. There are more and more people turning away from God, and because of this, the hero that has sustained peace and love for thousands of years does not have the same reach that he once did. There is a hero vacuum, and people are looking for other places to live vicariously, wishing that they could be more like a superhero or a celebrity. We should all already have our superhero. He lived and died for our sins; he bore a cross in shame; he sits at the right hand of his Father, God in heaven. Do not look for other heroes when the mightiest of all already exists!
Prayer
Jesus, my hero and savior, why have I ever looked at other sources for motivation? Forgive me for this transgression. I am weak and did ...
