Devotion
Ambassadors of Christ
David Jacobs
Have you ever wished that you were somebody else? Perhaps somebody famous: a great musician, movie star, politician, or athlete. I used to wonder how great it would be to be able to feel what another person is feeling, to see what they are seeing, and in my younger years I wished that I was a little bit taller, faster, stronger, or capable of doing some of the things that my favorite athletes could do. I am still waiting for my second growth spurt, but am more content in my own body than when I was less mature.
You may know the feeling that I am talking about: wishing to be someone else. It is easy to forget our own value when comparing yourself to others who seem richer, more successful, popular, or happy. We cannot ever fully grasp what dwells in another person's heart; that is for God to know. If we want to be someone else, we must look within and not outward. We cannot escape ourselves, but through God there are ways in which we may be remade. We may never be taller, stronger, and wealthier overnight; we can be better, happier, and more generous, learning from the examples in the Scriptures. Take the prodigal son as an example: squandered what he had been given, but his father celebrates his return, noting "he was lost and is found."(Luke 15:11-32)
Prayer
God has shown us, through His word, how He asks of us to live. He has sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die for us, forgiving us all our sins. There is no need to want to be another person; we all have a chance to be renewed through Christ, every day. Thanks be to God.
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
