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.
Devotion
Passover
Frances Taylor
And so still today, the Jewish people celebrate Passover and one of the traditions is for someone to ask why we celebrate this feast, and the youngest child answers with the story of the Passover. Jesus was celebrating Passover with his friends on the night before he died. I know this reading comes up during the summer, so it's not the time for Passover, or the Passion of Jesus, but I have a question. What are our traditions surrounding the passion and death and resurrection of Jesus? Do we celebrate the end of Lent on Holy Thursday? Do we spend time with Jesus on Good Friday remembering his sacrifice? Is Easter all about candy and the Easter bunny? Today, many of our churches are practically empty on Easter Sunday and the children think more about an Easter egg hunt than God. Would the youngest member of the family be able to tell the story of why we celebrate? God brought the Israelites from slavery to freedom at the original Passover, but Jesus brought ...
Morning Prayer
Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction. In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD.
Inspiration
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. God's 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 ...
Night Prayer
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
Inspiration
God is our portion, our ultimate source of peace and happiness. We do not need to understand His ways or timing; we only need to know that He is always with us. God is our safety net, and He guides us through each struggle or hardship. We know terrible occurrences are bound to happen as we live in this imperfect world, but we have hope because God is with us every moment. His love will never fail.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we depend on You for peace and happiness all the days of our life. We are blessed because we can face any obstacle with You by our side. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
