Devotion
Live in brotherly love, not fearing man
David Jacobs
I was born in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Philadelphia is a great city, filled with passionate and hard-working people, was an important center in early American history, and is known for its tough and straightforward citizens. I love the city and always will, but there is a bit of irony in calling it the city of brotherly love. There are few places in America with a populace of sharper-tongued and strong individuals. Let's examine these verses and see how we can learn to be more in touch with our emotions by becoming more in touch with God.
Firstly, we must love one another, even strangers. Everyone is going through their own trials and tribulations. Next, marriage is the backbone of a healthy society, and is perhaps evidenced by the crumbling state of our moral codes today. We should not covet because it corrodes not only our relationships with others but also the things we already have. When we envy others, it makes us devalue what we already have and not give thanks for what the Lord has provided. Lastly, if we do all of these things, we will never be afraid of bullies, never be afraid of the sharp-tongued Philadelphians, never be afraid of our fellow men. We would live in peace, our energy would be spent giving thanks to God, living in a world of brotherly love.
Prayer
What are the characteristics of the place where you grew up? How has religion affected your home?
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.
