Devotion
The prophecies fulfilled
David Jacobs
One thing that is important to me is keeping my promises. If I say the words 'I promise', it means that I really aim to keep it. These are not words that I wantonly throw around; if I say it, I mean it. When I read the books of the Old Testament, I am transported in history, thousands of years in the past, and I think about how life was like back then. I also think about the prophecies of the many important prophets: Isaiah, Ezra, Esther, Jeremiah, Hosea, Amos, Daniel, Elijah, Moses...these men changed history in ways that they seemingly could never have imagined. However, when I think about how and why they changed their world and ours, it seems that they did not have to imagine anything at all. They made a promise and a prophecy that eventually came true.
The apostles have witnessed the life of Christ more closely than anyone. They know more about Jesus and presumably have more faith in his teachings than anyone. When I consider their strong faith, it seems like inevitability given their front row seat to Christ's life. However, what about the people that do not believe in Jesus? The other people that witnessed him first hand? The priests and learned scholars that new of the prophecies of the Old Testament, saw or heard about the life of Christ, and still did not choose to believe? What about them? And these questions beg the final question: what about us?
Prayer
God fulfilled his promises to us. Everything that He said would be, was. We, as Christians, have made our own promises to Christ, to God, and to the people of earth. Have we held up our end of the bargain? Go forth after reading these verses, with more vigor and enthusiasm to fulfill your promise to God; to walk on the path of righteousness that has been laid out for us, and live in peace amongst your brothers and sisters. Amen.
Night Prayer
And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.
Inspiration
God appoints leaders and allows them authority for a time. We do not always agree with our leaders' decisions or lifestyles, yet, we must respect their position and trust God's wisdom. His thoughts are higher than ours; He sees much farther into the future than we do, and we will never be able to understand His plan. We rely on our faith while enduring a leader who has conflicting beliefs. God is our shelter and ruler of all things.
Prayer
Dear God, We come to You in prayer for our leaders. Please guide them in decision-making; so their actions align with Your plan. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
All Have Sinned
Frances Taylor
We might try to deny it, but we have all sinned. And as Paul says, we fall short of the glory of God. There is nothing we can do to earn eternal life in heaven. Even to think that it is in our power to do so, is considered presumption. Only someone divine can redeem us, and only someone who is human and has free will and can choose to do so. In other words, only Jesus who is both human and divine is able to do so. Our responsibility is to accept this gift with gratitude and humility. We show our gratitude by following Jesus and living lives based on love. We show our humility by recognizing that all we have is gift. We are expected to use our gifts for the good of others, to develop them to the best of our ability and to say thank you. No one deserves God's love or forgiveness more than another. No one deserves his or her giftedness more than another. In fact, Jesus tells us that we must care for the poor and the vulnerable. So if you or I have more...
Morning Prayer
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Inspiration
Thanks to Jesus Christ, we are no longer strangers or foreigners to the word of God. We have been accepted into God's family, being identified as His children. The Bible even takes it further to define us as "Born of God". That is how deep our identity in Christ runs – we are coheirs with Him. We no longer live in isolation, being subject to the wiles of the enemy. We are safe in the Father's arms, for the rest of the days of our lives and beyond.
Prayer
Dear God, I am thankful because I am a part of your family, now. Lord, I am grateful that the enemy can never do anything that will pluck me out of your hands. This salvation is eternal and always here to stay. Father, thank you for loving me so much, when I should have been ...
