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.
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.
