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 said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
Inspiration
We have many daily challenges that cause us to worry. Financial burdens, physical health, and other personal affairs cause anxiety and fear. Jesus reassures the disciples that they do not have to worry about where they will rest or what clothes they will wear because God will be present to provide for them as needed. We can apply this knowledge to our concerns as well. God is present and will provide for us physically and spiritually. Even when things are not okay, His presence alone grants us peace to make it through each life event.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we love and adore You. We are grateful for Your presence in our lives and the peace You bestow upon us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.