Devotion
The Shackle of Wickedness
David Jacobs
My wife's family is not Christian. They are Buddhists, and it has been a challenge for me to accept this. Her family are nice people, good people, caring people, but have been brought up with different traditions and a different religion from my family. It is a debate that I have struggled with in my head: would Jesus not allow these good people to go to Heaven?
The lives of non-believers and other religions may seem easier and less strict than the lives of a Christian. What are the core beliefs of our religion? More than anything, we are to believe that Jesus Christ's teachings are the way, the truth, and the life. We must hold his teachings close, cling to the goodness that they exude, and push away the wickedness of non-belief. Although it may sound blasphemous, much of the principle tenets of Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism are similar to our own. It is wickedness and apathy that God will judge. Apathy may seem free, but it is an apparition: without any guidance, it is the equivalent of being lost at sea. I cannot answer whether or not my wife's family will be permitted to join us in Heaven. However, I think that Christ's teachings are more about attempting to create a kingdom of heaven here on earth. That is why we must follow his word. My wife's family may not be able to go to the heavenly kingdom; I am not sure. I am sure that the evil, apathetic, and lost souls will not be permitted unless they are redeemed.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you have given us all that we need to begin building a heaven on earth, as I believe you intended by sending us your son, Jesus Christ, to teach us. Help us shape the future, molding the apathetic and evil to become your children. I pray that you do not permit me, Abba Father, to stray from your path in my vigor. Please be merciful to the good people that do not know you Lord, giving them a chance to enter your heavenly kingdom, just as you have with me. Amen.
Devotion
Abraham is Father of All
Frances Taylor
There are questions in every age about the importance of the Old Testament for Christians. Abraham is considered to be the Father of Faith for Jews, Christians and Muslims. We forget that it was Abraham who believed in the doctrine of only one God. It is through him and his descendants that this tradition comes down to us. Another fact that we can overlook is that Jesus was Jewish. He was born a Jew, lived as a Jew, died, rose and ascended into heaven as a Jew. Because we believe that he was the Messiah, the Christ, and we follow him, we are called Christian. Without the Old Testament, we wouldn't understand the promise of salvation; we wouldn't understand why it was important for Jesus to be of the family of King David. We would not understand his teaching either, because Jesus quoted from Scripture – the Old Testament – frequently. He told us that he came to fulfill the Scriptures, not to abolish them. In the same way, we can ...
Morning Prayer
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Inspiration
We have a responsibility, as Christians, to abstain from the sinful practices we partook in before we became saved. While it may be a gradual process of change, we should ensure that we are putting in our best to play our part in resisting temptation. God enables us to resist temptation, but it is up to us to actually resist.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that I will always be a person of action. Father, I take delight in my new life in you and I do not desire otherwise. I pray that in times of temptation, may I act on the strength you have given me to flee and/or resist. May I never rely on excuses or procrastination, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Inspiration
We have chosen to surrender our lives and serve the Lord. We serve Him by witnessing, completing missionary projects, and ministering to those in need. There is always work to do and a world full of people to help. We will look for opportunities to provide for our brothers and sisters in Christ by any means necessary. We are servants to one another as a service to the Lord; He will never forsake us.
Prayer
Dear God, Help us see the world through Your eyes. We desire to serve those around us by reflecting Your love through our actions. You will never forsake us, and we will continually lift praises of thanksgiving to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
