Devotion
There is only the word of God
David Jacobs
There are times when we feel like we have been stripped of everything we love. It is in these times that we must remember that having faith in Christ is what truly makes us wealthy. When I was growing up, hearing different interpretations of the scripture made me question if I was truly following the word of God. I felt "empty". It is in the Book of Revelation where we can turn to remember that "he that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death" (Revelation 2:10). By listening to the word of Christ, and not those who use his name to promote their own ideas, we can avoid the tribulations that come from following the word of heretics.
We should expect our churches to follow the word and teachings of Christ. While there are certainly examples of institutions that misrepresent the fundamentals of Christianity, as followers of God, we need to remember that ultimately our devotion is to him. When I was overwhelmed by different people telling me how to properly be a Christian, it was in the scripture I found the courage to only follow the word of God, and comfort in my own interpretations of what it meant to be a true follower of the Lord.
Prayer
With the amount of information and news we are bombarded with on a daily basis, it is necessary for all of us to take a step back and question the validity of what we are hearing. Revelation 2:9-17 warns us of those who pretend to be someone they are not to try and persuade us to act against our better judgment.
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.
