Devotion
Home is where God is
David Jacobs
The new city of Jerusalem serves as a metaphor for each and every one of us. Outside of ourselves, there is a world full of sin (similar to outside the city of Jerusalem), and it is through our belief and trust in Christ that we are able to combat the temptations around us. When I was younger, I found myself amongst the "dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie" (Revelation 22:15). It takes great strength and faith in God to turn to him in times of uncertainty and avoid the persuasions of sin.
In the Book of Revelation 22:13-21, we find that God repeats His promise that He is "Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last" (Revelation 22:13). These words are emphasized by appearing twice in the same passage. We should feel confident that God is all-powerful and that through Him, we can feel safe and free of temptation.
Prayer
During times in my youth, I was not living my life in a way that would have allowed me to stay in the new city of Jerusalem. I was easily tempted and often found myself giving into things that I knew were wrong. It was only through the guidance of Christ that I was able to find my way back and live my life in a way that would allow me to find a place in the new city of Jerusalem. Instead of listening to those that were guiding me wrong, I turned to Revelation 22:17: "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." If we find ourselves thirsty, we need only to follow the word of Christ to quench it.
Night Prayer
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Inspiration
Sin will enslave us and become the master of our lives if allowed. Sin binds us in darkness, and we become submissive to our fears. Jesus is a light in the dark, and we have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior. Sin has no control over us! We have repented our sinful ways and surrendered our lives to the will of God. Serving Him replaces a life of misery with joy and peace.
Prayer
Dear God, we ask forgiveness for our transgressions. We surrender our lives to You and will serve You instead of our sinful desires. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
Are You Wise or Foolish?
Frances Taylor
Today's gospel concerns a group of bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom to come and whether or not they will be prepared. Five are pretty sure that the bridegroom will show up when expected and so do the least they need to do and the other five decide that something may come up and want to be prepared just in case. What about ourselves? Whether you are sick or healthy today, you don't know what tomorrow brings.
I remember when my father was ill. He would enter the hospital, then somehow rally and be sent home. When this happens more than once, it is easy to be lulled into a sense of false security and believe that he would always rally. That kind of thinking can make it harder when the final day comes. My son rarely had a sick day in his life and yet was cut off while riding his motorcycle and was dead before he even had a chance to be afraid. It has always been my hope that both were wise and had lived their lives prepared to meet the ...
