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.
Devotion
Pray for Leaders
Frances Taylor
How often do you or I pray for government leaders? Paul doesn't say to pray just for the leaders we like, either. If we do want a tranquil and quiet life, we need all leaders to turn to God and work for justice for all their citizens. It's probably even more important to pray and intercede for those leaders who work against justice, than for those who are already doing the right thing. For those who are already on God's side, we should give thanks to God that they stay in leadership and continue to do God's will. The same goes for city, state, and even church leaders as well as our national and international leaders. Good leaders should be supported and others need to be held to account for their behavior. Obviously different countries have different forms of leadership, but that shouldn't stop us from praying for them. God does listen even if the answer doesn't come as quickly as we might like. In the case of democracies, we sometimes need a bad ...
Morning Prayer
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Inspiration
We cannot allow ourselves envy, for it corrodes not only our relationships with others but also the things we already have. The end result is that we neglect to value and appreciate things already in our possession, and thus in turn, being ungrateful to the Lord himself for what he has provided. Rather, our energy would be better placed to focus on giving thanks to the Lord and his gifts, here and now.
Prayer
To my Lord above, my Creator and Heavenly Father, by your grace do I come to thank you for all I have. Teach me not to covet others and their lot, but grant me instead the ability to Love and see the blessings you have already bestowed upon me. In return for your grace, I thus offer up to you my humblest of gifts, my Lord -my heart in obedience, is yours. Amen.
