Devotion
Where it all begins
David Jacobs
One of my favorite things to do for entertainment is going to the movie theater. I know that it may seem trivial and a waste of money, but there is something about going to the theater that I have always enjoyed. This fascination may stem from childhood memories, remembering all the good times that I had at the movie theater with my favorite characters. Even today, I get so excited when the lights dim and you know that the movie is about to start. I am always excited to be there for where the movie will take me.
I get the exact same feeling anytime I read the first verses in Genesis, no matter how many times I have read them. Even right now, I get chills reading those verse for the millionth time (I may be exaggerating the exact number). Imagine if you had never heard of the Bible before and it was the first time you had ever read those words - how would you feel? The first five verses introduce themes that are important throughout the entire book: God and light is good; darkness is bad. Within a few sentences you know that God is good, light is good, and that God has created heaven, earth, water, light, darkness, day, and night. He goes on to create everything in between.
Prayer
As any Christian knows, however, our God is much more than our creator: He is the alpha and the omega, everything that is and always will be, and our Father in Heaven. Amen.
Night Prayer
My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
Inspiration
God only wants the best for us. On days we feel defeated and lost, we continue to have hope in God. He delivers us from our darkest moments, and with Him, we will always find peace. Our Lord is mighty and dependable. We surrender our lives and find happiness living according to His will, and we rest peacefully in His loving arms.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we submit our lives to You. You are trustworthy and good. We praise Your name for the unconditional love You bestow upon us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion Loss or GainFrances Taylor Paul is telling us and the Philippians that whatever he has suffered, whatever he has lost, it is nothing compared to what he has gained in Christ. Whenever we make changes in our lives, we lose as well as gain. When we move on from high school to the work force or to college, we will gain friends and lose friends. If we change jobs, we may even lose the ability to see our families as often as we had been able to do. If we change our religion or our religious habits, we also may lose friends or even connections with our family members. Christianity requires changes in our lifestyle if we are to be faithful to God's will. Doing the right thing becomes more important than hanging out with friends who can lead you in a different direction. Attitudes can change and your behavior with them. You're no longer the fun person who likes the dirty jokes who doesn't complain about foul language, who won't go to the x-rated movies, or engage in other activities...
Morning Prayer
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Inspiration
Good things generally happen to good people. If you commit good deeds, think good thoughts, and surround yourself with good people, in time you will be rewarded with a good harvest. However, it doesn't take many rotten apples to ruin a harvest, so think carefully with, how you spend your energy, how you spend your time, and who you spend it with.
Prayer
Everyday we are surrounded with the beautiful reminders of your creation God: flowers, trees, animals, people. I pray that you make me work, to use me as a vessel to blossom and spread my gifts to the world, spreading your joy to all that encounter me, just as you did with Jesus Christ. His eternal harvest is one that keeps on giving, and I pray that you help me give all that I ...
