Devotion
We are like God; God is like usDevotion
We are like God; God is like us
David Jacobs
The weekend. Most of us cannot wait for the weekend to come. Most of us work hard, many of us work jobs that we do not really love, and when we get home it is often followed by even more work. If only we could be more like God, we would not have to work so hard. Read these verses again and you will see that line of thought is wrong. We work hard just like our creator, God, worked hard. Just like us, God was pretty happy when the weekend came.
God created men and women in His image. We, like God, have to work! It is not a curse, it is just a fact of life. Even before sin enters the picture, before Adam and Eve take bites out of the apple, God is working. If He is working, we must certainly be working! God has dominion over all things, in heaven and earth, and we, in his own image, have dominion over many of the things on earth. It may seem like a curse, having to work so hard and feeling tired, but think of the alternatives: would you rather be an insect? A fish? A bird? Even a tiger? None of these beasts are made in God's image. We are. We are the chosen few that get to experience what it is like to be somewhat like God. Every single day that we can work, we should be thankful that we have another day on earth, another chance to better understand ourselves and in turn, our creator.
Prayer
Almighty God, I am humbled by your creation! I am honored to witness all of the things that you worked hard to create. Humble me too, O Lord, so that like you, I can look at what you have created and feel the goodness in it. Lord, I pray that I can be part of that light, part of that goodness, to work to bring more light and good to your creation. In your name, I humbly pray. Amen.
David Jacobs
The weekend. Most of us cannot wait for the weekend to come. Most of us work hard, many of us work jobs that we do not really love, and when we get home it is often followed by even more work. If only we could be more like God, we would not have to work so hard. Read these verses again and you will see that line of thought is wrong. We work hard just like our creator, God, worked hard. Just like us, God was pretty happy when the weekend came.
God created men and women in His image. We, like God, have to work! It is not a curse, it is just a fact of life. Even before sin enters the picture, before Adam and Eve take bites out of the apple, God is working. If He is working, we must certainly be working! God has dominion over all things, in heaven and earth, and we, in his own image, have dominion over many of the things on earth. It may seem like a curse, having to work so hard and feeling tired, but think of the alternatives: would you rather be an insect? A fish? A bird? Even a tiger? None of these beasts are made in God's image. We are. We are the chosen few that get to experience what it is like to be somewhat like God. Every single day that we can work, we should be thankful that we have another day on earth, another chance to better understand ourselves and in turn, our creator.
Prayer
Almighty God, I am humbled by your creation! I am honored to witness all of the things that you worked hard to create. Humble me too, O Lord, so that like you, I can look at what you have created and feel the goodness in it. Lord, I pray that I can be part of that light, part of that goodness, to work to bring more light and good to your creation. In your name, I humbly pray. Amen.
Devotion
Abraham’s Sacrifice
Frances Taylor
Did you ever wonder what went through Abraham's mind when he believed that God wanted him to sacrifice his son? Of course, at that particular time in history, sacrifice of the first-born was not unusual and seen as an offering to the gods who would then allow the rest of the children to live. Did Abraham think that God was like the other gods? We will never know in this world. But God did not want sacrifice in the flesh, but sacrifice in the heart. Abraham was prevented from sacrificing Isaac and was given a ram instead, and for his willingness was promised great blessings. What are we willing to sacrifice for God?
Today, in America, we celebrate our independence. Many men and women sacrificed a great deal for this to happen and many people all over the world have sacrificed a great deal for their independence, independence from tyranny, independence to practice their religion, freedom from fear. Isaac was freed so that he could become the ...
Morning Prayer
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Inspiration
We can all remember the people that have taught us the most. People often exemplify the successful, rich, powerful, and beautiful, thinking that they will be happier and feel better if they were more like them. How often do we follow in the footsteps of the people that are the most holy around us? How often do we actively attempt to follow in the footsteps of Jesus? He gave his life for us to even have that chance and thankfully the Bible has written the guidelines for how we need to live our lives.
Prayer
My holy God, help me realize that I too can be holy through you. When I stray from the path of righteousness, I ask that you push me back towards the path, remembering and realizing all that you have taught me. Finally, I ask that you remind me of the sacrifices that you have made, giving your only son as a sacrifice so ...
Night Prayer
Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.
Inspiration
God's heart breaks with us when we experience struggles in this life. He becomes disappointed and saddened when we get ourselves into trouble. We often find ourselves struggling, resulting from our inappropriate actions and choices. We feel regret, remorse, and helplessness. We ask God for guidance during these times because He is the only one who loves us and has the power to help us overcome our struggles. He is our refuge and looks upon us with mercy and grace. His love never fails.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we have faith in Your unfailing love. Thank You for showing kindness and mercy when we struggle due to misguided choices. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
