Devotion
Journey into the Promised Land
David Jacobs
I am an American. I am also (mostly) proud to be an American. When I think of my homeland, I mostly consider the incredible landscapes; places so beautiful it is hard to imagine that they even exist. I also consider the people; coming from all over the world yet somehow bound by an underlying culture. Lastly, I think of our beliefs; although some may disagree, it is a country that wants to be free, to be a leader, and to hold strongly onto our beliefs. I have a powerful connection to my homeland, but my true allegiance lies with another power; a power far greater, one that crosses borders, language, and even time. I am a Christian above all else, and no matter what happens to my country, I will always pledge my allegiance to God.
Abram proves his loyalty to God famously in the book of Genesis. Few characters in the Bible are as loyal and devout as Abram, and his loyalty is rewarded. It is rewarded with a covenant between God and his family, one that will last for generations. He trusted in God, venturing out into the unknown, because he knew where his allegiance laid; his allegiance was not to a place, not to a person, not to a country. His allegiance was to God. He encounters a multitude of difficulties but always perseveres because he knows, as we all should know, that God always stands by his side.
Prayer
O God, my Shepherd, keep me from doubt. I pledge my allegiance, my undying loyalty, to you, now and forever. I know that like Abram, my faith in your word, coupled with a commitment with my own words and deeds, will lead to a reward. I thank you, gracious God, for I know that this reward is one that I truly do not deserve. I pray this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, who died so that I may live. Amen.
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.
