Devotion
I Am that I am
David Jacobs
When a good friend of mine died, I spent countless hours studying the Bible, trying to find an explanation for God's purpose. I read and reread verses and chapters and books trying to get a better understand on the reason that God decided to take my friend's life. My ego had gotten the better of me; I felt that I was important enough to demand an explanation from God. Why did He do this? What did He have to say for Himself?
Unlike Moses, I came to God thinking that I was something special. I felt that my friend deserved better. Moses came from a humble place; he thought that he was nothing special, wondering why God had chosen him instead of someone else. My questions and Moses' question to God can be answered in the same way: I AM THAT I AM. Moses questioned his own ability to do what God asked of him, and I spent my time wondering about God's purpose rather than asking the more important question: what is my purpose? Reading these verses, some of the most important verses in the Old Testament, helped me gain a better perspective on my friend's passing, a better understand of my reaction to his passing, and a better understand of what God is. As was the case with Moses, God chose my friend and chose me in some way. It was my responsibility to heed the call and believe in myself rather than questioning God.
Prayer
Dearest Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and Earth are full of your glory. Forgive me Abba Father for questioning your ways and help me to remember that you are always with me. Use me as a tool as you did with Moses, for I know that you are what you are, and that you have made me in your likeness to share your light with the world. Give me the courage to do so, even when I feel that I am too weak. In your name I pray, Amen.
Night Prayer
And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.
Inspiration
God appoints leaders and allows them authority for a time. We do not always agree with our leaders' decisions or lifestyles, yet, we must respect their position and trust God's wisdom. His thoughts are higher than ours; He sees much farther into the future than we do, and we will never be able to understand His plan. We rely on our faith while enduring a leader who has conflicting beliefs. God is our shelter and ruler of all things.
Prayer
Dear God, We come to You in prayer for our leaders. Please guide them in decision-making; so their actions align with Your plan. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
All Have Sinned
Frances Taylor
We might try to deny it, but we have all sinned. And as Paul says, we fall short of the glory of God. There is nothing we can do to earn eternal life in heaven. Even to think that it is in our power to do so, is considered presumption. Only someone divine can redeem us, and only someone who is human and has free will and can choose to do so. In other words, only Jesus who is both human and divine is able to do so. Our responsibility is to accept this gift with gratitude and humility. We show our gratitude by following Jesus and living lives based on love. We show our humility by recognizing that all we have is gift. We are expected to use our gifts for the good of others, to develop them to the best of our ability and to say thank you. No one deserves God's love or forgiveness more than another. No one deserves his or her giftedness more than another. In fact, Jesus tells us that we must care for the poor and the vulnerable. So if you or I have more...
Morning Prayer
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Inspiration
Thanks to Jesus Christ, we are no longer strangers or foreigners to the word of God. We have been accepted into God's family, being identified as His children. The Bible even takes it further to define us as "Born of God". That is how deep our identity in Christ runs – we are coheirs with Him. We no longer live in isolation, being subject to the wiles of the enemy. We are safe in the Father's arms, for the rest of the days of our lives and beyond.
Prayer
Dear God, I am thankful because I am a part of your family, now. Lord, I am grateful that the enemy can never do anything that will pluck me out of your hands. This salvation is eternal and always here to stay. Father, thank you for loving me so much, when I should have been ...