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.
Devotion
Yahweh Has Triumphed
Frances Taylor
I understand that sometimes people think I'm nuts, but when I'm in a hurry and the lights turn green as I get to them, I thank God. When I find a parking spot right when I need it, I thank God. I even thank God each time I finish a reflection on his word. It's a habit I developed in my youth and continue. Gratitude is a habit. The Israelites were ecstatic after walking through the sea and also very pleased that the Egyptians were prevented from following them. And so they sang in praise of God's goodness. Now, green lights and parking places are not great triumphs, but as I said, gratitude is a habit. It's easy enough to develop; all we need is the will. It begins by realizing that all is gift, all we have is from God. Even the dark times give us reason to give thanks to God because it is through God's grace that we survive the dark times. When we begin to examine the events of the day we realize where God has been, where we've recognized him...
Morning Prayer
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Inspiration
We cannot be picky when it comes to who or what we love with the Lord. If it is made with his grace, if it is filled with goodness, we ought to reserve any space we can within our heart for it. For to love delights God, for these are his creations, his gifts to us. There is already so much sin and evil in the world, lets not sully it more with following after our temptations or weaknesses, but cling rather to all that is pure and good, for these are the precious and treasured things that make our spirits endure.
Prayer
God my shepherd and Father, my savior and provider, help me see the beauty and good in all you do. Help me seek out your works and all that nourishes the spirit. Let me not neglect any part of your wondrous works, but in loving them, see them all as a path which brings me closer to understanding your grace and glory. In the name of the Father I pray, Amen.
