Devotion
Big shoes to fill
David Jacobs
My father was a devout man and an excellent father. He was patient, strong, caring, and intelligent. He was far more open and loving his family than most men are, giving my siblings and I an excellent example of a loving male role model. I am lucky, but because of how extraordinarily good my father was, I felt that I had giant shoes to fill when I had children of my own. In fact, I delayed having children due to my feelings of inadequacy, because I truly felt that I could never live up to the high level that my father had set. Regardless of whether or not I am as "good" a father as he was, my father did not raise his family well for competitive reasons. Once I learned that I had a blueprint on how to raise a family right, my insecurities faded away.
In Joshua's case, Moses had just led the Israelites out of Egypt, through the desert, and was revered by all of the people. With Moses' passing, a massive void in the Israelite community was created. Someone needed to fill it, but who would want to follow the most important Israelite that had ever lived? The pressure and feelings of inadequacy would be almost impossible to overcome alone. Luckily for Joshua, God steps in, showing him the same level of intimacy, care, and guidance that He had shown Moses. God promises not to fail Joshua, the same as He did with Moses. All Joshua needs to do is be strong and courageous. The size of the shoes doesn't even matter; what matters is that Moses had set an excellent example of how to lead. Similar to my father, they didn't leave gigantic shoes to fill, they gave us a map that we could follow so that we could effectively lead.
Prayer
My Father in Heaven, you have always led me to where I needed to go. Like a stubborn horse, I have not always listened to you, but you have always been patient with me. Lord, I pray that I hear your instructions and shed my anxiety about leading. You have shown me the way, been a lamp at my feet. With this prayer I vow to be strong and courageous, like Joshua before me. In your name I pray, Amen.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
