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
Allowing The Scriptures
To bring Joy To My Life
Frances Taylor
The beginning of Luke's Gospel has always been one of my favorite readings. It makes me feel confident that I can believe what I have been taught. It also gives me peace because I know that God's promise has been fulfilled. We have been set free from fear. Of course, we will know fear of the unknown in this unpredictable world, but not fear of death because we can be sure that death is not the end, only the beginning of a new life. Otherwise, how could we continue to experience happiness and joy in the face of suffering? This freedom of fear, this belief in the good news – this Gospel message – is what made the early Christians so willing to face suffering in the name of Jesus. It is what motivated them to spread the good news to anyone who would listen. Is our world any less in need of the Gospel than theirs? I doubt it. Considering how we work so hard to be happy! How hard we work to avoid pain or suffering! So ...
Morning Prayer
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?
Inspiration
Many wish to go to a multitude of other sources to find direction in life, especially in times of trouble. In Isaiah's day, many turned to wizards and those involved in the occult, and many still do today. But God's people should reject these methods and turn "to the Law and to the testimony. " (verse 20)
Prayer
We dare not trust the world of darkness, but we put our trust in you alone, O Lord, as our source of wisdom for life. We know that Satan himself appears like an angel of light to better deceive many, and that false religions are full of doctrines of devils and sacrifices to devils, though the participants mostly are unaware of it. Only in your Word do we find the true light that will guide us through even the most trying of times. Amen.
