Devotion
Honor your mother and father. . . and mother-in-law
David Jacobs
My uncle was diagnosed with a very aggressive and deadly form of spinal cancer years ago. When he was first told about it, we were all hopeful that he could beat it. As time progressed, we soon realized that the disease was stronger than we feared. He attempted to protect his family from seeing him waste away in a way that I think anyone can understand: he tried to push them away, telling them he didn't want to see them anymore. Of course, we never left his side, and the last months of his life were some of the most valuable memories that I have of him, even in his weakened condition.
Ruth's mother-in-law, Naomi, has dealt with one tragedy after another. Her sons and husband have all died, leaving her a widow, with only two daughter-in-laws, Orpah and Ruth. The two girls come back to see how Naomi is doing, and Naomi, like my uncle, tries to push them away. Ruth will not listen to Naomi. She will not even let go. She knows that Naomi needs her now more than ever, and that they both need God more than before.
Prayer
Abba Father, I shall listen to your commandments. Remind me to honor my mother and father, and if I marry, my spouse's mother and father as well. Help me, O Lord, to heal those who are grieving, knowing when to be close to them and to give them space. Be ever-present in my life and theirs, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. 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.
