Devotion
Work to enjoy the Lord’s harvest
David Jacobs
A few years ago, I was traveling in Singapore with my wife for our anniversary. Our plane landed, and we got on the subway to take us to our hotel. It was about an hour journey to the hotel, but when we got there I noticed something unfortunate: I didn't have my wallet and passport. Without any credit cards, money, or identification, I started to panic and get upset. My better half reassured me saying that everything would work out. In my emotional state I wondered how she could stay so calm.
We talked with the hotel manager and he understood the situation, so he let us check-in and put our bags in the room. So far, so good. Then, we went back to the subway station that we got off at, and I asked the subway station employees if they had found a wallet and passport. She got on the phone and...presto! They had found it at the airport, with all the cards and money inside. Within an hour, I had everything back and felt a huge sense of relief. My wife just smiled and said, "I told you so."
It can be hard to have my wife's attitude when the going gets tough. In Ruth and Naomi's case, times were especially difficult: without husbands at a time of famine, how could they stay calm? However, Ruth had faith in God that it would work out. Sure enough, she meets Boaz, a distant relative, who helps her and allows her to work to gather food in this difficult time. Naomi is thrilled to see how much Ruth had gathered, probably feeling relief as I did when my things were returned.
Prayer
Ruth and Naomi never lost their faith. They stayed calm, trusting that God would provide. At the end of these verses, I can almost hear God saying what my wife did: "I told you so."
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.
