Devotion
What would you like to be known for?
David Jacobs
What qualities would you use to describe yourself in three words? Think about it for a minute. The first word on your three-word list is probably the quality that you value the most in yourself. The first word that comes to my mind is "funny." I have traveled and lived in many places, and I have found humor to be one of the most effective ways to break language and culture barriers. It is also something that has gotten me out of (and into) trouble. Most of all, it is a characteristic that I value highly and think that is unique about me. I know it is not the most Christian answer, but we are all gifted in our own ways.
The name Solomon is synonymous with wise, even today. Think of how wise he must have been for his name to still be related to wisdom! The book of 1 Kings is filled with examples of his wisdom, patience, and measured approach to difficult situations. He is a stark contrast to his father, King David, who was an emotional and brash leader. Both kings had their strengths and weaknesses, and I would say that their strengths were required given the times that they led.
Solomon was wise, David was devout. David made sure to teach Solomon about the importance of a strong relationship with God.
Prayer
Whatever your strengths, be it wisdom, passion, or humor, God wants us to share it with the world. He also wants us to share it with Him, and through our relationship with Him, as was the case with Kings David and Solomon, our best attributes will be enunciated. God will help us understand how He plans to use us, but we must first go to Him, ask, and listen. What gifts can you share?
Devotion
Paul, Jesus’ Servant
Frances Taylor
We recognize that Paul was an apostle, the Apostle to the Gentiles. We also know that he never knew Jesus in the flesh. He did have an experience of Jesus in a vision and then spent time learning about him so that he could preach the Gospel in confidence to the Gentile world after the Jewish world rejected him because of his previous behavior against them. Paul considered himself an apostle and the servant of Jesus.
We are called to be disciples, teaching others about Jesus and spreading the Gospel message of salvation, of God's unconditional love for his children. We did not live in the time of Jesus and never knew or heard him in the flesh. But if we examine our lives, we will find experiences of Jesus in our lives.
As I sit here this evening, I am thinking about the dilemma I faced this weekend. I was committed to go to a family party yesterday, and planned to visit a good friend in a nursing home today. The party yesterday was cancelled ...
Morning Prayer
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Inspiration
We should not seek that honor which comes from men but the honor that comes only from God. Men often honor one another, but that honor is nothing if it be not in conformity to God's truth. Christians should honor God by obeying him and count as their highest honor a word from him saying, "Well done you good and faithful servant. "
Prayer
May I honor you, Lord, with all of my words and actions, from the heart, at all times and in all places. Keep me from pursuing men's applause and approval, but let me look to you alone for approval. To you, my true Master, I stand or fall. Amen.
Night Prayer
And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
Inspiration
God assigned Moses an extensive job to complete, and Moses questioned his ability to follow through. He did not feel he was a good fit and told the Lord he had doubts. As we read through Scripture, we see countless moments when someone who seemed unlikely is called upon to do something incredible. They feel humbled, overwhelmed, and they fear disappointment. We often have concerns about the work God calls us to complete; we doubt we heard Him correctly or misunderstood the details. We must remember that God's plan always works out for good; we will remain humble as we undertake a task that seems impossible.
Prayer
Dear Lord, Forgive us when we doubt ourselves or the plan You have established for us. We will accept any task and complete all works as You will. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
