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
Good Brings Forth Good
Frances Taylor
And evil brings forth evil. Honest people can be trusted to be honest and dishonest people can't be trusted, because they lie. Whether we like it or not, we are judged on our actions. People are always watching us, just as we watch others, if we are honest with ourselves. It takes time to get to know people. Because of that, we watch what they do, what they say, so that we can decide how well we want to know them. We all shield ourselves from pain or misunderstanding by only revealing ourselves a little at a time. If someone is always gossiping about their friends, we wonder what they are saying about us, when we're not present. If a co-worker brings home office supplies, are you comfortable leaving your valuables around? It is only when others prove themselves trustworthy that we are willing to share ourselves with them; that we are open to bringing them into our lives. We look for the "good trees" to include in our lives, and once we ...
Morning Prayer
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Inspiration
Immanuel, as rendered here and in the gospel of Matthew from the original Hebrew, often translates to "God is with us" -marking the name foretold in the Old Testament of our Messiah and Savior, Jesus Christ. Indeed, God is and always has been with us. May his message of goodness and compassion shine through to our current age, where his name is still as relevant as ever.
Prayer
Lord O Heavenly Father, I give thanks to the pure Virgin through whom your word was born unto the world. Praise be your enduring song of hope for man and mankind, that you are always with us, in sickness and in health, in life as in death. May we glorify your truth in all we do, for then as now, forever more, Immanuel, Amen.
Night Prayer
Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Inspiration
The world tells us to get what we want by all means necessary. The Devil enjoys weaving evil through a man's thoughts, making it seem okay to fight, steal, or kill to receive what they think the world owes them. As Christians, worldly treasures have no value; the love of God is the only incentive we have, and we joyfully live our lives according to His will. Although the world has a different opinion, we will continue to shine the love of God through our lives; living without violence and jealousy.
Prayer
Dear Lord, the world is filled with greed and the desire to obtain what we want at all costs. Forgive us for our jealous nature and teach us to live our lives as an example to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
