Devotion
Oh Lord, my God, I pray thee!
David Jacobs
My uncle was in a very dark place recently: he was laid off from his job and right after this, he was diagnosed with an illness that required surgery. Being recently unemployed, he lacked insurance to pay for the surgery, which would cost far more than he could afford. He didn't know what to do, but he did not despair. He came to his family for support, and God provided. Within a few days, his family members had asked their friends, family, and churches for any help that they could give, and his surgery was paid for in full. Not long after his recovery, he was given a job by one of the people that had also donated for his surgery.
It is hard to remain confident and faithful to God when things are not going well in our lives. Why would God want us to suffer so much if he loves us? I ask all devotees of Christ this question: is not everyday that we are allowed to witness God's creation a blessing? There will be hardships, pain, suffering, and death, but has God not shown us the path to salvation?
In these verses, Elijah asks God the question I posit before: why would God let this boy suffer? Has God abandoned him? How quickly Elijah forgets the beginning of these verses, when he has no food to eat or water to drink and God tells him to go to Zarepath. How quickly he forgets that the widow is able to provide for herself, Elijah, and her son with so little food to begin with. God was with him the entire time, just as he was with my uncle the entire time. It is our perceptions that have changed, not God. He has given us more than we deserve. Remember this and everyday, all things, are a blessing from God.
Prayer
Our character and faith is tested when we are at our lowest point. These moments are a good reflection of the strength of our faith. When you were at your lowest, how did you respond: with despair or trust?
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
