Devotion
A debt we can never fully repay
David Jacobs
I am not too fond of the feeling of owing people anything, be it money or even a favor. I always do my best to pay people back right away, because I feel guilty of taking something from someone and not being able to pay them back. I do not particularly appreciate owing people so much that I will not ask when I need help, even though my friends and family would certainly help me with no hesitation. Worst of all, I sometimes do not ask God for help, because I feel that I owe Him most of all.
Taking on debt and feeling indebted makes me feel helpless. "Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8) In these verses, a widow comes to Elisha with creditors coming and no money to pay them. The widow asks Elisha for assistance, and Elisha asks God. All that she had was a jar of oil, and Elisha tells her to ask her neighbors for jars as well. She did, and the jars became filled by God, and she could feed her family and pay her debt.
Sometimes asking for help is the hardest part. We may feel unworthy; we may be embarrassed; we may feel ashamed at being unable not to know what to do. Everybody needs help sometimes, and our friends, family, neighbors, and God are all willing and able to help. "Ask, and it shall be given unto you." It is easier said than done, but once done, it seems so easy.
Prayer
Precious Lord, forgive me for not asking for your help when I need it. Forgive me for pushing you away when I should have pulled you closer. Help me to be more open with you and those closest to me so that they can help me when I need it and I can say they will be more willing to come to me for help. Lord, I am forever indebted to you. We are all indebted to you, for your son, Jesus Christ, has paid the debt for our sins. In his holy name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
Inspiration
God only wants the best for us. On days we feel defeated and lost, we continue to have hope in God. He delivers us from our darkest moments, and with Him, we will always find peace. Our Lord is mighty and dependable. We surrender our lives and find happiness living according to His will, and we rest peacefully in His loving arms.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we submit our lives to You. You are trustworthy and good. We praise Your name for the unconditional love You bestow upon us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion Loss or GainFrances Taylor Paul is telling us and the Philippians that whatever he has suffered, whatever he has lost, it is nothing compared to what he has gained in Christ. Whenever we make changes in our lives, we lose as well as gain. When we move on from high school to the work force or to college, we will gain friends and lose friends. If we change jobs, we may even lose the ability to see our families as often as we had been able to do. If we change our religion or our religious habits, we also may lose friends or even connections with our family members. Christianity requires changes in our lifestyle if we are to be faithful to God's will. Doing the right thing becomes more important than hanging out with friends who can lead you in a different direction. Attitudes can change and your behavior with them. You're no longer the fun person who likes the dirty jokes who doesn't complain about foul language, who won't go to the x-rated movies, or engage in other activities...
Morning Prayer
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Inspiration
Good things generally happen to good people. If you commit good deeds, think good thoughts, and surround yourself with good people, in time you will be rewarded with a good harvest. However, it doesn't take many rotten apples to ruin a harvest, so think carefully with, how you spend your energy, how you spend your time, and who you spend it with.
Prayer
Everyday we are surrounded with the beautiful reminders of your creation God: flowers, trees, animals, people. I pray that you make me work, to use me as a vessel to blossom and spread my gifts to the world, spreading your joy to all that encounter me, just as you did with Jesus Christ. His eternal harvest is one that keeps on giving, and I pray that you help me give all that I ...
