Devotion
Passing the torch
David Jacobs
Older generations tend to view younger generations as spoiled. So much has changed in modern times from generation to generation that it is quite hard to accurately compare them. So much responsibility and sometimes so much burden is placed on each new generation that it can seem daunting for the younger people in the world. How can they live up to the expectations of previous generations? The older generation may also think that they have failed their children, because the world may be "worse" than it was when they lived. All we can do is try to teach one another, and learn what we can from past experiences.
In these verses, King David is handing the throne and much of its responsibilities to his son, Solomon. Solomon has been chosen by God to construct a temple in Jerusalem. You can imagine the pressure that the not-yet-appointed King Solomon would be feeling; first, he must follow in the footsteps of his father, one of the most-beloved kings in history, and second, his first order of business is to construct a temple in God's honor. It could make any person of any generation crumble.
Luckily, David gives Solomon his blessing and constructive advice on how to rule. The most important tenet of the advice: serve God with a perfect heart and a willing mind. Now imagine modern society doing the same: what a perfect world we would live in!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray to you today asking to help me create your temple on earth. Let your heavenly kingdom be the focus of all humanity, now and forever. Lord God, give me the wisdom like Solomon, the goodliness of Saul, and the obedience of David, so that I may serve you with a perfect heart and a willing mind. Amen.
Devotion
Abraham is Father of All
Frances Taylor
There are questions in every age about the importance of the Old Testament for Christians. Abraham is considered to be the Father of Faith for Jews, Christians and Muslims. We forget that it was Abraham who believed in the doctrine of only one God. It is through him and his descendants that this tradition comes down to us. Another fact that we can overlook is that Jesus was Jewish. He was born a Jew, lived as a Jew, died, rose and ascended into heaven as a Jew. Because we believe that he was the Messiah, the Christ, and we follow him, we are called Christian. Without the Old Testament, we wouldn't understand the promise of salvation; we wouldn't understand why it was important for Jesus to be of the family of King David. We would not understand his teaching either, because Jesus quoted from Scripture – the Old Testament – frequently. He told us that he came to fulfill the Scriptures, not to abolish them. In the same way, we can ...
Morning Prayer
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Inspiration
We have a responsibility, as Christians, to abstain from the sinful practices we partook in before we became saved. While it may be a gradual process of change, we should ensure that we are putting in our best to play our part in resisting temptation. God enables us to resist temptation, but it is up to us to actually resist.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that I will always be a person of action. Father, I take delight in my new life in you and I do not desire otherwise. I pray that in times of temptation, may I act on the strength you have given me to flee and/or resist. May I never rely on excuses or procrastination, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Inspiration
We have chosen to surrender our lives and serve the Lord. We serve Him by witnessing, completing missionary projects, and ministering to those in need. There is always work to do and a world full of people to help. We will look for opportunities to provide for our brothers and sisters in Christ by any means necessary. We are servants to one another as a service to the Lord; He will never forsake us.
Prayer
Dear God, Help us see the world through Your eyes. We desire to serve those around us by reflecting Your love through our actions. You will never forsake us, and we will continually lift praises of thanksgiving to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
