Devotion
There’s no place like home
David Jacobs
Have you seen the movie The Wizard of Oz? In it, a young girl named Dorothy is whisked away by a tornado, transported to the land of Oz. She goes on a journey, meeting friends and foes along the way. Eventually, she utters the famous phrase, "There's no place like home," and she is suddenly back at home, in her bed, apparently having dreamt the entire story.
Sadly for the kingdom of Israel, the Babylonian captivity was not just a bad dream. The Jews were persecuted and exiled from their homeland, scattered around without any central area to settle. Their luck changes when the Persian king, Cyrus the Great, conquers the land of Israel and invites the people of Israel back to their homeland. As we all know, this area of the globe has been disputed and fought over to this day, but everyone with a connection to it will not give up their homeland. Like Dorothy said, "There's no place like home." God gives the Jews another chance in the place they call home. When it seems as if we will never have good fortune, the Lord will give us what we need. Do not despair, God will provide.
Prayer
Thank you my God, for giving me the chance to live on the earth that you created. It is my home and I will do what I can to honor your work by taking care of it. Let all people feel comforted wherever they are; all people feel that they are welcome in any place; all people know that we all must share God's home. Amen.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
