Devotion
Love your neighbour as yourself
David Jacobs

Many of the people who live near my apartment are incredibly wealthy. The parking lots are filled with fancy cars, perhaps not ever remembered by their owners, that are covered in dust. It can foster a bit of ill will to the other people around them, especially those with less money. We are taught to love our neighbors as ourselves, but it is much easier said than done.

This message of loving your neighbor and not holding a grudge is so important because it is so difficult! This is why it is mentioned so many times in the Bible. Holding a grudge is a pestilence to all true believers. There is a famous quote that is a good summation of a grudge: "grudges are like swallowing poison and hoping your enemy dies from it". This negative feeling that we carry towards another person is mostly reflected on our own disposition. The Proverbs mention that here: holding a grudge is a way to devise evil. Mercy and truth are how to devise good.

It...

Morning Prayer 

And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

Inspiration 

God presented Adam with the honor of tending to the Garden of Eden; He also assigns us meaningful tasks throughout our earthly lives. Those tasks include ministering and providing for others. We are His most precious creation so taking care of one another is a significant obligation.  We want to be diligent and dependable as we teach others about Christ and care for their physical and spiritual needs. We are honored, as children of God, to devote our efforts to others.

Prayer 

Dear God, We recognize that we are obligated to care for one another. We consider this an honor and will work diligently and dependably as You will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Night Prayer 

Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.

Inspiration 

God loves His creation; He tends to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. We know He also cares for us; He knows what we need before we ask, and He understands our hearts with wisdom beyond our limited knowledge. We desire many things we do not need, which makes the working hand of God seem invisible at times. By surrendering our hearts to His will, we see all the blessings He has bestowed upon us.

Prayer 

Dear Lord, You are our refuge and constant provider. We lift our voices in praise for Your steadfast love and understanding. In Jesus' Name, Amen.