Devotion
What does it mean to be wise?
David Jacobs
You may know the phrase said by former president Theodore Roosevelt: "Speak softly and carry a big stick." Roosevelt knew the power of words, and perhaps learned it from the first verse in this proverb. Speaking softly may be considered a sign of weakness by many, but I think it is more likely a sign of wisdom. People that speak loudly or argue too much are hard for me to take seriously. If I accuse you of doing something and you fight me tooth and nail, does that not make me think that you care too much? If anything, the vigor with which you defend yourself makes you seem more guilty. A good example is from the Shakespeare play Hamlet: "The lady doth protest too much, methinks." If you had not done the thing, it would probably not merit much of a response on your end.
As Christians, we must be careful what words we say, how we say them, and when we say them. This proverb focuses on the tremendous power of words: they can heal, hurt, promise, and deceive. The wise speak softly (and arguably carries a big stick) while the foolish spew nonsense incessantly, trying to hear themselves speak. Which are you?
Prayer
How do you think people interpret the way you speak: wisely or foolishly? What can you change to improve?
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.
