Devotion
Let God dwell in your heart
David Jacobs
There is a song by Billy Joel called "The Stranger" that I always really liked. The lyrics of the song discuss how everyone wears masks at times, some for strangers, some for lovers, some for family, and some for ourselves. We wear these masks so often that it can start to get difficult to understand who we really are, because we are always acting in a different way depending on the company we are with. It made me reflect on my own life and how I act in different settings: with family, my wife, friends, at church, and when I am alone. Why do I act differently depending on the circumstance? Why can't I just be myself?
In these verses, we read that Christ dwells in the faithful hearts. Through our faith in God, the need to hide and masquerade as someone else is removed. Through our relationship with Christ we can grow to be more confident, knowledgeable, and understand that we are full of the positive energy of God. We have been built in the likeness of our Lord, why should we hide what is deep within? Would God make us in His image and not be pleased with what He made?
The last verses serve as a reminder that we are but humble servants to the Lord. No matter how high we climb, no matter how much we achieve, we are still lowly children in comparison to God. Why hide from others when we know that we are all lowly children? Shed your mask and let the power of Christ that dwells inside you gush out.
Prayer
Lord God, the most almighty! I am a lowly servant, begging to do your bidding. Any opportunity I have to be more like you I relish, and thank you for all the gifts and positive attributes that you have bestowed on me. This day, as all days, I long to worship you, to take off my mask, and be more like your son, Jesus Christ. 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 ...
