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.
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.
