Devotion
God’s gift
David Jacobs
Can you remember the best gift that you ever received? I have spent several minutes wracking my brain trying to think of a great gift that I have received, and honestly, I mostly think back to the great gifts that I have given to others. It sounds like a cliché, but it truly is better to give than to receive. The same can be said of the Lord our God, as these verses suggest.
All of the gifts that I have received come from God. All of the gifts that any of us have received come from God. Why would God do this for us? Like I said before, perhaps even God feels that it is better to give than to receive. He has created both heaven and earth, and given us the chance, through the teachings and life of his son, Jesus Christ, to be redeemed. We all have been gifted a gift that we can never possibly repay, and if we are slow to receive the message or refuse it, we will feel the wrath of God. In 1 Peter 4:10, it says:
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so, minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
All of us have been given a gift. We also have a responsibility to give back. We should read these verses from James, and reflect on it: we should aim to be slow to speak, swift to hear, and slow to wrath, for that is the path to wisdom. Following the path that God has laid out for us is the ultimate gift that we can use to pay him back. Unlike me, hopefully God can remember it.
Prayer
Generous and loving God, every moment that I have to grow closer to you is a gift. I shall use every moment as I said, for that is also my greatest gift that I can give to you. Lead me away from the sins and temptations that may fall in front of my feet as I walk with you, my Lord, my strength and my redeemer. 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.
