Devotion
When did you start to believe?
David Jacobs
When my brother was younger, he refused to listen to the word of God. He did not want to hear anything about God, Christianity, or church. For some reason, he had a block in his mind and was unable to even consider any of the good things that the Lord had done for him. Even if he wanted to believe that God was not real, he certainly had to see the positive impact that being Christian had had on our family. We were blessed to have wonderful parents that were devout and loving in ways that few families are. It was only until he met his future wife that he was pulled back to the church and then his heart was eventually made ready to accept the Lord again.
God is always searching for those of us who are ready to listen to his message. In the hustle and bustle of our lives it can be difficult to focus on the things that are not important for our immediate survival. If we "believe" in God but do nothing to show it, are we any different from my stubborn brother? Is it better to believe but never rejoice in the name of our Lord or to not believe at all? This psalm speaks powerfully about the people that refuse to let God enter their hearts. They are corrupted, broken, and let wanting. They hunger for knowledge, but no matter how much they eat, they will not be satisfied. God will provide for you, but you must let Him in. He is patient, but we should do all that we can to prepare our hearts, minds, and souls to accept Him.
Prayer
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Blessed are those that come in the name of the Lord, and corrupted are those that do not. Help me on this day, as all days, to heal those corrupted souls. As you have been my shepherd, guiding me to green pastures, let me direct these lost sheep to your flock. I know you will not abandon me, and they will know the same. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. 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.
