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.
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
