Devotion
A letter from prison
David Jacobs
Some improvements need to be made in the prison system in America. The recidivism rate is dreadful, meaning that once you go to prison it is very likely that you will go back to prison upon your original release. The prisoners are not given much opportunity to gain any useful skills, and are basically used for slave labor. It can be a depressing and lonely place, sapping the will to live from many that have entered.
Luckily for us, Paul the Apostle, along with the other Apostles, had made a pact with Christ. He vowed to spread the good news of the gospel to every creature on earth (Mark 16:15). Unluckily for Paul, his doing so landed him in a jail cell. Due to his pact with Christ, the iron bars that kept him caged inside did not stop him from doing all that he could to spread the teachings of Christ. In verse 20, he speaks of being in bondage, able to speak boldly. I am always fascinated by how the authors of books of the Bible conclude their writings. In the book of Ephesians, Paul wishes peace to his brethren, love with faith, and grace to all that love Christ. He does this from a prison cell! He stays faithful and happy, working to spread the love of Christ around the world.
Prayer
Reading this is inspiring but also makes me feel a bit guilty: if Paul can do all of this from the cold confines of a cell, what more can I be doing? Ask yourself the same question. Meditate on it, pray to God, and perhaps you will get an answer to what more you can be doing.
Devotion
Abraham’s Sacrifice
Frances Taylor
Did you ever wonder what went through Abraham's mind when he believed that God wanted him to sacrifice his son? Of course, at that particular time in history, sacrifice of the first-born was not unusual and seen as an offering to the gods who would then allow the rest of the children to live. Did Abraham think that God was like the other gods? We will never know in this world. But God did not want sacrifice in the flesh, but sacrifice in the heart. Abraham was prevented from sacrificing Isaac and was given a ram instead, and for his willingness was promised great blessings. What are we willing to sacrifice for God?
Today, in America, we celebrate our independence. Many men and women sacrificed a great deal for this to happen and many people all over the world have sacrificed a great deal for their independence, independence from tyranny, independence to practice their religion, freedom from fear. Isaac was freed so that he could become the ...
Morning Prayer
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Inspiration
We can all remember the people that have taught us the most. People often exemplify the successful, rich, powerful, and beautiful, thinking that they will be happier and feel better if they were more like them. How often do we follow in the footsteps of the people that are the most holy around us? How often do we actively attempt to follow in the footsteps of Jesus? He gave his life for us to even have that chance and thankfully the Bible has written the guidelines for how we need to live our lives.
Prayer
My holy God, help me realize that I too can be holy through you. When I stray from the path of righteousness, I ask that you push me back towards the path, remembering and realizing all that you have taught me. Finally, I ask that you remind me of the sacrifices that you have made, giving your only son as a sacrifice so ...
Night Prayer
Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.
Inspiration
God's heart breaks with us when we experience struggles in this life. He becomes disappointed and saddened when we get ourselves into trouble. We often find ourselves struggling, resulting from our inappropriate actions and choices. We feel regret, remorse, and helplessness. We ask God for guidance during these times because He is the only one who loves us and has the power to help us overcome our struggles. He is our refuge and looks upon us with mercy and grace. His love never fails.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we have faith in Your unfailing love. Thank You for showing kindness and mercy when we struggle due to misguided choices. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
