Devotion
All things came into being through Him
David Jacobs
These verses remind me very much of a scripture lesson that I read in front of my congregation on Christmas as a child. John 1:3 is this:
1 In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 The same was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
My parents were so proud of me for reading these verses, and I obviously was too considering I can still remember the exact verses that I had to read decades ago. It gave me a thrill to read the Lord's word in front of so many admiring eyes. It also made me think about what these words really meant.
Without God, there would be nothing. We know that in the first few verses of the Bible. He created everything. There is a new caveat in these verses, talking about the church itself. Christ is the head of the body, and God is happy that Christ is in the head of the body of the church. God's covenant with humanity was completed by the blood of Christ on the cross. Jesus contains the many within him: we owe him a debt for taking our sins, transgressions, fears and anxieties, placing them all on his shoulders when he carried that cross. For us, he was willing to spill his own blood, so that we may all be reconciled. He did not have to do this for us, because he created all things.
Prayer
He wanted to do it. God wanted to do it because he loved us so much. Loving us so much that He gave us His only son. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Night Prayer
My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
Inspiration
God only wants the best for us. On days we feel defeated and lost, we continue to have hope in God. He delivers us from our darkest moments, and with Him, we will always find peace. Our Lord is mighty and dependable. We surrender our lives and find happiness living according to His will, and we rest peacefully in His loving arms.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we submit our lives to You. You are trustworthy and good. We praise Your name for the unconditional love You bestow upon us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion Loss or GainFrances Taylor Paul is telling us and the Philippians that whatever he has suffered, whatever he has lost, it is nothing compared to what he has gained in Christ. Whenever we make changes in our lives, we lose as well as gain. When we move on from high school to the work force or to college, we will gain friends and lose friends. If we change jobs, we may even lose the ability to see our families as often as we had been able to do. If we change our religion or our religious habits, we also may lose friends or even connections with our family members. Christianity requires changes in our lifestyle if we are to be faithful to God's will. Doing the right thing becomes more important than hanging out with friends who can lead you in a different direction. Attitudes can change and your behavior with them. You're no longer the fun person who likes the dirty jokes who doesn't complain about foul language, who won't go to the x-rated movies, or engage in other activities...
Morning Prayer
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Inspiration
Good things generally happen to good people. If you commit good deeds, think good thoughts, and surround yourself with good people, in time you will be rewarded with a good harvest. However, it doesn't take many rotten apples to ruin a harvest, so think carefully with, how you spend your energy, how you spend your time, and who you spend it with.
Prayer
Everyday we are surrounded with the beautiful reminders of your creation God: flowers, trees, animals, people. I pray that you make me work, to use me as a vessel to blossom and spread my gifts to the world, spreading your joy to all that encounter me, just as you did with Jesus Christ. His eternal harvest is one that keeps on giving, and I pray that you help me give all that I ...
