Devotion
By God’s grace we are saved
David Jacobs
I feel that Christians are under attack in modern society: the atheist movement claims that we are fools, unwilling to listen to logic and science; with Muslims we face a passionate group of believers and many feel that we are in opposition to one another; an aging population of believers and an inability to attract young people to the church leads us to the point where we are now, desperate and willing to try new methods to gain new believers of Christ. Why have we grown to be so despised? What teachings of Christ are so wicked that we deserve such scorn?
The answer to that question is simple: we DON'T deserve this scorn. In these verses in the book of Titus, Christ's followers are given simple lists of instructions on how to live faithfully: avoid ungodliness and worldly lusts, live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present world. OK, simple enough. The verse that really stood out to me, especially when considering our present situation, is the final one.
Prayer
Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to share your beliefs with anyone at anytime. We do not deserve this disdain! We should not be afraid to say that we believe that Christ lived and died so that we all could be saved. Go from this place with zeal, proclaiming that which you believe from the highest mountain. Remember this: let no man despise thee. Praise be to the Lord! For Him we will forever endure!
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.
