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
Misrepresenting God
Frances Taylor
This passage is one I try very hard to take to heart. For over forty years, I have worked to bring the gospel message to children and adults alike. That is what I'm doing as I write this. It is so important that we don't misrepresent God to others. When someone tells me they don't believe in God, I wonder whose image of God they have been taught. When I was a child, it was common to hear that God was some policeman in the sky that was going to punish me for everything I did wrong. The idea of a loving, forgiving God was not taught as the norm. Ministers and other teachers of religion often spoke more of hellfire and damnation. It's no wonder that there are those who claim that God doesn't exist. On the other hand, there are those who taught that God was like Santa Claus, keeping track of our good deeds and rewarding us accordingly, or tracking our misdeeds and punishing us accordingly. Neither of these images of God are accurate. God is loving ...
Morning Prayer
Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!
Inspiration
Those in ancient Israel, as today and in all lands, who prey upon the poor and vulnerable, who pervert justice against them and deny them their rights, sin against God. His eyes see, his eyelids try the children of men, and nothing is done in secret where he does not know.
Prayer
Give me a heart of compassion, O Lord, for the weak and helpless, for the poverty stricken, for widows and orphans. And give me a righteous indignation against those who oppress them, pervert their justice, or deny their rights. Amen.
Night Prayer
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.
Inspiration
The earth is perishable and deteriorates over time; God's love is everlasting, and so is our relationship with Him. We continue to grow each day as we study and become well-versed in the Word. We see blessings, assist in miracles, and continually feel His presence in our lives. We do not deserve love like God's, yet He gives it to us freely and unconditionally. We humble ourselves before Him with thanksgiving for His mercy on our souls.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive our sins, and guide our steps so we may grow closer to You. Your love is the greatest gift, and we will devote our lives to Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
