Devotion
Beauty In simplicity
David Jacobs
Have you ever had to call a customer service line for one reason or another? I was on a flight when the plane had to make an emergency landing due to inclement weather. People were understandably panicked, but when we got to the airport, we realized that this landing was only the beginning of our problems. Every flight at the biggest airport in the world had been cancelled, so now everyone was waiting in line and on the phone trying to make other arrangements. Needless to say, it took ages, and every time I called customer service, they seemed to have no interest in listening to another angry customer.
This is not the same as it is with God. God works around the clock, waiting on the other end for us to call. If we knock, the door will be opened, if we ask, He will answer. If we seek His counsel, He will listen, and it is up to us to listen swiftly and speak softly, considering the words and questions that we come to Him and others with deliberately. If we call upon God, He will save us. As David says, evening, morning, noon, God answers whenever we ask for Him. If only the airline had that kind of service!
Prayer
God in Heaven, maker of heaven and earth, I am so comforted knowing that I can call on you at any moment. My faith in you is strengthened knowing that whenever I pray, you listen. I will place all my cares into you, O Lord, as you have placed all of your cares into us. You are the only thing that matters to me; you and your son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Devotion
Manna In The Desert
Frances Taylor
We are so like the Israelites. Just when we get what we want, we decide that we want more. The Israelites have been saved from slavery and then God brought them through the sea, and now they're complaining again. God again provided what they need, but they do have to follow some rules. They were only to gather what they needed for the day and on the sixth day they collected enough for the Sabbath. What they gathered was measured so that each had what they needed and no one had more. They were instructed not to save some for the next day and, of course, there were those who didn't follow instructions and what they saved became foul. On the sixth day, they could prepare enough for the next day so that the Sabbath could be a holy day dedicated to Yahweh. Fifty years ago, there was little work done on the Sabbath, now it seems like just another day.
My mother used to talk about my grandmother who would prepare all the vegetables on Saturday for the ...
Morning Prayer
O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
Inspiration
There are many ways one may think of prayer and worship, and one should feel encouraged in revamping them a little if it means one may serve better ones daily practices or routines. Singing God's praises isn't just for in Church time, it is wherever, whenever. It can be your own song or one you've committed to heart, it doesn't particularly matter; God doesn't think of it as a singing competition. What is important is ones intent, ones heart, ones willingness to rejoice! If singing is really not your thing, the definition could be widened; write a poem of praise or do a dance, whatever it is, it's the joy in celebrating our Lord that counts.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I wish to sing your praises, to rejoice in the name of the Lord and his only begotten Son. For you are the object of our affection, the source of all our light, and ...
Night Prayer
For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
Inspiration
We love our brothers and sisters in Christ and miss one another when separated. Paul was eager to see the church of Rome and anticipated blessing them with a spiritual gift. He saught to deliver encouragement by joining them in person to worship and fellowship. When we fellowship together, the unity strengthens our character, and we discover unique qualities amongst our brethren that aid in the church's ministry. We are all eager to unite in the name of God and develop and strengthen our gift of evangelism.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we love our church family and desire to make our time of fellowship a priority this day. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
