Devotion
Give Thanks Generously
David Jacobs
A common misconception among young people and non-believers is that we pray to God to ask for something. Perhaps there have been times when you yourself have prayed for good and righteous things. But we shouldn't forget thanking Him for what has already been provided. God is not our concierge: in fact, we serve God.
In 2005 I found myself working on a film set as a stunt man in Bucharest, Romania. I had wanted to act since around 1999 but I had a terrible voice quality and was awfully shy. I prayed to God time and time again to provide me a big break and make me famous (for selfish reasons, too!). The stunt work was challenging, sometimes painful and I found myself surrounded by people that were often unpleasant. One evening, I returned to my hotel frustrated and began to cry. Why was I so close to achieving my dream but running on a hamster wheel? Why was it painful? Why was God mocking my ambitions?
I felt claustrophobic and decided to stand on my balcony under the Eastern European night sky. The cool breeze calmed me. My attention was pulled to two young gypsy girls begging in the street. My perception changed almost immediately, appreciating all the gifts that God had provided. That night was the first night I prayed to God to only offer thanks.
I thanked Him for inviting me into His glorious creation, for providing me with a means to follow my passion, and providing me an opportunity to share my privilege with those that need it, in His name.
Trust in Him, for God gives us what He deems is necessary for His children, and for this, we should continually show our gratitude.
Prayer
Thank you, Father, for inviting us into your church, for providing what is needed, and most importantly, not spoiling your beloved children.
Devotion
The Weeds
Frances Taylor
This parable is packed with images. It was very difficult to choose just one, but after reading it over several times, I looked again at just what – or who – the weeds represent. Reading further in Matthew we see this line, "The Son of Man will send his angels and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." Those who cause others to sin! We talk a lot about peer pressure when we are talking about our youth. We warn them to stay away from friends who might get them into trouble. But what about us? Have you ever thought that you, or I, might cause others to sin? We would all like to think of ourselves as the wheat – after all, aren't we here? But what about when we're not in church? Do we laugh at dirty jokes, or tell them? Help our teens get into movies that are restricted or give into pressure and download them to watch at home? Do we overlook it when there ...
Morning Prayer
Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
Inspiration
Jesus knew what was to be in store for him after Judas sold out his name with a kiss. Yet, instead of resigning himself to desperation and doom, he instead saw the glory that would come, the glory within which his name would live on. Think; in the face of ones own defeat or impending trouble, do you cower in fear, or do you find courage in your Heavenly Father?
Prayer
Lord Almighty, grant me the strength to carry on in the face of darkness and difficulties. Grant me to courage in the face of challenges that seem insurmountable. For I know in you Lord, all things may be possible. In Jesus' name I pray and ask for grace, Amen.
Night Prayer
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Inspiration
We despise the thought of a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. The outside is easy to clean; it's the caked-up residue on the inside that's so difficult to remove. Jesus compares the scribes and Pharisees with dishes that have been wiped clean on the outside while dirty inside. The Pharisees took exceptional care of their outward appearance and neglected their inward spirits. We are guilty of allowing our hearts to be left filthy as well. We look and act as we should while our souls are full of darkness. We must continue to converse with the Holy Spirit daily and trust His guidance to cleanse our sinful nature.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive our sinful nature. We yearn for cleansing from within, so we are genuine witnesses to Your name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
