Devotion
Dancing at the Crucifixion
David Jacobs
If a stranger gave you a million dollars without wanting anything in return other than that you live a wholesome, moral life, how often would you call that person to say thank you? Would monthly be too much? Perhaps you would ensure this generous person received a beautiful, handwritten card each Christmas? Maybe you would email them weekly to let them know how wisely you are investing your money and all of the charitable things you are doing with it? That person would certainly be celebrated in your household. Imagine the delight of telling your family that you have been provided for, without complicated clause. It would be easy to break out in cheers and jumps for joy.
Christ our savior took on the burden of all mankind, he didn't give us a million dollars; he cleared up EVERYONE's debts forever. Rejoice and know this!
Prayer
Who else do you know would take such a sacrifice for you? To admit to all your worst deeds? Further, who else do you truly know that would suffer for you as Christ did? Rejoice and know this! His coming was the only gift you will ever need! Love Christ for his sacrifice, dance at the crucifixion, jump for joy, for you have won the greatest prize of them all!
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.
