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
Forgiveness
Frances Taylor
Joseph is a lot more forgiving than I'm afraid I would be. Joseph not only forgives his brothers but sees God's hand in allowing their sin to bring good out of evil. How do we look at sins committed against us? Can we find any good that has come from them? I can remember losing a job because of the lies of a co-worker. It was devastating at the time, and yet it led to my being able to live out one of my childhood dreams and then to some of the happiest years of my life. The co-worker lost her job soon after. There are so many times when if we look back we can see how God is working. We also can see how a lack of forgiveness can cause damage to families, communities and beyond. I've seen this with divorce where one or both parents try to turn their child against the other parent. This can damage the child but also the parents themselves and their families. Forgiveness might not be easy, but ongoing hostility and anger can cause physical as well as ...
Morning Prayer
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Inspiration
I honestly believe that the world is in a state of crisis right now. There are more and more people turning away from God, and because of this, the hero that has sustained peace and love for thousands of years does not have the same reach that he once did. There is a hero vacuum, and people are looking for other places to live vicariously, wishing that they could be more like a superhero or a celebrity. We should all already have our superhero. He lived and died for our sins; he bore a cross in shame; he sits at the right hand of his Father, God in heaven. Do not look for other heroes when the mightiest of all already exists!
Prayer
Jesus, my hero and savior, why have I ever looked at other sources for motivation? Forgive me for this transgression. I am weak and did ...
Night Prayer
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Inspiration
We do not like to be wrong, and our egos become bruised when we stand corrected. The Bible provides details as to how we should conduct our lives so that we align with the will of God. We read the Word of God and gain wisdom regarding sins we need to remove from our lives. People who enjoy their sinful lifestyles don't want to hear they are wrong; they deflect from the truth and do what they want to do instead of what God asks of them. We will continue to study the Word and understand truth from false prophecy.
Prayer
Dear God, please guide us as we read Scripture. We desire wisdom regarding the truth to remain in line with Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.