Devotion
Derek’s Delicious Duck
David Jacobs
During my travels to China, I tended to shy away from Chinese food, instead settling for something more familiar. My Chinese friends would encourage me, but no matter how much they preached I just couldn't find myself attracted to a lot of their food. However, that changed when I met Derek.
Derek didn't really care if I enjoyed his national cuisine or not, he only cared that he found it delicious and that it worked for him. During our conversations, he would occasionally talk about his evening plans and weekend adventures. One day he said that he was excited to go to a very good duck restaurant. His efforts in praising them were not to convince me to eat there (I wasn't invited to dinner with him), he sang their praises because they did a great job and he really enjoyed it. That weekend, I went to the restaurant out of curiosity, and I enjoyed duck pancakes, pickled spinach with peanuts, and sweet and sour fish. They are now some of my favorite dishes.
Sincerely singing praises is often contagious. It piques curiosity, sets a terrific first impression and spreads a positive message for those that do good work. No force is necessary.
Furthermore, song (literally) is something that may bring people from very disparate parts of life together, for songs can reach beyond borders and into peoples' lives. There it may get stuck in their heads, or stay with them for years on end, the words or tune affixed to a special time and memory. Would it be preposterous to suggest we treat Gods' love like such a melody? Is it not after all, something immaterial but which moves us in some deep and knowing way?
Prayer
Literally, spread songs of joy amongst friends and nations, if you can, seek out other religious songs in other tongues. Figuratively sing his praise, let it be one of your favorite songs to carry with you wherever you go. You never know who's head the song will get stuck in.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
