Devotion
Eating from the wicked buffet
David Jacobs
Gang activity is a plague on much of the world. Like-minded people, usually with little bright future prospects, join together and commit illegal acts. Usually the more people that you get together, the easier it is to commit criminal acts and the worse these acts become.
One simple way to avoid evil is to reduce one's encounters with it, for like begets like. The Devil hates nothing more than to be ignored, greedy as he is for attention. But surrounded by evil, one is perhaps better off not only staying silent, but in actively refusing in cooperating or colluding with it. These can be as big as certain unethical corporations who boycotts, or as small as steering clear of groups of friends at school who are doing drugs. For evil is dark, thick and enveloping; but never shame in shining in Gods light, for at least trying to do right.
Prayer
God my Heavenly Father, protect me from darkness, lend me your light. Grant me your Love and guidance, and help me show my refusal to all that is evil. For I abhor sin my Lord, and wish to take no part in it; to show it no indulgence, to grant it no permission. Grant me your hand my shepherd, and lead me from the wilderness. Amen.
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.
