Devotion
Help those in need
David Jacobs
When Christ died on the cross we were saved. Our sins were washed away by the sacrifices of the lamb of God and we were tasked with living clean, moral lives, whilst sharing the gospel with our family around the world. Now what? Do we sit and twiddle our thumbs waiting for the end times? Or do we embody the spirit of the Lord and His sacrifice to help those who need it?
As a follower in Christ, we endure more responsibilities than most. We are bound by our Lord to be humble in all we do, and in doing so we may open our eyes to see that others around us are also in need of help. Once we have heard their call, we cannot turn our backs. Good deeds are our duties. However, if one is too charitable and spends too much time helping others, we may find we have nothing left and are now in need of the good of others. We must remember to do the good that is within our power to do. A farmer that gave away all his animals and land will surely starve in the winter.
Prayer
If we give away that which we do not have, we become indebted and rely on someone else to save us.
But don't let that process turn you into a miser. Whilst 'duty' sounds heavy and difficult, no duty truly is if done for our Lord God, and if we understand that is not only for the good of mankind, but it is for the glory of Heaven.
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.