Devotion
Find your inspiration
David Jacobs
I worked abroad at a school for a while. In the 4-years teaching in the city, I became very disillusioned about the academic practices. I felt that schools did not value academia and study but only cared about earning as much money as possible with as little investment and risk. Teachers were preferred to be pretty than qualified and students happy rather than educated.
I moved to a new school soon after, and this new job felt different, however. It wasn't just because I was designing curricula for schools instead of teaching, but because of a manager that surprised me in the most inspiring way.
Michael was an American gentleman that had also become frustrated with the flaws of the education system, and whilst those higher up the chain had low expectations of our department, he didn't. He expected himself, and us, to be the best we could.
I was inspired by Michael; I wanted to imitate his excellence and attitude. And so I did. Even though my employers didn't expect much from me, I began to work harder and harder to create fantastic curricula, teaching materials, lesson plans and training seminars. The teachers who received these praised our department. They hadn't expected so much support from us, especially when it wasn't needed. That school has one of the best reputations in the city, and I believe it was due to Michael's inspiration on those he leads.
And yet The Lord, who is infinitely more inspiring and dedicated a leader asks less from us than long hours in front of a computer; he asks that we come into his house, repent and live good lives. That's it!
Who in your life have you imitated in some way? Parents? Siblings? Teachers? Maybe even a fictional character? How many of us can say we have really tried to imitate Jesus?
Prayer
It seems so obvious but so difficult in reality. Jesus gave his life so that we had the choice of how to live our lives: imitate him or pursue selfish desires. This verse simply explains who we should look at as an example. The rest is up to us.
Devotion
Lot’s Rescue
Frances Taylor
When I read about Lot and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, I tend to think about Lot's wife and her turning back just when salvation was in her grasp. The angels had brought the whole family to safety; all they had to do was follow God's instruction not to turn back. It sounds so easy. I wonder what was so important to Lot's wife that she turned back? I'm sure that Lot was grateful to God and to the angels for rescuing him and his family and also saddened by the loss of his wife. We, too, have been rescued. We have been rescued from the fear of death, from the effects of our sinfulness and from eternal damnation. We have chosen to follow our deliverer, our Savior, Jesus Christ. What is there in our lives that is so important to us that we risk losing it all? Because we do turn back, just as Lot's wife. We often return to old habits, old companions that lead us into sinful situations, old temptations that we think won't entrap us. We choose to...
Morning Prayer
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
Inspiration
When it comes to judging situations, we should never be partial in our reasoning. If we try to favor one party, instead of being just, we are doing a great injustice to the wronged person, and we are also doing a great disservice to ourselves as children of God. Be fair in every situation and strive to do the right thing. There is no honor in partiality.
Prayer
Dear God, I ask for your wisdom when I am asked to mediate situations. Lord, may I never be swayed by money, or anything else that could cause me to be partial. May my reasoning be just and pleasing before you, and may it be the truth I speak and nothing else, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
Inspiration
We cry out to the Lord when we are troubled. We ask for guidance, help, and protection because we know He is always listening. God comforts our anxious spirits and calms the brewing storm within our hearts; We can always count on our Heavenly Father to be present and prepared to help us fight any battle we encounter. God has been our refuge since the beginning; He will remain our rock of salvation until the end.
Prayer
Dear God, we are thankful for Your presence in our lives. We know we can always call out to You in times of trouble. You are always present and prepared to help us when we need You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
