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
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.
