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
The Barrier is Removed
Frances Taylor
Moses had brought the Israelites out of Egypt and now they were wondering if they were any better off! They had reached the Red Sea, and couldn't see any way around this barrier that had been placed before them. But God knew what he was doing and Moses followed his instructions and the sea parted so that the Israelites could pass through on dry ground. A question sometimes asked at a job interview is, "What do you do when you face an obstacle?" How would you answer? Would you try to go around it, through it, or perhaps over it? Moses could not go around his obstacle and knew that without help, he could never bring all the people, animals and supplies through it. So, he asked God for help. Was that the first thing you thought of? There is a saying, "If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it." The key here is to ask God to bring us through it.
We often face challenges in our lives, especially when we are trying to live as Jesus wants...
Morning Prayer
Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Inspiration
What is grace? It is the free and unmerited favor of God, his gifts to us. One such example was the salvation brought to us by Christ. It is state of being favored and of being the chosen people. One such further example would be the Israelites, who God led to their promised land. We today, have inherited this grace. We today, are simultaneously unworthy of him, yet we are his chosen. Rejoice, rejoice in his grace.
Prayer
To my Lord God almighty, who art in Heaven, I thank you for your divine light and grace, given to me every day. I may not be worthy, I may not be pure and perfect, but I beg you to be merciful. For in your grace, in your faith, I may go on to improve each day. In your grace, I will strive to be a better servant, here as in Heaven. Amen.
