Devotion
Ask and You Shall Receive
David Jacobs
When we are first initiated into the church as self-aware people, the carrot that is dangled in front of us is often the things that the Lord will provide for us; eternal paradise, deliverance from evil and unconditional love. Very rarely do new comers reflect on what is expected of us in return, and how simple it can be to fulfill those requirements.
The irony, of course, is that if each of us acted justly, loved mercy, and walked humbly, we would have eternal paradise, deliverance from evil and unconditional love for one another. Yet why is that reserved for the afterlife and not now?
We have free will so that these skills may be learned. That we can be sculpted by life's lessons and the opportunities we are given to do good for one another, especially those that can do no good and need saving.
Does God ask too much of us? At times, it may seem impossible to live the way that He wants us to. But it is during those times it is the most important to live that way. It is then that we truly learn the patience, humility, and charity that we will take with us when we are in Heaven.
Is it really so difficult to love our neighbors? To act justly? To be humble? It isn't hard to be a good person if that is your one goal
Prayer
It becomes easy to avoid distraction and temptation when you realize that these things hinder your one true goal.
Stop and think about which one is actually more difficult: living as God intends, with faith, mercy and love, or living a life without.
Night Prayer
And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands.
Inspiration
Swords and spears were not capable of overcoming the Philistines! David confidently states that the power to defeat them would come directly from God. We observe miracles around us, big and small. The power of God heals the sick, feeds the poor, and ministers to the brokenhearted. We are the tools God uses to tell the world about His precious love and teach them the way to salvation. We remain humble with the knowledge that we do not possess power ourselves; it is God who makes all things possible.
Prayer
Dear God, You are all-powerful. You put the world in motion, and we will use our spiritual gifts as directed according to Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Morning Prayer
And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.
Inspiration
Fearing the Lord leads to wisdom and understanding. When we come to Him with reverent, genuine hearts, He gifts us the knowledge we need to make decisions according to His will. We are in awe of His power and seek to grow closer to Him by aligning our spirits with His. We surrender our lives to His direction and yearn to share His love with all everyone we meet. Our respect for His plan allows our eyes to see opportunities where we can bring many to know Him as we do.
Prayer
Dear Lord, We adore You and seek to lead our lives with wisdom so we may bring others to know You. Please direct our thoughts and actions as we continue to share the Gospel. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Night Prayer
David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.
Inspiration
We trust the Lord to deliver us from all battles we face in our time here on earth, and He always does! We do not always agree with His timing or method, but we understand that God knows what is best for us spiritually and physically. He works all things out for our good. When we feel broken or scared, we have faith that everything will be okay because our peace and happiness are priorities to our heavenly Father.
Prayer
Dear God, we face daily battles with You by our side. Thank You for considering our peace and happiness a priority. We have faith in moments of turmoil because we know You work all things out for our good. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
