Devotion
Holding His tongue
David Jacobs
As an American, it can be difficult at times to contemplate how other nations consider us. Much of the world derides the United States of America because of our foreign policy. When I have traveled or lived in other countries, I could feel the attitudes of people change towards me based on what our government was doing in other countries. I know that the heart of most Americans is good, pure, and does not want us to be involved in wars in any country. Unfortunately, our government sometimes has a different approach, and much of the world considers us in a similar way to the Chaldeans in these verses.
In the selected passage, Habbakuk speaks about the Chaldeans, a vicious and violent people that offend others, kill, deride, and believe in their own God. He wonders how God can stand beside and not look upon them with iniquity. He wonders how God can hold his tongue and not correct the behavior of these wicked people, devouring the good and letting evil reign. I understand the anger that he might feel, but I also understand the opposite side.
Americans are not totally evil! Some people may disagree, but I know that there is good in every person, country, and religion. Humans are not responsible for passing judgment and dictating how God should act.
Prayer
Be patient, faithful, and remember the gifts that God has given you, rather than thinking about the negative actions of others. Focus on the good in you, others and God. Evil begets more evil, good more good, love more love. Thanks be to God.
Devotion
Abraham is Father of All
Frances Taylor
There are questions in every age about the importance of the Old Testament for Christians. Abraham is considered to be the Father of Faith for Jews, Christians and Muslims. We forget that it was Abraham who believed in the doctrine of only one God. It is through him and his descendants that this tradition comes down to us. Another fact that we can overlook is that Jesus was Jewish. He was born a Jew, lived as a Jew, died, rose and ascended into heaven as a Jew. Because we believe that he was the Messiah, the Christ, and we follow him, we are called Christian. Without the Old Testament, we wouldn't understand the promise of salvation; we wouldn't understand why it was important for Jesus to be of the family of King David. We would not understand his teaching either, because Jesus quoted from Scripture – the Old Testament – frequently. He told us that he came to fulfill the Scriptures, not to abolish them. In the same way, we can ...
Morning Prayer
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Inspiration
We have a responsibility, as Christians, to abstain from the sinful practices we partook in before we became saved. While it may be a gradual process of change, we should ensure that we are putting in our best to play our part in resisting temptation. God enables us to resist temptation, but it is up to us to actually resist.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that I will always be a person of action. Father, I take delight in my new life in you and I do not desire otherwise. I pray that in times of temptation, may I act on the strength you have given me to flee and/or resist. May I never rely on excuses or procrastination, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Inspiration
We have chosen to surrender our lives and serve the Lord. We serve Him by witnessing, completing missionary projects, and ministering to those in need. There is always work to do and a world full of people to help. We will look for opportunities to provide for our brothers and sisters in Christ by any means necessary. We are servants to one another as a service to the Lord; He will never forsake us.
Prayer
Dear God, Help us see the world through Your eyes. We desire to serve those around us by reflecting Your love through our actions. You will never forsake us, and we will continually lift praises of thanksgiving to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
