Devotion
Who do you look up to?
David Jacobs
Comparing myself to my parents and other people that I looked up to often made me feel like a failure. It took me much longer to start a family than my parents, and this was tied somewhat to my constant comparison of my own potential children to my parent's children. What if I was not as good a parent as they were? How could I cope with that?
I later learned that this was a foolish line of thinking. Having good role models to compare and emulate is incredibly valuable. Without them, it is very hard to understand the process involved with getting to where you want to go.
Out of all the people that we could compare ourselves to, who would be the most difficult to live up to? The answer is Christ, of course. However, attempting to emulate the Son of God is surely the best person we could ever aspire to be. We also have the Holy Scriptures to guide us, the word of God and teachings of Jesus to assist us along our spiritual path. We will surely never be as sinless and good as Christ, but there is no better person to compare ourselves to and aspire to be.
Prayer
My Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. I thank you, O Lord, for showing me the way; the way to a righteous path; the way to your heavenly kingdom. Grant me the courage and wisdom to walk that path, for each step is a victory as I get closer to you. I pray this in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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.
