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
I hate …..words Jesus never said
David Jacobs
One of my earliest memories is a sad one. I do not remember all of the details, but I must have been about 4 years old at the time. I got into an argument with my mother, and for some reason, I snapped. My mother is the best woman I have ever met in my life. A better mom doesn't exist. In my moment of childish rage, I told her that I hated her, and went up to my room to cry.
Even today, I look back on this event and feel sad. I asked my mother about it and she didn't remember so it wasn't as important to her I suppose. Even as a 4-year old, I was spewing and spreading hate. If I at such a young age can do it, think about how much it happens on earth.
If you claim to hate anyone and love God, you are a hypocrite. Christ does not tolerate those that hate, teaching about how we should treat even our worst enemies. You can look to the Old Testament, of course, and find examples of God showing favor to some people and hating others, ...
Morning Prayer
In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.
Inspiration
Our earthly lives abound with seasons of happiness and sorrow, delight or bitterness. All seasons bloom according to God's plan for our life, and we must rely on His wisdom to make it through the darkest days. We praise God on good days and bad days because we are devoted to His will. We recall His blessings in our darkest hour and find peace in His wisdom. We know that His plan for us is always good, and He will reassure us during our darkest seasons.
Prayer
Dear God, You are good to us all the days of our life. When rough times are in season, we cling to our love and find peace in Your plan for us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Night Prayer
Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
Inspiration
We love our children and want to ensure they have the wisdom of scripture as they step out into this broken world. There are false prophets and many temptations that will lead them down a miserable path, away from Jesus. The Devil will fool them with beautiful promises and trick them into believing a sinful lifestyle is acceptable. We must teach them how to read scripture and help them understand that the Bible is the infallible word of God. They must be able to interpret the truth and be prepared to rebuke false prophets as they twist the Word of God.
Prayer
Dear Father, please guide us to teach our children to turn to scripture for the truth; we must prepare them to see false prophets who twist Your Word. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
