Devotion
A beacon on a hill
David Jacobs
The original colonies of America offered Christians a safe haven to practice their religion in any way they saw fit. The city of Boston, one of the earliest settlements as well as one of the most puritanical places, was viewed by the early colonists as an example of Christian values that would shine to the entire world, as a "city on a hill." Many of the core values of the founding colonies are still central to the American way of life and western civilization as a whole.
As Christians we have a duty to share the truth of God's word with others and understand it ourselves. This light is a lamp at our feet, taking us out of darkness, into goodness. Like many of the states in early America, they thought this was a great responsibility, and did not want to keep their light to themselves.
Prayer
As the scriptures say, if you lit a candle, you wouldn't hide it under a bowl. You would let it shine, as a beacon on a hill, but first and foremost loyal to Christ.
Devotion
I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel
Frances Taylor
Paul was a learned Jew who had first been an opponent of the early Christians even to the point of participating in the stoning of St. Stephen and the imprisonment of other Christians. When he became a Christian himself and then began preaching the Good News of salvation, he was driven out of town by the Jews who believed he was a fraud out to entrap them. Some probably believed he was a traitor to Judaism. Either way, he spent the better part of his life preaching to the Gentile world. He was not afraid to admit he had been wrong about Jesus, about Christianity. He was not ashamed to preach his new found truth. Most of us have always been Christian. Have you ever been ashamed to admit it? Now, I'm sure not all of you go to church on a regular basis, so I'm not judging, but I do have a question for those of you who do. Have you ever been embarrassed while on vacation or while attending a conference to ask where the nearest church is ...
Morning Prayer
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
Inspiration
Jesus Christ intended for us to be with him for life. This salvation that we have is not a temporary salvation – it is eternal. Christ prayed that we be with him at all times – and that prayer has come to pass. As we go through our daily lives, we should never forget that Christ is with us at all times. Nothing can ever separate us from His love and that will not change anytime soon.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for this gift of salvation that is eternal. I thank you, Lord, that wherever I go you are always with me. It is a great comfort to know that I never have to face anything on my own; your love and peace comfort me and give me the strength I need to keep moving. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
Inspiration
We have chosen to live in Christ; therefore, our lives must reflect His love and grace. As Christians, we consider our words and actions, understanding that we are an example to others. We will study Scripture and apply it to our everyday activities as we share witness to others and strengthen our relationship with the Lord. We are children of God who live in the world when we are not of the world.
Prayer
Dear God, We are blessed to be Your children and will continue to live our lives according to Your will so we may be a reflection of You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
