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
It’s a small world after all
David Jacobs
The world may seem more divided than ever before, at least if we listen to the news. China, America, South Korea, North Korea, Africa, the Middle East, Muslims, Jews, rich, poor, north, south...the list of divisions can go on and on. Think about where you are from: is there a group or groups of people that you are "supposed" to be different from?
In America, there is even today a split on the Mason-Dixon line, splitting the north and south during the Civil War. As an American, I can surely tell you that there is little difference between people in Maryland and in Virginia, yet they are supposedly on different sides. As a person that has traveled all over the world, I can also tell you that what I, an American, care about it nearly identical to what people in China, Brazil, and Africa care about.
Prayer
We are all the same in the eyes of God. Consider these verses: do we not want the same things? Family, love, health, ...
Morning Prayer
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Inspiration
Wow, this is a difficult command to live up to! He asks the disciples to love one another as he loved them. We should love one another as Jesus loves us. This is a task that we will never be able to complete, but it is a lofty goal that we MUST aspire to. If we keep this in our hearts and minds, the love we share will be tremendous and inspire others to live the same. We must try!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am constantly amazed that you believe in me after failing to love other people as you have commanded. Jesus taught me how to treat others, and I ask that you strengthen my understanding and compassion, my willingness and action, and fortify them all with love. I know that I do not deserve it Lord, but I pray today to commit to serving you as you see ...
Night Prayer
Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me.
Inspiration
We call out to the Lord in moments of weakness and despair! We know He is always present and listening; His heart breaks when we feel shattered and broken. God was there before we asked for help and knew what we needed before we did. He is dependable and will never forsake us at any point in time. We rejoice in gladness, lifting praises to Him name; He has always been an awesome God.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for always being present whether we call out to You or not. You know what we need before we ask; thank You for never forsaking us in moments of despair. In Jesus' name, Amen.
