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, fulfillment. It is not different for a person in China as it is for a person in Australia. We all want to survive and thrive, being happy and safe along the way. Focusing on the differences and the divisions is not what Paul says important in these verses. Instead, we should focus on what binds us: a loving God, even to those that do not love Him back.
Night Prayer
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Inspiration
Anger is a natural emotion we will feel at one time or another. Anger can be dangerous if we allow it to control our lives; acting out of fury does not reflect the righteousness of God. In anger, we shout out hurtful words, and bitterness stirs up jealousy in our hearts. Anger pushes people away from us; they lack respect for us and begin to think poorly of our character. We understand this is not a reflection of God, and we must take our emotions to Him before we hurt people.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we become angry throughout our lifetime. Please forgive us for our outbursts and teach us to stop allowing anger to control our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
Priorities, Priorities!
Frances Taylor
Does Jesus really want us to believe that our enemies are our parents, children, family or friends? Somehow, I don't think so! It is really about priorities. Have you ever chosen to watch a sports program when your child wanted to talk to you? What about not sitting at the table for meals because a special game is on? We are called on to make choices all the time. We can choose God, or we can choose other. Is that late night party worth missing church? We can talk all we want about being too busy, but the truth is that we find the time for what we want to do. I love to read, knit, spend time with my friends and I hate doing the laundry, dishes, vacuuming, but it all needs to be done. I would rather pick up a good book than exercise. I can say that I am "too busy" to do the things I don't enjoy doing, but the truth is, I choose to spend my time in other ways. The same is true about putting God first. A friend that is always put last doesn't ...
Night Prayer
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
Inspiration
We often blame God for struggles in our lives. We feel that He does not care for us or isn't all-powerful. We ask why He isn't parting seas or moving mountains for us. Sometimes, it's tempting to blame God and stop trusting Him altogether. God does not tempt us to reject Him, and struggles occur because we live in an imperfect world. God uses our hardships to grow closer to us by strengthening our character and faith. We will not blame Him for our difficulties. Instead, we will continue to praise His name and rest peacefully in His loving arms.
Prayer
Dear God, we struggle daily in this imperfect world. You are our hope in the darkness, and we will continue to lean on Your everlasting arms in comfort and peace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
