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.
Devotion
Gimme gimme gimme!
David Jacobs
When I was about 5 years old, I stole for the first time. I was with my family at a museum in a different city. I saw a kaleidoscope and was in awe of the amazing shapes, colors, and patterns that I saw in it. I knew that I had to have it, and went to ask my mom. She told me that we already had one at home and that I could play with it as soon as we got back. There was one big problem with her logic: I wanted it now! So, I stuck it in my pocket and out the door I went.
I wasn't the cleverest thief, because as soon as we got out of the door, I pulled the kaleidoscope out and start using it. My mom obviously saw me with it, scolded me and made me take the walk of shame back to the store. Although she intended to teach me a lesson, and I suppose that she did, the shopkeeper was generous and felt pity for the cute thief, and gave it to me for free. In this instance crime paid off...but really I think it was the morals that my mother instilled in me ...
Morning Prayer
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
Inspiration
Specifically, this refers to how women dressed and cared for their hair. Then, as now, church gatherings were not an appropriate time to dress seductively or for attention. Clothing styles vary, and tastes change based on time and culture. All the same, how women (and men) dress should be appropriate for worship of God. Paul's point is not that certain hairstyles are necessarily sinful; rather, the message and the motives are. In the culture of Ephesus, braided hair was a luxurious status symbol. In that era, it required much time and financial costs. This was the equivalent of modern hairstyles requiring significant time and cost. Those who put so much energy into hairstyles suggest that their emphasis is on themselves, rather than ...
Night Prayer
House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
Inspiration
We may consider prudence as an irreplaceable trait for a man, but this blessing holds true for a woman also. A prudent wife is of great worth and a wonderful gift from God. Great families need more than wealth for prosperity. They also need the blessing of virtuous women, for by their character, diligence, reputation, and training, families are helped to greatness. Great women make great families. Finding an average wife is easy; finding a great wife is like searching for hidden treasure.
Prayer
Holy God and righteous Father, please bless me as I seek to discern your will in my decisions today. I recognize that each breath that I take is a gift and that each success is because of your grace. Please use me to your glory and help me find your path for my life. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
