Morning Prayer
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Inspiration
What are your thoughts focusing on today? Stress at work, a relationship, maybe a friend? Try to set your mind on the grace that God will give you when you meet Him in Heaven. We should eagerly await getting to see Jesus face to face. How might your actions and focus in a day change if you are focusing on honoring God before you die and see Him in heaven – or before He comes in the clouds? Focus on things above, not on things of this earth, and you will see a difference in your days.
Prayer
Father God, help me to focus on Jesus' coming and on meeting Him instead of on my earthly troubles. Set my mind on You instead of the silly things I focus on. Help me to think of You every day and to pray all the time. I want to honor You with my days and live each day as though it were my last. Focus my thoughts on You and help me to not get distracted. I don't want You to be an afterthought; You are worthy of focusing on. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Devotion
The Rejected Stone
Frances Taylor
Once I was working with a group of teenagers and had given them a project where they needed to make a picture to illustrate one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and they needed to work on it in teams. One of the teams had a young man who never wanted to get involved, didn't contribute to the class and was not particularly liked by the other kids. This day, however, his artistic ability made him the hero of the team! The team came up with such a wonderful poster that the both his attitude and that of the class towards him changed for the rest of the year. It's easy to miss something of value that's right in front of our eyes. Peter is talking to the chief priests and scribes about their ignorance of Jesus' true nature and mission. We may also overlook someone who could be a leader if we looked more closely at the individual and didn't judge on appearance. I've become a fan of applying for jobs online as long as they don't ask for a picture. Of ...
Morning Prayer
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Inspiration
Creation is currently in a fallen state, as a result of what happened at the beginning of time. It's evident in the world around us. Nature is falling apart. Human beings are crying out to be saved. All creation awaits the day Christ will return and the sons of God will be revealed – all who believed in Christ. Creation will be restored on this day, too; set free from the consequences of man's actions.
Prayer
Dear God, I truly do rejoice when I think of what is to come. I do not fear the return of your son, Jesus Christ, but I eagerly look forward to the day because I know of what a glorious time this will be. The sons of God will be revealed and all creation will be restored. What a glorious day it will be. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
Inspiration
God’s word is a precious resource for us- but only if we use it. Scripture is a firm foundation for all areas of life- family, work, and community. When we try to build these things up without the wisdom of God’s word, we are vulnerable to the shifting sands and shaky ground of human thinking and feeling. Only God’s word provides a sure foundation for our lives.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of Your word. I pray that as I read and study, You would give me wisdom to not only understand Your word but to apply it. Show me how I can use Your instructions and insights in all areas of my life so that when storms arise around me, I may remain firm in Your truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.
