Devotion
Faith To Last a Lifetime
Frances Taylor
There is nothing more lovely to see than a child reaching up to his/her parent in love and trust. It is to such as these that Jesus tells us we must be. Children have faith that they will be cared for by those who love them. When we were children, we didn't really have any problems believing that God loves us, but as we grow older, we seem to become jaded by a world that lets us down, and so we can easily believe that God will do likewise. The early Christians knew what it meant to be church. They met in homes, gathered to share their memories of Jesus, or the stories they had heard, reading letters from Paul or other disciples and sharing a meal. On the Sabbath they would go to the temple to pray – until it became impossible. As time went by the spreading of the Good News was left to professionals. Today things must change if we want our children to know of God's love for them. The emphasis now is on our role to reach out to others, to witness our faith in the home, the workplace, the neighborhood. No longer is it just the job of ministers and priests to bring others to Christ, it is our job as well. Change is difficult and personal responsibility is always a challenge. Faith, like any other relationship, needs to be nurtured and this is perhaps the greatest challenge of all. Let us take this year to grow in our knowledge of Christ; let us take more time for prayer; let us delve into the Scriptures and learn just how to truly follow Jesus. Just as we encourage our children to grow and provide opportunities for them, may we take advantage of the opportunities that will be offered to us this year, so that we may have enough faith to last a lifetime and beyond – into eternity.
Prayer
Lord, you asked the children to come to him and then he blessed them. We need to have the faith of a little child to belong to the kingdom of God. Please bless me with the innocent faith of a child, trusting in you and your love for me. Amen.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
