Devotion
Persevere
Frances Taylor
Have you ever talked to a new Christian a month or so after his/her baptism? I have. You might think that they would still be on top of the world, but often they wonder why they feel like the world is against them. Living the Gospel is not an easy task to begin with and the new Christian can be surprised by the challenges. One woman began to have nightmares about past issues in her life. Another person was surprised that his friends didn't want him around because he was now too "holy." Just as with Adam and Eve, Satan can be jealous of their relationship with God and wants to stir up trouble. In this passage from Hebrews, the early Christians are reminded of the abuse they suffered because of following Christ. They are told to hold fast to their confidence in God. We need to stay firm in our confidence in God whether we are new to Christianity or have been Christians from our youth. Life is always going to throw hardships at us. Some will shake our faith and there will be those who will say that these hardships mean either that there is no God, or that God has abandoned us. Not true. God is with us in the difficult times. As with the early Christians, we need to stand firm and persevere in our faith, knowing that God will never abandon us. All we need to do is call upon him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, just as you were with your son, Jesus, in the difficult times in his life, we know you are with us as well. Help me to persevere knowing that you are with 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.
