Devotion
What Will I Render to God
Frances Taylor
What will I render to God for all his benefits? Have you ever tried to write down all the blessings and benefits that God has given you? When I try to count my blessings, I wind up thinking of something else just when I think I've finished.
First, I thank God for each day that I wake up. Sometimes I'm hurting from arthritis or I have a headache, or a cold, etc. But I woke up. I have a roof over my head and I pray for those who do not. I give thanks for the food in my refrigerator and again, I am reminded of those who wake up hungry and don't know what they will eat that day. I do give to organizations that actually spend their donations on the poor, and am grateful that I have enough to do that. I have a family that is doing well with a few members that are struggling with finding work and pray that they will find a job soon. The older I get, I find that I am loosing friends who have returned to the Father, and I pray for them as well as for those still fighting the battle of aging. I am grateful that I have the freedom to worship my God in whichever way I choose and I make sure that I do not take this for granted, so I show up on Sunday! I have vowed to follow Jesus and I don't take that vow lightly. I'm sure that you have many of the same blessings that I do. Although there may be many of you who also have the blessing of youth!
Today, take some time and count your blessings and benefits and decide how you will give thanks to God and what sacrifice you will offer in thanksgiving.
Prayer
Loving God, we don't take enough time to thank you for all you have done for us. Show me what I can do to truly give you thanks and praise. Amen.
Night Prayer
And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.
Inspiration
The Jews were desperate to extinguish Paul's life and vowed their death to accomplish the deed. Paul was imprisoned, beaten, and rejected multiple times, yet he continued the Lord's ministry because he had faith in God's plan. How important is sharing the Gospel today? We often become comfortable and fail to venture out into our local community to share the way to salvation. We are shy or may not be confident about our evangelical skills. We have faith in God's plan; He extends salvation to all, and we are crucial in His ministry.
Prayer
Dear God, we are crucial to Your ministry. Please help us overcome our weaknesses, so we may continue sharing the Gospel. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Barrier is Removed
Frances Taylor
Moses had brought the Israelites out of Egypt and now they were wondering if they were any better off! They had reached the Red Sea, and couldn't see any way around this barrier that had been placed before them. But God knew what he was doing and Moses followed his instructions and the sea parted so that the Israelites could pass through on dry ground. A question sometimes asked at a job interview is, "What do you do when you face an obstacle?" How would you answer? Would you try to go around it, through it, or perhaps over it? Moses could not go around his obstacle and knew that without help, he could never bring all the people, animals and supplies through it. So, he asked God for help. Was that the first thing you thought of? There is a saying, "If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it." The key here is to ask God to bring us through it.
We often face challenges in our lives, especially when we are trying to live as Jesus wants...
