Devotion
Where and How Has God Made Himself Abundantly Present in Your Life?
Frances Taylor
It's an interesting question! First, you need to realize that God IS present in your life. Then you need to look for him. As I was thinking about this, I remembered the movie White Christmas and the wonderful song "Count Your Blessings." What were your blessings today? Do you have your health? Did you have a nice meal? Did you find that perfect gift, or make all the lights? Do you have people in your life who love you? What are your blessings? I count my friends, my family, my home, my job. I could go on, but you get the idea. There are also significant moments – the birth of a child, recovery from an illness or injury. The ability to deal with grief and moments of intense joy are signs of God's presence. And don't forget the gift of faith, the people that God puts in your way that say just the right thing at the right time, the song you hear or something you read that guides you when you need it. So many opportunities to feel God's presence, if you look! Tonight, before you go to bed, take the advice of Bing Crosby in the movie and "count your blessings instead of sheep" and you'll fall asleep wrapped in the arms of a loving and ever-present God.
Prayer
Loving God, you are with us all the time. You show yourself to us in so many ways both grand and small. The greatest sign of your love was sending your son to save us. Give us the grace to be witnesses of your love to all we meet. Amen.
Night Prayer
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Inspiration
Jesus has called us to perfection, but we are still trapped in these bodies of sin. Jesus has secured our eternity, yet we still march through time. Victory is our, but not yet in our hands. So we move ahead, each day living more for Christ, serving Him with gratitude and love, as His Spirit empowers us to press on, knowing that one day we will be with our Heavenly Father forever.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for rescuing me from the futility of my sin and filling my life with purpose. Give me the perseverance, wisdom, and love that I need in order to live a life worthy of Your calling. Fill me with Your Spirit so that there is more of You and less of me. And grant me that glimpse of eternity, the focal point to strive toward as I run this race. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Morning Prayer
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Inspiration
The Lord works in mysterious ways. So does the devil! The battle between good and evil is constant, and Satan never ceases in his attempts to lure you to sin. God will protect you, but you must let Him. It is not the Lord's duty to do so; God has given us this privilege, and it is up to us to ask Him for protection and forgiveness. Through Him all things are possible. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
My master, eternal soul in the heavens, it is with a guilty heart I come to you; I have been tempted by Satan and sinned, forgetting that you are always with me. Clear my soul of darkness, grant me a chance to restore my faith. Allow me to repent so I may feel your divine power anew. Strengthen my spirit and faith in you, O Lord, so that I can be redeemed. I ask all of this in the name of the Father, and...
