Devotion
Who Am I To Deny God’s Gift?
Frances Taylor
In the beginning of the church, there were those who believed that only the Jews were called to be saved. This testimony of Peter changed their minds and they realized that the Gentiles had also been called to believe in Christ and be saved. Of course, there would still be some discussions about whether or not they would have to jump through hoops to become Christians – would they need to be circumcised? Would they need to obey the dietary restrictions? These questions would be answered later as more Gentiles became Christian. What about today? Do we accept those who come to us for baptism? Do we judge whether or not they are worthy or if they know enough? For me, anyone who comes forward for baptism because they have come to believe in Jesus has been called by God and has already been led by the Holy Spirit and will come to know more as time goes on. If we read the progression of the growth of Christianity, no one is asked to take a test. Faith as we know is a gift that needs to grow, but how can it grow if we deny access to the means of growth – a community of loving believers who will nurture that seed of faith.
Prayer
Lord, may we never judge those to whom you have revealed yourself as unworthy of the gift. May we be the loving community of faith that helps then come to an even deeper knowledge and love of you. Amen.
Devotion
Abraham is Father of All
Frances Taylor
There are questions in every age about the importance of the Old Testament for Christians. Abraham is considered to be the Father of Faith for Jews, Christians and Muslims. We forget that it was Abraham who believed in the doctrine of only one God. It is through him and his descendants that this tradition comes down to us. Another fact that we can overlook is that Jesus was Jewish. He was born a Jew, lived as a Jew, died, rose and ascended into heaven as a Jew. Because we believe that he was the Messiah, the Christ, and we follow him, we are called Christian. Without the Old Testament, we wouldn't understand the promise of salvation; we wouldn't understand why it was important for Jesus to be of the family of King David. We would not understand his teaching either, because Jesus quoted from Scripture – the Old Testament – frequently. He told us that he came to fulfill the Scriptures, not to abolish them. In the same way, we can ...
Morning Prayer
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Inspiration
We have a responsibility, as Christians, to abstain from the sinful practices we partook in before we became saved. While it may be a gradual process of change, we should ensure that we are putting in our best to play our part in resisting temptation. God enables us to resist temptation, but it is up to us to actually resist.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that I will always be a person of action. Father, I take delight in my new life in you and I do not desire otherwise. I pray that in times of temptation, may I act on the strength you have given me to flee and/or resist. May I never rely on excuses or procrastination, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Inspiration
We have chosen to surrender our lives and serve the Lord. We serve Him by witnessing, completing missionary projects, and ministering to those in need. There is always work to do and a world full of people to help. We will look for opportunities to provide for our brothers and sisters in Christ by any means necessary. We are servants to one another as a service to the Lord; He will never forsake us.
Prayer
Dear God, Help us see the world through Your eyes. We desire to serve those around us by reflecting Your love through our actions. You will never forsake us, and we will continually lift praises of thanksgiving to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
