Devotion
You Are With Me
Frances Taylor
Jesus has come to show us the path of life. All we need to do is follow it. We all want joy and happiness in our lives, and we spend a lot of time looking for ways to get it. Think about the times that have made you happy. They probably aren't about things. They're probably times that have been spent with loved ones, or experiences we have shared. As much as the advertising agencies might try to convince us, things won't make us happy. Oh, we might have a momentary thrill when we get a new car, or a great outfit, or nice piece of jewelry, but how long does the feeling last? Unless that new piece of jewelry was an engagement ring, probably not long! But watching your children sleeping, or sharing a beautiful sunset with a friend brings us happiness not just for the moment, but every time we recapture that memory. Love brings us joy, doing the right thing gives us a feeling of satisfaction that no "thing" can give. When we walk in the light of Christ, knowing that God is with us, we can even get through the dark days with confidence that we will come out the other side and we will find joy again. The key is to walk in the light of faith just as Jesus did, knowing his Father was at his side.
Prayer
Lord, help us to keep our eyes on Jesus who will always be with us to show us the way to true joy and true happiness that will last beyond this lifetime. 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.
