Devotion
They Don’t Listen
Frances Taylor
Time and time again, prophets were sent to the leaders of Israel trying to bring them back to God, away from their idols, but they didn't listen. The time described above is not different and the result is not different. The leaders wanted the king to rule in their favor, they wanted power, and whatever else they could get. What they got, however, was the Syrian army that came to Judah and Jerusalem and destroyed all the princes of the people that had gone against God and sent the spoils to Damascus. What did they gain by worshiping idols? What do we gain by ignoring the teachings of Jesus and making idols of money, power, fame, and even ourselves? People with too much money often live in fear that someone will come and steal it. Notice that the fences and walls of the rich are usually higher than those of the poor. Fame is fleeting and those who have it spend a lot of time worrying about their safety. Power? There's always someone who wants to take their place and are willing to do almost anything to get it. There's no point in talking about those who put themselves up as some kind of god as they may achieve all of the above – fame, power, and money – but their lifestyles usually are missing something very important, happiness. The people of Judah didn't find happiness by ignoring God, and neither will we.
Prayer
Gracious God, may we have ears open to hear your message of love and your rules for achieving true happiness and the will to follow you. Amen.
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
