Devotion
Abraham’s Sacrifice
Frances Taylor
Did you ever wonder what went through Abraham's mind when he believed that God wanted him to sacrifice his son? Of course, at that particular time in history, sacrifice of the first-born was not unusual and seen as an offering to the gods who would then allow the rest of the children to live. Did Abraham think that God was like the other gods? We will never know in this world. But God did not want sacrifice in the flesh, but sacrifice in the heart. Abraham was prevented from sacrificing Isaac and was given a ram instead, and for his willingness was promised great blessings. What are we willing to sacrifice for God?
Today, in America, we celebrate our independence. Many men and women sacrificed a great deal for this to happen and many people all over the world have sacrificed a great deal for their independence, independence from tyranny, independence to practice their religion, freedom from fear. Isaac was freed so that he could become the father of Esau and Jacob and thereby the grandfather of Israel. Jesus has freed us, has given us independence from the tyranny of law by giving us the law of love to follow. He has freed us so that we might experience the joys of eternal life. We all have much to celebrate today no matter where we live, so let us thank God for freedom.
Prayer
Loving God, you gave Abraham back his son and you give us so much. May we always be grateful for all your gifts, and today, especially, we thank you for the gift of freedom of fear of death and the gift of salvation. Amen.
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Devotion
Manna In The Desert
Frances Taylor
We are so like the Israelites. Just when we get what we want, we decide that we want more. The Israelites have been saved from slavery and then God brought them through the sea, and now they're complaining again. God again provided what they need, but they do have to follow some rules. They were only to gather what they needed for the day and on the sixth day they collected enough for the Sabbath. What they gathered was measured so that each had what they needed and no one had more. They were instructed not to save some for the next day and, of course, there were those who didn't follow instructions and what they saved became foul. On the sixth day, they could prepare enough for the next day so that the Sabbath could be a holy day dedicated to Yahweh. Fifty years ago, there was little work done on the Sabbath, now it seems like just another day.
My mother used to talk about my grandmother who would prepare all the vegetables on Saturday for the ...
Morning Prayer
O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
Inspiration
There are many ways one may think of prayer and worship, and one should feel encouraged in revamping them a little if it means one may serve better ones daily practices or routines. Singing God's praises isn't just for in Church time, it is wherever, whenever. It can be your own song or one you've committed to heart, it doesn't particularly matter; God doesn't think of it as a singing competition. What is important is ones intent, ones heart, ones willingness to rejoice! If singing is really not your thing, the definition could be widened; write a poem of praise or do a dance, whatever it is, it's the joy in celebrating our Lord that counts.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I wish to sing your praises, to rejoice in the name of the Lord and his only begotten Son. For you are the object of our affection, the source of all our light, and ...
