Devotion
A Cloud Of Witnesses
Frances Taylor
The author of Hebrews is telling the early Christians that they are surrounded by all those who went before them in faith, living and dying and giving witness to the power of God. Jesus himself is a witness to God's goodness as he did not reject his mission of salvation even though it led to his death on the cross. We, too, are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses.
Our own ancestors are witnesses to the faith that has been handed down to us. We are surrounded by those believers who testify to their faith every day. They may be family members, co-workers, members of our church or community, or strangers who inspire us. We are also expected to be witnesses to others. We are responsible for spreading the message of the Kingdom within our families and our communities. People look to us as examples of God's love in the world. We were baptized to be disciples who are living images of Jesus in today's world. We are de facto God's hands, eyes, voices today. If we don't do it, who will? We each have a role to play. Just as each of the apostles went in different directions so that more territory could be covered, we are called to bring Jesus to our own territory: our homes, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, etc. No one else can do the job for us. Will you and I be among the cloud of witnesses for those to come?
Prayer
Lord, you have given us so many examples of faith to give us direction and also the courage we need to be witnesses in our turn. May I be worthy of that call. 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.
