Devotion
Wherever You Go
Frances Taylor
"Wherever you go, I will go" is the first line of a song that was quite popular at weddings as it signified the willingness of the spouses to put each other first and to be faithful to one another "till death do us part." Ruth was to become the grandmother of David, an ancestor of Jesus. Ruth is known for her love and for her fidelity, an example to all of us. Fidelity is a virtue not often practiced today. Fidelity in marriage is seen as a goal rather than a given. One cannot depend on the fidelity of employers in this day of closures and mergers. My sister retired with a gift for forty years of service. Today, well, you're lucky to work for the same company for 10 years. It works both ways, of course, because employees can't be depended on to stay with a company for too long either. Is fidelity important to us? What about fidelity to God and his word?
The one thing we know is that God is always faithful. God keeps his promises. He will never abandon us. Can we say the same? We are so lucky that God forgives us when we are unfaithful and sin. God has promised us since the time of Abraham that he will remain faithful no matter what; that even if we abandon him, he will never abandon us. May we work harder at being faithful as did Ruth, and know that when we die, we will rest in the arms of God.
Prayer
Faithful and forgiving God, thank you for always taking care of us and never abandoning us. Give us the grace we need to be faithful to 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.
