Devotion
Pleasing God, Not Man
Frances Taylor
Paul didn't preach for his own gain. He wasn't trying to win friends. Actually, he made many enemies because of his preaching. The Jews weren't happy that he preached Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah. The Greeks weren't happy because he was preaching a way of life that said that their way of life was immoral. The pagans weren't too thrilled either for the same reason. Paul preached to bring the Good News of salvation to all that would listen. He wasn't worried about the consequences to himself, even though he had suffered beatings and torture as well as imprisonment because of his preaching. He made many converts in Thessalonica as well as in Philippi as well as other countries, such as Greece, but he wanted them to know that they were not alone in their new faith. He wanted them to know that what they had been taught was true, that they could depend on it, that it came from God. God was the only one Paul was trying to please. What about us? Who do we try to please? Do we try to please others, ourselves or God? We all know people who we might call "pleasers." They will tell you what they think you want to hear.
I once was watching one of my favorite mysteries on television and the plot concerned a woman running for a state office. Her speech writer had quit and she asked one of the main characters to do the job for her. She was reading a speech she had given the week before to get an idea, and was told that it wouldn't work for the next group because the first speech was for young mothers who cared about daycare and the next was for a senior citizen center. When she asked if the candidate really believed in daycare centers, he said that she did that day. We can choose who we please and how we choose to do it. Will it be God or man?
Prayer
Lord, you have given us so much. You have shown us the way to you which is a way of truth and love. It is important that we choose to please you above all else. 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.
