Daily Devotional

On November 1, Christians celebrate All Saints’ Day. This special day is celebrated in many ways around the world. It is a time to remember all the faithful people who followed Christ and now rest from their labors in the eternal kingdom.

Just over half of the world’s religious population traces their spiritual lineage back to one person. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all consider Abram to be, in some way, a significant part of their cultural and religious heritage.

Consistent kindness and compassion will change the lives of the people around us. Marilyn Hampton is a powerful example of how caring for the people in our lives will make a difference. Marilyn often wondered whether her work had a positive impact. She now knows that her dedication to helping others has changed many lives.

Perhaps one of the most famous American hymns is He Leadeth Me. This hymn was written by Joseph Gilmore in 1862. This song is based on the Psalm 23:2. Joseph Gilmore wanted to write a hymn about the entire psalm, but he could not get past the words of the second verse. He wanted to convey the comfort that comes from knowing that God is with us and God leads us in this challenging journey of life.

We can make a difference if we are willing to try. We often wrestle with how to share the love of God. Doubt and fear keep us from moving beyond what is comfortable. Sharing the love of God with the world takes our time and our resources, but it is worth it. When the people of God use the gifts God has given them, they can make a difference.

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.”

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

We are offered very few glimpses into the life of the disciples within the early church. What was it like after Jesus ascended into heaven? What was it like as the first group of believers began to establish the early practices that would define the new family of faith? The disciples had only a few years with Jesus, and now they were tasked with building the church. The task was enormous.

Our dog’s name is Maizie, and she is very proud of herself.

One teaching method Jesus often uses is teaching the opposite of a common understanding of the day. Jesus will begin a teaching by saying, “You have heard it said, but I say…” Jesus uses this method throughout his ministry. This teaching is at the heart of the Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5-7) These teachings are challenging. They stretch even the most faithful person’s understanding.