Devotion
What are the Demons today?
Frances Taylor

You notice that I didn't ask IF there are demons today. The Gospel speaks of Jesus driving out demons and we are still in need of this! True, we can think of personal demons such as drug abuse and alcohol addiction, but what of more systemic demons such as violence and discrimination, poverty, hunger and greed. We have been commissioned as disciples of Jesus in order that we may carry on his mission. I can already hear the wheels turning: How can I make a difference? The answer is one day at a time. Every journey begins with one step at a time. For those who may be affected by a personal demon, there is help available once we recognize that we can't do it alone. For systemic demons, it's a little harder, but we can choose to be part of the problem or part of the solution. Doing nothing is being part of the problem. Let's take violence. Think about your language. Are your words hurtful or helpful? Do you put people down or raise them up?...

Morning Prayer 

Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

Inspiration 

John the Baptist was not jealous of Christ's rise in popularity, but introducing the Messiah was the very reason for his own ministry. He could rejoice when he saw the works of the Messiah and heard his words to the people. He never claimed to be the Christ himself but only one sent before Him to prepare the people for His coming.

Prayer 

When we lead someone else to the Lord, we are a little like John the Baptist. Lord, we seek to prepare hearts through your Word that they might then receive Christ into them. Use us to show others your Son, and let us rejoice whenever a soul receives Him. Amen.

Night Prayer 

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Inspiration 

It’s much easier to sleep in the dark than in the light. But the light of Christ does so much more than just wake us from our slumber. He wakes us from the spiritual slumber of death. In the light of Jesus, we are led to consciousness, alertness, and life. So let us live for him by embracing the light, that we might remain alert in the glow of his light.

Prayer 

Thank You, Lord, for calling me from my slumber. Thank You not only for awakening me to Your truth but by raising me to life in You. Lord, shine on me so that I might be fully alive and fully alert for Your sake. And shine through me so that others may be called to new life in You, too. In Jesus’ name, amen.