Devotion
Mind over the Matter
Chipo Biti
Another weapon of the enemy that we will encounter in many instances of our life is temptation. The enemy will try to take advantage of our weaknesses and fleshly desires in order to sidetrack us from our walk with God. As human beings, we all have fleshly desires that will try to detract our focus. It could be a love of food, or more harmful things like an addiction to harmful substances, etc. As we grow in our relationship with God, and we work towards removing these unhealthy desires from our life, the devil comes in and tries to knock us off of our feet.
We need to realize that there is no temptation out there that is too great for us to handle. The same way God has equipped us with the strength and resolve to endure various trials and tribulations, is the same way he has equipped us to overcome any temptation that comes our way.
One of the ways the enemy tries to get to us is through our mind. When we are presented with tempting situations, the enemy will try to manipulate us into thinking that there is no way out of the temptation before us. He will try to make us think that we are too weak to resist.
But the word of God tells us otherwise. The word of God tells us of the authority that we possess as sons of God. The word of God tells us of the exceedingly abundant amount of strength that we possess in Christ that enables us to resist any temptation to come our way.
The word of God provides us with the wisdom we need in order to get out of any sticky situations we may find ourselves in. It gives us the clarity we need in order to see the temptation for what it is - nothing but a lousy tactic of the enemy.
The Holy Spirit strengthens us and enables us to move past the temptation, keeping our eyes focused on Jesus Christ, the one who set the example for us.
Prayer
When we have overcome all temptations, trials and tribulations on the earth, and we remain in the faith, we will receive a crown when we reach heaven. A reward for remaining faithful to the cause. This is what motivates us to keep going.
It reminds us that there truly is no trial, tribulation, or form of temptation that will ever be greater than God who resides in us.
Devotion
A Young Witness
Frances Taylor
Paul is giving Timothy both encouragement and instruction. Timothy is obviously young, but he has been chosen to preach. He is told, however, to be a good example of Christianity. Paul knows that the people will be watching him. He is also told to study as well as to encourage and to teach. We have been called to be disciples because of our Baptism. We too must be good examples of the Christianity we proclaim. It doesn't matter if we are young or old, we are expected to imitate Christ in our way of life, in how we show love to one another and by our moral choices. We are also expected to grow in our knowledge of the faith by reading the Scriptures, and to encourage others to be faithful and to teach others by word and example. We should never stop learning! I'm constantly amazed by how much I have forgotten of what I have read. And I am also surprised that a passage I have read many times before now has a different meaning to me. That's because ...
Morning Prayer
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
Inspiration
Pride is one of the so called 'seven deadly sins', and with good reason. Arrogance in ones own importance over others is vain, and angers God. There is nothing that may rival Gods heights and power, and yet, he shows no arrogance. No nation, no group, no person is 'number one'. With true faith and love in ones heart, all are equal in the eyes of our Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your love for all of us. I know you have made me in your image, so allow me not to choose falsely and fall into arrogance or vanity, but rather seek humility in all I do and may accomplish with your guidance. For all I have and all I will ever do, I know is so only because it is granted by you. O Heavenly Father, hallowed by your name. Amen.
Night Prayer
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
Inspiration
Often, we speak before we have to opportunity to think about our words. In the heat of the moment, we immediately express negative feelings without analyzing the situation first. We jump to conclusions when directing meetings and speak in haste with our children before evaluating all sides. As leaders in any setting, we must be tactful and make decisions by weighing all details. Instead of expressing emotions with our authority, we must seek to mediate justly and reflect the mercy of God with our decision-making.
Prayer
Dear Lord, Please forgive us when we jump to conclusions and fail to lead with mercy and grace. Guide us to reflect Your character when You place us in a position of authority. In Jesus' name, Amen.
