Devotion
Getting Back Up Again
Chipo Biti
The fall of Man was a terrible time. Not only had man disobeyed God, but they had lost the freedom, peace and comfort in having a relationship with God. Once they made the mistake and discovered they were naked, Adam and Eve ran to hide when God came to look for them. They hid because they were ashamed - they were ashamed of what they had done. Despite the fact that God was looking for them, Adam and Eve felt that they couldn't face Him. Not after what they had done.
That is what sin does to us. It makes us feel as if we cannot commune with God. When we make mistakes, the devil tries to take advantage of them and make us feel like we are less than who we actually are. The devil is bent on causing a divide between us and God. He will go at any length to do so. When we slip up and disobey God, the devil jumps in, ready to condemn us and make us feel like we are unworthy. If we are not knowledgeable of God's love and His everlasting mercy, we will end up falling for the enemy's trickery. The moment the enemy manages to make us feel less, he will keep on beating us down until we believe it.
God doesn't want us to see ourselves in that light. There is nothing we will gain from beating ourselves up. God doesn't delight in seeing it. That is not what He desires for our lives. When we make mistakes, we need to realize that God has forgiven us. This does not mean we deliberately repeat the offense. No. It simply means that we should focus our eyes back on Christ, and keep on moving forward. Guilt is not from God and neither is condemnation.
Prayer
We have been called to a life of freedom from the bondage of sin. Express your remorse for your actions, if you desire too, and repent. There is no need to punish yourself. That is not love. That is not God.
Even in the depth of your mess, God loves you and He will be there to pick you out of it, correct you, and show you the right way.
Devotion
The Widow of Naim
Frances Taylor
This story of Jesus' raising the son of the widow of Naim gives us some information that lets us know just how important it was for this widow. At that time, women had no way to earn a living. They were property of their parents until they became property of their husbands, and actually moved into the home of the husband. Now that this widow's son had died, she had no one to take care of her. The compassion that Jesus showed meant life to that widow. I'm sure the leaders weren't too happy that the power of God to raise someone from the dead rested in Jesus. There must also have been those who were saying, "Why her and not me?" We all will die and we will all lose someone we love including those of us who have and will lose children. We can easily read this passage and question. It can be difficult to understand God's plan for us, even though we keep trying. It is better to concentrate on the positive than the negative. A priest I once knew lost ...
Morning Prayer
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Inspiration
Love one another; it is as simple as that. For if God demands you to honor his creation, this also includes his people. Love is not a science, it is an art that takes constant negotiation, communication, and consideration. But should we become better in this, all the better not only for this world, but also in preparing us for the next -wherein everything resides within the arms of our everlasting and loving Father.
Prayer
Lord, give us your guidance. Through Jesus' actions show us how to commit to your brotherly love and understanding, honoring one another as we break bread upon your holy sacrament and salvation. Help us treat one another as we would like to be treated ourselves, and thereafter, find lasting peace and love in giving thanks to your holy name, O Lord most high, Amen.
Devotion
Pray for Leaders
Frances Taylor
How often do you or I pray for government leaders? Paul doesn't say to pray just for the leaders we like, either. If we do want a tranquil and quiet life, we need all leaders to turn to God and work for justice for all their citizens. It's probably even more important to pray and intercede for those leaders who work against justice, than for those who are already doing the right thing. For those who are already on God's side, we should give thanks to God that they stay in leadership and continue to do God's will. The same goes for city, state, and even church leaders as well as our national and international leaders. Good leaders should be supported and others need to be held to account for their behavior. Obviously different countries have different forms of leadership, but that shouldn't stop us from praying for them. God does listen even if the answer doesn't come as quickly as we might like. In the case of democracies, we sometimes need a bad ...
