Devotion
Weathering The Storm
Chipo Biti
The love you give to other people must be able to weather all seasons. People tend to make the mistake of thinking that love is only about feeling good. They believe that love is about the good times and nothing else. But that could not be any further from the truth. In friendships, family, and other meaningful relationships you will need love to help you through the tough times too. The tough times tend to come far often than we expect them, too. Challenges come in different shapes and sizes; they always arrive when we least expect it.
The love you have for your friends and your family should not be conditional or seasonal. You need to understand that people are going to let you down in life - whether you like it or not. Instead of shutting them out, choose to love them and forgive them for their shortcomings. We also have to acknowledge the fact that we, ourselves, are not perfect and we will make mistakes too. In those moments, you will hope for love and forgiveness too. It's very easy to judge others when you are the one who is on high ground.
Love keeps you together when it seems like all hope is lost. With the world we live in, it isn't very hard to lose hope. The physical, natural, and economic disasters that occur on a daily basis are enough to weaken the strongest hearts. But that is why we have friends and family - to get through everything together. No one was born to be an island. We have been blessed with the gift of companionship so that we can love one another through the great moments and through the storms. Love is enough to give a person the boost they need to carry on with their day.
Prayer
Love is more than enough to remind a person of God and His goodness. We should never allow hardness to enter our hearts because that will be the undoing of any meaningful bonds in our lives. Continue to let the love of God flow through your heart and into the lives of the people around you. As you do so, they will do the same for you, and you will all find that you can weather storm together.
Devotion
How Do You Choose Your Friends?
Frances Taylor
How do we choose our friends? This week's gospel is about this question as much as it is about humility. I'm sure that when we make up an invitation list for a party or other special event we consider a lot of things, but Jesus is trying to tell us something important in this week's gospel that goes beyond just who we invite, he is also telling us to consider some things about ourselves. This can apply to all age groups!
Our children will learn from us and sometimes we need to learn from our children. Are there people we don't include in our circle of friends because of what other people might think? Perhaps people who are of another race, those who earn less money, people whose educational level is not the same as ours? I know that weddings can often be a bone of contention in families because someone feels the need to invite "the boss" or other people of influence even though there has never been any social interaction before. There ...
Morning Prayer
I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Inspiration
Remember the childhood phrase, "Sticks and stones can hurt my bones but words can never hurt me? " Now think about how often we are hurt by the words of another person. Most of us are very sensitive towards the words and actions of other people, rarely seeking refuge in the love of God. Next time someone does something that hurts you, focus on God's love instead of the evil thoughts that can easily follow these times. Gradually, God's love will set you free.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful for all that you have done for me. I thank you for loving me and helping me understand what love is. Strengthen me in times that are difficult, aiding me when I am hurt so that I can love even my enemies. I know that through you, all things are possible, and I humbly ask that you help me grow with you in life's ...
Night Prayer
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Inspiration
We must be sincere with our generosity and give in abundance. God blesses us beyond our means, in some form or fashion. He allows us to provide for those in need with our finances, labor, or time. Our world is broken and filled with those who desperately seek light amidst the darkness. We minister to them by providing for their needs, making our actions reflect Your love.
Prayer
Dear Lord, show us opportunities to share all Your blessings. Help us, minister, to others in a manner that reflects your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
