Devotion
The mighty will fall; the Lord lasts forever
David Jacobs
This passage reminds me of a story that saddened me recently: I bought a couple houseplants a while ago and they were thriving. These plants brightened my home and mood every time I glanced at them. Sitting on the windowsill, they kept growing larger and more towards the sun with each passing day. If I cared for them properly, they would keep growing in this way, seemingly forever, and even the pieces that fell off of the plants started to grow new plants. I planned to move them outside when the weather turned warmer so that they could keep growing and spawning new plants.
I went away from home for a few days and watered the plants before leaving.
Apparently, I watered them too much, because when I returned the plants were dying. I was upset at myself, thinking about what I could have done differently, questioning why I did what I did in the first place.
These plants could have gone outside and outlasted me. They could have grown for centuries if only I had watered them too much. How can I possibly predict what will happen? What happens to this plant, to me, to everything is not for me to decide.
Only one thing is permanent: the word of God. I felt sad about these plants, far more than I should have. I happened to see this passage a few days later and thought instead about how lucky those plants were, how lucky I am to have heard the word of the Lord. Plants, people, and all things come and go. The Lord lasts forever.
Prayer
Almighty Father, I thank you for the eternal salvation you have given me with your everlasting word. Help guide me in spreading the seeds of your gospel, and not focusing on the suffering that I encounter. Grant me the wisdom to walk the righteous path to bliss, where your love and truth for mankind remains forever and ever. Amen.
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 ...
