Devotion
Be humble in the sight of the Lord
David Jacobs
Many of the world's leading scientific thinkers are not religious. The accomplishments of man have led us further and further into discovering why the universe acts in the way that it does and also helps us understand our role in it. There is no doubt that we have taken tremendous steps forward in terms of technology, but has our understanding of existence really improved at all? When you look at the stars, we may now know what elements they are made of, but does it really explain how they got there and where the elements came from? There are certainly theories, many of them are quite sound and based on the talents and efforts of humanity's most diligent and intelligent people. Any advancement, any theory, any understanding we may have does not come from us. It comes from God.
Today, temptation and the false path is often confused with salvation, which comes in many forms: drugs, sex, idolatries, consumption, or other forms of false prophets can offer quick fixes. When we forget that it is not us, it is not humanity, it is God that is in the driver's seat, we become our own worst enemy. This can be said for all people, even the most intelligent and successful. It is only through Christ's divination that we may understand true and everlasting salvation. It is only with our faith in the Lord, and not in oneself or other false prophets, that we may find grace.
Prayer
Our Lord in Heaven, hallowed be thy name and the relationship between you and humanity. Lead me away from worldly temptations. Help me find the courage to strengthen my faith in thee and only thee, my Lord, in whom all true redemption and grace is found. Amen.
Night Prayer
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
Inspiration
When a king rules with fairness and justice, his kingdom will flourish. If the same king accepts gifts or bribes, his kingdom will fall. We've all observed a person in a leadership position who acted wrongfully. Perhaps a boss did not discipline employees fairly, or a political leader accepted kickbacks for legislation decisions. These corrupt actions lead to their demise. Scripture advises leaders to maintain justice with fair decision-making. As leaders, we must reflect on the mercy and grace God shows to us and lead others in the same fashion.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for coaching us in our leadership endeavors. We have faith in Your Words and will lead Your people accordingly. In Jesus' name, 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 ...
