Devotion
All for one and one for all
David Jacobs
The other day I read a story about a British marine named Matthew Croucher. Croucher and three other marines were walking through a dangerous area in Afghanistan when he looked down and suddenly realized that he had set off a trip wire that was connected to a grenade. Thinking quickly, he told his squad mates to get down. Acting bravely, he jumped on the grenade and rolled onto his back to cover the grenade with his backpack. The blast flung him through the air, and after gathering his thoughts realized that he had only suffered a nosebleed. He was given the George Cross, the medal for the highest level of bravery, for his sacrifice. His selfless act of bravery saved his fellow marines and his quick thinking also saved his own. I could not read this without being reminded of the most important sacrifice of all.
What is a sacrifice? Thinking of Croucher's story, a sacrifice is restricting or sometimes even submitting to harm for the sake of others. Croucher soberly evaluated the situation, with only 7 seconds to do so, realizing that it was he who tripped the wire. He did not think of himself above others and was willing to die for those around him. Now think about Christ, his teachings and ultimately upon the cross: we were shown a different interpretation of sacrifice. This was an act of love, of generosity. This passage highlights the Lord's desire that we offer our bodies up to the Lord as a sacrifice, not to merely receive his love, but also to give love in return.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the example that you sent me with your only begotten Son. Through this gift, you have shown me the purity and light of salvation. Teach me the true meaning of sacrifice so that I may share it with those around me and above all, offer up my own body to thee, O Lord. I wish this with all of my heart that I fully submit to your aims, my Lord. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Devotion
Resurrection
Frances Taylor
Doubt is normal. It was there in Paul's time and it exists today. Maybe it is more prevalent today than it was in Paul's time because there are so many people trying to discourage people from belief in God. The pagans of Paul's time believed in gods, they just didn't all know God. Today many claim that there is no God. They believe that scientists will soon be able to explain everything about how the world was created and answer any other question we might have. See, no need for God! And if there is no God then no heaven and no resurrection. If this is true then why bother depriving ourselves of all the pleasures we can get just because Christianity says love of God and of others should come first. But, there were too many people who witnessed Jesus after his resurrection. Too many people who were willing to die for the sake of Jesus and his teaching. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't die for a lie. And I doubt that they would either. So, as ...
Morning Prayer
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Inspiration
Today, temptation and the false path is often confused with salvation, which comes in many forms and guises. This 'salvation' may for some include the diversions of drugs, sex, idolatries, consumption, or in the form of false prophets offering quick fixes. Often, the worst perpetrator may even be ourselves once we forget God is in the driving seat. Thus, it is only through Christ's divination that we may understand true and everlasting salvation in the eyes of our heavenly father. 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 hallowed be the sacrament between man and your majesty. Lead me not into the temptations of false salvation, or to heed and follow the words of lost prophets. Help me find the courage to ...
Night Prayer
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Inspiration
We are confident regarding our salvation and eternal life, no matter what evil afflicts us. Paul knew he would die soon and was not concerned because he had hope in the promise of salvation and saw nothing but gain in the details of God's plan for His life. We experience many hardships in this earthly life and continue to praise God. We understand that He loves us unconditionally and trust His wisdom regarding each moment we've been gifted here on earth.
Prayer
Dear God, we praise You during our struggles because we have faith in Your plan. We will continue to trust Your wisdom all the days of our life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
