Devotion
The only thing you owe others is love
David Jacobs
Although devotion to God's moral law comes first, this passage in Romans highlights the importance of staying obedient to the law. Considering the time it was written, it can be a bit puzzling why Paul says these things. Why would a Christian who has been persecuted and killed by the Roman government also pledge allegiance and pay taxes to Caesar? They would be paying for the people that are attacking them! In context, it might sound strange, but the definition today may perhaps be broadened.
First, it is important to realize that God "removes kings and sets up kings" (Daniel 2:21). There may be an unjust government in place, but God put them in power for a reason, one that you may never understand. In Mark 12:14-17, Jesus is asked whether followers should give money to Caesar to which he replies: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Paul writes this to reinforce what Jesus had taught.
In modern times, charity, volunteer or missionary work and donations could perhaps all be considered latter-day tributes. The only debt that you owe another man is love. It is our civic responsibility to pay monetary taxes and help to take care of our fellow humans, but it is another thing entirely to pay back society with the greatest gift of all: love.
Prayer
Wonderful Jesus, I marvel at your strength and selflessness! Lord Jesus, it is not easy for me to forgive some of the sins that other men or governments have committed. You did, dear Jesus, and I beg that you grant me a fraction of your forgiving nature. With it I intend to pay a tax of love with all of my thoughts and deeds. This tariff will continue to be paid forward, as your love has continued to be paid for all of eternity. I pray this in your name, Jesus. Amen.
Night Prayer
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Inspiration
Anger is a natural emotion we will feel at one time or another. Anger can be dangerous if we allow it to control our lives; acting out of fury does not reflect the righteousness of God. In anger, we shout out hurtful words, and bitterness stirs up jealousy in our hearts. Anger pushes people away from us; they lack respect for us and begin to think poorly of our character. We understand this is not a reflection of God, and we must take our emotions to Him before we hurt people.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we become angry throughout our lifetime. Please forgive us for our outbursts and teach us to stop allowing anger to control our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
Priorities, Priorities!
Frances Taylor
Does Jesus really want us to believe that our enemies are our parents, children, family or friends? Somehow, I don't think so! It is really about priorities. Have you ever chosen to watch a sports program when your child wanted to talk to you? What about not sitting at the table for meals because a special game is on? We are called on to make choices all the time. We can choose God, or we can choose other. Is that late night party worth missing church? We can talk all we want about being too busy, but the truth is that we find the time for what we want to do. I love to read, knit, spend time with my friends and I hate doing the laundry, dishes, vacuuming, but it all needs to be done. I would rather pick up a good book than exercise. I can say that I am "too busy" to do the things I don't enjoy doing, but the truth is, I choose to spend my time in other ways. The same is true about putting God first. A friend that is always put last doesn't ...
Night Prayer
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
Inspiration
We often blame God for struggles in our lives. We feel that He does not care for us or isn't all-powerful. We ask why He isn't parting seas or moving mountains for us. Sometimes, it's tempting to blame God and stop trusting Him altogether. God does not tempt us to reject Him, and struggles occur because we live in an imperfect world. God uses our hardships to grow closer to us by strengthening our character and faith. We will not blame Him for our difficulties. Instead, we will continue to praise His name and rest peacefully in His loving arms.
Prayer
Dear God, we struggle daily in this imperfect world. You are our hope in the darkness, and we will continue to lean on Your everlasting arms in comfort and peace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
