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
And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.
Inspiration
Samson's power came from God, not from his beautiful locks of hair! He knew the origin of his strength and called out to the Lord to help him abolish his enemies. We have the power to overcome obstacles and hardships in our earthly life. We must remember that our strength comes from the Lord and contribute our tenacity to Him. We are grateful for His gracious character as He gifts us with skills to battle our enemies.
Prayer
Dear Father, We are grateful for the strength You have instilled in us. We could not stand against sin alone and we praise You for gifting us the power to conquer our sin. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
Allowing The Scriptures
To bring Joy To My Life
Frances Taylor
The beginning of Luke's Gospel has always been one of my favorite readings. It makes me feel confident that I can believe what I have been taught. It also gives me peace because I know that God's promise has been fulfilled. We have been set free from fear. Of course, we will know fear of the unknown in this unpredictable world, but not fear of death because we can be sure that death is not the end, only the beginning of a new life. Otherwise, how could we continue to experience happiness and joy in the face of suffering? This freedom of fear, this belief in the good news – this Gospel message – is what made the early Christians so willing to face suffering in the name of Jesus. It is what motivated them to spread the good news to anyone who would listen. Is our world any less in need of the Gospel than theirs? I doubt it. Considering how we work so hard to be happy! How hard we work to avoid pain or suffering! So ...
