Devotion
What are you hiding?
David Jacobs
My family is as supportive as any family that I have ever witnessed. They have loved me as much as they could, and God knows I have indeed tested them at times! Why then, in my times of trouble, have I hid from them? Why did I not go to the people that have loved me the most, helped me the most, and know me the best in my darkest hour? It is easier said than done, of course, and practice makes perfect.
If you have ever raised a child or even a dog, there are moments when you can see when they have done something wrong. With my dog, the moment that I walk in the door I can usually tell if she has done something that she is ashamed about. She will slink away from me, often not even greeting me at the door. If she does welcome me, it is with a noticeable difference in excitement. I have always treated my dog with love, but when she does something that I won't like, she knows it. Can't you picture Adam and Eve acting similarly here?
Adam and Eve knew they went against God. Like a young child with a sibling, Adam quickly points the finger at Eve to blame her and not take responsibility for his actions. If you were Adam and Eve, how would you act? God gave them life and has shown them only paradise, and they seem to forget it immediately! Do not take this love for granted! Go to your loved ones and seek help from them, admit your faults if you need to, and quickly ask for forgiveness. Nobody is perfect, but we can learn from Adam and Eve and our own mistakes and get better and closer to whom we genuinely care about.
Prayer
Merciful and almighty God, forgive me for my transgressions against you and those around me. I am weak, O God, and I often forget that with you, I am strong. Grant that by your guidance we may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them. In the name of Jesus, who reigns in heaven with you and the Holy Spirit, I pray. 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 ...
