Devotion
The Kingdom is near, the Kingdom is here!
David Jacobs
It is easy to get wrapped up in the hustle-and-bustle of our daily lives: Work, school, spouses, children, finances. There are so many things that seem to require our attention that is often easy to neglect that which is most important: our relationship with God. I often take God's love for granted, coming to Him when I need and not when He needs. I need to remember what the Kingdom of Heaven is truly about.
Above all, our surrender to the will of God and God's desire to bring us healing, peace, victory, and salvation are central to the Kingdom of Heaven. How can surrender be victory? Think about the teachings of the gospels: is surrender and faith in God not the central teaching of Jesus? These verses serve to remind us about our vital roles during our time on earth. We have a responsibility to one another, to believers and non-believers, to act in accordance with God's word. We owe a debt to all of humanity, a debt of love and service, and God asks that we do not judge those that will not receive us. When we surrender to God, we soon realize that the Kingdom of Heaven is not just waiting for us, it is already all around us. Thanks be to God.
Prayer
Blessed Father, I ask your forgiveness for not fully surrendering to you at times. I have blocked the Kingdom of Heaven at times from fully being realized in my heart and mind. Lord, with these words I hope that I can come a bit closer to you, a bit closer to the Kingdom of Heaven, and a bit closer to my fellow man. Help me not to judge others that are struggling with this same battle, merciful Father, and grant me the wisdom, like St. Barnabus, to give generously for the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel. I pray all of this in your name, my Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Amen.
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
