Devotion
How do we know whom to trust?
David Jacobs
In today's world, people have more access to information than ever before. There is certainly some good that comes from this, but with more access to information there is also more access to misinformation than ever as well. How can we find valuable information and people to listen to with the bombardment of noise and false-truths that we encounter in our lives? More importantly, what separates us from the prophets? Let us turn to these words from Moses in Deuteronomy for some guidance.
Moses makes it clear that we may never know what our Lord has in store for us. He may call upon us at any moment to do his bidding or to prove our devotion. Any prophet that aims to speak on behalf of God or another prophet will be seen as a liar. However, Moses makes it clear that prophets will be chosen from "the midst of thee, of thy brethren", meaning that it could be any of us! We need to be more than ready: we need to be active searching and listening for God's call. Did Moses know when the Lord would call for him to lead? He did not and neither will we. He was ready when he felt it, and we must also be ready, our heart must be poised, waiting on and longing to hear from God.
Prayer
Powerful and loving Lord, I am yours to command. I know that I am unworthy of your grace, but I stand to work in your service. Grant me the patience that is required and the wisdom to hear your call, and to never let my resolve weaken. You are the alpha and omega, and I wish with all of my being which you have granted to me, to be a conduit of your desires. 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.
