Devotion
Do you now believe? Answer the question:
David Jacobs
When I was a child, I was often afraid of things that I thought were in my house or room: monsters, thieves, and murderers. Venturing into my parents' room, sleepy yet terrified, I'd tell them that I thought I heard something. Luckily for me, my parents were extremely patient and would try their best to get me to go back to sleep. They would reassure me in a number of ways: tell me that they will stay awake and listen, tell me that the door is locked, or even come in my room. Nobody or thing had ever come into my house, yet I still couldn't believe them! No matter how many times they reassured me, it would take several years for me to finally grow up and out of my fears.
Consider these verses. Through Jesus, we as earthly beings have also found a path to overcoming the world. Humans have tried other methods and others have heard the teachings of Christ and not believed. Without salvation and the word of the Lord, these attempts are doomed to fail. You may have heard of Pascal's wager. It essentially argues that deciding to believe or not to believe is up to the individual, but if you don't believe and are wrong, you are doomed to eternal damnation! Even with that being said, it is much easier said than done. One method above all else has helped reinforce my faith in Christ: I have surrounded myself with faithful Christians. When I feel fear, or doubt, just like when I was a child, I can turn to them and be reassured. Without God one cannot truly transcend this life. Be there for each other.
Prayer
Dearest Father, forgive me for ever doubting you, and understand that I am weak and undeserving of your grace. Strengthen my resolve Abba Father! I long for you and to be stronger disciple of your word. Help me touch those to whom you speak, but are too deaf to listen. May they find inner wisdom and the true path into eternal life; through your divine glory and mercy alone, Amen.
Devotion
The First Fruits
Frances Taylor
In addition to the commandments, the Lord gave the people rules to live by that included dietary laws, laws concerning the various feasts that would offer blessings to God and ways of treating people that probably sound pretty strange to us today. But let's consider this one. Why do you think God is asking for the first fruits of the first harvest in the new land? To me, this is asking for a sign of gratitude for all that the Lord had done for them. He brought them out of slavery in Egypt, guided them through the desert, fed them during their journey, made sure they had water to drink and now is bringing them to a new land so that they can live in freedom. Think back to the story of Cain and Abel and their offerings. Abel offered the best of his harvest; Cain doesn't seem to have done the same. Offering sacrifice was a long-standing tradition at that time, in that culture. It would seem to be the natural thing to do. What are we asked to sacrifice ...
Morning Prayer
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Inspiration
The scribes could only teach in the synagogue saying, "the Scripture says this or that" or "the rabbis say such and such, " but Jesus taught as one having personal authority. He was not a mere scribe, nor even only a prophet, but the very Son of God.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are the authoritative Son of God, and your Word is Law. You bring us the Words of the Father and you are the Word of the Father. We know that you have the Words of Life, and that salvation is to be found in no other. Help us to pay careful attention to your Words and teachings, knowing from whom they come. Amen.
Night Prayer
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
Inspiration
Spiritual leaders must possess specific characteristics as they complete works in the name of the Lord. He calls upon them to lead a lifestyle that reflects His nature. They must be an example to us regarding how we spiritually align our lives with the will of God and remove sin from our hearts. We will be on the lookout for these characteristics in people we choose as leaders or look up to as role models.
Prayer
Dear Lord, You have told us what to expect from a true spiritual leader. Help us remain alert to imposters as we look to them for guidance. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
