Devotion
We do not belong here
David Jacobs
We have all been involved in an argument at some point in our lives. In my younger years, I had a far worse temper than I do now, and I would not always filter my words in the most appropriate manner. I remember one argument vividly: in a discussion with my father, I implied that he was not a true believer of Christ because he did not devote his entire life to it. He went to church and raised me as well as a man possibly could, and here I was, young, passionate, but naïve, slandering the man who raised me. We had an argument, mainly because I thought I was right at the time. Luckily for me, my father is a very patient man, and he listened to my words even though they surely hurt him, and a few days later he gave me a book, Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis. Reading it changed my opinion on Christianity and, of course, my father.
The word of God and those recorded by the Apostles are the most sacred texts available to us, but our interpretation of these texts may differ. For many, these texts represent the sanctity and bond between us and the Lord. However, for others they may not have made an impact and may never make an impact. Even the Disciples of Christ had their doubts, and to selfishly attempt to impose our own beliefs on another person when they may not be ready is not for us to decide. The choice is God's. As believers of Christ, we are not meant for this world, as the verses suggest. We know that we are called to something higher. Literally taken, the words of our Holy Bible are no different from any other book. How these words are used, habitually, practically, and personally, by each and every Christian is what separates it. We are not meant for this world: it is our duty to emulate and do what came so innately to Christ; to make this word flesh, to sanctify it to the heights of Heaven.
Prayer
Lord in Heaven, I cannot wait to join you there. I pray that my word and deed be in accordance with Christ's word, knowing full well that I am meant for another place. Instruct and guide me God, through the Holy Spirit, so that your word may be made flesh, and your Testament be made sacred. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Devotion
The Weeds
Frances Taylor
This parable is packed with images. It was very difficult to choose just one, but after reading it over several times, I looked again at just what – or who – the weeds represent. Reading further in Matthew we see this line, "The Son of Man will send his angels and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." Those who cause others to sin! We talk a lot about peer pressure when we are talking about our youth. We warn them to stay away from friends who might get them into trouble. But what about us? Have you ever thought that you, or I, might cause others to sin? We would all like to think of ourselves as the wheat – after all, aren't we here? But what about when we're not in church? Do we laugh at dirty jokes, or tell them? Help our teens get into movies that are restricted or give into pressure and download them to watch at home? Do we overlook it when there ...
Morning Prayer
Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
Inspiration
Jesus knew what was to be in store for him after Judas sold out his name with a kiss. Yet, instead of resigning himself to desperation and doom, he instead saw the glory that would come, the glory within which his name would live on. Think; in the face of ones own defeat or impending trouble, do you cower in fear, or do you find courage in your Heavenly Father?
Prayer
Lord Almighty, grant me the strength to carry on in the face of darkness and difficulties. Grant me to courage in the face of challenges that seem insurmountable. For I know in you Lord, all things may be possible. In Jesus' name I pray and ask for grace, Amen.
Night Prayer
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Inspiration
We despise the thought of a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. The outside is easy to clean; it's the caked-up residue on the inside that's so difficult to remove. Jesus compares the scribes and Pharisees with dishes that have been wiped clean on the outside while dirty inside. The Pharisees took exceptional care of their outward appearance and neglected their inward spirits. We are guilty of allowing our hearts to be left filthy as well. We look and act as we should while our souls are full of darkness. We must continue to converse with the Holy Spirit daily and trust His guidance to cleanse our sinful nature.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive our sinful nature. We yearn for cleansing from within, so we are genuine witnesses to Your name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
