Devotion
There is plenty of room for everyone!
David Jacobs
What do you imagine when you picture paradise? Most of us probably imagine a scene from a movie or cartoon, with angels flying around playing harps, and a gigantic human-like man with a beard that is God. The same can be said for hell: a red devil running around with a pitchfork surrounded by flames. Obviously I have no idea whether or not these depictions are accurate and honestly, they are of no importance to me at all. In fact, I believe that these depictions are a disservice, taking away from the more important aspects of the Heavenly Kingdom. Remember this: there is plenty of room in Heaven for all of us. Christ is waiting for us and has shown us the way. However, we should not forget another point: there is also plenty of room in hell.
The Heavenly Paradise that the disciples often describe, as the important theologian Thomas Aquinas once noted, though often given human shape or proportion, is beyond anything we are capable of imagining. How heaven and hell look is not what we should be focusing on. What Christ says about the Heavenly Kingdom is important. Do not be troubled, do not be afraid; God is waiting and has made a place for us in Heaven. Christ lived to give us an example, so that each and everyone who lifts theirs heart up to the Lord and follows in Christ's footsteps shall be welcomed. Thanks be to God.
Prayer
My God Almighty, I bask in the knowledge that you shall welcome us to Heaven, knowing that I have a place next to you. How lucky I am, your lowly servant, clearly unworthy of such blessing! I shall do everything I can, O Lord above, to repay the debt that I owe you, a debt that all of existence owes you for sacrificing your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, so that we may live forever. In his Holy name I pray, 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.
