Devotion
All believers, great and small, play their part
David Jacobs
I have traveled extensively and always like to visit cathedrals and churches. These palaces of worship humble me, making me realize how many people have come and gone, praising the Lord, in these magnificent structures. It can be intimidating. In weaker moments, I may compare myself to the Pope or other Christian leaders and think that I am not good enough. As these verses give proof of, all followers have a spiritual journey, no matter how big or small.
The men mentioned in these passages, Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus, were both not the strictest adherents to Jesus while he was still alive. Other disciples and followers would seem like more likely candidates to ask for Christ's body, but these two came to him after his death. In trying to ensure Jesus had a proper burial, they both made themselves unclean for Passover, but nevertheless became converts in Christ. Even from beyond the cross were these men so moved that they came to Jesus. Let this be a lesson: it is never too late to become a believer. We are all on the same spiritual journey to eternal life. Don't be intimidated, don't despair. Have faith that God will show you the way.
Prayer
Lord my guide, let us all who hear the name of Jesus be drawn towards your accepting light and embrace. I ask all this, so that I may see your Paradise swell, and hear all the clearer your name rejoiced. Jesus Christ and Lord Almighty up on high, I will praise your name now and forever. Amen.
Night Prayer
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Inspiration
Anger is a natural emotion we will feel at one time or another. Anger can be dangerous if we allow it to control our lives; acting out of fury does not reflect the righteousness of God. In anger, we shout out hurtful words, and bitterness stirs up jealousy in our hearts. Anger pushes people away from us; they lack respect for us and begin to think poorly of our character. We understand this is not a reflection of God, and we must take our emotions to Him before we hurt people.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we become angry throughout our lifetime. Please forgive us for our outbursts and teach us to stop allowing anger to control our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
Priorities, Priorities!
Frances Taylor
Does Jesus really want us to believe that our enemies are our parents, children, family or friends? Somehow, I don't think so! It is really about priorities. Have you ever chosen to watch a sports program when your child wanted to talk to you? What about not sitting at the table for meals because a special game is on? We are called on to make choices all the time. We can choose God, or we can choose other. Is that late night party worth missing church? We can talk all we want about being too busy, but the truth is that we find the time for what we want to do. I love to read, knit, spend time with my friends and I hate doing the laundry, dishes, vacuuming, but it all needs to be done. I would rather pick up a good book than exercise. I can say that I am "too busy" to do the things I don't enjoy doing, but the truth is, I choose to spend my time in other ways. The same is true about putting God first. A friend that is always put last doesn't ...
Night Prayer
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
Inspiration
We often blame God for struggles in our lives. We feel that He does not care for us or isn't all-powerful. We ask why He isn't parting seas or moving mountains for us. Sometimes, it's tempting to blame God and stop trusting Him altogether. God does not tempt us to reject Him, and struggles occur because we live in an imperfect world. God uses our hardships to grow closer to us by strengthening our character and faith. We will not blame Him for our difficulties. Instead, we will continue to praise His name and rest peacefully in His loving arms.
Prayer
Dear God, we struggle daily in this imperfect world. You are our hope in the darkness, and we will continue to lean on Your everlasting arms in comfort and peace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
