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.
Devotion
Faith
Frances Taylor
One of the main ingredients of faith is trust. Trust that what we have been told is true. Trust is learned very early in life. As infants we need to experience so many different things in order for us to learn If a parent comes when we cry, feeds us when we're hungry, changes us when we need it, and soothes us when we don't even know what's wrong, we learn to trust. Of course the opposite is also true. As we grow, we trust that what that parent tells us can be trusted and if the parent teaches us about God, we come to believe. When we trust, we are open to faith. We trust our teachers to teach truth; we have faith – trust – in those who we depend on to take care of our plumbing, electricity, etc. All of this makes it easier to have faith in God. To believe in the words of the Bible, and believe that all that Jesus taught us is true. Faith helps us get through every day of our lives, in the small things and in the major events of our lives. I really don't ...
Morning Prayer
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Inspiration
All thine heart. . . soul. . . might. Have you given ALL of your heart, soul, and might to something before? What about just one of those 3 things? Imagine how powerful and good your effort and achievement would be with just one of those things. Combine the efforts of all 3 and it is a recipe for everlasting life.
Prayer
Lord, I want to love you with all my heart, soul, and might. I must love you with all my heart, soul, and might. When my faith wavers my God, strengthen my love and will to know you. I will leave everything else to you, my strength and my redeemer. In your name I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
Inspiration
Social media is often a platform for boasting, and we must be mindful to guard our hearts by asking God for peace and guidance. Bitterness erupts as we observe the corrupt becoming successful. Often, we unintentionally compare our lives and begin to think more highly of ourselves or completely lose confidence. The Devil enjoys testing our feelings in this manner. Boasting occurs in any setting such as work, school, church, or even the grocery store. We cling to God as we find ourselves in these settings and ask for guidance and protection, and we will not fall prey to jealousy or unnecessary condemnation from others.
Prayer
Dear God, help us to overlook the boasts of others and protect our hearts from the Devil as he attempts to ignite bitterness and jealousy within our hearts. In Jesus' name, Amen.
