Devotion
A tree that never dies
David Jacobs
I have been a negative influence on those around me at various points in my life. When I was younger, I thought that I knew everything. I rarely respected any authority, felt the rules did not apply to me, and essentially wanted to rebel against anything. As a result, the company that I kept were people that thought similarly and if they initially didn't, if we kept spending time together, we would start to change one another. Luckily, I met a woman, my wife, that snapped me back to reality, saving my life.
We are all products of our environment. If we surround ourselves with negative influences, sinners, and deceit, we will be affected by it. It happened to me, and this Psalms makes it clear the differences that positive and negative influences can have on a person, especially on their relationship to God. However, surrounded by encouragement, love and understanding, the same individual may flourish and nurture not only themselves but also those around them. Take the disciples as an example: Christ was like a fruitful and healthy tree, and his disciples flourished being near him, and they too, became trees for those around them. This psalms reminds us to be virtuous, like a healthy tree, in order to avoid transgressions.
Prayer
Dear Lord, how lucky you have made me! Thank you, generous God, for the family and friends and the care and compassion they have shown me. Help me treasure and love each and every one of them, and continue by your kindness to safeguard them from all evil and temptation. We have had a chance to live and thrive because of you, and I pray that you help me help others to enjoy the warm waters of your loving embrace. Amen.
Devotion
Yahweh Has Triumphed
Frances Taylor
I understand that sometimes people think I'm nuts, but when I'm in a hurry and the lights turn green as I get to them, I thank God. When I find a parking spot right when I need it, I thank God. I even thank God each time I finish a reflection on his word. It's a habit I developed in my youth and continue. Gratitude is a habit. The Israelites were ecstatic after walking through the sea and also very pleased that the Egyptians were prevented from following them. And so they sang in praise of God's goodness. Now, green lights and parking places are not great triumphs, but as I said, gratitude is a habit. It's easy enough to develop; all we need is the will. It begins by realizing that all is gift, all we have is from God. Even the dark times give us reason to give thanks to God because it is through God's grace that we survive the dark times. When we begin to examine the events of the day we realize where God has been, where we've recognized him...
Morning Prayer
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Inspiration
We cannot be picky when it comes to who or what we love with the Lord. If it is made with his grace, if it is filled with goodness, we ought to reserve any space we can within our heart for it. For to love delights God, for these are his creations, his gifts to us. There is already so much sin and evil in the world, lets not sully it more with following after our temptations or weaknesses, but cling rather to all that is pure and good, for these are the precious and treasured things that make our spirits endure.
Prayer
God my shepherd and Father, my savior and provider, help me see the beauty and good in all you do. Help me seek out your works and all that nourishes the spirit. Let me not neglect any part of your wondrous works, but in loving them, see them all as a path which brings me closer to understanding your grace and glory. In the name of the Father I pray, Amen.
