Devotion
Taking baby steps
David Jacobs
I have two children: a son and a daughter. My son was quite cautious as a child, thinking before he moved, pondering any potential dangers that he might encounter. My daughter, on the other hand, was afraid of nothing. She bounded into rooms with the fervor of a small monster, taking her bumps and bruises along the way. It was fascinating to me that two siblings, only a few years apart, raised by the same people in the same house, could have such unique behaviors at a young age. The same is true for Christians.
Learning to walk with Christ is easier said than done. If you are reading this, that is a good step. More than anything, you must maintain a strong faith in Christ. As Paul says in these verses, he may not be with the Colossians physically, but he is there in spirit, for their faith in Christ, unites them. We may receive Christ early in our journey, bounding through the room like my daughter, but our faith cannot stop there. The Christian path never ceases, and whether you exhibit the calculating and methodical approach to walking like my son, or the youthful passion and energy of my daughter, there are a number of paths that lead to the Heavenly Kingdom. One must remember that the path never ends. It is a lifetime journey, and we must walk continuously, constantly striving to be better in the eyes of the Lord.
Prayer
What was your first step on your journey with Christ? Perhaps more importantly, what was your biggest step and when did you walk most closely with God?
Night Prayer
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Inspiration
Though we're all aware of the potentially positive aspects of education, of work, and of being proactive, with these words Jesus does two things: He reminds us of how important we are to God, and He invites us to acquire a different perspective of our work. He's not saying to stop working, but He is literally saying that if we think our job success is fundamentally equivalent to securing the payment of our bills each month, then we have the 'cart before the horse'. Our job is not synonymous with security, nor does it prove God's love. God’s promise to provide for us does! Truth.
Prayer
Lord, it must sadden You to see us sometimes trust more in our education and employment than we do in You. I am trying to understand the balance between my responsibility and Your provision. Give me wisdom, I ...
Devotion
Two Apostles
Frances Taylor
This weekend we celebrated the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, two men who were called by Christ to go out and bring the Good News to the world. Two very different men, called in different ways.
Peter was once a disciple of John the Baptist who was directed by John to follow Jesus. Paul was against this man Jesus who was, in his mind, turning people away from God. Yet we have benefitted from the preaching and teaching of them both. Peter is the "Rock" upon whom Jesus built his church and Paul is the Apostle to the Gentiles, the non-Jews, who might never have heard about Jesus as their Savior. They each had different stories of conversion – Paul's considerably more dramatic! They had different styles, different communities of believers, but they had one purpose – to preach Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead.
Jesus, the Messiah and Lord sent to save the world from death due to sin and to open the gates of heaven to all who would believe. Just ...
Morning Prayer
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Inspiration
A mother is a blessing to her family. Mothers are known to be the glue that holds the family together – after Christ, that is. If you have been privileged enough to have a loving and dedicated mother, take time out to appreciate her or thank God for her. If, unfortunately, you have not, thank God for the women in your life who filled that gap. God is also able to fill that gap in your life, and heal you from any hurt or pain you may have suffered as a result of losing your mother or having a mother who did not show much care.
Prayer
Dear God, I just want to pray for all the mothers in the world. Lord, I know how tough it can be being a mom. I pray that you comfort them in times where they need comfort, strengthen them when the going gets tough, and may you bless them abundantly for their love, care and ...
