Devotion
Live in brotherly love, not fearing man
David Jacobs
I was born in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Philadelphia is a great city, filled with passionate and hard-working people, was an important center in early American history, and is known for its tough and straightforward citizens. I love the city and always will, but there is a bit of irony in calling it the city of brotherly love. There are few places in America with a populace of sharper-tongued and strong individuals. Let's examine these verses and see how we can learn to be more in touch with our emotions by becoming more in touch with God.
Firstly, we must love one another, even strangers. Everyone is going through their own trials and tribulations. Next, marriage is the backbone of a healthy society, and is perhaps evidenced by the crumbling state of our moral codes today. We should not covet because it corrodes not only our relationships with others but also the things we already have. When we envy others, it makes us devalue what we already have and not give thanks for what the Lord has provided. Lastly, if we do all of these things, we will never be afraid of bullies, never be afraid of the sharp-tongued Philadelphians, never be afraid of our fellow men. We would live in peace, our energy would be spent giving thanks to God, living in a world of brotherly love.
Prayer
What are the characteristics of the place where you grew up? How has religion affected your home?
Devotion
The Weeds
Frances Taylor
This parable is packed with images. It was very difficult to choose just one, but after reading it over several times, I looked again at just what – or who – the weeds represent. Reading further in Matthew we see this line, "The Son of Man will send his angels and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." Those who cause others to sin! We talk a lot about peer pressure when we are talking about our youth. We warn them to stay away from friends who might get them into trouble. But what about us? Have you ever thought that you, or I, might cause others to sin? We would all like to think of ourselves as the wheat – after all, aren't we here? But what about when we're not in church? Do we laugh at dirty jokes, or tell them? Help our teens get into movies that are restricted or give into pressure and download them to watch at home? Do we overlook it when there ...
Morning Prayer
Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
Inspiration
Jesus knew what was to be in store for him after Judas sold out his name with a kiss. Yet, instead of resigning himself to desperation and doom, he instead saw the glory that would come, the glory within which his name would live on. Think; in the face of ones own defeat or impending trouble, do you cower in fear, or do you find courage in your Heavenly Father?
Prayer
Lord Almighty, grant me the strength to carry on in the face of darkness and difficulties. Grant me to courage in the face of challenges that seem insurmountable. For I know in you Lord, all things may be possible. In Jesus' name I pray and ask for grace, Amen.
Night Prayer
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Inspiration
We despise the thought of a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. The outside is easy to clean; it's the caked-up residue on the inside that's so difficult to remove. Jesus compares the scribes and Pharisees with dishes that have been wiped clean on the outside while dirty inside. The Pharisees took exceptional care of their outward appearance and neglected their inward spirits. We are guilty of allowing our hearts to be left filthy as well. We look and act as we should while our souls are full of darkness. We must continue to converse with the Holy Spirit daily and trust His guidance to cleanse our sinful nature.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive our sinful nature. We yearn for cleansing from within, so we are genuine witnesses to Your name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
