Devotion
By what power have you done this?
David Jacobs
I was involved in a physical altercation between two strangers that ended up with me getting in a bit of legal trouble. I was walking home in a busy part of the city where I was living when I noticed a large crowd in front of me. Everyone was watching something, and as I grew closer, I could hear two persons shooting. Suddenly I could see what the commotion was about: a man and a woman were arguing about something, and it appeared that he had hit her several times. I did not know these people, and I, and everyone else around me, hoped that the man would stop considering so many people were watching. Unfortunately, he did not stop, and I could not watch it continue. I was physically much larger than the man, so I came up behind him and took him to the ground. I held him there until the police arrived, and they took him away. However, because I was involved in the dispute and the man said I had hurt him, I also had to go to the station.
In that story, I knew there was a chance that there would be repercussions for my physical actions against a stranger. Luckily nothing happened to me, but there was a possibility. In the verses above, Peter and John are justifiably upset: in chapter 4 of Acts, they are arrested for healing the hand of a beggar outside of the temple. The priests asked Peter and John, "by what power, or by what name, have ye done this?" (Acts 4:7) They had had enough of this situation, knowing that they had done no wrong, boldly exclaiming that they were devotees of Christ, the man who they had killed. After learning that they were Disciples of Christ, Peter and John were freed.
Everybody has their limits. We must consider the meaning of our limits, however, making sure that they are in line with the teachings of Christ. They may not always be in accordance with the laws of nations, but we must remain loyal and obedient to the most noble power of all: God.
Prayer
Lord my Heavenly Father, grant me the strength to carry forward your word to those who need it most. Help settle my boundaries in accordance with your word, so that I do not overstep and assume to know on your behalf. Forgive those that know not of your teachings, and give me the courage to stand in front of them, proclaiming that you are the one true God. Amen.
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 ...
