Devotion
The Shackle of Wickedness
David Jacobs
My wife's family is not Christian. They are Buddhists, and it has been a challenge for me to accept this. Her family are nice people, good people, caring people, but have been brought up with different traditions and a different religion from my family. It is a debate that I have struggled with in my head: would Jesus not allow these good people to go to Heaven?
The lives of non-believers and other religions may seem easier and less strict than the lives of a Christian. What are the core beliefs of our religion? More than anything, we are to believe that Jesus Christ's teachings are the way, the truth, and the life. We must hold his teachings close, cling to the goodness that they exude, and push away the wickedness of non-belief. Although it may sound blasphemous, much of the principle tenets of Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism are similar to our own. It is wickedness and apathy that God will judge. Apathy may seem free, but it is an apparition: without any guidance, it is the equivalent of being lost at sea. I cannot answer whether or not my wife's family will be permitted to join us in Heaven. However, I think that Christ's teachings are more about attempting to create a kingdom of heaven here on earth. That is why we must follow his word. My wife's family may not be able to go to the heavenly kingdom; I am not sure. I am sure that the evil, apathetic, and lost souls will not be permitted unless they are redeemed.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you have given us all that we need to begin building a heaven on earth, as I believe you intended by sending us your son, Jesus Christ, to teach us. Help us shape the future, molding the apathetic and evil to become your children. I pray that you do not permit me, Abba Father, to stray from your path in my vigor. Please be merciful to the good people that do not know you Lord, giving them a chance to enter your heavenly kingdom, just as you have with me. Amen.
Night Prayer
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Inspiration
Sin will enslave us and become the master of our lives if allowed. Sin binds us in darkness, and we become submissive to our fears. Jesus is a light in the dark, and we have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior. Sin has no control over us! We have repented our sinful ways and surrendered our lives to the will of God. Serving Him replaces a life of misery with joy and peace.
Prayer
Dear God, we ask forgiveness for our transgressions. We surrender our lives to You and will serve You instead of our sinful desires. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
Are You Wise or Foolish?
Frances Taylor
Today's gospel concerns a group of bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom to come and whether or not they will be prepared. Five are pretty sure that the bridegroom will show up when expected and so do the least they need to do and the other five decide that something may come up and want to be prepared just in case. What about ourselves? Whether you are sick or healthy today, you don't know what tomorrow brings.
I remember when my father was ill. He would enter the hospital, then somehow rally and be sent home. When this happens more than once, it is easy to be lulled into a sense of false security and believe that he would always rally. That kind of thinking can make it harder when the final day comes. My son rarely had a sick day in his life and yet was cut off while riding his motorcycle and was dead before he even had a chance to be afraid. It has always been my hope that both were wise and had lived their lives prepared to meet the ...
