Devotion
There is only the word of God
David Jacobs
There are times when we feel like we have been stripped of everything we love. It is in these times that we must remember that having faith in Christ is what truly makes us wealthy. When I was growing up, hearing different interpretations of the scripture made me question if I was truly following the word of God. I felt "empty". It is in the Book of Revelation where we can turn to remember that "he that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death" (Revelation 2:10). By listening to the word of Christ, and not those who use his name to promote their own ideas, we can avoid the tribulations that come from following the word of heretics.
We should expect our churches to follow the word and teachings of Christ. While there are certainly examples of institutions that misrepresent the fundamentals of Christianity, as followers of God, we need to remember that ultimately our devotion is to him. When I was overwhelmed by different people telling me how to properly be a Christian, it was in the scripture I found the courage to only follow the word of God, and comfort in my own interpretations of what it meant to be a true follower of the Lord.
Prayer
With the amount of information and news we are bombarded with on a daily basis, it is necessary for all of us to take a step back and question the validity of what we are hearing. Revelation 2:9-17 warns us of those who pretend to be someone they are not to try and persuade us to act against our better judgment.
Night Prayer
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
Inspiration
When a king rules with fairness and justice, his kingdom will flourish. If the same king accepts gifts or bribes, his kingdom will fall. We've all observed a person in a leadership position who acted wrongfully. Perhaps a boss did not discipline employees fairly, or a political leader accepted kickbacks for legislation decisions. These corrupt actions lead to their demise. Scripture advises leaders to maintain justice with fair decision-making. As leaders, we must reflect on the mercy and grace God shows to us and lead others in the same fashion.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for coaching us in our leadership endeavors. We have faith in Your Words and will lead Your people accordingly. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Devotion
The Widow of Naim
Frances Taylor
This story of Jesus' raising the son of the widow of Naim gives us some information that lets us know just how important it was for this widow. At that time, women had no way to earn a living. They were property of their parents until they became property of their husbands, and actually moved into the home of the husband. Now that this widow's son had died, she had no one to take care of her. The compassion that Jesus showed meant life to that widow. I'm sure the leaders weren't too happy that the power of God to raise someone from the dead rested in Jesus. There must also have been those who were saying, "Why her and not me?" We all will die and we will all lose someone we love including those of us who have and will lose children. We can easily read this passage and question. It can be difficult to understand God's plan for us, even though we keep trying. It is better to concentrate on the positive than the negative. A priest I once knew lost ...
