Devotion
The Grass is always greener on the other side . . . or is it?
David Jacobs
As the title of this devotion suggests, people sometimes selfishly consider the short-term benefits rather than thinking for the long-term. A good friend of mine married a woman that he did not love. He came from a fairly poor family and his soon-to-be wife, who he had known for only a few months and had shown little loyalty to him, came from an extremely wealthy family. He was unable to think of her in any other way: a ticket out of poverty and towards a better life. Once he got it, however, he realized that was not the life he wanted at all. He had worked hard to get what he had, and his parents had done the same and treated him well. The opposite was true of his wife, and disagreements between her family eventually led to their divorce.
In Genesis 13, Lot defies the desires of Abram and God, choosing to settle in Jordan. The grass was literally greener in Jordan, with abundant sources of water and a path to a potentially easier life. However, he turned a blind eye to the wicked and sinful ways of the men of Sodom, deciding to settle there regardless. Eventually, Lot loses everything when Sodom is destroyed. If he had listened to the urges of God and Abram, his ancestors would turn to salt. Unfortunately, his family is turned into the dust of the earth in the end. Open your heart, go to the Lord, and follow God's path. He is a light at your feet and will not lead you astray. The pastures in Heaven are greener than any we can imagine.
Prayer
My God, my Shepherd, I will follow you to the ends of the earth. Heaven and earth are full of your glory, and I shout your praises from the highest mountains. Strengthen my heart so that I learn to trust and put my faith in you at all times. You have not led me astray, and I know you never will. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. 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 ...
