Devotion
The only true word
David Jacobs
In modern times, more people are losing their faith in religion, which is and was the backbone of civilization for thousands of years. Many people claim that religion is not real and that science is the path to truth. Are science and religion opponents? Science has advanced us to heights that we could have hardly imagined. Science has attempted to answer questions about existence, make our lives better, and increase our chance of survival. However, science cannot answer all questions and it does not provide a moral path to walk on. Christianity does. Science and Christianity are not opponents. They are teammates.
Many have claimed to be prophets and many of these prophets have been correct about many things. Some have been correct about most things, accurately forecasting things that seem almost impossible to predict. In these verses, a prophet comes to King Jeroboam, refuses to eat with him citing his wicked ways, and predicts that the altar shall break in half, which it does. The prophet was blessed by God early in this chapter, but makes the mistake of listening to another prophet later in the chapter. After listening to the false prophet and going against God's commands, the prophet is killed by a lion after leaving.
Think back to the state of our current world: as more people leave religion and listen to other "prophets." Has the world improved? People are more lost than ever before, turning to temptation and sin where they used to turn to God. Do not make the same mistake as the prophet in these verses!
Prayer
Continue to walk the righteous path, the path laid out by Christ, a moral path to God' Heavenly Kingdom. It is the way, the truth, and life. Thanks be to God!
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 ...
Morning Prayer
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Inspiration
Love one another; it is as simple as that. For if God demands you to honor his creation, this also includes his people. Love is not a science, it is an art that takes constant negotiation, communication, and consideration. But should we become better in this, all the better not only for this world, but also in preparing us for the next -wherein everything resides within the arms of our everlasting and loving Father.
Prayer
Lord, give us your guidance. Through Jesus' actions show us how to commit to your brotherly love and understanding, honoring one another as we break bread upon your holy sacrament and salvation. Help us treat one another as we would like to be treated ourselves, and thereafter, find lasting peace and love in giving thanks to your holy name, O Lord most high, Amen.
Devotion
Pray for Leaders
Frances Taylor
How often do you or I pray for government leaders? Paul doesn't say to pray just for the leaders we like, either. If we do want a tranquil and quiet life, we need all leaders to turn to God and work for justice for all their citizens. It's probably even more important to pray and intercede for those leaders who work against justice, than for those who are already doing the right thing. For those who are already on God's side, we should give thanks to God that they stay in leadership and continue to do God's will. The same goes for city, state, and even church leaders as well as our national and international leaders. Good leaders should be supported and others need to be held to account for their behavior. Obviously different countries have different forms of leadership, but that shouldn't stop us from praying for them. God does listen even if the answer doesn't come as quickly as we might like. In the case of democracies, we sometimes need a bad ...
