Devotion
Kingdoms of man destroyed;
kingdoms of God , everlasting
David Jacobs
So many countries and empires have risen and fallen but at their height thought that their reigns would never end. In hindsight they may seem so foolish, but at the time, who could blame them for thinking this? Even today, certain global powers expect to be on top forever, but once they start thinking like this is usually about the time they start declining. "18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)
Assyria was a dominant force in the Middle East, conquering any nation that opposed them. Here, Hezekiah appeals to the Lord, praying to Him and asking them to be protected. Not much needs to be said about this prayer. It is beautiful and simple, sincere and powerful. Read and comprehend the meaning, and go forward with a better understanding of God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, ruler of Heaven and Earth, creator of Heaven and Earth, your humble servant comes to you in prayer. Father, I ask that you forgive those that think they are on the same level as you. I know, and all will know, that you are the one true God. I pray that you keep us safe in these uncertain times, my Lord, calming the hearts of those who wish to see others perish. I pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Devotion
Culpability
Frances Taylor
This is an interesting passage because, among other things, it talks about sin and who is considered guilty of sin. Paul is talking about how he has been forgiven, how God has been merciful to him because his actions were committed in unbelief. In order for sin to be committed, one needs to know he is committing it. No one can commit sin in retrospect. Sin is always a deliberate act. This can be hard for some to understand. Actions can be considered sinful, even though the person committing them may not be culpable. For example, lying is a sin. However, is the two year old hiding behind the curtains sinning when he or she claims not to have broken the vase? No, because the child has no understanding of the difference between truth and lie. Those who do not have a relationship with God, who do not know the commandments, who have never heard of Jesus, may commit sinful actions, but are not guilty of sin. This is what Paul claims is his situation. Paul ...
Morning Prayer
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, ) full of grace and truth.
Inspiration
When the Lord sent his only Son, he sent also his word. For his body was this very word made flesh. Importantly this was not simply a manifestation of God's word, but also rather an 'animation' of it (meant here in the original Latin as 'animare' –'to instill with life or spirit'), an instance of God's love and divine grace in action, among us.
Prayer
Lord, I am grateful for your mercy in showing us your word made flesh so that we may be redeemed. Further, I am grateful to you for showing us your love and grace through your only begotten son. Let his body not have been torn and broken for no avail, but feed us now in the Eucharist. Let not his blood have...
