Devotion
The poor work so the rich may live
David Jacobs
The income gap is a problem that has not gone away. It has existed as long as modern civilization. Today, the 8 richest people in the world have the same amount of wealth as the poorest's 50 percent. Read that again! There is a growing and dangerous concentration of wealth in the modern world. If a small number of people control so much wealth and power, what does that mean for the rest of us?
As I previously stated, this problem has existed as long as civilization. In these verses, the people of Judah are rising up against those in power. They go to Nehemiah, demanding that something should be done. The wealthy have taxed the people so heavily that some of the working class must sell their children to slavery! The people of Israel have escaped slavery from other nations several times already in the Old Testament, but now they must deal with it from their own people!
Nehemiah goes to the nobles and rulers and demands that things change. It seems that the Babylonian exile may have changed the way the rulers thought about their own brethren and more importantly, it seems that they have stopped fearing the Lord their God. The strong words of Nehemiah change that, and the working people no longer suffer as before.
Prayer
Imagine if the wealthiest on earth could listen to the similar logic: Oh! How the world would change for better! We must remain steadfast and focus not on the wealth of this world, but on the bounty of riches that await us, devotees of Christ, if we follow the path of Christ. Unlike the wealthiest in Nehemiah's time and now, the meek shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). Thanks be to God!
Devotion
A Young Witness
Frances Taylor
Paul is giving Timothy both encouragement and instruction. Timothy is obviously young, but he has been chosen to preach. He is told, however, to be a good example of Christianity. Paul knows that the people will be watching him. He is also told to study as well as to encourage and to teach. We have been called to be disciples because of our Baptism. We too must be good examples of the Christianity we proclaim. It doesn't matter if we are young or old, we are expected to imitate Christ in our way of life, in how we show love to one another and by our moral choices. We are also expected to grow in our knowledge of the faith by reading the Scriptures, and to encourage others to be faithful and to teach others by word and example. We should never stop learning! I'm constantly amazed by how much I have forgotten of what I have read. And I am also surprised that a passage I have read many times before now has a different meaning to me. That's because ...
Morning Prayer
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
Inspiration
Pride is one of the so called 'seven deadly sins', and with good reason. Arrogance in ones own importance over others is vain, and angers God. There is nothing that may rival Gods heights and power, and yet, he shows no arrogance. No nation, no group, no person is 'number one'. With true faith and love in ones heart, all are equal in the eyes of our Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your love for all of us. I know you have made me in your image, so allow me not to choose falsely and fall into arrogance or vanity, but rather seek humility in all I do and may accomplish with your guidance. For all I have and all I will ever do, I know is so only because it is granted by you. O Heavenly Father, hallowed by your name. Amen.
Night Prayer
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
Inspiration
Often, we speak before we have to opportunity to think about our words. In the heat of the moment, we immediately express negative feelings without analyzing the situation first. We jump to conclusions when directing meetings and speak in haste with our children before evaluating all sides. As leaders in any setting, we must be tactful and make decisions by weighing all details. Instead of expressing emotions with our authority, we must seek to mediate justly and reflect the mercy of God with our decision-making.
Prayer
Dear Lord, Please forgive us when we jump to conclusions and fail to lead with mercy and grace. Guide us to reflect Your character when You place us in a position of authority. In Jesus' name, Amen.
