Devotion
Let God dwell in your heart
David Jacobs
There is a song by Billy Joel called "The Stranger" that I always really liked. The lyrics of the song discuss how everyone wears masks at times, some for strangers, some for lovers, some for family, and some for ourselves. We wear these masks so often that it can start to get difficult to understand who we really are, because we are always acting in a different way depending on the company we are with. It made me reflect on my own life and how I act in different settings: with family, my wife, friends, at church, and when I am alone. Why do I act differently depending on the circumstance? Why can't I just be myself?
In these verses, we read that Christ dwells in the faithful hearts. Through our faith in God, the need to hide and masquerade as someone else is removed. Through our relationship with Christ we can grow to be more confident, knowledgeable, and understand that we are full of the positive energy of God. We have been built in the likeness of our Lord, why should we hide what is deep within? Would God make us in His image and not be pleased with what He made?
The last verses serve as a reminder that we are but humble servants to the Lord. No matter how high we climb, no matter how much we achieve, we are still lowly children in comparison to God. Why hide from others when we know that we are all lowly children? Shed your mask and let the power of Christ that dwells inside you gush out.
Prayer
Lord God, the most almighty! I am a lowly servant, begging to do your bidding. Any opportunity I have to be more like you I relish, and thank you for all the gifts and positive attributes that you have bestowed on me. This day, as all days, I long to worship you, to take off my mask, and be more like your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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.
