Devotion
Rich or poor? That is the question
David Jacobs
I lived in China for a few years, and the desire for wealth there is as much as I have ever seen. A famous celebrity gained infamy for uttering these words: "I would rather be crying in the back of a BMW than smiling on the back of a bike." The urge to obtain and collect possession is an obsession, greed on of the seven deadly sins. If it is considered such a sin, how have we allowed the consumer culture that we live in to grow to the extent that it has?
Much has been forgotten and most of our society does not consider the scriptures. This is why we, as devoted followers of Christ, owe it to ourselves and to all of society to be learned and knowledgeable in the ways of the Lord.
This proverb begins praising the poor but righteous and bashing the fool that is perverse in speech. If someone speaks without knowledge, they are a fool and a sinner, wicked in the eyes of the Lord.
The last verse is most striking to me: wealth may make many friends, but the poor is separated from his neighbor.
Prayer
However, what kind of friends are attracted to wealth? Are they not using you simply for your material belongings? When trouble hits you and you need a true friend, who would you be able to rely on? Some of the most generous are the poorest, as was the case with the widow's offering in the temple (Mark 12:41-44). She may not have a BMW that she can cry in, but she will have access to the kingdom of heaven, more riches than even the wealthiest on earth can possibly imagine.She shall inherit the earth. To the wealthiest among us: where will your false friends be?
Night Prayer
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Inspiration
Sin will enslave us and become the master of our lives if allowed. Sin binds us in darkness, and we become submissive to our fears. Jesus is a light in the dark, and we have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior. Sin has no control over us! We have repented our sinful ways and surrendered our lives to the will of God. Serving Him replaces a life of misery with joy and peace.
Prayer
Dear God, we ask forgiveness for our transgressions. We surrender our lives to You and will serve You instead of our sinful desires. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
Are You Wise or Foolish?
Frances Taylor
Today's gospel concerns a group of bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom to come and whether or not they will be prepared. Five are pretty sure that the bridegroom will show up when expected and so do the least they need to do and the other five decide that something may come up and want to be prepared just in case. What about ourselves? Whether you are sick or healthy today, you don't know what tomorrow brings.
I remember when my father was ill. He would enter the hospital, then somehow rally and be sent home. When this happens more than once, it is easy to be lulled into a sense of false security and believe that he would always rally. That kind of thinking can make it harder when the final day comes. My son rarely had a sick day in his life and yet was cut off while riding his motorcycle and was dead before he even had a chance to be afraid. It has always been my hope that both were wise and had lived their lives prepared to meet the ...
