Devotion
Beauty In simplicity
David Jacobs
Have you ever had to call a customer service line for one reason or another? I was on a flight when the plane had to make an emergency landing due to inclement weather. People were understandably panicked, but when we got to the airport, we realized that this landing was only the beginning of our problems. Every flight at the biggest airport in the world had been cancelled, so now everyone was waiting in line and on the phone trying to make other arrangements. Needless to say, it took ages, and every time I called customer service, they seemed to have no interest in listening to another angry customer.
This is not the same as it is with God. God works around the clock, waiting on the other end for us to call. If we knock, the door will be opened, if we ask, He will answer. If we seek His counsel, He will listen, and it is up to us to listen swiftly and speak softly, considering the words and questions that we come to Him and others with deliberately. If we call upon God, He will save us. As David says, evening, morning, noon, God answers whenever we ask for Him. If only the airline had that kind of service!
Prayer
God in Heaven, maker of heaven and earth, I am so comforted knowing that I can call on you at any moment. My faith in you is strengthened knowing that whenever I pray, you listen. I will place all my cares into you, O Lord, as you have placed all of your cares into us. You are the only thing that matters to me; you and your son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Devotion
The Lost Coin
Frances Taylor
We all know the story of the lost sheep and the prodigal or lost, son, but do we remember the story of the lost coin which is sandwiched between the two in Luke's Gospel? The ten drachma were most likely the woman's dowry and very important to her. She rejoices with her friends just as Jesus tells us the angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner repenting. I hope the angels rejoice several times a day! These three parables tell us how important it is to repent, to turn our lives around and get back on the right track. I once taught in a juvenile facility where a young man told me he was bad and could never be better than he already was. He was sixteen years old! He had already given up hope. He couldn't see any way out of the life he had been leading. I tried to tell him he wasn't a bad person but had made bad choices. He couldn't believe me. I wondered how many times in his young life he had been called "bad?" I still am bothered when I hear a parent,...
Morning Prayer
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Inspiration
Though the shepherds were startled and afraid by the angel, they could hardly be blamed perhaps for not recognizing the absolute significance of the events that were coming to faithfully unfold in front of their eyes that very night. Little did it perhaps yet dawn on them what miraculous event was coming to pass. However, can we even now dare to fully comprehend the magnitude of Christ's teaching and salvation? Have you truly considered its implications for your life? Be not like the shepherds, for one has already heard their ...
Devotion
Good Brings Forth Good
Frances Taylor
And evil brings forth evil. Honest people can be trusted to be honest and dishonest people can't be trusted, because they lie. Whether we like it or not, we are judged on our actions. People are always watching us, just as we watch others, if we are honest with ourselves. It takes time to get to know people. Because of that, we watch what they do, what they say, so that we can decide how well we want to know them. We all shield ourselves from pain or misunderstanding by only revealing ourselves a little at a time. If someone is always gossiping about their friends, we wonder what they are saying about us, when we're not present. If a co-worker brings home office supplies, are you comfortable leaving your valuables around? It is only when others prove themselves trustworthy that we are willing to share ourselves with them; that we are open to bringing them into our lives. We look for the "good trees" to include in our lives, and once we ...
