Devotion
Who do you look up to?
David Jacobs
Comparing myself to my parents and other people that I looked up to often made me feel like a failure. It took me much longer to start a family than my parents, and this was tied somewhat to my constant comparison of my own potential children to my parent's children. What if I was not as good a parent as they were? How could I cope with that?
I later learned that this was a foolish line of thinking. Having good role models to compare and emulate is incredibly valuable. Without them, it is very hard to understand the process involved with getting to where you want to go.
Out of all the people that we could compare ourselves to, who would be the most difficult to live up to? The answer is Christ, of course. However, attempting to emulate the Son of God is surely the best person we could ever aspire to be. We also have the Holy Scriptures to guide us, the word of God and teachings of Jesus to assist us along our spiritual path. We will surely never be as sinless and good as Christ, but there is no better person to compare ourselves to and aspire to be.
Prayer
My Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. I thank you, O Lord, for showing me the way; the way to a righteous path; the way to your heavenly kingdom. Grant me the courage and wisdom to walk that path, for each step is a victory as I get closer to you. I pray this in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Devotion
False Teaching
Frances Taylor
Unfortunately, Christianity is fractured today. It does not have the oneness that Jesus called for at the Last Supper. However, I don't believe that the leaders who are responsible for the different branches of Christianity did it for unholy reasons. But we have all seen those who misuse Scripture and quote it to support their own agenda. There have been those who abused their influence for money or fame and who promote division instead of unity. Today, there are ecumenical groups in practically every city or town that plan combined services both religious and those that promote social justice. It is not in God's plan that we continue to fight over which is the "right" or "only" way to God. It is in God's plan that we work together to find common ground. Unity does not mean uniformity. If we look around the world, all Christian denominations celebrate their faith in different ways. I have been to Lutheran services in the U.S. and also in Tanzania and...
Morning Prayer
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Inspiration
In the context of this passage, the leaders under consideration may also be our ministers, pastors, priests; all those men and women who serve God at the head of our churches, chapels and charities. God wishes us not only to be obedient to him, but also to those within his fellowship who have dedicated their lives to following his words and wisdom. For in order to be truly wise, we ought to also know that knowledge does not spring from oneself alone, but in knowing when to listen, especially to leaders who know the word of Christ inside out, who have spent their lives and careers devoted to understanding his salvation.
Prayer
God on High, my Lord and my Savior. Let me serve you Lord, and all those who do your bidding in your name. Show me wisdom in ...
