Devotion
I hate …..words Jesus never said
David Jacobs
One of my earliest memories is a sad one. I do not remember all of the details, but I must have been about 4 years old at the time. I got into an argument with my mother, and for some reason, I snapped. My mother is the best woman I have ever met in my life. A better mom doesn't exist. In my moment of childish rage, I told her that I hated her, and went up to my room to cry.
Even today, I look back on this event and feel sad. I asked my mother about it and she didn't remember so it wasn't as important to her I suppose. Even as a 4-year old, I was spewing and spreading hate. If I at such a young age can do it, think about how much it happens on earth.
If you claim to hate anyone and love God, you are a hypocrite. Christ does not tolerate those that hate, teaching about how we should treat even our worst enemies. You can look to the Old Testament, of course, and find examples of God showing favor to some people and hating others, but that all changed when his son, Christ, was born. With Christ's birth we were all something new, including God.
Prayer
There are no instances of Christ spreading hate, and we should try to follow his lead. If we all do this, the word will disappear, and a new world will appear.
Night Prayer
Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
Inspiration
God calls us to love all people, even our enemies. But He especially calls us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our love for one another is what sets us apart as God’s children. And when we need to rebuke our neighbor, love demands that we do so plainly, and without enmity. For our goal is not to condemn, but to heal and restore.
Prayer
God, I am thankful for the people that You have placed in my life. My church family has been a blessing and a source of strength to me. Help me to grow in my love for them so that we may reflect You even more. And when words of rebuke are needed, give me the grace to speak Your truth in love, for the good of Your people and the sake of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Devotion
We Are Reconciled
Frances Taylor
From the beginning of human sinfulness, humanity needed to be reconciled with God. But what human was perfect enough to take away the guilt of so many? Only a human being who was also divine could accomplish this. God promised a Savior, but no one expected that the Savior would be the Son of God who took on our flesh, become one of us so that we might be redeemed. We certainly don't deserve this gift as each one of us has sinned. We continually go against God's law and then get into a cycle of repentance, being forgiven, promising to change – which we do for a little while – and then start the cycle all over again. If God has reconciled all people to himself, what right do we have to refuse to reconcile with others who have offended us? Forgiveness is not always easy especially when we are hurt by those who are closest to us, family members or close friends. We all are aware of families torn apart, neighborhoods in turmoil and even nations ...
Morning Prayer
Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
Inspiration
Martha knew Christ's power to keep alive and to heal even those on a death bed, but she did not yet know his power to give life to one already dead. Her faith was hard pressed by the death of her brother, but it was there and real. Jesus would strengthen her faith and grow it by a powerful display when he raised dead Lazarus by a simple command.
Prayer
O God of resurrection power, you give life or take life as you please, for it is all in your power and authority to do so. There is no situation too bleak for you reverse it and turn it into a great display of your power and glory. Strengthen my faith, Lord, and let me not doubt you. Amen.
