Devotion
What does it mean to be ‘free’?
David Jacobs
The United States of America is called "the land of the free." As someone that has spent the majority of my life living there, I have to say that it is pretty far from the truth. Although the founding fathers in the Revolutionary War times certainly fought to be free from English (as did many other countries against the Imperialists), modern American society is rife with restrictions. There are more lawyers in the city of New York than in all of China, the most populous nation on earth!
Freedom is overrated. There is a great honor in being a loyal and obedient servant, and God handsomely rewards those that are the most obedient: King David, Abraham, Jacob.
Prayer
To serve the Lord is to serve the people. The laws and word of God are not meant to restrict us, they are meant to help us. If we followed the word of God, the world would improve to an unfathomable degree. Freedom from God is not freedom at all: it is being lost, wandering the desert without a guide, unable to find the path. If you feel lost, do all that you can to find God. Seek the fellowship of other Christians and people that you trust, because together, we will create a light in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it.
Devotion
The Gift of Faith
Frances Taylor
This passage points out that faith is a gift. "No one can come to me unless the Father draw him." Faith comes from God. It is not something we do for ourselves. God plants the seed, Jesus provides all we need to let that seed develop and grow, what we need to do is use the nutrients that Jesus has provided and nurture the seed within us until it becomes a full grown plant and flowers. You see that there are two parts here. It is not enough that we have heard from the Father, it is necessary to have learned from him as well and have then turned to Jesus. Jesus is speaking here to a group of people who are having problems accepting him, and in some ways are excusing those who cannot believe. He has even asked them if his teaching had shaken their faith. Sometimes, our faith can be shaken, and like the disciples we must decide. Once the decision is made, we have further responsibilities because Jesus expects this faith that has flowered within us to ...
Morning Prayer
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Inspiration
How much has been written about the meaning of love? Paul explains what love is in this passage: not just a word, not just a feeling, an ACTION. All of the good deeds and actions that he explains are nothing without love behind them. If your actions are done out of selfishness rather than with love, you will gain nothing. Think about this the next time you do something really good for someone: was there truly love behind it?
Prayer
My heart overflows with love for you, perfect and wondrous God. I feel blessed ...
