Devotion
Try Not To Judge
Frances Taylor
Would you choose to go to a doctor that you were friends with in High School? Or you had as a student if you were a teacher? Sometimes we question the abilities of people we know too well. I remember when one of my students joined the police force and I thought about all the trouble he caused! I know a priest whose friends couldn't believe he was "holy" enough. Well, today we read about the call of Levi, Matthew, the tax collector. Although Levi immediately answered the call to follow Jesus, there were a lot of raised eyebrows! Does Jesus know who he's eating with? Doesn't he know these people are sinners? Have you ever caught yourself judging the worthiness of others? I know I sometimes fail in that. But Jesus answers them by stating that he came to call sinners. Do we think that the churches should be filled with saints? Is that what we think we are? Lots of questions in this reflection but sometimes we need a wake-up call and the beginning of the year is always a good time to do this. Jesus tells us not to judge but we can't seem to help ourselves. There is a Native American saying that tells us not to judge anyone until we have walked a mile in his moccasins. It's a new year, and I'm trying for a new attitude.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for choosing to call us while we are still sinners, for choosing to save us in spite of our unworthiness. Give us the courage to follow you and the willingness to change. Amen.
Devotion
The Rejected Stone
Frances Taylor
Once I was working with a group of teenagers and had given them a project where they needed to make a picture to illustrate one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and they needed to work on it in teams. One of the teams had a young man who never wanted to get involved, didn't contribute to the class and was not particularly liked by the other kids. This day, however, his artistic ability made him the hero of the team! The team came up with such a wonderful poster that the both his attitude and that of the class towards him changed for the rest of the year. It's easy to miss something of value that's right in front of our eyes. Peter is talking to the chief priests and scribes about their ignorance of Jesus' true nature and mission. We may also overlook someone who could be a leader if we looked more closely at the individual and didn't judge on appearance. I've become a fan of applying for jobs online as long as they don't ask for a picture. Of ...
Morning Prayer
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Inspiration
Creation is currently in a fallen state, as a result of what happened at the beginning of time. It's evident in the world around us. Nature is falling apart. Human beings are crying out to be saved. All creation awaits the day Christ will return and the sons of God will be revealed – all who believed in Christ. Creation will be restored on this day, too; set free from the consequences of man's actions.
Prayer
Dear God, I truly do rejoice when I think of what is to come. I do not fear the return of your son, Jesus Christ, but I eagerly look forward to the day because I know of what a glorious time this will be. The sons of God will be revealed and all creation will be restored. What a glorious day it will be. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
Inspiration
God’s word is a precious resource for us- but only if we use it. Scripture is a firm foundation for all areas of life- family, work, and community. When we try to build these things up without the wisdom of God’s word, we are vulnerable to the shifting sands and shaky ground of human thinking and feeling. Only God’s word provides a sure foundation for our lives.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of Your word. I pray that as I read and study, You would give me wisdom to not only understand Your word but to apply it. Show me how I can use Your instructions and insights in all areas of my life so that when storms arise around me, I may remain firm in Your truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.
