Night Prayer
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Inspiration
If we say we believe God, but still choose our own way, does our belief mean anything? If we say we trust God but still keep Him out of our decisions, do we really trust Him? If we profess to love God but fail to love our neighbor, is our love for God genuine? Our works will never earn our salvation, but genuine saving faith will compel good works, proving our salvation as the living Spirit works through us.
Prayer
Lord, I love You, believe You, and trust You. Thank You for calling me to faith and imparting me with salvation and righteousness. Empower me to live in Your righteousness so that my works may testify to Your saving power as my faith carries me past all doubt, fear, and failure. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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 ...
