Devotion
The Great High Priest
Frances Taylor
Have you ever wondered about facing judgment at the time of your death? It can be difficult to even think about death, let alone being judged. Is there any one of us who wants to think about an alternative to being welcomed into heaven? If so, this passage from the letter to the Hebrews can give us hope. Jesus came to win salvation for us but gave us so much more. First, he gave us an example of what it is to live a fully human life, a life of love, forgiveness and compassion, a life of obedience and fidelity. He also gave us the gift of freedom from fear of God and a new image of a God who wants to be thought of as "Daddy." Jesus, our great high priest, will be the one who can understand what it means to be human with all the struggles, the fears, the challenges and the weaknesses present in our lives. Hebrews tells us that the Word of God is like a two-edged sword that divides us, opening us up and exposing our goodness as well as those less savory aspects of our lives. We are so grateful that Jesus understands us. Going back to the first question in this reflection, I like to think that I am doing God's will, that my good deeds will outweigh the not so good. But I know I can't be sure. And I feel blessed that Jesus knows me so well and can testify on my behalf when the time comes.
Prayer
Compassionate and forgiving God, I ask you to keep me on the right path and when I fail, to forgive my weakness and lead me home. Amen.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
