Devotion
Follow Me
Frances Taylor
Boy, are we just like the people in Jesus' day! We say we will follow Jesus, but we put it off with all kinds of excuses! I need to work; my kids are in sports; I'll do it when I'm older. I don't have time right now for you, Jesus, but the day will come when I will have time. Imagine how that works with our earthly relationships! There's an old song called "Cat's in the Cradle" that talks about a father who doesn't have time for his son while the son is growing up and only realizes what he has done when he retires and the son now has no time for him. The good news is that Jesus will always have time for us no matter how long it takes for us to wake up and make room for him in our lives. But think of what we miss! We can miss years, or in some cases, a lifetime, of knowing that Jesus has our back – he will always be there to help and guide us. His grace will be there to keep us from making some pretty terrible mistakes. All we need to do is follow him. In one of the classes we had this spring, the video instructor explained that the "yoke" that Jesus asks us to take for our own, is not a burdensome piece of wood that keeps us tied to the plow, but rather, a point of view. Jesus asks us to view life as he did – working for justice, in communion with one another, always connected to the God who made us. Yes, it can be difficult at times because the world is always pulling us in all directions, but with the grace of God, we can do it. What has happened when you didn't follow Jesus? I know that in my life, that's when I was on my knees begging God to get me out of the mess I made. In the long run, life is actually easier when we give in, let go of the excuses, and just follow Jesus.
Prayer
Lord, my desire is to follow you, to answer your call, but I am not like the apostles who dropped everything to follow. I often let the cares of my world get in the way. Give me the graces I need to make this year a better one as your disciple. Amen.
Night Prayer
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Inspiration
Most of us don’t give ants much consideration. We view them as pests to be swept aside or crushed when they show up in inconvenient times and places. But if we observe their actions, we see not only that ants are tireless workers who accomplish a great deal, but that they do so by working together in community to accomplish even greater things than each could do on their own.
Prayer
God, I never cease to be amazed by the complexity and wonder of Your creation. Even the ants reveal Your thoughtfulness. Thank You for turning my attention to them, so that I may learn from them. Lord, help me to use my gifts to serve You and Your kingdom. And help me to maintain unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ so that we may do great things together for Your name’s sake. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Morning Prayer
O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.
Inspiration
It is good to hear the word of the LORD. It is also good to read your Bible on your own, but that cannot replace hearing God's word. That is one of the many reasons that it is important to go to Church and hear the word preached. This scripture has so much emotion and emphasis. As though they were already saying God's word, but they weren't listening, so now they are trying to gain their attention.
Prayer
LORD, Your word is magnificent. Thank You for giving us Your word. Thank You for preserving it from generation to generation and having it translated so that more and more people can know Your word. I thank You that I have a Bible to read, and I pray for those who don't. Bless me with a thirst and hunger for Your word so that I cannot get enough of it. In Jesus' name, who is the Word. Amen.
Night Prayer
For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.
Inspiration
Sometimes, we are terrified to speak to large groups, or even get into conversations about difficult or important matters. We’re are afraid of embarrassing ourselves or being misunderstood. But we have the assurance that where God calls us to speak, whether to multitudes or one-on-one, He doesn’t leave us unequipped. When we seek His wisdom, He provides us the words we need when we need them by the power of His Spirit.
Prayer
Lord, You have connected me to the people around me for a reason. You have filled me with Your truth and built me up in Your word. I ask that when You call me to speak Your truth, whenever and wherever that may be, that You would put the words in my mouth. Use my voice, so that all of my words may honor You and lead others to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
