Devotion
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask!
Frances Taylor
Today's gospel gives us two very different approaches to getting help. Jairus tells Jesus about his daughter and asks for help. The woman with the hemorrhages has faith that Jesus can heal her but doesn't ask – just touches his cloak. Makes you wonder why. Was she afraid that he would say "no?" We will never know. But, what do these examples tell us? First of all, don't be afraid to ask Jesus for help. He knows our struggles, our dreams, our sorrows. He had them too. There are some who think that God is somehow punishing them when bad things happen but our readings today tell us that this is not true. Yes, some of the things that happen to us are consequences of the decisions we have made, but they are not punishments. If we get into an accident while speeding, or get a ticket for it, it is not God punishing us. We are responsible. If we, or someone we love, gets sick or dies, it is not God's punishing us or them. When a child is born with disabilities, it is not the God punishing the parents. God did not make death nor does he wish for us to suffer. Death and suffering are part of the human condition from the time of Adam and Eve. Many times, Jesus tells us to ask for help, and to persevere in our prayers and petitions. The request line to God will never give us a busy signal and Jesus is waiting for our call.
Prayer
Gracious God, you are always there waiting for our call whenever we need help. Let us be more like Jairus, knowing the Jesus knows our needs and only needs to hear from us. 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.
