Morning Prayer
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Inspiration
Here we see Paul encouraging Timothy to not neglect the gift that is in him. Paul is reminding him to use his gifts for God. Likewise, we should all remember to use our gifts for God. He has given each of us gifts, talents, and skills, all of which can be used to glorify Him. Each of us have many different talents. God made each of us unique and we can glorify Him in unique ways. There is not only one way to glorify God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts you have given me. Remind me to use my gifts, skills, and assets for Your glory. Don't let me glorify myself with them. My life and gifts belong to You. You instilled them in me, and for You they will be used. You make good gifts. You are a mighty God and worthy of praise. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Devotion
Culpability
Frances Taylor
This is an interesting passage because, among other things, it talks about sin and who is considered guilty of sin. Paul is talking about how he has been forgiven, how God has been merciful to him because his actions were committed in unbelief. In order for sin to be committed, one needs to know he is committing it. No one can commit sin in retrospect. Sin is always a deliberate act. This can be hard for some to understand. Actions can be considered sinful, even though the person committing them may not be culpable. For example, lying is a sin. However, is the two year old hiding behind the curtains sinning when he or she claims not to have broken the vase? No, because the child has no understanding of the difference between truth and lie. Those who do not have a relationship with God, who do not know the commandments, who have never heard of Jesus, may commit sinful actions, but are not guilty of sin. This is what Paul claims is his situation. Paul ...
Morning Prayer
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, ) full of grace and truth.
Inspiration
When the Lord sent his only Son, he sent also his word. For his body was this very word made flesh. Importantly this was not simply a manifestation of God's word, but also rather an 'animation' of it (meant here in the original Latin as 'animare' –'to instill with life or spirit'), an instance of God's love and divine grace in action, among us.
Prayer
Lord, I am grateful for your mercy in showing us your word made flesh so that we may be redeemed. Further, I am grateful to you for showing us your love and grace through your only begotten son. Let his body not have been torn and broken for no avail, but feed us now in the Eucharist. Let not his blood have...
