Devotion
Get Behind Me, Satan
Frances Taylor
In today's passage, Peter is trying to prevent Jesus from doing anything that will bring about his suffering and death. Peter is putting up a roadblock. We can all be guilty of that at times, or we can listen to others who put up roadblocks for us. What do I mean? Doing the right thing can be unpopular. Sometimes it means going beyond our comfort zone, reaching out in order that others might have the same advantages we take for granted. Sometimes it means preventing someone we care about from doing what is dangerous or illegal. There are times when we have to choose to support others, even when it might mean they are putting themselves in harm's way. My sister volunteered at a literacy center while she was in college even though it meant working in a neighborhood that was known for its violence. People volunteer today to travel to the poorest parts of the world in order that people learn how to stay healthy, have an education, have shelter and clean food and water. Most of us are not called to missionary work in other countries, or even in the poorer areas of our own country. But all of us are called to support those who are in whatever ways we can, and we are expected to be witnesses to the love of God. That could mean something as simple as not choosing sports over church, treating others in the workplace or school with kindness, choosing to get to know the new worker, fellow student, family. It's not too late to make a New Year's resolution to not be a roadblock in the lives of others, but a beacon that shows the way to Christ.
Prayer
Lord, may I never be a stumbling block to another's desire to please you, and never let fear be a reason for not following your will for me. Amen.
Night Prayer
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Inspiration
Christ's words are everlasting. Though kingdoms around us rise and fall, the Kingdom of God reigns forever. We have faith in every word spoken by our Lord and Savior because He is trustworthy, dependable, and will never break a promise. His promise of salvation brings us hope and happiness; Christ's message is more precious because it is eternal. We are delighted to serve our heavenly Father and will continue to praise Him for His love and dedication.
Prayer
Dear God, You are the beginning and end. We trust Your Word because You have repeatedly proven Your unconditional love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
False Gods
Frances Taylor
Moses spent forty days and forty nights on the mountain and the people were frightened. Okay, God had performed many feats of power in Egypt to get Pharaoh to let them leave. He blocked the chariots of Pharaoh's army so that they could escape, he dried up the water so that they could reach dry land, fed them with manna and fowl in the desert so they wouldn't go hungry and they promised to obey God's commandments, and now they were worshipping a golden calf. What had God not done that they didn't trust him? We can look at them and say that they were fools, but they could probably look at us and say the same. When we remember all that God has done for us, why don't we trust him? Now we don't go out and carve an idol out of gold, or even wood, but we do manage to find idols just the same. Sometimes the idol is ourselves because we feel that we are the only one we can trust. For some the idol is money which people think can solve all the problems of the ...
Morning Prayer
To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Inspiration
What Jesus Christ did through his death on the cross and his resurrection is something that humans cannot understand. Only God has the wisdom to understand. Yet, it is through our faith that this is real and true that we are saved. The crux of our salvation lies in believing in something only God truly knows. The glory of this mystery will be revealed to us in eternity.
Prayer
Dear God, your works are too amazing to comprehend. As humans, our earthly wisdom is not enough to understand Jesus' death and resurrection, but I believe it is true. As creator of the universe, I know you can do far more than I can imagine. Your ways are not like our ways. While I am living in my earthly home, give me the wisdom I need to share my faith with others in a way that they will understand. In Jesus' name, amen.
