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.
Devotion
The Important Things
Frances Taylor
What is important to you? This proverb tells us what is necessary if finding knowledge of God is what we are searching for. When this is compared to the search for silver or hidden treasures, we see how diligently the search should be. What we need to do first is to listen to God's word and to keep the commandments. If we look for wisdom with an understanding heart, we are on our way to finding God. But it seems as if not all roads will lead to this knowledge because we need discernment, we need to judge whether we are following the right path and with this comes understanding If we look carefully at this passage what we find is basically the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The only things missing are fortitude or courage, and reverence or piety. We know today that these gifts are there for us if we choose to ask the Spirit for them. They are there for us from the moment of our baptism. These gifts are there for more than just the knowledge of God, ...
Morning Prayer
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Inspiration
Wickedness and anxiety can be crippling for any person, and fear is the primary cause of it: fear of meeting others, failure, not living up to expectations, saying the wrong thing, and death. God loves us. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. " (2 Timothy 1:7) With God ever behind us, our anxieties can melt away. Our fear shall be changed to love. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear. " (1 John 4:18) Believe in God, for all things are possible through him!
Prayer
Deliver me from evil my Lord! I will praise thy name! I aim to know thee and know that you will know my heart and thoughts. Lead me away from temptation merciful God, and lead me towards the path of the way everlasting. I submit myself to you, in any way that you see fit to use...
