Morning Prayer
Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Inspiration
When Jesus Christ rose from the dead and ascended to Heaven, he commissioned the disciples and sent them out to share his message with the world. In Antioch, Paul and Barnabas taught and preached the Word of the Lord, as well as many others. This shows us that those who believed in the resurrection followed Christ's order to share the good news to the ends of the earth. Who will you share the good news with today? Where is God calling you to teach and preach? Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you.
Prayer
Dear God, we know you have called us to share your good news, but sometimes I am hesitant because I do not feel like I can be a teacher or a preacher. Help me to remember that your disciples were ordinary men who simply chose to follow you and obey your commands. Give me the courage to share your message wherever you send me. Holy Spirit, lead me. Allow me to be your hands and feet on earth and to bring others to know you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Devotion
The Lost Coin
Frances Taylor
We all know the story of the lost sheep and the prodigal or lost, son, but do we remember the story of the lost coin which is sandwiched between the two in Luke's Gospel? The ten drachma were most likely the woman's dowry and very important to her. She rejoices with her friends just as Jesus tells us the angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner repenting. I hope the angels rejoice several times a day! These three parables tell us how important it is to repent, to turn our lives around and get back on the right track. I once taught in a juvenile facility where a young man told me he was bad and could never be better than he already was. He was sixteen years old! He had already given up hope. He couldn't see any way out of the life he had been leading. I tried to tell him he wasn't a bad person but had made bad choices. He couldn't believe me. I wondered how many times in his young life he had been called "bad?" I still am bothered when I hear a parent,...
Morning Prayer
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Inspiration
Though the shepherds were startled and afraid by the angel, they could hardly be blamed perhaps for not recognizing the absolute significance of the events that were coming to faithfully unfold in front of their eyes that very night. Little did it perhaps yet dawn on them what miraculous event was coming to pass. However, can we even now dare to fully comprehend the magnitude of Christ's teaching and salvation? Have you truly considered its implications for your life? Be not like the shepherds, for one has already heard their ...
