Devotion
Who is this Jesus?
Frances Taylor
The apostles had spent time with Jesus listening to him talk about the Kingdom of God, healing those suffering from physical and spiritual illnesses and now they are sailing with him across the sea when the storm comes up. We tend to forget that several of the apostles are fishermen and are accustomed to storms at sea and yet are afraid that the boat will capsize and they will drown. Jesus appears unconcerned and sleeps on. However, when the apostles asked for help, Jesus answered and quieted the storm. The apostles questioned the power of Jesus ever after they had witnessed the other miracles. What about us? We witness God's goodness in our lives, we see his power in the beauties and majesty of nature and yet we often question where he is when the storms of life shake us. Do we really think that we can escape trials and sometimes, persecution? We can be put down because of our beliefs and our attempts to do the right thing. We suffer the pains of illness, loss of loved ones and the problems that come with old age. Do we think that Jesus is sleeping in the back of our boat or do we reach out to him knowing that he is there waiting for us to ask for help. There is a poem called "Footprints" that discusses this attitude of uncertainty about God's care for us. In it, the poet complains that he sees the footprints of Jesus walking with him in time of joy but not in times of trouble. Jesus points out that he only sees one set of footprints during the sad times because Jesus is carrying him. We can always depend on Jesus to be with us.
Prayer
Lord, sometimes I complain because I can't feel your presence. Give me the grace to know that you are always by my side laughing with me in the good times and carrying me when I am burdened or afraid. Amen.
Night Prayer
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Inspiration
Though we're all aware of the potentially positive aspects of education, of work, and of being proactive, with these words Jesus does two things: He reminds us of how important we are to God, and He invites us to acquire a different perspective of our work. He's not saying to stop working, but He is literally saying that if we think our job success is fundamentally equivalent to securing the payment of our bills each month, then we have the 'cart before the horse'. Our job is not synonymous with security, nor does it prove God's love. God’s promise to provide for us does! Truth.
Prayer
Lord, it must sadden You to see us sometimes trust more in our education and employment than we do in You. I am trying to understand the balance between my responsibility and Your provision. Give me wisdom, I ...
Devotion
Two Apostles
Frances Taylor
This weekend we celebrated the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, two men who were called by Christ to go out and bring the Good News to the world. Two very different men, called in different ways.
Peter was once a disciple of John the Baptist who was directed by John to follow Jesus. Paul was against this man Jesus who was, in his mind, turning people away from God. Yet we have benefitted from the preaching and teaching of them both. Peter is the "Rock" upon whom Jesus built his church and Paul is the Apostle to the Gentiles, the non-Jews, who might never have heard about Jesus as their Savior. They each had different stories of conversion – Paul's considerably more dramatic! They had different styles, different communities of believers, but they had one purpose – to preach Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead.
Jesus, the Messiah and Lord sent to save the world from death due to sin and to open the gates of heaven to all who would believe. Just ...
Morning Prayer
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Inspiration
A mother is a blessing to her family. Mothers are known to be the glue that holds the family together – after Christ, that is. If you have been privileged enough to have a loving and dedicated mother, take time out to appreciate her or thank God for her. If, unfortunately, you have not, thank God for the women in your life who filled that gap. God is also able to fill that gap in your life, and heal you from any hurt or pain you may have suffered as a result of losing your mother or having a mother who did not show much care.
Prayer
Dear God, I just want to pray for all the mothers in the world. Lord, I know how tough it can be being a mom. I pray that you comfort them in times where they need comfort, strengthen them when the going gets tough, and may you bless them abundantly for their love, care and ...
