Morning Prayer
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
Inspiration
For a person to consider dying for someone, it would take a lot for them to decide to go through with it. A person is more likely to die for someone who has done good things, as opposed to dying for a bad person. But Christ came and died for us when we were at our worst state. Our sinful state was not enough to change his mind towards us. That is true love. That is a love that will never fail.
Prayer
Dear God, I simply pray that I never forget who Christ truly is. May I never make the mistake to think that he was a mere man or figure of history. Christ is so much more than that; he is my Savior. It is because of Christ I can speak to you, O God, with freedom and boldness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Devotion
Salvation for All
Frances Taylor
For all those who might think that Jesus only listens to Christians, this should give them pause. Of course the people listening to this exchange were Jews, who thought that the Messiah was only for them. They and we are both wrong. This passage is only one example in Scripture where the healing power of Jesus acts in the life of a non-Jew. If we have any questions about it, these should answer them.
Jesus came for all. He answers the prayers of all. No one has an advantage, we are all God's children, we are all brothers and sisters of Jesus. One difference might be that we know God better and know what is expected of us more clearly than others who do not believe. For that reason, more might be expected of us in return. For those of us who claim a special relationship with Christ, it is not an option whether or not we follow the rules and examples that have been given to us.
We understand the importance of love and forgiveness, mercy and ...
Night Prayer
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Inspiration
In Christ, we have been given the immeasurable gift of reconciliation to God. But this is not for us to hoard and keep to ourselves. Rather, as people reconciled to God, we are now His people sent to invite others to reconciliation. We are not mere vessels of His grace and mercy, but conduits through which His grace and mercy are passed to others.
Prayer
Father, thank You for bringing me into communion with You. It gives me joy to know that I have been reconciled to my Heavenly Father. Please empower me by Your Spirit to overflow with Your love as I proclaim my joy to others, and invite them to know the joy of reconciliation with You, too. In Jesus’ name, amen.
