Morning Prayer
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Inspiration
The comic depiction of a red devil with horns and a tail has caused many to not take the devil seriously. Yet, the Bible reminds us that the devil is real. From the very beginning, the devil has sinned and has tried to get others to sin. He is the opposite of good – he is evil. When people sin continuously without putting faith in Jesus, they are committing works of the devil. Thankfully, Jesus Christ was sent to destroy the devil and the powers of darkness. We can trust this promise.
Prayer
Dear God, help me to recognize the powers of darkness and to understand the allure of sin is from the devil. When I am tempted to sin, help me to turn my back and run directly into your arms. When Jesus was tempted by Satan, he did not give in to temptation. Instead, he recalled your Word. In the moments when sin is calling my name, remind me of your Scriptures. You have come to set the captives free and break the bondage of sin. Thank you for the victory we have in Jesus! In Jesus' name, amen.
Devotion
Culpability
Frances Taylor
This is an interesting passage because, among other things, it talks about sin and who is considered guilty of sin. Paul is talking about how he has been forgiven, how God has been merciful to him because his actions were committed in unbelief. In order for sin to be committed, one needs to know he is committing it. No one can commit sin in retrospect. Sin is always a deliberate act. This can be hard for some to understand. Actions can be considered sinful, even though the person committing them may not be culpable. For example, lying is a sin. However, is the two year old hiding behind the curtains sinning when he or she claims not to have broken the vase? No, because the child has no understanding of the difference between truth and lie. Those who do not have a relationship with God, who do not know the commandments, who have never heard of Jesus, may commit sinful actions, but are not guilty of sin. This is what Paul claims is his situation. Paul ...
Morning Prayer
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, ) full of grace and truth.
Inspiration
When the Lord sent his only Son, he sent also his word. For his body was this very word made flesh. Importantly this was not simply a manifestation of God's word, but also rather an 'animation' of it (meant here in the original Latin as 'animare' –'to instill with life or spirit'), an instance of God's love and divine grace in action, among us.
Prayer
Lord, I am grateful for your mercy in showing us your word made flesh so that we may be redeemed. Further, I am grateful to you for showing us your love and grace through your only begotten son. Let his body not have been torn and broken for no avail, but feed us now in the Eucharist. Let not his blood have...
