Devotion
Who Do We Believe
Frances Taylor
The people of Jesus' time were looking for a Messiah, but a Messiah of their own design. We forget sometimes, that the Jewish people of every generation were waiting for the promised Messiah. Jesus even mentions in this passage that he is aware of the attention paid to the Scriptures to try and figure out who the Messiah might be. Jesus also tells them that a reading of the Scriptures leads to him. Unfortunately, they wanted someone who would be a military leader and Jesus wasn't it. What are we looking for when we think about Jesus? You and I both know that people show up every once in a while proclaiming that they are the Messiah. They will lead us to God if only we listen to them and follow them without question. Often these people have caused damage to the lives of their followers, and some of their followers have lost their lives. There is only one Messiah, Jesus. If we believe that he is sent by the Father in order that we might be saved and also to teach us the way to the Father, then we need to pay attention to his word and not to the words of others claiming to know a better way.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you sent us Jesus as our Savior. You gave us the Scriptures to lead us to understand his message. Help us to keep our eyes on him and learn from him so that we might spend eternity with you. Amen.
Night Prayer
And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.
Inspiration
God made us in His image, and He rescues us in our brokenness. But He does not leave us exactly the way we found us. Instead, He works on us, with care and purpose, to reshape us into the vessels that He wants us to be. When we allow Him to work on us, He produces strength, beauty, and function in our lives.
Prayer
Father God, You are the Potter and I am the clay. Please mold me into the shape that You desire, so that I may be used for the purpose that You intend for me. Strengthen me where I am weak, and fill me with Your Spirit so that everyone can see Your craftsmanship, Your care, and Your purpose in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Devotion
There is only one Messiah, Jesus
Frances Taylor
Jesus was walking around Jerusalem openly. The people knew that the Pharisees and the chief priests wanted to kill Jesus, but they couldn't understand why they were letting him walk around still teaching. Might the rulers have changed their minds and come to believe that Jesus was the Christ? I'm sure it was a confusing time for those who had heard and seen Jesus. Do you ever wonder if you would have been a believer? I do. You know, we have centuries of fathers in faith before us. Christianity has been handed down from one generation to another since the time of the apostles. But if you're anything like me, there have been times when you have had doubts. In fact, if you have never had doubts, then how do you know you have faith? As children, we learn about Jesus from our parents or grandparents, or others close to us, and because we trust them, we believe. As we grow older, we learn more about Jesus from many sources. Perhaps we ...
Morning Prayer
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
Inspiration
Sometimes we are very possessive or protective of things that tread on the lines of wickedness. We sometimes entertain ourselves with evil. We listen to music, watch movies, read books, and watch TV that glorifies wickedness. Those things will not profit us. We will not gain from them. On the other hand, righteousness will deliver us from death. Think about what in your life is wicked and what is righteous. Focus on the things that you will profit from.
Prayer
LORD, You love the righteous and You despise wickedness. Thank You for being a righteous God, and not a God who loves war, murder, and death. You are truly good, and only You can truly satisfy our hearts. Make me righteous like You are righteous. Help me to love righteousness and hate wickedness like You do. In Jesus' name. Amen.
