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 read the Bible, or listened to or watched the evangelists on television or the radio. Maybe we went to church and listened to the preaching, but at some point, we have to make a decision. We either test out our doubts and come to a faith that is our own, or we can go along following others without an adult faith. Of course the last choice is to walk away. Just as the people of Jesus' time had to figure it out, so do we.
Prayer
Lord, you have planted the seed of faith within us and led us to this time of decision making. As adults, may we freely choose to follow you. Amen.
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.
Night Prayer
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
Inspiration
God gives us endurance because He is patient with us. God grants us encouragement through His kindness and conciliation. And just as He bears patiently with us through our growth, our shortcomings, and our doubts, He invites us to show that same patient conciliation to others. When we do, growth and love abound, not only in others but in us as well.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your patience in dealing with me. You have forgiven me over and over again. And You continue to guide me through my doubts, my confusion, and my excuses. By Your Spirit, grant me the patience and compassion to endure with my brothers and sisters so that through me they might also experience the fullness of Your kindness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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 ...
