Devotion
United as One Kingdom
Frances Taylor
The last time before the Judeans and the Israelites were united with one king was under the kingship of Solomon. Then the lands were divided – Israel in the North and Judea in the South. But both kingdoms fell first to the Assyrians and then the Babylonians and the people were sent into exile. The kings at that time allowed idol worship and other sins against God. They refused to listen to the prophets and suffered the consequences. God is now promising those in exile that they will return to their homeland and there will be one king of the now reunited country. Now we know that they were only faithful for a time and then were conquered by the Greeks and then the Romans. At the Last Supper, Jesus will appeal for unity among his followers. Christianity started out as one, but now is also divided. God must be wondering if human beings will ever get it together and learn from the mistakes of the past. We even sometimes forget that Jesus offered his life to save ALL people, not just a few. Next week at this time we will be standing in front of the tomb in Jerusalem waiting for the stone to be rolled back so that we can witness the empty tomb and rejoice in the promise of eternal life. Let us pray as Jesus did that all may be one in him.
Prayer
Dear Lord, you keep sending us reminders of the fact that you want unity among your peoples. Help us to be agents of unity and not division. Amen.
The WILL Of Australians
I Urge ALL Fairdinkum Aussies to take the time to watch this video. Many of you know this is my passion and I have followed it all closely for 6 or so years. I have said it many times, that "Australia we are in a lot more trouble than most Australians could imagine".
Devotion
The Weeds
Frances Taylor
This parable is packed with images. It was very difficult to choose just one, but after reading it over several times, I looked again at just what – or who – the weeds represent. Reading further in Matthew we see this line, "The Son of Man will send his angels and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." Those who cause others to sin! We talk a lot about peer pressure when we are talking about our youth. We warn them to stay away from friends who might get them into trouble. But what about us? Have you ever thought that you, or I, might cause others to sin? We would all like to think of ourselves as the wheat – after all, aren't we here? But what about when we're not in church? Do we laugh at dirty jokes, or tell them? Help our teens get into movies that are restricted or give into pressure and download them to watch at home? Do we overlook it when there ...
Morning Prayer
Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
Inspiration
Jesus knew what was to be in store for him after Judas sold out his name with a kiss. Yet, instead of resigning himself to desperation and doom, he instead saw the glory that would come, the glory within which his name would live on. Think; in the face of ones own defeat or impending trouble, do you cower in fear, or do you find courage in your Heavenly Father?
Prayer
Lord Almighty, grant me the strength to carry on in the face of darkness and difficulties. Grant me to courage in the face of challenges that seem insurmountable. For I know in you Lord, all things may be possible. In Jesus' name I pray and ask for grace, Amen.
