Devotion
Wonder and Awe
Frances Taylor
Moses stood in awe and wonder when he saw a bush burning yet not being destroyed. When have you stood in wonder and awe? From the power and beauty of God's creation, to profound experiences of life and death, we have so many opportunities. For myself, I remember watching the waves pound the sea wall during a blizzard. I watched shingles flying by my window in another blizzard and felt as though I was in the Wizard of Oz, little knowing that they were my shingles! I have seen the beauty of a rose and the majesty of Mt. McKinley. I have also had the privilege of being awake when my own children were born and also to be present at my daughter's side when my grandson was born. I was also able to be with my sister as she took her last breath. I have seen the faces of the newly baptized glow with the joy as they emerged from the pool and the light in the eyes of children on a Christmas morning. Wonder and Awe in God's presence is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Yet, it is a gift that even the youngest among us seem to have even if they do not recognize that it is from God. Watch a child walking in a yard stopping at the wonder of an ant, or a dandelion. It's no wonder that Jesus tells us that we need to be more like children! The reality is, once we become aware of this world that God has created for us and the mysteries it holds, the more we stand in awe and wonder of God. Let us take the time today to appreciate and give thanks for all of God's gifts.
Prayer
Good and gracious Lord, soon we will celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. You have already gifted us with this precious gift at our Baptism. We stand in awe of your majesty and power. Help us to remember that you alone are God. Give us the grace to always do your will. Amen.
Devotion
Abraham is Father of All
Frances Taylor
There are questions in every age about the importance of the Old Testament for Christians. Abraham is considered to be the Father of Faith for Jews, Christians and Muslims. We forget that it was Abraham who believed in the doctrine of only one God. It is through him and his descendants that this tradition comes down to us. Another fact that we can overlook is that Jesus was Jewish. He was born a Jew, lived as a Jew, died, rose and ascended into heaven as a Jew. Because we believe that he was the Messiah, the Christ, and we follow him, we are called Christian. Without the Old Testament, we wouldn't understand the promise of salvation; we wouldn't understand why it was important for Jesus to be of the family of King David. We would not understand his teaching either, because Jesus quoted from Scripture – the Old Testament – frequently. He told us that he came to fulfill the Scriptures, not to abolish them. In the same way, we can ...
Morning Prayer
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Inspiration
We have a responsibility, as Christians, to abstain from the sinful practices we partook in before we became saved. While it may be a gradual process of change, we should ensure that we are putting in our best to play our part in resisting temptation. God enables us to resist temptation, but it is up to us to actually resist.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that I will always be a person of action. Father, I take delight in my new life in you and I do not desire otherwise. I pray that in times of temptation, may I act on the strength you have given me to flee and/or resist. May I never rely on excuses or procrastination, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Inspiration
We have chosen to surrender our lives and serve the Lord. We serve Him by witnessing, completing missionary projects, and ministering to those in need. There is always work to do and a world full of people to help. We will look for opportunities to provide for our brothers and sisters in Christ by any means necessary. We are servants to one another as a service to the Lord; He will never forsake us.
Prayer
Dear God, Help us see the world through Your eyes. We desire to serve those around us by reflecting Your love through our actions. You will never forsake us, and we will continually lift praises of thanksgiving to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
