Devotion
Thou Shalt Not Kill
Frances Taylor
Okay, who of us hasn't called someone a fool? Jesus gives us a whole different understanding of the commandments than we get from taking them literally. This is only one of the commandments that he delves further into. Most people don't resort to murder and most of those that do don't usually start that way. If you were never angry, you wouldn't get to the level of murder and if you didn't call people names, you might not get angry. Violence often begins with the mouth. Jesus understood that there is a certain progression to sin. If we have a quick temper, we are more apt to strike out first with the mouth and then physically, then with greater violence. This applies to most of the commandments. In another place, Jesus mentions how lust is the first step toward breaking the commandment concerning adultery. It is not a surprise that the 7 deadly sins are at the root of most evil. We all know them: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, anger, and sloth. We need to take a better look at all the commandments and see what bad habits we might have developed and work to change them.
Prayer
Lord, you have given us rules to live by that will bring us peace and happiness in our lives if we only are willing to follow them. Help us to be faithful to your word. Amen.
Devotion
Lord, Teach Us To Pray
Frances Taylor
The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. We know the prayer, but was that the only thing Jesus was trying to teach them? Jesus is also teaching them how to pray, praise for God came first, the desire to God's will is next, then we can ask for what we need as well as asking forgiveness for the times we have not lived as God wants us to do. After asking for forgiveness, we ask God to help us avoid the sins we just confessed. The only thing missing in the prayer is that of thanksgiving, which Jesus has told us is important. Knowing prayers is important especially when we pray together as a community, but it is also important to know that Jesus didn't suggest that only formal prayers is enough. In fact he tells us not to babble on as the pagans do! When we listen to Jesus' prayer at the grave of Lazarus or in the garden, or when he offers a prayer of blessing, he is not using a formalized prayer but is speaking to God as his Father. He is...
Morning Prayer
For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
Inspiration
Has there been a time when you have felt dry or empty? When we go through difficult times, we may feel like we have nothing left. As Christians, we can rest in the assurance that this feeling will not last because we can call on the Holy Spirit to pour into us and revive us. Much like how God can change a famine into a time of overabundance, our spiritual lives can be turned from dry to overflowing.
Prayer
Dear God, I am tired and I feel so empty. After these struggles, I need to be replenished. I want to serve you and tell others about you, but these difficulties are making me feel like I do not have anything to give. Please send your Holy Spirit to pour into me so that I may serve you. O Lord, may I live my life in a way that shows others my blessings come from above. In Jesus' name, amen.
Night Prayer
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Inspiration
During Jesus' time, tombs were caves or rock piles scattered across the countryside. They were beautifully painted or washed with lime to appear white and clean. The tombs were lovely on the outside, but we know what rested within. Jesus calls the Isreal leaders hypocrites, stating they go above and beyond to appear flawless on the outside when darkness lived inside their hearts. They were not genuine in their worship and teachings to the people. We do not want to be hypocritical when witnessing for the Lord. We will continue to seek instruction as we mature in our faith and rid our hearts of sin.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we do not want to appear hypocritical as we witness in Your name. Please strengthen our faith and guide us to maturity as we continue our walk with You. In ...
