Devotion
Who Do You Say That I Am?
Frances Taylor
This is one of my favorite Gospel Passages. It's a question that I have often used for meditation both for myself and for classes I have taught to both teens and adults. It's a question that I think we need to reflect upon often as we can lose sight of the importance of Jesus in our lives. And the answer can change. He might be friend, brother, Lord, Savior, shepherd, leader, companion – or just someone we have heard about. One teen answered the question by saying that Jesus was a nice man. Is that all he is? What about the Son of God – Divine? Does it make a difference in my life if I believe that Jesus is God, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity who came to save me from eternal death by his dying on a cross? Does it make a difference in how I live if I believe that this is not the end? This is a time for getting to know him better so that I can also live eternally in heaven with the Father. I know this because of the resurrection. Yes, Jesus can be my friend and companion, but he is so much more than that. By his life, I know how to live. By his dying and rising, I can face my own death and the death of those I love because he has shown me that this is not the end. In this today's gospel, Jesus tell us that we must pick up our cross and follow him. Are we willing to deny ourselves in order to follow Jesus? What am I being asked to change in my life, right now? I am so glad that we are reminded each we read this question that Jesus asks – not just the disciples – but us as well. Who do I say that Jesus is for me, today?
Prayer
Loving God, you sent us your son to save us. May we come to know him better in all the fullness of his Divinity and his Humanity. Amen.
Morning Prayer
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Inspiration
We have every reason to be courageous and bold because God is always with us. His presence goes wherever we go and when we come into contact with the enemy, God readily defends us. The word of God continually reminds us of God's faithfulness, and this gives us courage to keep moving forward because we know that we are not alone.
Prayer
Dear God, I am grateful for your love and for your protection. Lord, when I am faced with opposition, may you help me to remain bold and courageous – never backing down to the enemy. May you give me the strength to push forward, knocking down all opposition. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
Inspiration
Can we ask for a better helper than God in times of trouble? Whether we look out across the land and sea or up into the distant sky, all that we see was made by God’s hands. What power! No trouble, no situation, no threat, can measure up to the power of the One who tirelessly intervenes for us, sustaining us by His hand.
Prayer
Lord, You are the Creator of all things. When I look at the works of Your hands, I know that I can trust in You, because You have shown Your power and Your goodness. Teach me to rely not on my own strength, or on fragile human ideas and alliances, but on You. For You are above all things, and You sustain all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Devotion
They Don’t Listen
Frances Taylor
Time and time again, prophets were sent to the leaders of Israel trying to bring them back to God, away from their idols, but they didn't listen. The time described above is not different and the result is not different. The leaders wanted the king to rule in their favor, they wanted power, and whatever else they could get. What they got, however, was the Syrian army that came to Judah and Jerusalem and destroyed all the princes of the people that had gone against God and sent the spoils to Damascus. What did they gain by worshiping idols? What do we gain by ignoring the teachings of Jesus and making idols of money, power, fame, and even ourselves? People with too much money often live in fear that someone will come and steal it. Notice that the fences and walls of the rich are usually higher than those of the poor. Fame is fleeting and those who have it spend a lot of time worrying about their safety. Power? There's always someone who wants to ...
