Devotion
By Their Fruits
Frances Taylor
We need to be on the lookout for those who would lead people away from God by pretending that they are leading them to God. We have seen this happen several times in very public and tragic ways, but it can happen in less public ways as well. The world was horrified when they learned of the mass murder/suicide of over 900 people, one third of them minors in Guyana in 1978, and again of the destruction of the compound in Waco, Texas where over 70 people died. Both of these tragedies occurred because the leaders of the cult claimed to either be a god or be God's messenger or Messiah. There have been many other cults operating with less destructive results. Preying on loners or immigrants, the leaders promise security here and eternal life if only you follow them. They don't say that you are following God, but you are following them because they are the only ones who know the way! By their fruits you will know them. These people ask blind obedience, work to separate people from their families and friends, and often demand a certain percentage of income. This doesn't sound like Jesus to me. Paul never demanded obedience to himself, in fact, he said just the opposite to the Corinthians. John the Baptist said that he wasn't the one and pointed to Jesus. We have been warned by Jesus to look at those who claim to be prophets carefully and judge by their fruits. If they are more interested in leading us to themselves instead of to Jesus, we must beware.
Prayer
Lord, you do send prophets in every age to help us know how to live in that age. Help us to know who is from you and who is not. Guide us to your truth. Amen.
Devotion
I Have Heard Their Cry
Frances Taylor
God hears us. He hears the cries of his people when they are being oppressed. In this case, the people of Israel were being oppressed by the Egyptians and God had placed Moses in a position to help them be free. God hears his people cry today. There is oppression in some countries of Christians and also of the Jews. God never abandoned his chosen people, and he doesn't abandon those who have chosen to follow his Son, Jesus. Sometimes oppression occurs in the workplace or neighborhoods as well. Men and women can be oppressed because of religious beliefs, for race, for language, for country of origin, for economic status, or for gender. While I was still in college a friend got a job teaching in an inner city school. Because the children were mostly from poor families and minorities, the budget for supplies was not the same as that for schools in better neighborhoods. People got together and demanded equality. It took time, but God guided them ...
Morning Prayer
The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
Inspiration
Without notice, perhaps unaware, we may never know what our Lord may have in store for us. He may like Moses, call upon us at any moment to do his bidding, or to prove our devotion. We should therefore always be ready, as a hunter lies in wait. Many might sympathize with the feeling common in today's society of either waiting for or expecting a phone call. That is, in essence, how our heart might be poised, waiting on and longing for the command of the Lord.
Prayer
O Lord my shepherd, choose to do with me as your will commands. Unworthy as I am of your grace, I stand ready yet forever in wait of giving you service. Let my strength and patience not wither, nor my resolve weaken. For you are my light, my Father, my alpha and omega, as I strive to be a channel of your peace. Amen.
