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.
Morning Prayer
What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Inspiration
There is only life in being concerned with the things of God and nothing else. Seek to do good and to reflect the nature of God in everything that you do. Chasing after money, material gain, or sinful pleasures will only wear you down and fill you with guilt. None of these things are of eternal value.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that I will always have the right things in mind and the right priorities set. May I always seek to fulfill your will for my life, and nothing else, Lord. I do not desire to chase money, material goods, or any sinful pleasures. I know there is no life in such. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
Inspiration
Mary was so distressed at the empty tomb, that at first, she didn’t recognize Jesus. Then he said her name, and she knew that she was in the presence of her resurrected savior. Jesus knows and calls each of us by name, too. And he speaks to us the way a dear friend does. With knowledge, understanding, and care. That’s the Jesus that knows us.
Prayer
Thank You, Jesus, for not only being my savior and redeemer but also my friend. Thank You for sharing in my life and inviting me to know You. Every time You call my name, I am awestruck that the One who is Maker and Ruler over all things would show such care and attention to me. And for that, I thank You and praise You, my Savior and Friend. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Devotion
We Choose the Way
Frances Taylor
Jesus tells us that the golden rule sums up the law and the prophets. Jesus is also telling us that we shouldn't try to take the easy way out. From the time a two or three year old figures out that disobeying mom or dad brings punishment, he also figures out ways of trying to get away with it. The child will lie or hide or blame a sibling or the family pet! Unless this behavior is caught and the children learn that they can't get away with it, they will continue this pattern. It can be very tempting to take the easy way out. This is not what we are called to do. We are called to take the narrow path, doing the right thing. We all get upset when we hear about hit and run accidents, but it's hard to own up to something if you think you won't be caught, especially when it could be expensive We choose the easy or the narrow path just about every day. Some decisions are easy, some are not. Do you waste time on the phone or on a computer searching ...
