Devotion
To Live In Christ
Frances Taylor
We know that we who have been baptized have been baptized into his death so that we might rise with him. The words may be a little different from those of Paul, but the message is the same, if we are willing to accept it. By accepting our baptism, we are choosing to live a life of faith, remembering the sacrifice of Jesus. It's a willingness to die to self, not easy. Of course, for Paul the dangers were more immediate, and for many Christians today, that hasn't changed. But some have said that it would be easier to die once for our faith than to have to die every day. I hope I never have to face that possibility, but having just written that, I think I do have to face that and we all do. We all will need to face death one day, whether or not it comes suddenly or after a lingering illness. We will have to face the reality of death. Will we be at peace, even joyous that we will be with our God? Or will we be fearful, our faith tested for a final time? This is Satan's last chance to get to us. Hopefully, by dying with Christ in spirit, and living in him, our faith will be strong when it is time to die with Christ in the flesh.
Prayer
Loving God, we have willingly been baptized in the death of your Son Jesus. Help us live in him so that we will be ready to meet him at the end of our earthly lives. Amen.
Night Prayer
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
Inspiration
Shepherds anoint their sheep with oil to kill mites and parasites, thus preventing diseases from spreading amongst the flock. The sheep do not understand why this procedure occurs, trusting his kind hands as he administers healing and protection. Jesus is the good shepherd who anoints our hearts with protection from the disease of sin. We do not need to understand His actions because we trust the loving hands that held the cross leading to calvary.
Prayer
Dear Lord, You are loving and kind. We trust Your actions as You protect us from evil parasites and the disease of sin. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Devotion
May You Abound in Love
Frances Taylor
Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians might as well be a prayer for all Christian communities. May our Christian communities increase and abound in love for each other and toward all people. Is your community increasing? Mine isn't. Maybe we don't seem to be abounding in love toward one another. Or maybe we don't look like we love others, either. Some of my friends have children who have moved to communities where they feel welcomed and are invited to participate with their children in church activities. These communities are growing. The key is love and welcome.
The early Christians were known by their love for one another. Perhaps it's because our communities have grown too large and we don't know everyone. Some churches are so large that not everyone knows their fellow parishioners. Then there are the television communities that claim a Christian following. It's very difficult to love the 30,000 or more that you're celebrating with! One ...
Morning Prayer
Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Inspiration
We can only attain salvation through Jesus Christ and through nothing or no one else. No one else can save us because it is only Jesus Christ who paid the price for the salvation of our souls. We cannot find salvation in any earthly thing or person and we would be fools to try it. Only the name of Jesus, can bring us the freedom from captivity that we need.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, and the fact that it is because of Him, I have hope for my life. Thank you, Father, that I am justified and redeemed thanks to your Son. This is not a gift I take for granted, Lord. Instead, I cherish it with my whole heart and I will continue to do so for the rest of the days of my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
