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.
Devotion
Getting to the Top
Frances Taylor
What is so important that we ignore all that Jesus has taught us? Is getting the promotion worth climbing all over others, perhaps stealing their ideas and claiming them as our own? Cheating, lying, and falsifying records! These aren't the only sins committed just to get to the top. In the long run, is it worth it? So many people have gotten a job on false credentials, but when found out they fall from the top to the bottom and have problems getting another job. We make jokes about politicians, but it's no joke when those who want to be our leaders take money for their campaigns from organizations or companies and promise to support their agendas if elected, or if they lie about their opponents.
Fame is another thing that people have been known to want to the detriment of others. There have been assassins who just wanted their name to go down in infamy and had no compassion for those they killed. Whether it's fame, fortune, or power, there will ...
