Devotion
Forgiveness
Frances Taylor
Joseph is a lot more forgiving than I'm afraid I would be. Joseph not only forgives his brothers but sees God's hand in allowing their sin to bring good out of evil. How do we look at sins committed against us? Can we find any good that has come from them? I can remember losing a job because of the lies of a co-worker. It was devastating at the time, and yet it led to my being able to live out one of my childhood dreams and then to some of the happiest years of my life. The co-worker lost her job soon after. There are so many times when if we look back we can see how God is working. We also can see how a lack of forgiveness can cause damage to families, communities and beyond. I've seen this with divorce where one or both parents try to turn their child against the other parent. This can damage the child but also the parents themselves and their families. Forgiveness might not be easy, but ongoing hostility and anger can cause physical as well as psychological damage. I'm sure you have seen this among your friends if not in your own family. We need to learn from Joseph. If we are having problems forgiving, we can ask God to help us. We ask God to forgive us, and he will also help us forgive others as he wants us to be free of the bonds that not forgiving keep us bound.
Prayer
Lord, we thank you for your willingness to forgive us. Please give us the graces we need to forgive those who have sinned against us. Amen.
Devotion
The Pearl of Great Price
Frances Taylor
We all have heard this parable, and probably have a good idea of what we would do if we found such a treasure. As Christians, we have found a treasure that is beyond price, eternal life, and the price was paid by Jesus. The question is, to we treasure our treasure! There is still a price that we must pay for this gift, and sometimes that can seem too high. We need to sacrifice some of our wants. We can't hold on to anger; we're called to forgive; we need to love those we don't like. Money is necessary to provide for our families, but we need to spend time with our families as well. Jealousy and envy don't have a place in our hearts. Using our gifts for the good of others is required. In other words, keeping the commandments and practicing Jesus' law of love is expected of us and that can be difficult. The merchants in the parables were willing to give everything for what they have found. We are not asked to sell things, but we asked to give...
Morning Prayer
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Inspiration
Because we live in a fallen world and the power of darkness is real, we will be tempted. Do not be fooled into thinking that because you were saved that you will not be tempted. This is false! Even Jesus suffered temptation while he was here on earth. Yet, he overcame Satan's temptations. Since Jesus was tempted himself, he is able to help us when we are tempted. Call on the name of Jesus when you are tempted!
Prayer
Dear God, this world is full of sin and temptation. Please, Lord, help me to overcome my temptations. Give me wisdom to know what situations and which people to avoid that will tempt me. When I am tempted, help me to remember that even Jesus was tempted but he called on you, O Lord, and used the your Word in his defense. When I am tempted, I will call on the name of Jesus and remember your Holy Word. In Jesus' name, amen.
