Devotion
Woe to Evildoers
Frances Taylor
Micah is a prophet at around the same time as Isaiah and has come to prophesy punishment to those who are behaving in an unjust manner. Just because a person has the power or authority to act unjustly, doesn't mean that he should. One might think that harassment or schemes to defraud people of their property or their inheritance, are something new, but Micah lets us know that these things have been going on since antiquity. God isn't any happier today about these practices than he was then. Micah made known God's displeasure to the kings and leaders of the day. He warns that their unjust practices need to stop and that the people need to repent or else they are leaving themselves open to attack by armies greater than theirs.
As we know, Assyria and Babylon both decimated Judah and Israel. Think about the Roman Empire, they too had fallen into such a moral decay that they were open to being overcome by Constantine. What about today? We have become lax in our time as well. Corporate takeovers that have little respect for the rights of the workers have become common. Even companies that have not been taken over have been known to change their policies and limit the benefits that their employees enjoy. Communities can take property away from individuals for schools, highways, shopping centers, by eminent domain and those who live on the properties are forced to move. Although owners are reimbursed, renters need to fend for themselves. Looking out for number one, whether personally, communally or nationally can lead to ignoring the essentials and there is nothing to stop others from overcoming us. As Micah says, we need to work for justice if we want peace.
Prayer
Lord, we all say that we want peace in our world, but it takes all of us working together for justice if we want to achieve it. As we pray for peace, may we also work for peace in whatever ways we are able. 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.
