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
But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.
Inspiration
Looking back on life, we observe countless moments when God has intervened in our lives or the lives of others. His bestows upon us numerous blessings and miracles beyond our understanding. We each have a story to tell and a witness to share. We will shout praises to God from the mountaintops and continue to look for opportunities to tell all we meet about the mighty works of the Lord.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we all have a story to tell about Your goodness and mercy. Help us see opportunities to share Your precious gift of salvation. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Morning Prayer
Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them; Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD'S servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.
Inspiration
The Eastern tribes of Israel found their Promised Land upon God's promise, but they were not asked to simply settle there an await its followers to come flooding in comfort and safety. What was asked, instead, was to extend his word beyond. This kind of work is demanding and not easy, but it is our duty. Seek out your brothers and sisters to share in his grace and message of salvation, do not be complacent in comfort that once one has already found Christ, there is nothing...
Night Prayer
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Inspiration
We surrender our lives to the Lord because we have faith in His love for us. We praise Him for His goodness on our good days and cry out to Him during trials. God has never left our side and continues to reach His hand out to hold and guide us through each obstacle. Even when life is not going the way we planned, we will sing praises to His name from the mountain tops because He is our ultimate refuge.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we are devoted to You. We need You desperately and will stand with You continually every day of our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
