Morning Prayer
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Inspiration
Are you living your life in a way that shines light into the darkness of this world? When we love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, we will become a light to the world. Like a city that is sitting on a hill, everyone will be able to see your light shine. People looking for hope will go towards the light. God will use you to draw others to him.
Prayer
Dear God, forgive me for the times when I have hidden my light. I know believing and trusting in you sets me apart in this world of darkness. You have made me to stand out as a light to guide others to you. Help me to have the courage to embrace this calling and be your hands and feet. May I live a life that shines and brings you glory. In Jesus' name, amen.
Devotion
The Last Will be First, and the First Will be Last
Frances Taylor
Jesus is speaking to his disciples who have given up a lot to follow him. Peter and Andrew, James and John have left both their families and their work as fishermen, Matthew was a tax collector. All have given up their homes, jobs and families to follow Jesus. This message of Jesus must have been a consolation to them. It should be a consolation to us as well. Although many of us have not had to give up that much in order to be Christians, some have.
I know a nurse who had to make a choice to keep her job at a clinic that began doing abortions which was against her conscience. Another woman became a whistleblower when she discovered illegal actions at her place of work. At other times, we may have to give up friendships because they are toxic. The last phrase is interesting to us, but for Jesus it referred to the Jewish people who were called first to know the only true God and the promise of a Messiah, and yet so ...
Morning Prayer
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Inspiration
Jesus replaced the multitude of Laws and commandments we'd received in the beginning with the two mentioned in the verse. But if you pay attention closely, you will realize all the commandments are summed up in these two commandments. The Christian life is about loving God in our actions, our thoughts, and our words. It is also about treating every person we encounter with love, free of prejudice and resentment.
Prayer
Dear God, I ask that you help me abide by the commandments, applying your word in my life so that my love for you will be evident to everyone around me, in truth and sincerity. I also ask that you help me love every person around me, Lord. In Jesus' name, I...
