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 our whole hearts to God. This seems a small price to pay for such an eternal treasure.
Prayer
Lord you have sent your son, Jesus, to pay the price for our salvation; you ask so little of us in return. May we always be willing to give our hearts to you in return. Amen.
Devotion
The Wicked or the Righteous
Frances Taylor
Which would you be? Which would I be? We all would like to think we would be among the righteous, but can we really be sure? You see, we're not the ones doing the judging! That's both a good thing and not so good. It's a good thing because we would probably throw away a lot of good people just because we didn't like them, were envious of their success, thought in a different way, or we considered them part of some enemy group. It's also a good thing because people who don't like us or are afraid of us can't throw us away. It's a bad thing because God knows everything including our thoughts and the opportunities to do good that we ignored. He knows our prejudices, our lack of forgiveness, the times we lied or failed to tell the truth when someone else took the blame for something we did. God knows the real us that lives beneath the surface. Our private face as well as our public face. The reality is that we don't need to wait for the end ...
Morning Prayer
I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
Inspiration
God is a jealous god. He does not want us to give our affection to anything of the world. As the creator of the universe, He knows all things as He created all things. Therefore, he deserves all our praise. He knows what has passed and what is yet to come.
Prayer
Dear God, forgive me for the times when I have turned away from you and idolized the things of this world. You are the only one who deserves my worship. Forgive me. Thank you for extending your mercy. Thank you for continuing to do new things, O Lord. I place my trust in you. In Jesus' name, amen.
