Devotion
Getting to the Top
Frances Taylor
What is so important that we ignore all that Jesus has taught us? Is getting the promotion worth climbing all over others, perhaps stealing their ideas and claiming them as our own? Cheating, lying, and falsifying records! These aren't the only sins committed just to get to the top. In the long run, is it worth it? So many people have gotten a job on false credentials, but when found out they fall from the top to the bottom and have problems getting another job. We make jokes about politicians, but it's no joke when those who want to be our leaders take money for their campaigns from organizations or companies and promise to support their agendas if elected, or if they lie about their opponents.
Fame is another thing that people have been known to want to the detriment of others. There have been assassins who just wanted their name to go down in infamy and had no compassion for those they killed. Whether it's fame, fortune, or power, there will always be people who will do anything to get it. I don't know how people justify bad behavior so easily, but considering the scandals revealed practically every day, there are those who don't seem to worry about it. I'm afraid we can easily encourage some bad behavior by treating scandals as entertainment.
This passage is a good reminder of what is truly important – eternal life. We have been given all we need to achieve that goal, and nothing is worth having that could make us lose it.
Prayer
Loving God, may we always keep our eyes on what is most important and that is spending eternity with you. May we follow the path that leads to you and ignore the temptation of the world. 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.
