Devotion
It’s Not Fair!
Frances Taylor
I have to admit that I love this gospel! I am so reminded of people who want to balance everything so it's fair. I do something for you, so you have to do something for me that is equal to what I did for you. You know what I mean.
The child who counts the presents under the tree and sees that little brother or sister gets 10 gifts and he/she only gets 3 – never mind the fact that the three cost a lot more than the 10! Of course it goes deeper than that when it comes to a person who has changed his or her life around, whether from alcohol, drugs, criminal activity, etc. There are those who believe that a person should be punished for life. Generosity of spirit is considered the crime when someone gives a person a second chance. Two weeks ago, the gospel talked about helping a person change and last week it spoke of our need to forgive. Now we are asked to not judge and to give someone a chance.
Several years ago, I asked the middle school children to bring in a can of protein filled food for the food pantry. One girl came with nothing because her mother had said that the people didn't deserve to get food as they came in a car to collect it. Just as with the people at the food pantry, the workers who came late to work in the vineyard have various reasons for needing help. I once had a student who spent several weeks in a residential program to get over her drug addiction. When she returned to school, she was shunned by the "good" kids because they were told by their parents to stay away, and by her former friends because she wouldn't party with them anymore.
The same happens to many who have paid their debt to society, but people won't let it go. Jesus didn't worry about keeping score; God doesn't keep score. Those who come to know and believe in him early in life will have a more fulfilled life on earth, but those who come to know him at whatever stage of their lives, will be welcomed into the kingdom with open arms. Which of you would not welcome back a "lost" child? Why would you expect anything less from God?
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for your generosity; may we be equally generous with others. Amen.
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
