Devotion
How Do You Choose Your Friends?
Frances Taylor
How do we choose our friends? This week's gospel is about this question as much as it is about humility. I'm sure that when we make up an invitation list for a party or other special event we consider a lot of things, but Jesus is trying to tell us something important in this week's gospel that goes beyond just who we invite, he is also telling us to consider some things about ourselves. This can apply to all age groups!
Our children will learn from us and sometimes we need to learn from our children. Are there people we don't include in our circle of friends because of what other people might think? Perhaps people who are of another race, those who earn less money, people whose educational level is not the same as ours? I know that weddings can often be a bone of contention in families because someone feels the need to invite "the boss" or other people of influence even though there has never been any social interaction before. There are parents who don't want their children to befriend other children for some of the reasons mentioned above. Perhaps you know of someone whose relatives or acquaintances become overly friendly when they get a pool, or a vacation home at the Cape or in the mountains.
Jesus is trying to tell us that using people for whatever reason is wrong. Whether we surround ourselves with people of "higher status" or those we consider less than ourselves for the purpose of making ourselves look better is using them. Jesus speaks of the need for humility. Humility is a virtue that I have mentioned before and comes from the same root word as the word for earth. If we are grounded in the fact that we are made in the image and likeness of God, then we have no need to either put ourselves down, or try to life ourselves up. We will also recognize the fact that others are also made in God's image and we will treat them as the images of God that they are.
Prayer
Lord, teach us to be humble as your Son, Jesus, was humble. May we be more generous and open our hearts to all your people. Amen.
Morning Prayer
I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Inspiration
Remember the childhood phrase, "Sticks and stones can hurt my bones but words can never hurt me? " Now think about how often we are hurt by the words of another person. Most of us are very sensitive towards the words and actions of other people, rarely seeking refuge in the love of God. Next time someone does something that hurts you, focus on God's love instead of the evil thoughts that can easily follow these times. Gradually, God's love will set you free.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful for all that you have done for me. I thank you for loving me and helping me understand what love is. Strengthen me in times that are difficult, aiding me when I am hurt so that I can love even my enemies. I know that through you, all things are possible, and I humbly ask that you help me grow with you in life's ...
Night Prayer
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Inspiration
We must be sincere with our generosity and give in abundance. God blesses us beyond our means, in some form or fashion. He allows us to provide for those in need with our finances, labor, or time. Our world is broken and filled with those who desperately seek light amidst the darkness. We minister to them by providing for their needs, making our actions reflect Your love.
Prayer
Dear Lord, show us opportunities to share all Your blessings. Help us, minister, to others in a manner that reflects your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Devotion
The Gift of Talents
Frances Taylor
We all know this parable. The man gives each of his servants goods "according to his ability" and expects them to do something with them. The first two servants increase the value of the property, but the third buries his and does nothing with it. God gives each of us gifts according to our abilities and expects that we will use them, work with them and increase them. For many years, children born with Down 's syndrome were put into institutions because they were thought incapable of learning. Today, we see children and adults with this condition working, acting, in relationships – doing many of the things we take for granted.
A family I know has a daughter with Down's syndrome who is now in her fifties. When she was born, her parents were advised to put her in an institution, but they refused. They worked with her so that she learned to read, to use money, so that she was able to get a job as well as to participate in community activities. One ...
