Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
SUNDAY, November 15 24 Pentecost
Mark 13:1-8. Many will come in my name and say, "I am he!" and they will lead many astray.
These are difficult times for the faith. For all the good the church has done over two millennia--and it has done much good--false prophets seem to pop up with ever greater frequency. Christianity Today cites a study indicating there are 38,000 protestant denominations on the planet. Most of them are the result of a dispute over some doctrinal difference or interpretation.
None of this really matters, of course, in the grand scheme. In God's eyes we are all one, whether we perceive that or not. Where it does matter is in the schemes of some radio or television evangelists. On four occasions I have been asked by parishioners to look at deeds of trust where everything they own is given to such a ministry. In return that ministry promised to "take care of them" as long as they lived.
But when the ministry's agent showed up to witness the signings, one look at me in clerical garments caused him to retreat like a fox caught near the sheep.
God wants us to love him, to give him "our selves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice." Anyone preying on the elderly for everything they have is a fraud.
PRAY for the Diocese of Virginia (Province III, USA)
1 Samuel 2:1-10 and 1 Samuel 1:4-20 –OR– Ps 16 and Daniel 12:1-3; Hebrews 10:11-14(15-18)19-25
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
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