Portals of Prayer - A Daily Devotion from Concordia Publishing House   Devotional Reading for: 10/6/2008   Associated Scripture Readings: James 2:1-13 Psalm 144 Eternally Rich and Famous  If you show partiality, you are committing sin. James 2:9 If Oprah Winfrey came to your church, do you think she would be celebrated more than other visitors? The Holy Spirit renews us to see everyone as a potential or actual celebrity in the Lord Jesus. Yes, the home-less in Christ will walk the courts of Zion with renowned saints, while the rich and famous without Him will perish, forever forgotten (Luke 16:22-23). James could have boasted about his celebrity status: earthly brother of the Lord Jesus and first New Testament pas-tor; the twelve apostles were on his church’s membership list at one time. Yet, he merely calls himself a servant (James 1:1). Earthly pride means nothing in a dying world desperately needing the Savior. So James let his boast be in the Lord and in the Lord’s gracious work. When the Holy Spirit inspired Stephen to witness unto death (Acts 7:54-60), the Lord Jesus was more honored than an Oprah fan in her guest chair. When the Holy Spirit urged a tax collector to climb a tree for a glimpse of Jesus (Luke 19:1-10), the Lord was happier than a patron dining with the president. In fact, angels cheered more loudly than crowds at the Oscars when the Holy Spirit brought you to new life in Christ (Luke 15:10).  Lord Jesus, renew us to see everyone as a potential or actual saint celebrated by You. Amen.

About Portals of Prayer
Each devotion features a Bible reading, meditation, and prayer in an easy-to-read format. Portals of Prayer is great for personal devotions, and these timeless devotions can be used to open meetings or launch Bible studies. It is published in the convenient and popular pocket size or a large-print edition.

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