Devotion
Called into Confidence
Chipo Biti
Time and time again, we are exposed to the profound love of God. One can never get used to it. One can never understand the depths of the love that God has for His children. Because of who God is, we always expect Him to pick "perfect people" (if such a thing exists) for the tasks that He intends to carry out on earth. We are always surprised when we discover the people God ends up choosing - even if it is ourselves. All of the great men and women of God that you see did not start there. There was a time where if someone had told you that God was going to use those particular people mightily, you would have thought that it was impossible.
Samuel hadn't had the word of the Lord revealed to Him yet when God called for Him. Samuel didn't know the Lord yet! But that did not stop God. It didn't faze Him. At some point, you will realize that "perfect timing" is a myth. We always assume that we have to be in a perfect position in our lives before we can be qualified to be missionaries for God. This couldn't be any farther away from the truth.
Prayer
The truth is, our version of perfection will never match up to God's standard of perfection. So we shouldn't try and waste our time by delaying our obedience to God's call while we wait for "the right time". The concept of "the right time" is a myth. When God calls you, regardless of where you are in your life, then you need to know that that is the right time. Sometimes the call won't come with an audible voice. The call could come through an inward witness. A time will come where you will receive a strange confidence that will let you know that it is time.
When that time comes, seize it. When God has given you the go-ahead, you have every reason to feel confident about the journey ahead of you.
Night Prayer
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
Inspiration
When a king rules with fairness and justice, his kingdom will flourish. If the same king accepts gifts or bribes, his kingdom will fall. We've all observed a person in a leadership position who acted wrongfully. Perhaps a boss did not discipline employees fairly, or a political leader accepted kickbacks for legislation decisions. These corrupt actions lead to their demise. Scripture advises leaders to maintain justice with fair decision-making. As leaders, we must reflect on the mercy and grace God shows to us and lead others in the same fashion.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for coaching us in our leadership endeavors. We have faith in Your Words and will lead Your people accordingly. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Devotion
The Widow of Naim
Frances Taylor
This story of Jesus' raising the son of the widow of Naim gives us some information that lets us know just how important it was for this widow. At that time, women had no way to earn a living. They were property of their parents until they became property of their husbands, and actually moved into the home of the husband. Now that this widow's son had died, she had no one to take care of her. The compassion that Jesus showed meant life to that widow. I'm sure the leaders weren't too happy that the power of God to raise someone from the dead rested in Jesus. There must also have been those who were saying, "Why her and not me?" We all will die and we will all lose someone we love including those of us who have and will lose children. We can easily read this passage and question. It can be difficult to understand God's plan for us, even though we keep trying. It is better to concentrate on the positive than the negative. A priest I once knew lost ...
