Devotion
Gracious Love
Chipo Biti
This scenario is a perfect example of the gracious love that Jesus Christ has to us. This gracious love extended to when were still sinners. The scribes and the Pharisees, men who basked in their own self-righteousness, brought forward a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. It is quite interesting to note that they did not bring the man the woman was with, considering the fact that it takes two to commit adultery. Anyway, the scribes and Pharisees were ready to see "justice" carried out. They had found someone who had committed an act they wanted punished. They wanted to condemn her and give her the ultimate punishment - stoning.
The Pharisees and the scribes also had ulterior motives. They wanted to use this situation to trap Jesus. If he ordered that the lady was to be killed, they were going to use that against Him. If he chose to let the woman go, they were going to use that against Him. The Pharisees and the scribes did not like Jesus at all. Simply because he exposed the flaws within their self-righteousness. They were not ready to change their ways. They set their eyes on seeking revenge against Jesus instead.
You should never allow yourself to get to a point where you refuse to take correction. You will end up being as bitter and blinded as the Pharisees - and this is a life you do not want to live.
Jesus, who was well aware of their motives, ignored their baying for blood and proceeded to write on the floor. When he got up, and simply told them that the one who is without the first sin should throw the first stone. He wasn't denying that justice was to be served, but he said that the person who does not have any sins should do so.
The Pharisees and the scribes were brought down from their high horses and they all left with their heads bowed. When you get caught up in self-righteousness, you become bent on pointing out other people's sins instead of focusing on the flaws in your life. Such pride will always lead to an embarrassing fall.
Prayer
Remember that you, like this lady who was caught in the act of adultery, are a recipient of the gracious love of Jesus Christ. That love found you neck-deep in your sins and showed you that you are worthy of love. Without that love, you would not be free.
Never be quick to forget that, as you deal with different people in the world.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
