Devotion
The Shielding Power of Grace
David Jacobs
I was reminded recently of a camping trip that we took with the teens at our church. One of those teens, who is now grown up, asked, "Hey, do you remember that day it was pouring rain all afternoon and evening, and Phil came in his truck with the supplies but wouldn't meet us at the tent, so you said we should vote on who has to get the supplies from him?" I told him, "Of course I remember, because all of the teens voted unanimously for me!" Luckily, one of the teens pulled out a big old orange plastic poncho and handed it to me.
Most commonly, when one of the teens asked me what grace is, I told them the straightforward definition: it is God's undeserved, unmerited favor. When I got back from Phil's truck, we had our dinner and then Bible study, and we discussed how God's grace is a lot like that big gazebo tent and that poncho. God's grace is our covering. It's the sphere we live in as believers in Christ, and God fully protects us whether we take shelter in the tent of his church, or we wander out on our own. God will still cover us with His grace.
Indeed, His grace never stops doing its work in our lives. Paul said confidently in Philippians 1:6, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Because God is the one keeping us and shielding us from the storm of this world, the one who promises to complete us, we will never have to fear to lose our salvation.
Through the pouring rain that day, it was even difficult to see Phil's truck, but still, I was kept dry, and I made it to the truck because I had seen the way. Sometimes it's difficult to see righteousness in ourselves because we know how flawed and how weak we are. But if we're saved in Christ, he is our righteousness, and if we know him, we will know the way to go.
Prayer
Lord in Heaven, though I feel I am in a heavy storm and cannot see the way, I know that your grace will shield me and your wisdom will guide my feet. As you have been faithful to me, so I will have faith in your saving grace. As I walk with you in this storm, may I grow in Christ daily. In His name, Amen.
Devotion
The Weeds
Frances Taylor
This parable is packed with images. It was very difficult to choose just one, but after reading it over several times, I looked again at just what – or who – the weeds represent. Reading further in Matthew we see this line, "The Son of Man will send his angels and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." Those who cause others to sin! We talk a lot about peer pressure when we are talking about our youth. We warn them to stay away from friends who might get them into trouble. But what about us? Have you ever thought that you, or I, might cause others to sin? We would all like to think of ourselves as the wheat – after all, aren't we here? But what about when we're not in church? Do we laugh at dirty jokes, or tell them? Help our teens get into movies that are restricted or give into pressure and download them to watch at home? Do we overlook it when there ...
Morning Prayer
Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
Inspiration
Jesus knew what was to be in store for him after Judas sold out his name with a kiss. Yet, instead of resigning himself to desperation and doom, he instead saw the glory that would come, the glory within which his name would live on. Think; in the face of ones own defeat or impending trouble, do you cower in fear, or do you find courage in your Heavenly Father?
Prayer
Lord Almighty, grant me the strength to carry on in the face of darkness and difficulties. Grant me to courage in the face of challenges that seem insurmountable. For I know in you Lord, all things may be possible. In Jesus' name I pray and ask for grace, Amen.
Night Prayer
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Inspiration
We despise the thought of a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. The outside is easy to clean; it's the caked-up residue on the inside that's so difficult to remove. Jesus compares the scribes and Pharisees with dishes that have been wiped clean on the outside while dirty inside. The Pharisees took exceptional care of their outward appearance and neglected their inward spirits. We are guilty of allowing our hearts to be left filthy as well. We look and act as we should while our souls are full of darkness. We must continue to converse with the Holy Spirit daily and trust His guidance to cleanse our sinful nature.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive our sinful nature. We yearn for cleansing from within, so we are genuine witnesses to Your name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
