Devotion
Lord of the Sabbath, Lord of all days
David Jacobs
These verses make me sad. How could the Pharisees possibly decide, after seeing Jesus heal and feed those that needed it, "how they might destroy" Jesus? Then I started to think about it a little deeper and how I have acted at times, and it began to make more sense.
Think of a dark time in your life, one where God was testing you, and you couldn't figure out why. Did you always react calmly? Do you ever regret some of the things that you thought or said towards God? I certainly know the answer for myself, and it is a mistake I have made several times.
It can be difficult to get over ourselves sometimes. We often inflate our egos and when make everything about "me" when it should always be about God. He has a plan for all of us, just as He had a plan for Jesus. He also had a plan for the Pharisees who saw Jesus break the Sabbath rules, saw him perform acts that they could not, and saw themselves being less important than before. They inflated their egos and decided that committing an act of evil that they knew was wrong at any time, not just on the Sabbath, and plotted to kill Jesus! On reading this I was angry at these foolish Pharisees for not seeing God's plan, and a bit bashful when realizing that I could easily have been one of them. I have not always trusted fully in the Lord, and these verses helped me know that I must improve and humble myself. God has a plan, on the Sabbath and every day.
Prayer
Merciful and forgiving Father, how lucky I am to have you in my life. When I have been weak, you have forgiven me, and with each time I gain a stronger faith. Praise be to you, my one and only Lord, for giving your only begotten Son to us, so that we would have a shining example that never strayed from your path. I beg that you strengthen me, my Lord, as you strengthened Jesus. In his holy name I pray. Amen.
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.
