Devotion
All for one and one for all
David Jacobs
The other day I read a story about a British marine named Matthew Croucher. Croucher and three other marines were walking through a dangerous area in Afghanistan when he looked down and suddenly realized that he had set off a trip wire that was connected to a grenade. Thinking quickly, he told his squad mates to get down. Acting bravely, he jumped on the grenade and rolled onto his back to cover the grenade with his backpack. The blast flung him through the air, and after gathering his thoughts realized that he had only suffered a nosebleed. He was given the George Cross, the medal for the highest level of bravery, for his sacrifice. His selfless act of bravery saved his fellow marines and his quick thinking also saved his own. I could not read this without being reminded of the most important sacrifice of all.
What is a sacrifice? Thinking of Croucher's story, a sacrifice is restricting or sometimes even submitting to harm for the sake of others. Croucher soberly evaluated the situation, with only 7 seconds to do so, realizing that it was he who tripped the wire. He did not think of himself above others and was willing to die for those around him. Now think about Christ, his teachings and ultimately upon the cross: we were shown a different interpretation of sacrifice. This was an act of love, of generosity. This passage highlights the Lord's desire that we offer our bodies up to the Lord as a sacrifice, not to merely receive his love, but also to give love in return.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the example that you sent me with your only begotten Son. Through this gift, you have shown me the purity and light of salvation. Teach me the true meaning of sacrifice so that I may share it with those around me and above all, offer up my own body to thee, O Lord. I wish this with all of my heart that I fully submit to your aims, my Lord. In Jesus' 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.
