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.
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
