Devotion
Two are better than one
David Jacobs
These verses may not seem extraordinary at first glance, but the story is one that caused others to marvel. Zacharias and Elisabeth have a son. Zacharias was deaf and mute at the time, but he was a priest that was well-respected in the community. After Elisabeth gives birth, the community waits 8 days to name the child in line with traditions. A local priest helps to name the child after his father, Zacharias, which would be an honorable name. Elisabeth interjects, saying that the boy shall be named John. This act of defiance alone would bring some shame to Zacharias, and I am sure the community must have been embarrassed for him in a way. He was a priest, unable to speak and name his own son, and now his wife denies the name that the priest and community chose for the boy? Denies the name of his own father?
This is where the story takes its marvelous turn. Zacharias, deaf and mute, asks to write something. Nobody in his name has the name John. He cannot hear his wife say the name as well. He writes on the tablet that his son will be named John. This is more than a coincidence! It is God's will at work.
You may have heard the phrase, "Go with your gut." Zacharias and Elisabeth trusted each other and, more importantly, trusted God to lead them to the right decision.
Prayer
Precious Lord, let me return to your word, again and again, for my daily bread. Although I may not always hear you, I am listening. Although I may not always praise you, I am speaking. Help me understand your message so that I may craft a response, singing your praises that echo for all of my life. 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.
