Devotion
Sticks and stones may break my bones....but words can also hurt me!
David Jacobs
I remember my time in high school fondly: I was an active student with a bit of a wild side. Teachers often disagreed with my rebellious streak but put up with my behavior as long as I kept my grades up. One teacher, however, saw my rebellious side for what it truly was: a cry for help. She seemed to understand thoughts and anxieties that I had that I thought I concealed well considering nobody else seemed to notice them. I have her to thank for calming me down, because through conversations with her and her willingness to listen and offer me valid advice, I gained a mentor that I am today grateful for.
John the Baptist offered similar guidance to the masses. He had gained celebrity status, preaching to multitudes of people, crowds that were hungry for direction. He was more than willing to oblige, offering prophecies and advice that had scarcely been heard before. His preaching was viewed as a threat by those in power, eventually costing him his life (Matthew 14:1-12). It was not just the lowly and meek that sought his council and thirsted for his preaching; in these verses, government officials, tax collectors, and soldiers were among the multitudes clamoring to hear his voice. Like my teacher did to me, John was not afraid to speak harshly towards the masses, ridiculing them, calling them a "generation of vipers." This harshness is often what needs to be said but is hard to hear. Without John's preaching, the world would have not been fully prepared to hear and interpret the message of Christ shortly thereafter.
Prayer
Have you fell out of touch with someone because of criticisms that you or they said to each other? Think back about what was said: what was the reason behind it? Were you or they trying to truly help? Be the bigger person in these situations and try to truly listen to the criticism. You often end up improving as a result.
Devotion
They Turned Away
Frances Taylor
Once Joshua died, it didn't take long for the Israelites to turn away and worship Baal. It only took one generation. The latest Pew Report on religious affiliation shows rapid decline in those who declare themselves to be Christian as well as those who attend church on a regular basis. This decline has been going on for several generations and who knows where it will end? Forty years ago, most states had laws preventing businesses being open on Sunday. Today, people get offended if a business closes on Sunday. It's not that long ago that sports for youth could not take place until the afternoon so that families could attend church. But then greed took over and stores are now open as if it's just another day. When Sunday openings first happened, workers had a choice whether or not they were willing to work; now they have no option. Sunday mornings are now for youth sports because their parents want to stay home on Sunday afternoon and watch sports ...
Morning Prayer
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Inspiration
It is Christ who found us first, not the other way around. He has chosen us to propagate the gospel across the whole world – regardless of our social standing, our nationality, our race, our financial statues, or anything else. God has called every single one of His children to spread the word of His love that was shown through his son, Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that I remain focused on what you have always called me to do – spread the message of the gospel. I desire that more and more people in this world will come to the knowledge of who you really are. Father, may you help me in every moment to spread the word of the gospel. May I never be intimidated or afraid, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Inspiration
We have nothing to fear when disaster and misfortune become visible upon the horizon of life! God's love is more powerful than we can fathom, and He is present in every moment. He understands the difficulties we face each day and actively seeks to lift our burdens by turning devastation into abounding blessings. With God alive in our hearts, there is no hurdle we can't jump and no obstacle we cannot overcome.
Prayer
Dear God, You are always with us and intend our misfortunes to produce opportunities for spiritual growth. We are thankful for Your oversight and presence in our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
