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
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.
