Devotion
What will you do in your last hours?
David Jacobs
When I was in high school, one of my friends was the son of a diplomat. This meant that he had diplomatic immunity, so if he ever got in trouble with the law, he would walk away with no problems. The news of his misdeeds would still reach his parents however, and his father, the ambassador, did not appreciate hearing that his son had done something wrong.
One day my friend got into some serious trouble with the law. With his back against the wall, knowing full well that he would get in trouble, my friend tried everything he could to get away with no blame for his actions. He told the police everything that he could think of, true and untrue, to save his own skin, even if it meant turning on his own friends. He still ended up getting into a bit of trouble, but the trouble with his family and the law paled in comparison to the trouble that he got in with his friends. Nobody trusted him anymore, because in his moment of desperation, he showed his true colors.
In the verses here, Jesus had just told the disciples that one of them, Judas Iscariot, would betray him. Jesus knows full well that he is soon to be tortured, ridiculed, and crucified. How does Jesus react? By praising God! Right before his darkest hour, he glorifies God, admitting that he knows that his hour of glory is soon coming. He does not wiggle and squirm, trying to get out of his destiny. He shows bravery in his last moments, unlike my friend, and his name has been and will be glorified for eternity as a result.
Prayer
Christ in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thou hast shown me the perfect example on how to live. I long to be like thee, living courageously even at my darkest hour. Give me the strength to follow in your footsteps, walking on the path to the Holy Kingdom. In thy 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.
