Devotion
Think before you draw your sword
David Jacobs
Physical acts of violence are almost always regrettable actions in the sight of the Lord. In my life, I have been involved in one physical altercation and although my initial intentions have been noble, it is a source of embarrassment that I carry today, more than 20 years later.
One evening I was walking home from school, the same route that I had walked hundreds of times. I turned the corner onto my street when suddenly I saw one of my best friends being grabbed by 4 or 5 other boys. I did not have any idea who these boys were, and my friend, a very big and strong person, was not the type of person that you would want to get in a fight with. I saw him fighting with these boys, so I ran up and tried to help by punching one of the boys that was near the scrum. After a bit of a struggle, the other boys eventually ran off, except for the boy that I had hit. As it turned out, the boy that I had hit was a good friend of my friend. My act of bravery turned out to be an act of sheer stupidity and violence, and luckily nobody was seriously hurt.
Simon Peter's actions in these verses are also done with seemingly good intentions: he draws his sword, cutting off the high priest's servant's ear in defense of Jesus. If you were Peter, how would you have reacted? As a reader of the story, do you think his actions are good? Remember to consider the next verse and also the many instances that Christ tells his followers to turn the other cheek. After cutting off the servant's ear, Jesus tells Peter to sheath his sword for his destiny has been decided. As was the case with my story, no good came from the violent action of Peter. A man was injured badly, and there are no benefits. Consider these verses the next time you lose your temper or consider physical action.
Prayer
Lord God Almighty, forgive me for my sins. I have lost my temper and acted violently on my fellow man, impatiently acting under the false notion that my violence was justified. As you have shown us through the example of Jesus Christ, these actions are never justified. I pray that you will help me to work on improving my temper and understanding the negative role of violence in nearly every situation. 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.
