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
Resurrection
Frances Taylor
Doubt is normal. It was there in Paul's time and it exists today. Maybe it is more prevalent today than it was in Paul's time because there are so many people trying to discourage people from belief in God. The pagans of Paul's time believed in gods, they just didn't all know God. Today many claim that there is no God. They believe that scientists will soon be able to explain everything about how the world was created and answer any other question we might have. See, no need for God! And if there is no God then no heaven and no resurrection. If this is true then why bother depriving ourselves of all the pleasures we can get just because Christianity says love of God and of others should come first. But, there were too many people who witnessed Jesus after his resurrection. Too many people who were willing to die for the sake of Jesus and his teaching. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't die for a lie. And I doubt that they would either. So, as ...
Morning Prayer
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Inspiration
Today, temptation and the false path is often confused with salvation, which comes in many forms and guises. This 'salvation' may for some include the diversions of drugs, sex, idolatries, consumption, or in the form of false prophets offering quick fixes. Often, the worst perpetrator may even be ourselves once we forget God is in the driving seat. Thus, it is only through Christ's divination that we may understand true and everlasting salvation in the eyes of our heavenly father. It is only with our faith in the Lord, and not in oneself or other false prophets, that we may find grace.
Prayer
Our Lord in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, and hallowed be the sacrament between man and your majesty. Lead me not into the temptations of false salvation, or to heed and follow the words of lost prophets. Help me find the courage to ...
Night Prayer
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Inspiration
We are confident regarding our salvation and eternal life, no matter what evil afflicts us. Paul knew he would die soon and was not concerned because he had hope in the promise of salvation and saw nothing but gain in the details of God's plan for His life. We experience many hardships in this earthly life and continue to praise God. We understand that He loves us unconditionally and trust His wisdom regarding each moment we've been gifted here on earth.
Prayer
Dear God, we praise You during our struggles because we have faith in Your plan. We will continue to trust Your wisdom all the days of our life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
