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.
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
