Devotion
Find no fault in Christ
David Jacobs
My brother is quite successful with his work. He works hard, is passionate, and has creative solutions for problems that few people can think of. He always felt a little insecure that he did not have a higher education degree because most of the people in his field have master or doctorate degrees. I remember he struggled when a new person was hired at the same level as he was: the new employee was significantly younger than him and had a PhD. It made my brother insecure and transitively dislike the new hire for no reason other than his own insecurity. After an initial adjustment period, he realized the error of his ways and learned to appreciate the set of skills that his new colleague possessed. They are able to do much more working together and appreciating one another than in opposition, worried about personal inadequacies.
The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful nations in human history. To oppose them in any way was suicide and were able to maintain power for so long because they treated any outside threat as potentially serious. This brings us to Jesus: he was viewed as a threat because he appealed to everyone, preaching to large masses that gathered just to see or hear him speak. The Roman Empire and Pontius Pilate specifically viewed this as a threat to their control, fearing the power that was greater than them. In these verses, the fearful Pilate suddenly thinks he is the more powerful of the two, ridiculing and mocking Jesus before his death. However, Jesus' name has been praised for centuries, and Pilates' name is only known because of its' association with Christ.
As believers, it can be daunting to think that we will one day join God and Christ in Heaven. We are not worthy and we do not fully understand God's divine plan. Do not make the same mistake as Pilate! Do not mock that which you understand. We must trust God's plan, for God has plans to help us prosper and not harm us, plans for a better future (Jeremiah 29:11) and his word is a light on our path (Psalms 119:105). It can be scary to think that we are so insignificant in comparison to God, but He has shown us that He loves us. He sent his son to die for us. We must remain faithful to God's word and learn from history. Do not make the same mistake as Pontius Pilate.
Prayer
All-knowing and powerful Lord, hear my prayer! Forgive us, Abba Father, for we know not what we have done. I, like Pilate, have sinned against you. I beg you, merciful God, to forgive him for what he has done as you have forgiven me. Strengthen my resolve and faith in you, my Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. I leave everything else, to you. 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.
