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
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Inspiration
Anger is a natural emotion we will feel at one time or another. Anger can be dangerous if we allow it to control our lives; acting out of fury does not reflect the righteousness of God. In anger, we shout out hurtful words, and bitterness stirs up jealousy in our hearts. Anger pushes people away from us; they lack respect for us and begin to think poorly of our character. We understand this is not a reflection of God, and we must take our emotions to Him before we hurt people.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we become angry throughout our lifetime. Please forgive us for our outbursts and teach us to stop allowing anger to control our lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
Priorities, Priorities!
Frances Taylor
Does Jesus really want us to believe that our enemies are our parents, children, family or friends? Somehow, I don't think so! It is really about priorities. Have you ever chosen to watch a sports program when your child wanted to talk to you? What about not sitting at the table for meals because a special game is on? We are called on to make choices all the time. We can choose God, or we can choose other. Is that late night party worth missing church? We can talk all we want about being too busy, but the truth is that we find the time for what we want to do. I love to read, knit, spend time with my friends and I hate doing the laundry, dishes, vacuuming, but it all needs to be done. I would rather pick up a good book than exercise. I can say that I am "too busy" to do the things I don't enjoy doing, but the truth is, I choose to spend my time in other ways. The same is true about putting God first. A friend that is always put last doesn't ...
Night Prayer
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
Inspiration
We often blame God for struggles in our lives. We feel that He does not care for us or isn't all-powerful. We ask why He isn't parting seas or moving mountains for us. Sometimes, it's tempting to blame God and stop trusting Him altogether. God does not tempt us to reject Him, and struggles occur because we live in an imperfect world. God uses our hardships to grow closer to us by strengthening our character and faith. We will not blame Him for our difficulties. Instead, we will continue to praise His name and rest peacefully in His loving arms.
Prayer
Dear God, we struggle daily in this imperfect world. You are our hope in the darkness, and we will continue to lean on Your everlasting arms in comfort and peace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
