Devotion
Save me Lord, my shield
David Jacobs
You may know the story of Julius Caesar. He was the famous ruler of the Roman empire, known throughout much of the world, and held in high esteem for his wisdom and cunning abilities. He thought that he was well liked in his own country, leading in the senate amongst his friends, especially his best friend, Brutus. On the Ides of March, March 15th, three senators, Gaius Cassius Longinus, Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus, and Marcus Junius Brutus, his close friend, lead the assassination outside of the Theatre of Pompey, killing Julius Caesar. In the Shakespeare play of the same name, Caesar famously says, "Et tu, Brute?" (even you, Brutus?) A gang of conspirators that he thought were friends ended his life, taking power for themselves.
In life, it can sometimes feel like the world is conspiring against us, much like Caesar. Little things from our closest friends can hurt us, but why should we be hurt when we have the Lord as our shield? Consider these verses; they could have come in handy for poor Caesar. Our faith in God is our shield against all foes; He will defeat all of our enemies; He, and only He, will grant us salvation.
Prayer
It feels terrible when you are up against difficult odds: many things working against only you. Remember: it is not only you! God is with you and will always be there to protect you. He is our rock and shield. Instead of asking, "Et tu, God?" we will declare, "Et tu, God!" Thanks be to God.
Devotion
The Weeds
Frances Taylor
This parable is packed with images. It was very difficult to choose just one, but after reading it over several times, I looked again at just what – or who – the weeds represent. Reading further in Matthew we see this line, "The Son of Man will send his angels and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." Those who cause others to sin! We talk a lot about peer pressure when we are talking about our youth. We warn them to stay away from friends who might get them into trouble. But what about us? Have you ever thought that you, or I, might cause others to sin? We would all like to think of ourselves as the wheat – after all, aren't we here? But what about when we're not in church? Do we laugh at dirty jokes, or tell them? Help our teens get into movies that are restricted or give into pressure and download them to watch at home? Do we overlook it when there ...
Morning Prayer
Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
Inspiration
Jesus knew what was to be in store for him after Judas sold out his name with a kiss. Yet, instead of resigning himself to desperation and doom, he instead saw the glory that would come, the glory within which his name would live on. Think; in the face of ones own defeat or impending trouble, do you cower in fear, or do you find courage in your Heavenly Father?
Prayer
Lord Almighty, grant me the strength to carry on in the face of darkness and difficulties. Grant me to courage in the face of challenges that seem insurmountable. For I know in you Lord, all things may be possible. In Jesus' name I pray and ask for grace, Amen.
Night Prayer
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Inspiration
We despise the thought of a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. The outside is easy to clean; it's the caked-up residue on the inside that's so difficult to remove. Jesus compares the scribes and Pharisees with dishes that have been wiped clean on the outside while dirty inside. The Pharisees took exceptional care of their outward appearance and neglected their inward spirits. We are guilty of allowing our hearts to be left filthy as well. We look and act as we should while our souls are full of darkness. We must continue to converse with the Holy Spirit daily and trust His guidance to cleanse our sinful nature.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive our sinful nature. We yearn for cleansing from within, so we are genuine witnesses to Your name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
