Devotion
The Grass is always greener on the other side . . . or is it?
David Jacobs
As the title of this devotion suggests, people sometimes selfishly consider the short-term benefits rather than thinking for the long-term. A good friend of mine married a woman that he did not love. He came from a fairly poor family and his soon-to-be wife, who he had known for only a few months and had shown little loyalty to him, came from an extremely wealthy family. He was unable to think of her in any other way: a ticket out of poverty and towards a better life. Once he got it, however, he realized that was not the life he wanted at all. He had worked hard to get what he had, and his parents had done the same and treated him well. The opposite was true of his wife, and disagreements between her family eventually led to their divorce.
In Genesis 13, Lot defies the desires of Abram and God, choosing to settle in Jordan. The grass was literally greener in Jordan, with abundant sources of water and a path to a potentially easier life. However, he turned a blind eye to the wicked and sinful ways of the men of Sodom, deciding to settle there regardless. Eventually, Lot loses everything when Sodom is destroyed. If he had listened to the urges of God and Abram, his ancestors would turn to salt. Unfortunately, his family is turned into the dust of the earth in the end. Open your heart, go to the Lord, and follow God's path. He is a light at your feet and will not lead you astray. The pastures in Heaven are greener than any we can imagine.
Prayer
My God, my Shepherd, I will follow you to the ends of the earth. Heaven and earth are full of your glory, and I shout your praises from the highest mountains. Strengthen my heart so that I learn to trust and put my faith in you at all times. You have not led me astray, and I know you never will. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Night Prayer
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
Inspiration
When a king rules with fairness and justice, his kingdom will flourish. If the same king accepts gifts or bribes, his kingdom will fall. We've all observed a person in a leadership position who acted wrongfully. Perhaps a boss did not discipline employees fairly, or a political leader accepted kickbacks for legislation decisions. These corrupt actions lead to their demise. Scripture advises leaders to maintain justice with fair decision-making. As leaders, we must reflect on the mercy and grace God shows to us and lead others in the same fashion.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for coaching us in our leadership endeavors. We have faith in Your Words and will lead Your people accordingly. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Devotion
The Widow of Naim
Frances Taylor
This story of Jesus' raising the son of the widow of Naim gives us some information that lets us know just how important it was for this widow. At that time, women had no way to earn a living. They were property of their parents until they became property of their husbands, and actually moved into the home of the husband. Now that this widow's son had died, she had no one to take care of her. The compassion that Jesus showed meant life to that widow. I'm sure the leaders weren't too happy that the power of God to raise someone from the dead rested in Jesus. There must also have been those who were saying, "Why her and not me?" We all will die and we will all lose someone we love including those of us who have and will lose children. We can easily read this passage and question. It can be difficult to understand God's plan for us, even though we keep trying. It is better to concentrate on the positive than the negative. A priest I once knew lost ...
