Devotion
An eye for an eye…
David Jacobs
There have been a number of salacious scandals in Hollywood recently where men in positions of power have abused it, forcing women to sleep with them. This subject has sparked the #metoo movement, with women around the world joining together to share their stories of sexual abuse. It has shed light on a great tragedy of global society: women are often the targets of sexual abuse and rape and their voices have been ignored and they have had difficulty protecting themselves. The question arises: what is the best way to protect women and eliminate sexual abuse? This question has been pondered for thousands of years. Let us turn to the scripture.
In these verses, Jacob's daughter, Dinah, is raped by Shechem. In the time that this was written and even today in some countries, a woman that is raped shoulders a large part of the blame. I am a man and have a wife, daughter, and sister, and it is hard to know how I would react if any of them were victims of similar abuse. I honestly do not know how I would react, but an evil action like this often generates an evil repercussion. In these verses, the sons of Jacob fool Hamor and his sons, including Shechem, into getting circumcised so that they will be allowed to marry Jacob's daughters. Again, as a man, I can imagine how uncomfortable an adult circumcision would feel, and Jacob's sons use this opportunity to kill all of the men in Hamor's camp to avenge their sister's defilement. The evil that Shechem sparks by defiling Dinah only begets more evil.
As Christians, we are told to turn the other cheek to an enemy that strikes us, but how can we protect ourselves? In my opinion, the #metoo movement is a good example of a positive and constructive attempt to reduce or eliminate sexual abuse. Unlike the sons of Jacob, we should not just consider our case; we must consider all cases. By working together and shedding new light on the situation, we can fight evil with good. Light will shine in the darkness, and the darkness will not overtake it. (John 1:5)
Prayer
Remember these verses the next time you feel the urge to hurt another person. Fighting evil with evil is like fighting fire with fire: it only creates more evil. We should turn the other cheek to show others an example of good instead of evil. Join with other Christians by doing good and we can show the entire world what good is.
Night Prayer
Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Inspiration
We humble ourselves before the Lord when we come to Him with earthly burdens. We understand we do not have the power to control or fix our problems alone, so we lay our egos down and align our lives with the will of God. We are proud to be His servants and accept His help throughout our struggles. His love is unconditional, and His wisdom parallels none other.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we humble ourselves before You, seeking Your wisdom and guidance all the days of our lives. Thank You for Your presence and unfailing love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
You are a Temple of The Holy Spirit
Frances Taylor
This is a hard saying in today's world. Sexual immorality is so rampant and public that few people believe it to be immoral! People no longer think of sexual behavior outside of marriage as wrong and, in fact, have no problem with going from one person to another quite publicly, broadcasting their behavior on social media and if you're famous enough, on twitter, on TV, in magazines, etc. What happened to "Thou shalt not commit adultery?" I guess I'm old fashioned. I'm not about to condemn anyone who truly loves another and is faithful to them regardless of marriage, but I don't understand and cannot condone random sexual encounters that are not based on love but lust, have no desire for permanency but are literally just to satisfy a sexual itch.
Sorry if I offend anyone, but if we believe that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit to be kept holy, how can we treat them as what – toys, prizes? I'm aware that women have often ...
Morning Prayer
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Inspiration
Think of a grudge that you held on for a long time. Did you feel better from holding this grudge? Now think about this deeper: what if God held a grudge against us? Wow, how blessed we are that he forgives our sins! He leads by example, forgiving those of us that do exactly what he asks us not to do. We all should all be more forgiving, like God is to us.
Prayer
You sent your only son to the world to die so that we may be forgiven, merciful God. Forgive me, once again, for being too selfish and proud to not forgive those that trespass against me. I wish that I can sin less and ask for forgiveness and guidance when I need it. I thank you for sending your son to us, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
