Devotion
The Lord is God in Heaven above and in Earth beneath
David Jacobs
I was nervously excited about my mission trip to Africa many years ago. I was unable to communicate with many of the people there, so I had to convey God's message through my actions more than with my words. I believe that education is the most effective way to positively affect anyone, so I shared what knowledge I had in various subjects with the villagers where I was stationed, including in the Bible. Having never heard these subjects, I was surprised to see the voracity with which my students devoured my lessons. They seemed unable to get enough. They thirsted for education and thirsted for the Lord without even knowing that God existed. It helped me realize my calling and I pledged to educate myself, and others, for as long as I lived.
In these verses, Joshua has sent two spies to Jericho. Upon arrival, they stayed with a prostitute named Rahab. The king of Jericho hears that the spies are living with Rahab and asks her to send the spies to him. She says that she does not know where they are, hiding them, and helping them escape in a basket that she lowered from the city's walls. She also makes the two spies promise an oath to her because she has heard the stories of the Israelites and of God.
Like the villagers in Africa, she knows about God before she has been taught anything, and makes the spies swear that they will show mercy on her and her family. We should also take an oath to be as enthusiastic and open as Rahab, willing to go against orders to do what you believe is right. Through education and a willingness to learn, we can spread the good news of the Lord.
Prayer
My Lord and Shepherd, deliver me from the temptations that I face everyday. Help me to educate myself in your Holy Word, so that I may share your teachings with those that thirst for it. My heart has melted for you, Abba Father, for I know that you are the one and only God. I pray that I have the strength and the courage to share this knowledge with all people. 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 ...
