Devotion
Lions, bears, and Goliath are no match
David Jacobs
No story in the Bible is more important to me than the story of David and Goliath. As a child, I would go to church with my parents and be forced to sit and listen to adults read the scriptures and give sermons that I could hardly focus on. I would take the Bible from the pew and read my favorite Old Testament passages: Moses calling down plagues on Egypt, Jonah and the whale, and most of all the story of a young King David. I would put myself in his shoes (or sandals) and think that I, too, could do anything if I believed it. If he, a young boy with the same name as me, can kill lions, bears, and Goliath, surely, I can do great things.
More important than the result of this battle to me is that David volunteered. He had no doubt what the outcome would be. His faith was so strong that he seemed to view the battle that nobody else wanted to fight was almost a foregone conclusion. It was not always easy for me to empathize with other characters in the Bible, but David was so human to me in many ways, but his confidence and faith in God never seemed to waver. His faith leads him to glory in his lifetime and his family to more glory than he could ever imagine. If he can do it, so can we!
Prayer
Almighty Father, your Heavenly Kingdom awaits all that have faith in you. Strengthen my faith, O Lord, for I, like David, hope to be a shining example to all that know me, an example of how strong faith is rewarded during this life and the next. You are my alpha and omega, you have delivered me from my trials, and you will deliver me through the next. In your holy name, I pray, Amen.
Night Prayer
Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Inspiration
Lillies in a field seem unimportant compared to the turmoil and strife erupting in the world today, which makes Christ's statement ever more precious. God provides nourishment to the lilies and adorns them with beauty. They are as carefree in an open field as we are, resting in the arms of our Heavenly Father. He promises to love and protect us, shield us from evil, and bless us unconditionally. His promise brings us hope and encouragement as we walk along the road toward salvation.
Prayer
Dear Father, we know we are safe in Your arms as You nourish our souls and adorn us with unconditional love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
