Devotion
Be humble in victory
David Jacobs
World War I ended in 1918, and it took six months of negotiations for the warring countries to sign the Treaty of Versailles. The treaty forced Germany to take responsibility for the war in some ways, such as admitting "war guilt," paying substantial reparations and ceding large amounts of territories. It may have seemed like a great victory for the victorious powers, but the harsh terms of the treaty against Germany left them seething and feeling alienated from the rest of Europe. As we all may know, a few decades later, this burning resentment led to a second World War, and millions of lives lost.
Saul had lost his claim to the kingdom of Israel (1 Samuel 15) and grown jealous of David's success (1 Samuel 18). Saul and David had grown apart, and the kingdom of Israel had been split as Samuel predicted. In 1 Samuel 28, Saul uses a medium to speak to the deceased Samuel, who reiterates that Saul disobeyed God and will lose the kingdom, adding that his sons will soon join Samuel in the afterlife. Sure enough, the Philistines find him and his sons, killing his sons and forcing Saul to take his own life.
The Philistines desecrate Saul's body, cutting off his head, removing his armor, and fastened his body to a wall for people to see it. I think you can see the similarity between this grisly scene and the Treaty of Versailles: honoring a defeated opponent can help to bring peace, where mocking them will often lead to revenge. Be humble, even in victory.
Prayer
Precious Lord, your light shines in the darkness. Help me shine brightly, so that I, too, may help drive out darkness. Together, believers of Christ can drive out the darkness, violence, and arrogance that plague this life, and the darkness will not overcome it. I am humbled by your mercy, O God, and will follow the path laid before me to Heaven. Amen.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
