Devotion
When the going gets tough . . . Pray?
David Jacobs
David is a dynamic figure in the Bible, performing incredibly good deeds as well as heinous sins. He is anointed by God, the King of Israel, the slayer of Goliath (1 Samuel 17), but also murders an Amalekite for putting a dying Saul out of his misery (2 Samuel 1), and forces Uriah the Hittite, the husband of a woman that David committed adultery with, to the front lines because David wants Uriah's wife to be his own (2 Samuel 11). Why does God care so deeply about David when he is so emotional and sinful? The answer lies in these verses.
David is consistently faithful and obedient to God. With the Philistines closing in on him, David turns to God in prayer as he often does. God cares so deeply about David because David cares so deeply about God! It is as simple as that. Does David sin? Absolutely. Does he stray from God at times? Certainly. Does he always come back to God and trust the Lord with all of his heart and soul? He does. God rewards his loyalty and obedience once again, smiting the Philistines and avenging the death of his former friend Saul. He stays calm, keeps his faith, and is strengthened by God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, purveyor of truth, I humbly come to you seeking to be more faithful to you, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. May the blessings of my mind and meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight. Lord, I am yours. Like David before me, I will come to you in times of trouble. You know that I have sinned and will sin again, but I vow to come back to you, this day and everyday. For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. 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.