Devotion
What doest thou here?
David Jacobs
In my teenage years I was in love with a beautiful girl. We dated for many years after that, growing to be best friends. Eventually, we realized that we wanted to go our separate ways. We spent so much of our time together that it was difficult to adapt to being alone. I became insecure that her family and our mutual friends no longer liked me and that I was alone. It took me a long time to understand that we were simply not meant to be together and the friendship that we had was still strong.
Elijah is fleeing from Jezebel in these verses, fearing for his life, thinking that he is alone. In his moment of terror, God approaches him, asking him what he is doing. Elijah tells God that he has been devoted to God and that he is the only believer left in Israel. Similar to how I felt at my low point post-breakup, it can feel that way sometimes. Also similar to my situation, Elijah was not abandoned. He was scared and felt alone and helpless. God reassured him that he was not alone, because God was there and also told him that there were still 7000 true believers in Israel.
If you feel alone, like I have, like Elijah did, do not despair. Turn to the Lord and he will reassure you. In your moment of fear, listen to God asking you what you are doing. Answer Him with prayer and you will be comforted. He is our shepherd and will lead you where you need to go.
Prayer
O Lord my shepherd, I shall not want. Strengthen my heart in my times of despair, reminding me to go to you when I feel alone. I forget, my God, that you have never abandoned me and never will. I pray that you also comfort others that feel that they are alone, granting me the wisdom to notice and comfort them, as you have noticed and comforted me. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, I pray. 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.