Devotion
Why do bad things happen to good people?
David Jacobs
I am a firm believer of good things happening to good people. What you reap is what you sow; if you sow good things, it will grow more good things; so bad, more bad things. However, what happens when bad things happen to good people?
One of the best person I have ever known was also my oldest friend. We knew each other since we were babies, growing up together with our families. He was good at everything; he was the captain of our high school soccer, baseball, and basketball team. He was the class president and valedictorian of our school. He didn't drink, smoke, or curse. He was a good Catholic boy that volunteered always. He eventually went to and graduated from Harvard, finishing at the very top of his class. Everyone in our hometown knew of and were proud him.
One day, he slipped and fell off of a balcony in a freak accident and died. That was it. We were all devastated; his family was unsure how to process the information, let alone move on without him. It left us all wondering: Why God? Why?
At the beginning of Job, it sets the tone for what is soon to come. He was not just a good man; he was a perfect man. He loved God, loved his family, and even asked for forgiveness on his family's behalf. Like my friend, God should reward him for his behavior...right?
Prayer
We must remember, there are more than just the forces of God at work. As we will read in the next verses, Satan is real and does all that he could to test Job's faith. Lest we forget, God has rewarded us; He has given us life, created the earth, and sent His son, Christ, and with his blood, we have been redeemed. There may be tragedies that occur during our time in the worldly kingdom, but what matters is the eternity we spend in the heavenly one.
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.
