Devotional

HE LEFT LIGHT

When a deeply loved man in the community died, the pastor found many words of kindness to say about his dedicated life to his Lord. But, perhaps the most beautiful words the minister uttered were these, "When he came there was no light; when he died there was no darkness." This statement best defines the life of our Lord but also could be used to describe those who have made a deep impact on their communities by godly testimonies.

Stephen's death would have eternal repercussions. When he was stoned by those who hated him, he prayed two simple prayers: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," and "Lord, do not charge them with this sin" (Acts 7:59). A young man was standing by holding the coats of those who killed Stephen. He would be haunted by the Savior Stephen knew. The young man's name was Paul.

In our prayer period today, let us determine that our lives will have impact in and on our communities. May God help us to bring light--real light--to the darkness of our neighborhoods by our living relationship with Christ. Like Stephen, we, too, can have influence long after this mortal body has gone. We will not only live in eternity with Christ but also in the lives of those we have won to Christ.

Acts 7:59-60 NIV

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Oops

Well, I've kinda fell off the wagon a little bit here...
Unfortunately I've had a few mountain dew this past week. I feel icky and bloated. I've insisted my husband help keep me away from the dew from now on!
On the plus side, my walk and relationship with the Lord has been increasing! I'm still daily doing my devotional first thing as I am pumping.  I'm loving it, and pray it continues.
I go back to work in 3 weeks... kinda dreading it, but I know it will get better with time.  Plus side, I have great people to go back to work to!

Here's to looking forward and continuing with my goals!

Disappointed

I failed in a little bit this week... I have had a mountain dew. I have to be strong again and go more days without it. Need to find a great alternative, otherwise I know I'm gonna have a hard time getting rid of it!

Success

Yay, I've made it a week with out mountain dew. I had a few opportunities to drink it, but I prayed and was able to stay away from it!

Monday quiet time

DESERVING PRISON

A French prince once visited the infamous Toulon prison. As the prince walked down the cell-lined corridor, the prison warden offered to release any prisoner that the prince selected. In order to make his choice, the prince asked each prisoner, "Why are you here?" Every man asserted that he didn't belong in prison. "I am innocent, my lord!" claimed one. "I've been framed!" cried another. Only one man told a different story. "Your highness," he replied, "I have no complaint. In my time I have been a wicked, desperate murderer. I deserve to be here." The prince replied, "You are indeed a wicked man. What a pity you are confined among so many honest citizens. You will corrupt them! I can't allow you to remain in their company another day. Guard! This is the man I wish released!"

Like this solitary prisoner, Daniel admitted his and his people's guilt (Daniel 9:3-19). He knew Israel deserved all the punishment God could give. That is why he said:...for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies. God's mercy was Israel's only hope.

When we depend on His mercy rather than our own goodness, power comes into our praying. We can do nothing to "deserve" answered prayer. Rather, we need to rely on God's grace and mercy to give according to His riches in glory.

Daniel 9:18 NIV

Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.

Mercy for the sinner

REPRISALS

During his rule, Adolf Hitler ordered every tenth person shot in two villages near Warsaw, Poland. This massacre was in reprisal for the deaths of two German soldiers. Reprisal was a common practice of the mad dictator who in just a few short years plunged the tranquil country of Germany into bloody war. History will long remember the brutal behavior of Hitler and those like him who without mercy murdered innocent victims.

Blatant disregard for God and one's fellowman demands justice and judgment. Often when we read about God's judgment, we shrink back from it. It seems to make God sound so cruel and heartless. However, we must remember God deals with man in the direction he is going. To those who love, He says, "Follow me." To those who hate, He says, "The soul that sins, it shall die."

Ezekiel, in his brief prayer (Ezekiel 9), questioned God about mercy mixed with judgment. Even though the evil ones deserved all the judgment they were to receive, still Ezekiel prayed for them. Evil must and will be punished, and we can rest assured God will deal justly. Yet it would be well for us to have Ezekiel's compassion for our accusers and those who hate our Lord. Judgment will come, but may we pray that God will have mercy on those who repent.

Ezekiel 9:8 NIV

While they were killing and I was left alone, I fell facedown, crying out, “Alas, Sovereign Lord ! Are you going to destroy the entire remnant of Israel in this outpouring of your wrath on Jerusalem?”

Devotional

THE PAIN PASSES

Pierre Auguste Renoir, the great French artist, suffered severely from rheumatism. It was extremely painful for him to paint, but he continued to do so. A friend once asked, "You have done enough already, Renoir. Why do you continue to torture yourself?" The artist looked at him for a long moment and then said, "The pain passes, but the beauty remains."

As we read the prayer of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 15:15-18), we catch a glimpse of his suffering soul. Rejected by his family, friends, and country, this gallant prophet complained to God in this prayer about his agony. Why did Jeremiah continue to preach and pray? The same reason that Renoir painted: The pain passes, the beauty remains. Jeremiah knew the suffering of the moment could not be compared with the joy awaiting him for faithfulness. So he kept on preaching and praying.

In our moments of despair we, like Jeremiah, sometimes complain to God about our problems. It is comforting to know God understands and seeks to solace our weary hearts. Soon the pain will pass; the beauty of our obedience and faithfulness will last throughout eternity. Let us then be faithful in discharging the duties God has given us.

Jeremiah 15:18 NIV

Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails.