Thursday, September 29, 2011

Devotion Thoughts - 28/05/2011

2 Samuel 13:1-39
Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab... a very subtle man (v.3).
In many situations where an answer is sought, there are those who can think up what are thought of as good solutions. Jonadab was such a man; he suggested a plan for Amnon. However, his plan was not from God and had an unhappy outcome.
We must always look to God for guidance when the way forward seems unclear.
John 17:1-26
As Jesus prayed He lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You in return (v.1) I don't pray that You should take [My disciples] out of the world, but that You should keep them from evil (v.15). Nor do I pray for [My disciples] only, but also for those who will believe in me through their witness (v.20).
Jesus was serious in His praying for His disciples, and for the spiritual descendants who came to Christ through them, right down to today's Believers. There are many powerful thoughts in this chapter, of which I have selected three:
1. The glory that Jesus was looking forward to was not just what He would have once back in heaven, but included the opportunity to go to the cross in obedience to His Father's desire to make a way of salvation for mankind (v.1). (Wow, Lord!)
2. In the world evil abounds, but Believers will only grow spiritually by staying in the world and overcoming evil with the Father's help, just as Jesus did (v.15).
3. We Believers must be eternally thankful that Jesus thought about us, too, when He prayed (v.20).
Psalm 119:81-96
O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven for ever (v.89). I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have made me alive (v.93).
Jesus said heaven and earth would pass away but not His word (Luke 21:33). The psalmist was inspired to have realised that God's spoken words are far more permanent than the somewhat solid-looking universe we inhabit! Let us heed the word of Jesus as we have them in the New Testament.
Proverbs 16:6,7
(v.6) By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. (v.7) When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Just for a change I am using the Good News Bible for their rendering of these two verses. I have often made good use of this translation. Anyone who wants to really get to grips with what the Bible is about will find this translation easy reading, much like a novel. If you have the time, reading through in a week will jumpstart your Bible knowledge!
v. 6. Be loyal and faithful, and God will forgive your sin. Obey the LORD and nothing evil will happen to you.
v.7. When you please the LORD, you can make your enemies into friends.

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