Talking Donkey

By Bethany Lashbrook

This Week’s Verse: Numbers 22:28, “Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?’” (NIV)

Devotion:Christians get a “bad” rap for not having a very fun life. Nonbelievers sometimes think that if we take out drunkenness, foolishness, partying all night, and hating our enemies, what could be fun in life?

I’ll tell you what I think is fun – talking donkeys. The bible is so full of interesting stories it keeps my children amused and keeps me engrossed. I think that living God’s way makes our life more exhilarating.

Along with talking donkeys we get Noah and his ark that survives the largest earthly flood, Daniel who made it safely out of the lion’s den, and shadrach meshach and abednego, who withstand fires so hot we would all die in seconds. And this is all in the Old Testament!

In the New Testament, we get to see Jesus born in a manger, Jesus die on the cross, and Jesus rise from the ground. We also see Paul and many others live the life Jesus asked us to live – and sacrifice their own life for it!

Contrary to what others may think, I believe this Christian life is pretty exciting. Although, I have yet to listen to a talking donkey or build an ark that sustains the harshest weather – I do have some pretty extraordinary life moments that could shake anyone’s mind! Don’t we all!

Dear Father, help us to remember our lives are exciting just because we follow you! Guide and direct us in all you do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Applications: What is your favorite exciting bible story? Reread it this week to your children, your significant other, or just by yourself and marvel in God’s work in your own life!

Power Verses:

Daniel 616, “So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” (NIV)

Acts 26:29, “Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.” (NLT)

Romans 13:13, “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.” (NIV)

In This World, or Of This World?

by Denise Reed

This Week’s Verse: John 15:19, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (NIV)

Devotion
Most of us know and love singing the song “Amazing Love.” However, one day as it played on the radio, a certain verse grabbed my attention: “I’m forgiven, because you were forsaken. I’m accepted, you were condemned.”

Then it struck me; what makes us accepted in this world? Are we so worldly that we blend in with everyone else in such a way that no one can tell if we are a follower of Jesus? I knew that this conviction had come from God and it weighed on my mind for the rest of the week.

The very next Sunday we read the story of Stephen in our Sunday School class. The story is found in Acts and it reaffirmed that my earlier insight was from God. Stephen was a man full of God’s grace and power. He was chosen by the other apostles as a disciple of Christ. He did great wonders and miraculous signs, but you know what?

He was NOT accepted by the world. He WAS condemned. Because of his faith he was persecuted and stoned to death. As he died, he mirrored what Jesus said when he died on the cross by saying, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

This man--who was a true follower of Jesus--is a great example for us. Are we willing to stand out in the crowd, or are we trying too hard to be accepted by the world?

Oh, and to top it off, we sang “Amazing Love” during the worship hour that SAME Sunday. Was God speaking to me or what?

Dear Lord, thank you for the great example of Stephen. Help me to never take my eyes off my purpose here in this world. This world has nothing for me, Lord. Help me remember that. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application:
This week, let’s make a conscious effort to share God’s love with everyone we come into contact with, even if we think they might shun us, or make fun of us. If we are made fun of, we will rejoice!

Power Verses: 1 John 2:15, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (NIV)
2 Timothy 3:12, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (NIV)
1 Peter 2:11, “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage was against your soul.”(NIV)