Tag: Reconciliation

May 29, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Cry for Help

Opening Verse

“Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.”
Psalm 69:1-3 KJV

Introduction

Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, like we’re drowning in our troubles. The psalmist in Psalm 69 knew this feeling well and cried out to God in his distress.

Devotional Story

Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch Christian who, along with her family, helped many Jews escape the Nazis during World War II. She was eventually caught and sent to a concentration camp. In the camp, Corrie experienced unimaginable suffering and loss, including the death of her sister. The conditions were horrifying, and the constant threat of death loomed over her.

One night, in the depths of despair, Corrie cried out to God, feeling completely abandoned and overwhelmed by her circumstances. She felt like she was sinking in deep mire, just as the psalmist described. But even in that darkest moment, Corrie held onto her faith, believing that God was with her. Despite the cruelty around her, she continued to pray and trust in God’s deliverance.

Miraculously, Corrie survived the concentration camp. After the war, she dedicated her life to spreading the message of forgiveness and reconciliation, sharing her story of faith and survival with the world. Her experiences, chronicled in her book “The Hiding Place,” have inspired countless people to trust in God during their darkest times.

What This Means

Just like Corrie ten Boom, we all face moments when we feel overwhelmed. Psalm 69 reminds us that it’s okay to cry out to God. It’s okay to admit that we need His help. When we feel like we’re drowning, God hears our cries and comes to our aid. Corrie’s story shows us that even in the most desperate circumstances, God’s presence and love can sustain us. Her unwavering faith in God’s goodness, even in the face of evil, is a powerful reminder that God never abandons us.

Think About This

  • Have you ever felt like you were sinking under the weight of your problems?
  • How did you find comfort and strength during those times?
  • Are there areas in your life right now where you need to cry out to God for help?
  • How can Corrie ten Boom’s story inspire you to trust in God’s saving power?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come to You feeling overwhelmed by our troubles. Just as the psalmist cried out for Your saving hand, we too ask for Your help. Lift us out of the deep waters and place us on solid ground. Strengthen us and give us hope. Thank You for the story of Corrie ten Boom, which reminds us of Your unwavering presence and love. Help us to trust in You, no matter how dark our circumstances may seem. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.”
Psalm 71:14 KJV

April 25, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Brothers in Unity

Opening Verse

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

Introduction

Unity is a powerful theme throughout the Bible, emphasized as a reflection of God’s nature and intention for His people. When we live in unity, we embody the love and community that God desires for us.

Devotional Story

Two brothers, Eli and Michael, lived in the same small town. Though they shared the same upbringing, as they grew older, their paths diverged. Eli became a farmer, dedicated to the land, while Michael pursued teaching in the local school. Differences in their lifestyles and priorities led to a rift between them, causing years of separation and silence.

One day, the town faced a severe drought that threatened both the crops and the school’s operation. Facing these challenges, Eli and Michael realized that they needed to work together to help their community survive. They set aside their past disagreements, combining Eli’s knowledge of water conservation with Michael’s ability to educate and mobilize the town. Their joint efforts not only brought the community closer but also mended their relationship, showcasing the strength found in unity.

What This Means

When we choose unity over conflict, we tap into a greater strength that surpasses individual capabilities. Eli and Michael’s story demonstrates that even in deep disagreements, common goals and love for others can forge unbreakable bonds.

Think About This

Consider areas in your life where disunity has taken root. What common ground can you find with others that might bridge gaps and foster cooperation?

Prayer

Dear Lord, grant us the wisdom to seek unity with those around us. Help us to lay down our differences and work together for the common good, just as You unite us in Your purpose. Teach us to value relationships over disagreements and guide us toward reconciliation where it is needed. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

October 6, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

The Cultural Feast

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1, KJV)

Introduction:

Today’s devotional introduces the parable of the Cultural Feast, where a diverse community gathers to celebrate but finds themselves divided. Amidst the fragmentation, one individual emerges to unify the divided crowd. This narrative prompts us to meditate on our own roles as agents of unity and reconciliation in a world often rife with division.

Devotional Story:

In a small, bustling town, a grand feast was organized to celebrate the cultural richness of the community. Everyone was invited—farmers and scholars, rich and poor, people of all ethnic backgrounds. However, as the feast began, an unintended divide occurred: People started clustering based on their culture, language, or social status.

Among the attendees was Samuel, who noticed the fragmentation. Unlike others, Samuel moved from one group to another, sharing laughter, stories, and breaking bread. His actions began to dissolve the invisible walls; people started crossing boundaries to share and celebrate together.

Samuel’s role emulates Christ, who came to earth to “break down the middle wall of partition between us” (Ephesians 2:14, KJV).

 13. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
14. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
15. by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace,   (Ephesians 2:13-15 KJV).

Just like Samuel, Christ mingled with people from all walks of life, bringing them into a unity that transcended earthly divisions. The atmosphere in the feast transformed, embodying the biblical truth:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek…for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28, KJV).

Conclusion:

The Parable of the Cultural Feast compels us to examine our role in either perpetuating divisions or fostering unity. The character of Samuel stands as an example of what it means to live out Christ’s call for reconciliation and unity. The Apostle Paul succinctly encapsulates this in his letter to the Colossians:

“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness” (Colossians 3:14, KJV).

Our role is not just to fit into a specific group but to act as connectors, uniting disparate parts into a harmonious whole. By doing so, we mirror the divine love and unity that God intends for all His children.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18, KJV)