Written by Juliet Constantine, these devotionals share thoughts and blessings from on high to give you encouragement, wisdom, and strength to face life's many challenges. Juliet has authored two sets of devotionals: "At His Feet" and "Finding Jesus In The Scriptures". Select from all the devotionals below or choose a topic from the menus.
The king was heartbroken. How could they not come when he had already prepared everything for a grand celebration? There was much food for the reception - what would be done with it? Perhaps, believing that the first set of servants might not have been persuasive enough, he sent yet another set of servants; but, this time, the specially invited guests treated them badly and even murdered them. Word got back to the king, who was furious. He realized that those invited guests were unworthy of his invitation. In retaliation, he then sent his armies who destroyed all those murderers.
Jesus’ response to the hurt, anger, resentment, and revenge in their faces and hearts toward their oppressors wasn’t a popular or welcomed one. It made Jesus sad to tell them something different than what they wanted to hear. What they heard was: “Do not resist. Go the extra mile. Go over and beyond the call of duty. Be agreeable. Respect authority.” Jesus only reiterated what they already knew, but the anger in their hearts tricked them into believing that they wanted otherwise.
It wasn’t God’s will to cause the older generation to perish in the wilderness. It was their rebellion. Their unwillingness to follow the straight “thus saith the Lord” prevented their entry. They preferred to set up their own rules and do their own thing. They rebelled against God’s chosen who always stood in the gap for them. With all the miracles God did and all the provisions He gave them, still they were unsatisfied and doubtful of His protection. Their rebellion prevented them from entering the Promised Land.
Even though you may not be the offender, you should take steps to make it right. Leave your gift of prayer, thanksgiving, tithes and offerings and go make it right. Confess your faults and ask to be forgiven.
He had it all! Life was good. Yet he was so restless. He wondered what life was like on the other side of town – a place he had never been. He had never been to the movies, never entered the doors of a night club, and never partied until day light. He had never dressed in ‘bling’ clothing, nor had he ever had a drink. He was sure all the fun was on the other side of town. Yet, here he was-- living like ‘old people’. No fun, just the same everyday stuff!
When you repay insult with a blessing, you are gaining the victory: over the devil – he cannot gain a foothold in your life; over your enemy – your life will be a testimony and God will work on them to bring about a change; and over yourself – you will be strengthened to face the next challenge. Let’s be children of light and rejoice when persecution comes.
Finally, we are encouraged that as much as is possible, we should live peaceably with all. When we strive for peaceful resolution to our conflicts, we will be seen as peacemakers and will be called children of God. Today, He is saying to you and me, let there be peace. Let there be peace in our homes, in our offices, in our churches, and in our communities. Most importantly, let there be peace in our hearts.
Jesus taught that it’s a blessing to have pure hearts. Those with pure hearts will see God. Realizing these truths, we must do all, with God’s help, to have a pure heart. We must guard carefully the avenues of our soul – especially our eyes and ears – so as not to feed our hearts with evil thoughts and company. Only allow in what is good and noble and just. And yes, ask God’s help to keep your heart pure. Let us be pure, because others care.
