21st. July. 2021. Daily Devotion.
‘Teacher,’ said John, ‘we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.’
39 ‘Do not stop him,’ Jesus said. ‘For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward. Mark 9:38-4
Christ will include in His fold anyone who performs a miracle in His name, basically: Anyone who will give us a glass of water in His name.
If another person confesses Jesus Christ, as their Lord and Saviour, we must — in the name of Christ, and in obedience to His direct commandment — not speak evil of them! It is not given to us to judge others, and especially, not to judge who Christ has saved or will save.
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
Lord Jesus, lead me to live in unity and love with all who confess your holy name. Amen.
Prayer to Be Filled with Christ’s Love (from Ephesians 3)
Heavenly Father, when I think of the wonder of your great plan for our salvation, I fall on my knees before you, who have named every name in heaven or on earth, and I pray that out of your richness of your glory, you will strengthen me in my inner being with your Spirit, so that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith. And I pray that I may be rooted and grounded in love, that I may have strength to comprehend with all the saints the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ Jesus, the love that surpasses knowledge, and be filled with the fullness that only you can give. In the name of Christ, I pray, Amen.
Prayer for the Work of Today
Almighty God, thank you for the work my hand may find t0day. May I find gladness in all its toil and difficulty, its pleasure and success, and even in its failure and sorrow. I would look always away from myself and behold the glory and the need of the world, that I may have the will and the strength to bring the gift of gladness to others; that with them I stand to bear the burden and heat of the day and offer you my work, as well as I may accomplish it, in your praise. Amen.
Coronavirus Prayer
“For this reason, ever since I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people. I have not stopped giving thanks for you remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better” Ephesians 1:15-17
Gracious Lord, we thank you for people who love us. Who have cared for us and been there for us (we take a few seconds of silence to picture them.)
Thank you for their advice, their kindness and their prayers.
We thank you for your love for us that you have no favourites, but you constantly love us fully and unreservedly. Help us to love others in your name.
Lord in this time of change and uncertainty, grant us wisdom and revelation. That we may make good decisions for ourselves and for others. In Jesus’ name
Amen
