Home > Reading > NALC Devotions – July 21, 2017

Today’s readings: 1 Samuel 9:1-14; Acts 7:17-29; Luke 22:31-38

Some days it seems we go from one skirmish to another. Some of those are inner struggles. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells Peter that he will deny knowing his Lord, but Peter is forceful in his response that he will be faithful to the end. Jesus knew Peter had excellent intentions and meant every word. He also knew how hard it would be for his disciples to face an uncertain future.

He asks them if they lacked anything when they were on mission trips to tell people the good news of God’s salvation, healing and casting our demons in the power and authority of Jesus’ name. They said they lacked nothing. Then he tells them to prepare for the battle, to take what they need, for not many will welcome them. They have two swords to protect themselves as they travel, they tell Jesus. Jesus ends the conversation with three words, “It is enough.”

Each day, we live for Jesus. Do we live prepared for the physical and spiritual battle of living in the world but not of the world? Do we carry the weapons of the spirit? Do we love Jesus enough to go to prison or die for him?

Prayer: Lord, Jesus, may our good intentions lead us to good actions, facing the battle filled with your Spirit and love for our enemies. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by David Hefner, Pastor of Shiloh Lutheran Church in Hickory, NC.

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