This week’s devotions are based on Week 3 of the Series Ephesians: Becoming Who You Are (CLICK HERE)
“Never underestimate what the sinful nature can do.”
I remember this statement from one of our seminary professors as he warned us to realize the evil force inside each one of us that we call the sinful nature.
No evil is surprising, because we know Romans 5:12:
12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—
But sometimes evil is surprising when and where it shows up.
I wasn’t watching live, but saw the headlines of the assassination attempt on Former President Trump at his rally in Pennsylvania about an hour after it happened.
I vaguely remember the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. You pray it doesn’t happen to any political official, no matter what their party.
Perhaps there are different emotions that come in a situation like this from shock, to anger, to disbelief, to resolve, to sadness, to…
You probably have your own reaction.
Trump’s life was spared by millimeters. The angle of his head made for a grazing blow rather than a fatal hit. God’s providence? Yes. One must acknowledge that God allowed his life to be spared. We will see how God’s plan unfolds in this moving forward.
In times of unrest, we can be confident of many things…perhaps these three are good reminders.
Evil is real in our world, but Jesus has overcome the world. So amidst evil, we can still have peace.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Evil is real in our world, but God has not lost control of the world…in fact, we can be confident his plan will prevail.
Ephesians 1:22-23 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Evil is real in our world, but I do not need to be afraid. God is with me.
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Lord God,
We live in a world where evil persists and hearts are following the ways of the world and seeking to bring harm on others and find solutions through violence. This morning, We thank you Lord for sparing the life of former President Trump and grieve the injury and loss of life of innocent bystanders. Thank you for all who protect those in positions of power and vulnerability with a heart willing to give theirs for another. Lord we ask that you would curtail harm that is sought and perpetuated against leaders in our country. Suppress any other evil intents against those in power or seeking political office.
Most of all Lord, we know that what brings peace to our country is the power of your Word working peace in our hearts. We know that life comes only from you to turn hearts dead in sin and slaves to sin to ones that walk in your grace and live out your purpose. Use this attempted assassination to turn hearts to you for answers for life and our country. We ask your grace, mercy and forgiveness on our nation and in that mercy we ask that you would continue to allow your blessing to be realized in our land.
We ask this in Jesus’ name, AMEN