Devotion for Sunday, September 15, 2024

“If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?  If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefor they will be your judges” (Matthew 12:26-27).  

Make no mistake, Satan is united in one thing, and that is hatred.  Wherever, and however he can spread the seeds of hatred, you see his work.  It is everywhere in this age.  Jealousy, coveting, and dissatisfaction abound.  Reject the devil and all his empty promises.  Our Lord is One, and He alone has all power and authority.  Be guided by Him and live in the grace He gives.  Do not be divided, but united in Him.  Lord Jesus, You have prayed that we would be one.  Wherever there is disunity, the wicked one is at work.  Lead me in Your goodness and mercy to know that in You alone is unity.  Where there is disunity in my life, slay it.  Where there is discord in me, humble me to love others as You have loved me.  Teach me to be a peacemaker.  Guide me to follow You in all Your ways. 

Help me, Lord Jesus, to live the Gospel of truth today.  Where I am tempted to sin, point my eyes in the right direction.  My mind races, but all truth is in You.  Help me to understand that true life is in You alone.  The world is divided, but the church is one.  Help me to move from living as the world lives to living in the unity of Your presence and purpose in my life. 

Lord Jesus, You have so clearly laid out the truth that I often run in the opposite direction.  Guide me, Lord, to live faithfully according to the goodness of Your grace and mercy.  Help me to be a peacemaker, being humble and willing to walk in peace with those whom You bring into my life.  Be the One who leads me, and with Your Holy Spirit, send me into the world as a peacemaker for Your sake.  Amen.