Daily Devotional

Dear friends, if we really want to live as God’s children, we must be prepared to suffer many hardships. There is always a bitter price to pay for goodness. However, in the midst of all that may come your way, bear in mind that God never sleeps. The same Joseph who was so unfairly treated would eventually become the Prime Minister of Egypt. It may even be that your own reward will not come in this life, but don’t give up, keep being good. Your efforts will never be in vain.

Stories have the power to penetrate our subconscious thoughts. The beauty of a good story is that it is easily remembered; this way, one can hardly forget the message. Jesus Christ explored storytelling as a communication tool during his public ministry, and the stories He told thousands of years ago continue to strike our hearts today. Through storytelling, Nathan successfully delivered an uncomfortable message to David.

David was taking a walk on the roof of his palace when he caught sight of a woman bathing. Unlike the three corrupt judges who hid in a garden to watch Susanna taking her bath, David did not deliberately seek out this sight. Still, instead of taking his gaze away immediately, he allowed himself to be tempted all the more. Jesus warned us: “Everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; you should lose one of your members rather than that your whole body be thrown into hell.” (Matthew 5:28-29)