Christian Devotional – August 9, 2013

VERSE:

Jeremiah 41:8–But ten of them said to Ishmael, “Don’t kill us! We have wheat and barley, olive oil and honey, hidden in a field.” So he let them alone and did not kill them with the others.

TRUTH:

Ishmael was not going to stand for the Babylonians setting up a puppet government, so he just went out and killed everyone. Then when eighty more men showed up just to worship, Ishmael began to kill hem, too. Ten of them offered a bribe in exchange for their lives and Ishmael took it. Ishmael was only after personal power and gain, that was what motivated him. What motivates us? Do we act rashly and concern ourselves with only what is best for us? The Lord alone is to be our motivation.

RESPONSE:

Father, Ishmael made terrible decisions based on his personal desires and he was willing to kill others. Do I make decisions based solely on personal and selfish desires? Father, search my heart and help me to give You all my desires so You can change them and conform them to Your own.