Morning Prayer
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Inspiration
What goals and aspirations motivate our actions? For Paul, as long as he could testify to God’s grace, nothing else mattered. When we come to Jesus, our lives are no longer our own. God calls us each to a unique work for His kingdom’s sake. Let us all discern the work that God has set before us, and faithfully live by the Spirit for the sake of the gospel.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for saving me by Your grace and giving me a place in Your kingdom. Please empower me by Your Spirit to live for You, to make Your priorities my own. Help me to know and understand the gifts that You have given me, so that I may serve You to the fullest, and so that you are glorified in my life and actions. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Night Prayer
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Inspiration
We despise the thought of a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. The outside is easy to clean; it's the caked-up residue on the inside that's so difficult to remove. Jesus compares the scribes and Pharisees with dishes that have been wiped clean on the outside while dirty inside. The Pharisees took exceptional care of their outward appearance and neglected their inward spirits. We are guilty of allowing our hearts to be left filthy as well. We look and act as we should while our souls are full of darkness. We must continue to converse with the Holy Spirit daily and trust His guidance to cleanse our sinful nature.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive our sinful nature. We yearn for cleansing from within, so we are genuine witnesses to Your name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
