Devotion
What message is written on your heart?
David Jacobs
Can you think of a law that has changed drastically during your lifetime? I am sure we can all think of some laws that changed from one generation to the next. People's attitudes and education can lead to large shifts in the law: what one generation may deem inappropriate, illegal, and abhorrent, the next generation may deem legal and justified. Some laws today may be technically legal may have sinful consequences. It is, for this reason, we must be noble in the eyes of God, not just in society.
Paul writes to the Corinthians about 'the letter' of the law (as originally inscribed in Judaism), in contrast to God's divine moral order. Laws may serve a purpose in regulating society, but as devotees of the word of God, they are not sufficient. There is a law written on us as well, on the "fleshy tables of the heart." We must share our word, through our words and deeds, so that all can bear witness to a higher "letter." We may be law-abiding citizens in society, which is indeed a noble act, but being noble in the eyes of God will prove perpetually valuable on judgment day.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, far above the trivial laws and letters created by mankind, we are so blessed to have received your word. I ask that you write upon my heart, dearest God, walking in your holy path. I pray that you help me to realize that it is your word, O Lord, that I must follow. Allow us to animate your moral order, and show us mercy. All of this I pray in your 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.
