Devotion
Life will vanish away
David Jacobs
It seems that a large portion of society has embraced the disturbing notion that nothing matters. We can see how sinful things have permeated our society and become commonplace. Many people have decided to live a life of decadence and pleasure while one has the chance. Younger generations especially have embraced this idea. How can we resist these temptations? Listen to the words in this passage, because any rejoicing like this is evil.
The idea that nothing matters comes from people without a true sense of the afterlife, for God knows what we do here on earth. Sinful behavior may seem more enjoyable, but is it? Even if one ignores the afterlife, is living a secular and hedonistic lifestyle truly more enjoyable? In my own experience, it is not. Sins in the eyes of God are to protect us, not to enslave us. Think not of the pleasures of 'today,' but see rather living in Gods' image as an investment. We cannot expect to live healthy spiritual lives if we surrender only to passing pleasures or fleeting temptations.
Prayer
Lord God, my shepherd and light, guide me through this life in obedience as you deem worthy. Help me not to rejoice in life's secular pleasures and to focus on a spiritual life that will lead me to your side. Let me not fall into the temptations of this earth, in despair at its brevity. This life is fleeting Lord, and I place my faith in your teachings, realizing that what awaits me is far greater than anything I can experience on earth. In your holy name I pray. Amen.
Devotion
The Weeds
Frances Taylor
This parable is packed with images. It was very difficult to choose just one, but after reading it over several times, I looked again at just what – or who – the weeds represent. Reading further in Matthew we see this line, "The Son of Man will send his angels and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." Those who cause others to sin! We talk a lot about peer pressure when we are talking about our youth. We warn them to stay away from friends who might get them into trouble. But what about us? Have you ever thought that you, or I, might cause others to sin? We would all like to think of ourselves as the wheat – after all, aren't we here? But what about when we're not in church? Do we laugh at dirty jokes, or tell them? Help our teens get into movies that are restricted or give into pressure and download them to watch at home? Do we overlook it when there ...
Morning Prayer
Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
Inspiration
Jesus knew what was to be in store for him after Judas sold out his name with a kiss. Yet, instead of resigning himself to desperation and doom, he instead saw the glory that would come, the glory within which his name would live on. Think; in the face of ones own defeat or impending trouble, do you cower in fear, or do you find courage in your Heavenly Father?
Prayer
Lord Almighty, grant me the strength to carry on in the face of darkness and difficulties. Grant me to courage in the face of challenges that seem insurmountable. For I know in you Lord, all things may be possible. In Jesus' name I pray and ask for grace, 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.
