Devotion
The only door for abundant life
David Jacobs
If you have ever spent any time on a farm, you quickly learn the importance of gates. Every summer growing up I would go with my family to my uncle's farm. Seeing as I was from the city, the change from urban to rural life felt like an adventure, and helping on the farm during my teen years helped me gain a real appreciation for work that is often taken for granted. It also helped me learn that animals are much more clever and observant than they may seem, and a gate that is not closed properly can lead to them walking astray.
Sheep occur frequently in Biblical references because they were a relatable image that was important for many households, tied intimately to their income and survival. Although the profession of a shepherd is not seen much today, it still serves as an apt metaphor. The parable of lost sheep shows that a good shepherd will stop at nothing to retrieve a member of their flock, for each is as precious as the others. John is saying that even if we are lost, we have a chance to be redeemed. Other gods or idols may have lured sheep for some time, but only God is the true door, the only one that welcomes sheep to safe haven and salvation. Understanding that we are offered protection and salvation will allow us to graze more freely, living less fearfully knowing that our shepherd will not abandon us.
Prayer
My Lord and my shepherd, I shall walk with you this day as always. I thank you, caring God, for allowing me to freely graze in your pastures, knowing that you will help lead me to salvation. Grant me the wisdom to understand that if I stray, my savior will find me. In your name, of the only shepherd, the door to salvation, I pray. 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.
