Devotion
Cleansing yourself of sin
David Jacobs
When I was young, I can distinctly recall a conversation that I had with my mother: I did something that I knew she would disapprove of, so I did not tell her until what I had done was obvious to everyone. She asked me, "Why didn't you tell me this?" I explained that I thought that what I did was the right thing to do but that she would not approve of it. As patient and loving as always, she explained that she would love me not matter what I did. I apologized to for not telling her but I pressed her a bit further. I asked her if she would be able to love and forgive me if I committed murder. She said, "You will always be my son. I would not approve of what you did but I would be there in jail, visiting you whenever I could."
My mother is as wonderful a person as I have known. She is forgiving and loyal almost to a fault, but so was Jesus! Christ was the son of God, totally aware of the betrayal that Judas Iscariot had laid out for him. Jesus does not condemn him; he does not try to negotiate with God to change his fate; he does not run away from the pain that he will soon undergo. Instead, he preemptively teaches the disciples a lesson, washing the feet of his soon-to-be betrayer. In doing so, he shows a forgiveness that is hard to fathom, one that plagues Judas after Christ has been killed.
By washing the disciples' feet, Jesus also teaches them to wash one another. They need to take care of each other, more than ever before, because Jesus knows that he will soon be leaving. We too, should take his advice to heart. As believers in Christ, we must work together, regardless of past transgressions, and help one another wash sin away.
Prayer
God almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth, in your name I pray. In your infinite mercy and love for me Lord God, grant me the ability to reciprocate, not only to you, but all my brothers and sisters. You have washed our sins away, and keep doing so when I ask you. I ask that you help us all work together, to cleanse ourselves of sin, so that we may join you, one day, in paradise. Amen.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
