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
Misrepresenting God
Frances Taylor
This passage is one I try very hard to take to heart. For over forty years, I have worked to bring the gospel message to children and adults alike. That is what I'm doing as I write this. It is so important that we don't misrepresent God to others. When someone tells me they don't believe in God, I wonder whose image of God they have been taught. When I was a child, it was common to hear that God was some policeman in the sky that was going to punish me for everything I did wrong. The idea of a loving, forgiving God was not taught as the norm. Ministers and other teachers of religion often spoke more of hellfire and damnation. It's no wonder that there are those who claim that God doesn't exist. On the other hand, there are those who taught that God was like Santa Claus, keeping track of our good deeds and rewarding us accordingly, or tracking our misdeeds and punishing us accordingly. Neither of these images of God are accurate. God is loving ...
Morning Prayer
Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!
Inspiration
Those in ancient Israel, as today and in all lands, who prey upon the poor and vulnerable, who pervert justice against them and deny them their rights, sin against God. His eyes see, his eyelids try the children of men, and nothing is done in secret where he does not know.
Prayer
Give me a heart of compassion, O Lord, for the weak and helpless, for the poverty stricken, for widows and orphans. And give me a righteous indignation against those who oppress them, pervert their justice, or deny their rights. Amen.
Night Prayer
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.
Inspiration
The earth is perishable and deteriorates over time; God's love is everlasting, and so is our relationship with Him. We continue to grow each day as we study and become well-versed in the Word. We see blessings, assist in miracles, and continually feel His presence in our lives. We do not deserve love like God's, yet He gives it to us freely and unconditionally. We humble ourselves before Him with thanksgiving for His mercy on our souls.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive our sins, and guide our steps so we may grow closer to You. Your love is the greatest gift, and we will devote our lives to Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
