Morning Prayer
My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
Inspiration
James relays crucial information to those who decide to become teachers. There should not be many teachers, and those chosen will receive a stricter judgment. We take this passage to heart as God calls us to teach. Our words and actions need to be a solid reflection of His character, and we must always speak the truth. God asks us to explain scripture accurately and teach others how to apply it to their lives to strengthen their faith. Leading someone astray is destructive so we will take God's call seriously and teach with love and wisdom.
Prayer
Dear God, You call us to teach Your Word and share Your promise of salvation. Please guide us to help others strengthen their faith and sustain a loving relationship with You. In Jesus' 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.
