Devotion
Pride, a deadly sin
David Jacobs
Of the seven deadly sins, which would you say is the "worst"? Lust, gluttony, greed, pride, wrath, sloth, or envy? Any person has felt these at some point, but learning to let go of these temptations improves your life and more importantly improve the world. Much of the prohibitions laid out in the Bible are not there to restrict us, they are there to help us. Let us examine this proverb a bit closer.
A proud heart and the plowing of the wicked is the sin. Elevating one's own importance over others is vain and displeases God. We must remember, what are we but lowly servants to an all-powerful God? Nothing, no nation, person, group, or god, is better than the others. There is only one, the alpha and omega, creator of heaven and earth. Be patient, as the proverb says, for wanting too much too quickly will only leave you wanting more.
Prayer
Forgiving Father, my rock and shield, grant me the peace to avoid the temptations and sins that plague this world. With my avoidance, I know that I improve this world, making it more like your heavenly kingdom. 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.
