Devotion
How can we know our own way?
David Jacobs
My mom always seemed like a superhero to me when I was growing up. She worked as an intensive care nurse, and whenever there was a state of heightened emotions, she was the most level-headed one. She has been in so many emergency situations that regular emergencies barely faze her. When other adults would be panicking, my mom would be coolly giving orders. I witnessed her save several people's lives. When she saw that someone needed help, she did not wait; she sprung into action and saved them.
These verses remind me a lot of my mother. The Lord will not wait and dally until you must be saved. He will spring into action at every moment that you could possibly need Him. We may not be able to notice His presence at all times, but who are we to understand all of the ways that God is there for us.
Prayer
Have faith in Him, brothers and sisters, for He is there. He is waiting, watching, ready to help you whenever you may need. Stay away from evil, but if you plunge into the waters of temptation, He will keep you from drowning. Do not try to swim and make sense of everything on your own; give in to the Lord, trust in Him, and leave everything else, to God.
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.
