Devotion
Hey buddy, you have some dust in your eye!
David Jacobs
It is not easy to be criticized, even if it is constructive. My lovely wife, who I love more than anyone except my children (don't tell them), gave me a healthy piece of advice that maybe some of you have heard as well: "Honey, why don't we join a gym?" She wanted me to be healthier and live longer, but her question made me defensive: why should I join a gym if she doesn't go to the gym? It made me sad that this was my initial reaction because I realized eventually that she was not trying to tell me that she thought I was unattractive. She was telling me that she wanted someone to go to the gym with her! I was quite embarrassed that I felt the way I did...luckily I kept my mouth shut.
We don't always receive constructive criticism; sometimes it is destructive. Have you heard the phrase, "the pot calling the kettle black"? It means when someone tells you that you act a certain way, generally with a negative connotation, that they also exhibit. It reminds me of these verses from the gospel of Matthew. If King David said to his sons, "I can't believe you committed adultery. That is so bad," I can only imagine how they would roll their eyes considering the actions of their father (2 Samuel 11). We should focus on our own problems rather than criticizing the problems of others. All this criticism does is fall on deaf ears and get flung back in our face because it is like a black pot calling a black kettle...black.
Nobody is perfect, yet we all have a chance to be redeemed. We should focus on our own salvation and in doing so, led by example.
Prayer
Do not put others down and try to tell them how to live their lives; live your own life as we know we should: according to the word of God, following the path lain out by his son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Morning Prayer
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Inspiration
Thanks to Jesus Christ, we are no longer strangers or foreigners to the word of God. We have been accepted into God's family, being identified as His children. The Bible even takes it further to define us as "Born of God". That is how deep our identity in Christ runs – we are coheirs with Him. We no longer live in isolation, being subject to the wiles of the enemy. We are safe in the Father's arms, for the rest of the days of our lives and beyond.
Prayer
Dear God, I am thankful because I am a part of your family, now. Lord, I am grateful that the enemy can never do anything that will pluck me out of your hands. This salvation is eternal and always here to stay. Father, thank you for loving me so much, when I should have been ...
Night Prayer
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
Inspiration
As sinners, we feel unworthy of salvation. We observe Calvary and tremble. Christ endured incredible pain for our deliverance when our thoughts and actions are undeserving. Our Creator sees past our sinful nature and into the depths of our hearts. He loves us beyond our understanding and spared no cost to rid our souls of the sin that separates us. We are thankful for His unconditional love and perseverance. We remain humbled by Christ's selfless act!
Prayer
Dear Lord, Thank You for Your ultimate sacrifice. You see our hearts in a way we cannot, and we are beyond grateful for Your mercy. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
