Night Prayer
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Inspiration
Most, if not all of us, at some point have the privilege of sharing the gospel with somebody. As pastors, teachers, youth leaders, or even friends and parents, we have opportunities to proclaim the good news of Jesus. But there comes a point where the work of the Holy Spirit takes over, and that is when we need to get out of the way, pray for those we’ve witnessed to, and trust that God will reveal Himself and draw the other person into His saving grace.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for using me to share the good news of salvation with others. I ask that You continue to speak to them and nurture them. May Your grace be fully revealed to those who are lost, and may Your Spirit build up those who know You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Night Prayer
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Inspiration
If we say we believe God, but still choose our own way, does our belief mean anything? If we say we trust God but still keep Him out of our decisions, do we really trust Him? If we profess to love God but fail to love our neighbor, is our love for God genuine? Our works will never earn our salvation, but genuine saving faith will compel good works, proving our salvation as the living Spirit works through us.
Prayer
Lord, I love You, believe You, and trust You. Thank You for calling me to faith and imparting me with salvation and righteousness. Empower me to live in Your righteousness so that my works may testify to Your saving power as my faith carries me past all doubt, fear, and failure. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Devotion
Try Not To Judge
Frances Taylor
Would you choose to go to a doctor that you were friends with in High School? Or you had as a student if you were a teacher? Sometimes we question the abilities of people we know too well. I remember when one of my students joined the police force and I thought about all the trouble he caused! I know a priest whose friends couldn't believe he was "holy" enough. Well, today we read about the call of Levi, Matthew, the tax collector. Although Levi immediately answered the call to follow Jesus, there were a lot of raised eyebrows! Does Jesus know who he's eating with? Doesn't he know these people are sinners? Have you ever caught yourself judging the worthiness of others? I know I sometimes fail in that. But Jesus answers them by stating that he came to call sinners. Do we think that the churches should be filled with saints? Is that what we think we are? Lots of questions in this reflection but sometimes we need a wake-up call and the beginning of ...
