Devotion
Jonah and Me
Frances Taylor
We are all acquainted with the story of Jonah. He didn't like the path the Lord planned for him, so he ran – sailed – in the opposite direction. We know the end of the story as well. Jonah finally did what the Lord wanted him to do. Jonah didn't want the people of Nineveh to be saved from the Lord's wrath, so he didn't want to help save them. I have always loved the story of Jonah because it reminds me of myself and my often unwillingness to go where the Lord calls me to go. When I was in college I avoided all classes that would lead me to teach. My father finally convinced me that I needed to be practical if I wanted to get a job! Many years later, I recognized his wisdom and became what I had fought against – I taught! Life provided me with opportunities to bring the gospel to areas of the world I never thought I would see. In Tanzania, I had the opportunity to be a part of bringing God's love to Christian and Muslim alike. I am often in wonder of the graces God bestowed on me once I realized the plans he had for me and followed his call. God challenges each of us, just as he challenged Jonah to go in a direction not of our choosing. We can run in the opposite direction, but sooner or later, God points us in the right direction and our lives are better for it, and his mission for us, is accomplished.
Prayer
O Lord, I know I can be stubborn just as Jonah was, but I truly desire to do your will. Help me to be more open to your plan for me. 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.
