Morning Prayer
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
Inspiration
To desire to be rich in money and this world's goods is to expose ourselves to temptation and the snare of the Devil. God has wisely and mercifully not given great riches to most men, knowing that being wealthy often ruins men. Jesus said, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. " But all things are possible with God.
Prayer
Let us labor not to be rich, but that we might have enough to take care of our own needs, those of our family, and to give to others in need. Lord, let not the love of money, which is a root of all kinds of evil, hold sway over our hearts and minds. You have made us rich in the true blessings. Help us therewith to be content. Amen.
Devotion
We Get What We Give
Frances Taylor
Think of the people you know. Who do you trust? Who makes you feel good to be with? When you find out that someone has lied to you, how can you know when they're telling the truth? If you lie, how can people trust you? The people we feel good to be with are ones we can trust, who are kind. They are the ones who follow through with their promises, who are always ready to help out, who go out of their way to do acts of kindness. And, when we are with them, we want to treat them the same way. If we want to be treated well, we need to be those people! When I taught, it wasn't always easy to get through the hallway crowded with teenagers trying to get in their lockers and make their way to the next class. One day in the faculty lounge, one of the teachers was complaining about the rudeness of the kids who never even bothered to hold the door. I commented that I didn't have that problem. The kids usually held to door for me, and of course I would hold...
Night Prayer
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Inspiration
When we put on the armor of God, we start with the belt of truth, giving strength and support to our bodies. Without it, we cannot bear the weight of the armor, much less stand against the lies and deceit of the world. In God alone, we know the truth of our salvation, the righteousness that He imparts on us, and the victory that He has won for us.
Prayer
God, thank You for revealing Your truth to me, especially the truth of who I am in You. In the world, I hear an onslaught of lies and insults. Give me the strength to stand upright firm in the truth that You have given me, not weighed down by doubt and deception, but trusting in the righteousness that You have given me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
