Morning Prayer
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Inspiration
Timothy was a pastor, appointed by Paul to care for a congregation of God's people. He was an "elder, " but was not especially "elderly. " Some might be tempted not to listen to him because of his youth and presumed lack of wisdom. But Paul instructs him to preach God's Word boldy and to live out an example all of God's people could desire to emulate.
Prayer
Let us have respect to your Word, O Lord, and not so much to the men who preach or teach it. If we see a Christian living a holy example and teaching us the great truths found in your Book, let us not distrust him because of his youth but rejoice in what God is doing with him. Let us also be quick to learn from and benefit from such a minister of the Gospel. 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.
