Night Prayer
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Inspiration
As we listen to sermons and lessons, and as we read devotionals and articles, we are wise to test any teaching that purports to come from God. When we just take a speaker at their word, we risk being led astray. So God Has given us His word so that we may search it and hold on to what is true while rejecting what is false.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your word, and thank You for the teachers and leaders that You have placed in my life. Please work through them so that they may be grounded in Your truth and speak only the things that are of You. Grow my knowledge of Your word and give me the wisdom to discern any unsound teaching, so that not be led astray. In Jesus’ name, 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.
