Devotion
The Work Continues
Frances Taylor
Paul has branched out of Judea and into Lystra, where there were more Gentiles than Jews. On the strength of his preaching, both Jews and Gentiles came to believe in Jesus. But, there was also a growing crowd of both Jews and Gentiles who combined to drive him from the area. Paul and Barnabas were driven out but that didn't stop them from spreading the good news. Missionaries today go into areas where there are people who still need to know that God loves them and has a plan for their lives. They are also similar to Paul and Barnabas that they are sometimes abused, beaten or run out of the country. The world is still a dangerous place for anyone bringing change, especially change that challenges their way of life. Christianity does call for a change in the way the poor are treated and justice is seen as a way of bringing peace. People are still healed though usually with less fanfare. God is still making his presence known. Men and women still are willing to take their chances and work with God's people to witness the love of God to them. They work on bringing better housing, medical care, education, clean water and so many other necessary things to those in the greatest need to show them in practical ways that their brothers and sisters in Christ have not abandoned them. For those of us who cannot go into the field, we can pray.
Prayer
Lord, your children everywhere need to know of your love for them. May we pray for those whom you have chosen to work in the field. 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.
