Devotion
You Are With Me
Frances Taylor
Jesus has come to show us the path of life. All we need to do is follow it. We all want joy and happiness in our lives, and we spend a lot of time looking for ways to get it. Think about the times that have made you happy. They probably aren't about things. They're probably times that have been spent with loved ones, or experiences we have shared. As much as the advertising agencies might try to convince us, things won't make us happy. Oh, we might have a momentary thrill when we get a new car, or a great outfit, or nice piece of jewelry, but how long does the feeling last? Unless that new piece of jewelry was an engagement ring, probably not long! But watching your children sleeping, or sharing a beautiful sunset with a friend brings us happiness not just for the moment, but every time we recapture that memory. Love brings us joy, doing the right thing gives us a feeling of satisfaction that no "thing" can give. When we walk in the light of Christ, knowing that God is with us, we can even get through the dark days with confidence that we will come out the other side and we will find joy again. The key is to walk in the light of faith just as Jesus did, knowing his Father was at his side.
Prayer
Lord, help us to keep our eyes on Jesus who will always be with us to show us the way to true joy and true happiness that will last beyond this lifetime. 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.
