Morning Prayer
Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
Inspiration
Paul teaches in this chapter on the roles of women and men in the local church. He says that the woman is "of" the man since God made Eve from Adam's rib. But men are "of" women in that they are born of them. But all things are "of" God, the Creator. There is a difference of role between men and women in the Church, but they are equal as to salvation and value before God.
Prayer
O Maker of mankind, who created us male and female, you have the right to decide the roles appropriate to each gender both in your Church and in the world generally. You have wisely designed men and women differently for different purposes, but all are your creations and serve to your glory. Let us seek guidance from your Word in these matters no less than in all matters. 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.
