Morning Prayer
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Inspiration
We aren't just supposed to listen to or hear God's Word; it doesn't end there. We are to apply the word of God in our lives as well. The more we learn about God and His character, we are to apply what we have learned in our lives. God doesn't expect us to just be hearers of the word, remaining idle in our ways. The Christian life is about being active. We must be conscious of the transformation occurring in us, and when we are required to do our part, we shouldn't hesitate in doing it.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that as I study and listen to your Word, may I never become idle with it. I desire to be one who expresses the nature of Christ in their lives day in and day out. May I never become lazy about the word of God, and may I never be known as a simple hearer. I commit myself to making an active effort in my Christian walk. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Inspiration
Do you do good works because you believe they will save you, or because you trusted in God to save you? It is the path of faith,—and not of works—that makes us righteous. Our works could never earn us righteousness, so we must rely on the One who has paid the price for us. So we go forth in His grace, doing the works that testify to what He has already done for us.
Prayer
Lord God, I come before You relying on Your mercy and grace. I know that I could never earn Your forgiveness and be made righteous on my own. So thank You for saving me by Your grace, and making me righteous by the blood of Jesus. Please give me the humility to do good for You without boasting so others may know Your grace, too. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Devotion
Don’t Be a Show-off
Frances Taylor
Many people do good things. The question here is, why? One summer I worked in the office of a major university where I recorded the donations that came in on cards with the name of the donor on them. I came across many names of prominent people who were quite familiar to me, but there was a notation on the top of many of those cards that said "anonymous." Many of these people actually had two cards, one for the public and the other not. The public one was for far less money. They wanted to support the college, but didn't want credit for their generosity. Obviously, people will be rewarded here for a generosity of spirit, they will be known for performing acts of heroism. We know the names of people who have worked to spread the gospel message and those who work tirelessly for justice. This does not take away from their sacrifice. But, there also are people who want to be known for their good acts and it is these that Jesus warns about. It is ...
Night Prayer
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Inspiration
Most of us don’t give grass much thought. We mow it when we have to, and let the wild stuff beyond the yard grow. There isn’t much to think about. Yet, even the grass is intentionally made and sustained by our Creator. And if He cares so completely for something as simple as grass, we can be sure that He will care for us who are made in His image.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the many ways that You reveal Your splendor. Your Creation testifies to Your power and love. In every sprout of grass, in every color of flower, I see Your hand and Your mind at work. And thank You for caring so purposefully for me, too. I trust You to sustain me each day and to shape me into who You made me to be. In Jesus’ name, amen.
