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
Sin’s Punishment
Frances Taylor
People often blame God when bad things happen and feel it's God's punishment for sin But this passage from Genesis lets us know that sometimes sin brings its own punishment. We all know the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors that his brothers were so envious of since they were jealous of their father's preference for Joseph. We know how they sold their brother and told their father he was dead and how Joseph wound up in Egypt. Now the brothers are in Egypt seeking food because there was a famine in Canaan where they were living. Joseph recognizes them, but they don't have a clue. Now, they feel the guilt of having sold their brother and know that they deserve whatever happens to them. Sin has effects. People who lie aren't trusted. People who steal, find it hard to get a job. People who flaunt authority, who feel the rules don't apply to them, run into problems and often find themselves in jail. Many of these people will ask, "Why me? ...
Morning Prayer
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Inspiration
All of us have experienced severe tests of our faith. Many Christians have also had to endure persecution for their beliefs. James explains the importance of keeping faith, standing strong, and holding onto your beliefs. This lesson from James was perhaps given with some foresight into the coming trials for early Christians, who were persecuted and killed for believing in Christ. It still happens today in some parts of the world, but strengthen your faith in difficult times! Do this and reap the ultimate reward.
Prayer
Esteemed Father and creator of all that is good, I shall not wander from your path. With each passing test and tribulation my faith in you is reinforced, and I ask that you help me strengthen the faith of all those around me. Sustain me, O Lord, with your power so that I may go from this ...
Night Prayer
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
Inspiration
Paul warns Timothy of false teachers and how quickly they can twist Scripture to say what people desire instead of what is true. We face the same danger in the world today. Some become bored with the Gospel and add to it what they want. Others take the Word and bend it to the desires of the people they teach. Either way, we must keep our eyes and ears open for false prophesy, cling to Scripture, and speak out when we observe imposters leading believers astray.
Prayer
Dear God, please teach us to remain alert to false prophets and their desire to stray from your Word. We will continue to study and gain wisdom to correct their actions. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
