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? Why is God doing this to me?" The answer is obvious to others. God isn't doing anything to them, they have done it to themselves. The easy answer to avoiding these problems is just don't sin, but we know that that isn't always possible. What we can do is to take responsibility for our behavior, recognize our sins, ask for forgiveness and ask for help to avoid sin in the future.
Prayer
Forgiving Lord, you don't need to punish us as we seem to do a good job of doing that ourselves. Help us to recognize our sins and ask you for forgiveness as well as the strength to avoid the situations that lead us to sin. Amen.
Night Prayer
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Inspiration
We do not like to be wrong, and our egos become bruised when we stand corrected. The Bible provides details as to how we should conduct our lives so that we align with the will of God. We read the Word of God and gain wisdom regarding sins we need to remove from our lives. People who enjoy their sinful lifestyles don't want to hear they are wrong; they deflect from the truth and do what they want to do instead of what God asks of them. We will continue to study the Word and understand truth from false prophecy.
Prayer
Dear God, please guide us as we read Scripture. We desire wisdom regarding the truth to remain in line with Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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.
