Devotion
The Evil Prosper
Frances Taylor
This is such a common complaint! Why do the evildoers prosper and the good so often don't? Of course the answer is pretty obvious, those who don't care how they succeed, who are willing to lie, cheat, step on others to get what they want, get it. Often those who do the right thing are the ones that are stepped on. God does hear the cry of those who do the right thing, but people don't always get the answers that they want, or they don't see them. Eventually, those who get to the top by illegal or immoral means get found out. We don't always see their fall from grace because others cover up the issues so that the whole structure of a company won't collapse. Other times, we all know what happens because it makes the front page of the paper and the news. The truth will out, as they say. It can be difficult to watch while it is happening, however, especially if we are the ones getting stepped on! I suppose it doesn't help to know that this has been going on for millennia, and it probably will go on as long as human beings roam the earth. The question for us, then, is will we follow the commandments and walk in the footsteps of Jesus even though we may become victims of the unscrupulous, or will we decide that it's not worth it to do the right thing? As we see, it's an age old question and we all have to come up with our own answer.
Prayer
Oh Lord, we cry out today as they did in the past for justice. We want good rewarded and evil punished and we want to see it! It is not always easy to accept that you have your own time frame that we are not privy to. Please give us patience, knowing that you are in control. Amen.
Night Prayer
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Inspiration
We face many choices throughout our earthly lives and come to the Lord seeking His will. We intend to make good choices and fail without His direction. We must listen carefully and obey His instruction even though we disagree or fail to understand His reasoning. We are limited in our wisdom and will rely on our Creator when it comes time to make decisions.
Prayer
Dear Father, we have multiple decisions to make in our lifetime. Whether big or small, we will come to You for direction and always seek Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Morning Prayer
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Inspiration
Like the great men of faith of the past, all Christians (even of mustard-seed-sized faith) are strangers (that is, "foreigners" ) and pilgrims (that is, "travelers just passing through" ) on the earth.
Prayer
O Father, you have chosen us out of the world to yourself, and we are of a Heavenly nation though living on the earth. We are foreigners to those who do not know you, and our ways from you are foreign, strange, and offensive to them. We are also pilgrims, for this world is not our permanent home. Help us to live for you in the midst of a strange and hostile land, always remembering our true country is above. Amen.
Night Prayer
And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.
Inspiration
The Lord gives us plenty of work to carry out during our earthly lives. We know our effort does not amount to anything if it does not align with His will. As we begin new ministries and witness to non-believers, we will call upon the Holy Spirit for instruction and wisdom. We ask for His blessing and inspiration as we complete tasks He lays before us.
Prayer
Dear Father, We are honored to complete works in Your name. We seek Your Spirit for instruction and guidance as we minister throughout our earthly lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
