Daily Devotional

Jonah did not try to paint or sugarcoat the truth; he was not interested in gathering followers but in obeying the voice of God. Despite the moral decadence in our society, many preachers avoid the truth. In many places, church services are organised to entertain and encourage donations. We live in the age St. Paul was referring to when he said: “For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Prayer is empty when not backed by a decision to act rightly. Prayer is a relationship (an agreement, a covenant). It is only complete when we do what we have promised. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us, “You cannot take without giving.” Giving (helping others) is part of prayer. Forgiving the wrongs of others is part of prayer. “If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.” Jesus taught us to begin with “Our Father” rather than “My Father” to show us that we are related. Jesus taught us to be reconciled before presenting our gifts to God (Cf. Matthew 5:24). Without love for one another, our prayers are empty phrases. How can you be asking God, your father, to kill your brother (fellow human being) because he hurt you?

Jesus emphasised the “least” of my brethren. Respect those who cannot defend themselves. For instance, the unborn babies, your workers (employees), and service providers (cooks, labourers, etc.). God says, “The wages of a hired servant shall not remain with you all night until the morning.” How can you owe your workers their wages, and while lying to them that things are hard, you spend millions at nightclubs and spray dollars at your friends’ parties