Devotion for Sunday, August 20, 2023

“And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality” (Revelation 14:8-9).

Sex sells.  That’s what we’ve heard about for a long time now.  Everything gets charged up and then we titter and think our immoral thoughts are ours alone.  Imagine a day when all this garbage will be gone.  Imagine a day when we see people not as they seem but for who they are.  Imagine heaven.  The day is coming when people from all times and places shall gather and love one another as the Lord teaches us to love.

Lord, once again I do like the idea of this, but I find it hard to comprehend.  There are times when I am nothing but a bundle of self-serving nerves reacting to everything around me.  Guide me up and out of this mess so that I can co-operate with the real work of Your Spirit transforming me to be like You.  Teach me how to get out of the way of what You are doing in me.

Come, Holy Spirit, and work in earnest on what You know needs to be worked upon.  Guide me, Lord, in the way of everlasting life so that I may now and always be guided by Your goodness and mercy.  Lead me in the way I need to be led and help me in the way I need to be helped.  Teach me how to be pliable in Your hands and unyielding in the hands of the wicked one.  Guide me where I need to go now and forever.  Amen.