Devotion for Saturday, August 26, 2023

“And another angel came out of the temple, calling out with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe” (Revelation 14:15).

Individually and corporately the time is always right.  Will the one determined to continue the rebellion ever change his ways?  Will the one whose heart seeks the Lord be thwarted?  The Lord is patient, allowing time for all who will repent to repent.  There is not enough time in eternity for those who will never repent.  The Lord holds the winnowing fork in His hands.  He will judge, for He knows our hearts.

Lord, I judge all day long.  I judge myself and I judge others.  Guide me in the narrow way of life so that I may be guided by Your goodness alone.  Lead me so that I trust in what You are doing above all things.  Let me not be counted among the wicked, but instead live life with a heart that seeks after You.  You know what is needed.  You know who each of us is.  You know, Lord.

Lord Jesus, I often try to play the part of pretending that I know.  I do not.  You alone are the judge, for You alone know who has a heart bent toward You as opposed to those who have a heart bent away from You.  Keep me close to You, Jesus, and lead me farther upon the path to learn how to love my neighbor as You love them.  Guide me, Lord, in the way You alone know I need to be guided.  May the desire of my heart match what You intend.  Amen.