Devotion for Friday, April 17, 2026

“And He began to teach and say to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a robbers’ den.”  The chief priests and the scribes heard this, and began seeking how to destroy Him; for they were afraid of Him, for the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching” (Mark 11:17-18).

Our faith is not something that one has to climb great heights to become like Christ.  So many place obstacles in front of others.  We are to live in harmony with one another, providing as each has need, doing our part.  Over and over again sinful humanity creates obstacles.  We are saved by faith apart from works, and we are not to place obstacles in front of others or ourselves.

Lord, You have created all things, and You have freely given them to us for our use.  We tend to accumulate, take, and seek for ourselves rather than humbly live lives as You appoint them to be lived.  Guide me in the way which is equitable, free, and holy.  Help me to offer to others what You have offered to me.  Guide me in Your goodness to understand that in You alone do I have hope and an eternal future.

Lord Jesus, as You cleaned out the temple, so also clean up my life.  Guide me away from the insanity of this world, which creates difficulties, in order that I may come to the place where I see things more clearly and love You and my neighbor as You love us.  Get rid of the clutter in my life and help me to live according to Your never-changing word of truth.  Amen.