Opening Prayer

Jesus, You came into this world and lived a perfect life by obeying God and fulfilling prophesy. Often, we take pride in our own self-righteousness, rather than trusting in what You have done for us. Forgive us when we hold on to religious traditions and forget that the Great Commandment comes down to loving God and people. May we never be satisfied with just doing the right things, but may our hearts be surrendered to You so that we can obey You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture

Devotion

How often have we looked at a person and judged them by what they did or did not do? How about judging them by how they look due to our assumptions? We look at the externals and forget that what Jesus looks at is the heart.

We can have a false sense of security when we are doing well compared to others. But what happens when you are not doing well? We have to put our trust and security in Jesus. For the Jewish people, they put their security in their traditions and their obedience. Yet, Jesus was not impressed because He knew the condition of their hearts.

Jesus constantly addressed the fact that we cannot make ourselves righteous by the things that we do or don’t do. He was more concerned about our hearts. This is why Jesus taught about what defiles a person. It’s not about traditions and Laws, but rather what comes out of the heart. The depravity is within our hearts; therefore, we need new hearts, and only Jesus can give it. Faith plays a part in the process of change. When we put our trust in who Jesus is, then we can experience God’s Miracles, like the Canaanite woman, those who needed healing, and even those who needed food.

Are you more concerned with your behavior than your heart condition? Have you trusted in Jesus to deliver you from what you are going through? Ask God to change your heart and give you the grace to grow in your spiritual maturity.

Intercessory Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we give You glory and praises for we serve a Great God. Thank You for this wonderful opportunity, where we can uphold the very important tertiary educational institutions unto You. Lord. We want to be a vibrant Christian Fellowship and to see unity among all different Christian denominations within the Christian Fellowship, putting aside their differences and working together to bring revival to the campus. God, we also pray that You will raise up good representatives of all denominations in university committees, working levels, academic organizations, and Christian fellowships, as well as good professors and lecturers, who will be able to train a generation that builds society according to Your heart, a pillar of strength, honoring God and benefiting people. Lord, please raise up Christian fellowships that can freely share the Gospel on campus and connect all believers with local churches for discipleship. Thank you, Almighty God, that we can trust you to do this for us, because with God all things are possible. We pray and supplicate in the almighty name of Jesus. Amen!