2 Chronicles 4:6 – He then made ten basins for washing and placed five on the south side and five on the north. In them the things to be used for the burnt offerings were rinsed, but the Sea was to be used by the priests for washing. (NIV)
A recent incident involving a procedure to eliminate things I don't wish to receive through my e-mail caused even these Daily devotionals not to come through. They'd been "filtered out" — much like sunglasses, suntan lotion, special clothing or a simple umbrella filter out the sun's harmful rays from reaching our eyes and our skin.
Our lives are full of filters, all intended to provide us with cleaner, safer, healthier living. Consider even the simple placement of a cloth over the lower portion of one's face to filter out sand and dust where other commercial conveniences we enjoy are not even known.
Sometimes we act as "human filters" — ignoring or choosing not to acknowledge some of the seamier sides of life. However, in our haste to "filter" unpleasant things out of our lives, we may miss something of importance. It may be a message, a lesson, and a chance to understand and change things. We could become complacent were we to lead fully filtered lives, ignorant of societal differences around us. God gives us the opportunity to see things for ourselves, with the choice to turn away from what's truly destructive or to help in those areas in which we are able.
We cannot, and should not, close our eyes to everything unpleasant in this world in which we are graced to live. Our life's "filter" should be one which has God as our guide, turning us away from things which would be detrimental, while accepting and helping with those things around us which need improvement.
Prayer: God of grace and mercy, help us to distinguish between good and bad, right and wrong. Guide us through trials and areas which may tempt us. Grant us the grace to face those things we may not like to acknowledge around us, and give us the courage to step in and help make some changes where and when we can. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
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Saturday, May 18, 2024 – In North Africa — Living in North Africa we get so used to hearing the call to prayer it becomes like background noise and sometimes I don't hear it anymore. I am challenged by the fact that some Muslims are so committed to pray that they go to the mosque 5 times a day. Would you consider, with me, setting your alarm to go off at 3:00 every day and pray for these three things: 5 families to come to know Christ, 3 people for us to read scripture with,1 new church plant.
Housing: "Update May 16, 2024: Please continue to pray for T and her son A to find a different apartment...." 