Devotion for Thursday, March 5, 2020

“For there must also be factions among you, so that those
who are approved may become evident among you. 
Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord’s
Supper,  for in your eating each one
takes his own supper first; and one is hungry and another is drunk.  What! Do you not have houses in which to eat
and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have
nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? In this I will not praise
you” (1 Corinthians 11:19-21).

The specific
circumstances may vary, but the principle remains.  There are those who come to the Lord’s house
for reasons other than worshiping the Lord. 
It ought not be this way, but sadly it is.  The question then is for you.  What then ought you to do?  As far as you are concerned, go to the Lord’s
house for His word and sacrament and live in harmony with the Lord, for it is
He alone whom you are to please.

Lord, help me at all times to remember that it is You alone
whom I serve.  In all that I do, may my
heart be inclined to You.  Guide me that
I may always keep focus knowing that You are the One who is beside and before
me.  Help me understand better that it is
You whom I serve and that You alone are the One who is to be pleased.  May my service be undistracted as I gather
with others to worship You.

Lord Jesus,
You were constantly distracted by those who pressed in around You.  Help me Lord see that in You alone is the
hope for us all.  By Your example, guide
me to live according to Your Word and do what is pleasing in the Father’s
sight.  Through all things, may I be
found faithful to Your calling and following Your example of being humble,
patient, and attentive.  Amen.