Devotion
Feed The Birds
David Jacobs
During his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus painted pictures for the listeners so that they would better understand. The verse above is one of those examples, using birds as an example of why humans should not worry.
I want to ask you to take a moment and to just be quiet. Sit still and let your mind be at ease. What happens? Not so easy to let your mind at ease, is it? Humans are not too good at switching off their minds, and when we sit still our minds are filled with the worries, temptations, and general thoughts of the day. What are yours?
Now look at the verse and think of birds. They do not appear to have the same worries and concerns that we do. God takes care of them and we should trust that He will take care of us. Regardless, we will die, and if we do not have trust in God, our life will be worth nothing. Make your life mean something: trust in the Lord, make his teachings the center of your focus. Leave everything else, like the birds do, to God.
Prayer
Generous and loving Lord, thank you for caring about me. Forgive me for letting my mind wander and think about trivial and worldly concerns. I know that my life should be focused on you, with all of my thoughts dedicated to my obedience to Jesus. Grant me the wisdom to follow you more closely, heavenly Father, so that I may reside with you some day, in heaven. Amen.
Night Prayer
Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Inspiration
We humble ourselves before the Lord when we come to Him with earthly burdens. We understand we do not have the power to control or fix our problems alone, so we lay our egos down and align our lives with the will of God. We are proud to be His servants and accept His help throughout our struggles. His love is unconditional, and His wisdom parallels none other.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we humble ourselves before You, seeking Your wisdom and guidance all the days of our lives. Thank You for Your presence and unfailing love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
You are a Temple of The Holy Spirit
Frances Taylor
This is a hard saying in today's world. Sexual immorality is so rampant and public that few people believe it to be immoral! People no longer think of sexual behavior outside of marriage as wrong and, in fact, have no problem with going from one person to another quite publicly, broadcasting their behavior on social media and if you're famous enough, on twitter, on TV, in magazines, etc. What happened to "Thou shalt not commit adultery?" I guess I'm old fashioned. I'm not about to condemn anyone who truly loves another and is faithful to them regardless of marriage, but I don't understand and cannot condone random sexual encounters that are not based on love but lust, have no desire for permanency but are literally just to satisfy a sexual itch.
Sorry if I offend anyone, but if we believe that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit to be kept holy, how can we treat them as what – toys, prizes? I'm aware that women have often ...
Morning Prayer
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Inspiration
Think of a grudge that you held on for a long time. Did you feel better from holding this grudge? Now think about this deeper: what if God held a grudge against us? Wow, how blessed we are that he forgives our sins! He leads by example, forgiving those of us that do exactly what he asks us not to do. We all should all be more forgiving, like God is to us.
Prayer
You sent your only son to the world to die so that we may be forgiven, merciful God. Forgive me, once again, for being too selfish and proud to not forgive those that trespass against me. I wish that I can sin less and ask for forgiveness and guidance when I need it. I thank you for sending your son to us, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
