Devotion
Mind over the Matter
Chipo Biti
Another weapon of the enemy that we will encounter in many instances of our life is temptation. The enemy will try to take advantage of our weaknesses and fleshly desires in order to sidetrack us from our walk with God. As human beings, we all have fleshly desires that will try to detract our focus. It could be a love of food, or more harmful things like an addiction to harmful substances, etc. As we grow in our relationship with God, and we work towards removing these unhealthy desires from our life, the devil comes in and tries to knock us off of our feet.
We need to realize that there is no temptation out there that is too great for us to handle. The same way God has equipped us with the strength and resolve to endure various trials and tribulations, is the same way he has equipped us to overcome any temptation that comes our way.
One of the ways the enemy tries to get to us is through our mind. When we are presented with tempting situations, the enemy will try to manipulate us into thinking that there is no way out of the temptation before us. He will try to make us think that we are too weak to resist.
But the word of God tells us otherwise. The word of God tells us of the authority that we possess as sons of God. The word of God tells us of the exceedingly abundant amount of strength that we possess in Christ that enables us to resist any temptation to come our way.
The word of God provides us with the wisdom we need in order to get out of any sticky situations we may find ourselves in. It gives us the clarity we need in order to see the temptation for what it is - nothing but a lousy tactic of the enemy.
The Holy Spirit strengthens us and enables us to move past the temptation, keeping our eyes focused on Jesus Christ, the one who set the example for us.
Prayer
When we have overcome all temptations, trials and tribulations on the earth, and we remain in the faith, we will receive a crown when we reach heaven. A reward for remaining faithful to the cause. This is what motivates us to keep going.
It reminds us that there truly is no trial, tribulation, or form of temptation that will ever be greater than God who resides in us.
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.
