Devotion
Called into Confidence
Chipo Biti
Time and time again, we are exposed to the profound love of God. One can never get used to it. One can never understand the depths of the love that God has for His children. Because of who God is, we always expect Him to pick "perfect people" (if such a thing exists) for the tasks that He intends to carry out on earth. We are always surprised when we discover the people God ends up choosing - even if it is ourselves. All of the great men and women of God that you see did not start there. There was a time where if someone had told you that God was going to use those particular people mightily, you would have thought that it was impossible.
Samuel hadn't had the word of the Lord revealed to Him yet when God called for Him. Samuel didn't know the Lord yet! But that did not stop God. It didn't faze Him. At some point, you will realize that "perfect timing" is a myth. We always assume that we have to be in a perfect position in our lives before we can be qualified to be missionaries for God. This couldn't be any farther away from the truth.
Prayer
The truth is, our version of perfection will never match up to God's standard of perfection. So we shouldn't try and waste our time by delaying our obedience to God's call while we wait for "the right time". The concept of "the right time" is a myth. When God calls you, regardless of where you are in your life, then you need to know that that is the right time. Sometimes the call won't come with an audible voice. The call could come through an inward witness. A time will come where you will receive a strange confidence that will let you know that it is time.
When that time comes, seize it. When God has given you the go-ahead, you have every reason to feel confident about the journey ahead of you.
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.
