Devotion
No Exclusions
Chipo Biti
This parable is representative of what God tried to do with the children of Israel. God tried to bring the children of Israel to the Promised Land where they would rest. He had made them the chosen nation. God intended for the Israelites to receive Christ and then He would use them to spread the gospel to other nations. But time after time, the Israelites rejected God's plans. When Jesus, the ultimate plan of God, came to earth, many of the Jews rejected him and saw him as the carpenter's son or a madman - nothing else. After Jesus ascended to the heavens and the apostles became filled with the Holy Spirit, there were still many Jews who opposed the gospel. They rejected the gift that God had given to them freely.
God used Paul to spread the gospel to the Gentile nations, thus exposing them to the free gift of salvation. It was always part of God's plan, for everyone to receive salvation. There was just a particular way in how it would be done. The Gentiles were far more receptive to the gospel than the Jews were, who were still fixated on fulfilling the Law.
God is not a respecter of persons. This means that He loves everyone equally - no race more than the other, no gender more than the other, no person over the others. The love is shed abroad equally and the gift was for everyone. When the Gentiles started receiving the Holy Spirit, the Jews were shocked. Some of them were resentful and tried to impose the Law on the Gentiles but their actions were refuted.
Prayer
We must never think that we deserve salvation more than anyone else - no matter who they are or what they have done. Salvation is for everyone in the world. God's greatest desire is for as many people to receive salvation as possible. He sees everyone as His children.
We, as the children of God, should adopt this mindset and focus on reaching out to everyone. We should celebrate every instance when a person gives their life to Christ. We should see them as family.
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.
