Devotion
Hope in the Trials
Chipo Biti
We are at peace with God, the Father, as a result of the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us when He came to earth to fulfill the will of God. Through faith, which is expressed through receiving salvation and submitting to Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as the Lord and Savior of our lives, we activate that personal reconciliation with God. We have to make an active and conscious decision to be saved. It won't fall on us from the sky.
The Bible states, in Romans 10:9-10, that the one who confesses with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and they believe in their heart that God raised Him from the dead then He will be saved. This all has to do with the actions we take to affirm our salvation. Confessing and, most importantly, believing the gospel in our hearts.
Through Jesus Christ, we have access to the grace that we did not merit in any way. This grace is what has made us children of God. It is by grace we can look at our futures with eager expectation of the glory that is to come.
It is because of Jesus Christ, and the peace that we have with God, that we can rejoice and be steadfast in times of trials and tribulations. Instead of shaking and cowering away, we stand boldly because we know that God is with us. Our hearts are strengthened during the challenges we face. We build up patience so that the next time a similar trial comes our way, we will confidently endure.
Prayer
That is what we call experience. Experience is when we are familiar with a situation that has come our way. We won't shake or fret as much. If anything, we will be far more confident because we know that we got out of it the first time, we will get out of it again. This is what we call hope. Knowing that we are safe in the loving embrace of God, never to fail or fall away.
Christ is the source of our strength. In Him, we can face all things, boldly knowing that we will come out just fine.
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.
Night Prayer
My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
Inspiration
God only wants the best for us. On days we feel defeated and lost, we continue to have hope in God. He delivers us from our darkest moments, and with Him, we will always find peace. Our Lord is mighty and dependable. We surrender our lives and find happiness living according to His will, and we rest peacefully in His loving arms.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we submit our lives to You. You are trustworthy and good. We praise Your name for the unconditional love You bestow upon us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
