Devotion
Use Your Freedom To Love
Chipo Biti
As children of God, we have been freed from the power of sin and all strongholds of the enemy. In Christ, we live a life of freedom - free from all forms of bondage. We are no longer slaves to guilt and shame. We are free to live lives filled with joy in Christ. But Paul admonished the Galatians - and us as well - not to use our liberty to fulfill the desires of our flesh. These desires are anything that are contrary to God and what He stands for. The last thing we should want is to use our freedom to indulge in things that are against God, our Father.
Instead, we are to focus on serving one another in love. Love is the main thing that should be at the center of every gathering of believers. Love reflects the nature of God. As we love one another, in Christ, we are showing the world evidence of God's existence. Love is a rare thing in this world because of the evil that abounds in those who are under the devil's influence. When we live our love out loud, in our actions and our words, we are calling the world to attention. We are making them aware of a better life to live - a life in Christ.
All of the law that was written in the Old Testament is fulfilled in "Love your neighbor as you love yourself". The same things that you desire for yourself should be the things that you desire for other people. The love and care that you give yourself should be the love you give to others and more. When you love your neighbor you do not desire to inflict any harm on them. To do so would be to cause a great travesty.
If we treat each other maliciously, like the devil would want us to, we will end up destroying each other and the report of God. We cannot preach of God and His love if we are constantly at one another's throats. That is not the way we are supposed to live.
Prayer
We are meant to look out for one another, encourage one another, and support one another in all times and seasons. That is the love God desires us to give to one another.
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.
