Devotion
United in Love
Chipo Biti
The only way that believers can be united is when their bond is rooted in the love of God. The love of God that will help us remove our resentment and hatred towards one another. Instead of trying to gain an upper hand on the next person, we look out for one another. Instead of causing strife over one another's imperfections, we become patient with one another. These things cannot be done in our own power. That is we have the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, to help us love one another in a way that reflects God and who He really is.
We should let unity be our driving force for loving one another. When we as Christians are united, we become unstoppable as we move to spread the love of God across the world. We cannot do it as individuals. Christianity is not a life of isolation. We cannot thrive on our own. We have to be joined together. That is what God intended - for all of us to be united in love. When the world sees us genuinely looking out for one another as we worship God, they will be moved to join in.
In the times of the apostles, in Acts, love was shared among the believers and it drew in more new converts with every day that passed. They grew in multitudes and the love among them grew. As they grew, the gospel reached the world with a great speed. Even when the early church was scattered, they continued to support each other from a distance.
Prayer
We are called to be one - One in God, One in the faith. This cannot be achieved if we do not walk in love. Love helps us reach out to one another. We aren't meant to be looking out for our selfish interests. We have to see looking out for one another as an honorable thing to do - because it really is. There is nothing greater than walking in the love of God.
Nothing at all.
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.
