Devotion
Knowing (Really Knowing) God
David Jacobs
There are people who have dedicated their careers to studying the life of Abraham Lincoln. They have read every speech he ever gave and they know the story of his life perhaps even better than they know their own. But do they really know Abraham Lincoln? Do they know him the way his wife would have know him? Or even the way a friend who regularly ate lunch with him would? The fact is that no amount of reading about a person can be a substitute for spending time with them.
Knowing and studying the story of Jesus helps keep us on the right path, but God offers us so much more. Through prayer, we can actually spend time with God, and know him personally. And prayer is just one way we can grow closer to God. Worship, fellowship and ministry all draw us closer to Him.
Our relationship with God is unlike any other, and what's more, it is the foundation for all of our other relationships. The more time we spend in prayer and in prayer and fellowship, the stronger and healthier our relationships with friends and family become.
Prayer
Lord, I am open to you. When I study your word, I wrestle with it, and come to know you better for it. As I come to you in prayer, I wrestle with You. As Jacob wrestled you with his body, I wrestle you with my heart and mind, so that I will be shaped by you. I pray that each day that I rise to praise your name, I will be drawn closer to you and better understand your will.
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.
