Devotion
We are all one through suffering and hope
David Jacobs
There are certain things that connect all humans, regardless of where they are from or what they believe. Suffering and pain is felt by all of us. Perhaps it is most evident, as this passage suggests, during childbirth. Life is brought into the world but in doing so, there is suffering. Knowing that there is so much suffering and uncertainty that faces us, it is easy to lose hope. It is easy to be impatient. Do not forget that God hears our prayers and has seen our suffering! He sent His only son to endure the same. The Holy Spirit dwells inside of each and every one of us, emboldening us to endure.
On this day, it is important to rejoice in the strength and hope that the Holy Spirit instills in all of us. We are all one, united in more ways than we realize. The world may seem so divided, but do we not all enter it in the same way? Does every mother not suffer and endure the hardships of labor while grasping onto hope? The Lord has not forgotten us. He has not abandoned us. He has shown us, in every way imaginable, that He understands and loves us. When you pray, do you pray for that which you already have? Or do you hold onto hope, knowing that the reward in asking for something that you do not have and also do not fully understand is worth being patient for? Paul certainly realized this. The Apostles, on this day, realized this. Now, we must realize it.
Prayer
Almighty God, I rejoice in knowing that I am not alone! I pray with all of my heart, that all of my brothers and sisters on Earth, may know that they are not alone. We are so indebted to you, O Lord, for you have been patient when we have not. You have given us hope when we have forgotten it. On this day I ask, merciful Father, that you grant me the wisdom, courage, and the patience, to be renewed by the Holy Spirit. In this way, my God, I will be closer to all those around me, knowing that we are one: one in suffering, one in hope, and one in you. Amen.
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.
