Devotion
Strengthen the mind, enlighten the heart
David Jacobs
For any readers that are in a committed relationship, what is it that has kept that relationship going? Is it commitment? Passion? Understanding? Or is it a combination of these things? Many of us can remember the early stages of a loving relationship and the fiery passion and excitement that often comes with it. This flame is hard to keep constant, and the same is true of our most important relationship: our relationship with God.
God is worried about us. He worries that we may waste His time. He worries that one moment we may be passionate, and the next not. Paul realized this, and his letter to the Ephesians implores the believers there not to focus solely on one aspect of the relationship with God. Many avenues must be traveled. Many methods must be cultivated in order to grow a lasting and fruitful relationship with the Lord.
Paul asks the Ephesians to strive for spiritual perfection. By cultivating our relationship with God and teaching about it to others, we find unity with Christ. In our quest for spiritual perfection, we will discover a renewed passion that will help us work hard to strengthen our minds to learn more about the word of God, and in doing so we will enlighten our hearts, building a stronger and more passionate relationship that can last forever.
Prayer
My Lord and Savior, share with me your of love for all of mankind. Help me to realize that in pursuing a perfect relationship with you I will instill a newfound hope, discover untold riches, and witness the glory of your ways. Grant me the strength to do your work, and in doing so, gain greater unity with 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.
