Devotion
The Shielding Power of Grace
David Jacobs
I was reminded recently of a camping trip that we took with the teens at our church. One of those teens, who is now grown up, asked, "Hey, do you remember that day it was pouring rain all afternoon and evening, and Phil came in his truck with the supplies but wouldn't meet us at the tent, so you said we should vote on who has to get the supplies from him?" I told him, "Of course I remember, because all of the teens voted unanimously for me!" Luckily, one of the teens pulled out a big old orange plastic poncho and handed it to me.
Most commonly, when one of the teens asked me what grace is, I told them the straightforward definition: it is God's undeserved, unmerited favor. When I got back from Phil's truck, we had our dinner and then Bible study, and we discussed how God's grace is a lot like that big gazebo tent and that poncho. God's grace is our covering. It's the sphere we live in as believers in Christ, and God fully protects us whether we take shelter in the tent of his church, or we wander out on our own. God will still cover us with His grace.
Indeed, His grace never stops doing its work in our lives. Paul said confidently in Philippians 1:6, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Because God is the one keeping us and shielding us from the storm of this world, the one who promises to complete us, we will never have to fear to lose our salvation.
Through the pouring rain that day, it was even difficult to see Phil's truck, but still, I was kept dry, and I made it to the truck because I had seen the way. Sometimes it's difficult to see righteousness in ourselves because we know how flawed and how weak we are. But if we're saved in Christ, he is our righteousness, and if we know him, we will know the way to go.
Prayer
Lord in Heaven, though I feel I am in a heavy storm and cannot see the way, I know that your grace will shield me and your wisdom will guide my feet. As you have been faithful to me, so I will have faith in your saving grace. As I walk with you in this storm, may I grow in Christ daily. In His name, 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.
