Devotion
All for one and one for all
David Jacobs
The other day I read a story about a British marine named Matthew Croucher. Croucher and three other marines were walking through a dangerous area in Afghanistan when he looked down and suddenly realized that he had set off a trip wire that was connected to a grenade. Thinking quickly, he told his squad mates to get down. Acting bravely, he jumped on the grenade and rolled onto his back to cover the grenade with his backpack. The blast flung him through the air, and after gathering his thoughts realized that he had only suffered a nosebleed. He was given the George Cross, the medal for the highest level of bravery, for his sacrifice. His selfless act of bravery saved his fellow marines and his quick thinking also saved his own. I could not read this without being reminded of the most important sacrifice of all.
What is a sacrifice? Thinking of Croucher's story, a sacrifice is restricting or sometimes even submitting to harm for the sake of others. Croucher soberly evaluated the situation, with only 7 seconds to do so, realizing that it was he who tripped the wire. He did not think of himself above others and was willing to die for those around him. Now think about Christ, his teachings and ultimately upon the cross: we were shown a different interpretation of sacrifice. This was an act of love, of generosity. This passage highlights the Lord's desire that we offer our bodies up to the Lord as a sacrifice, not to merely receive his love, but also to give love in return.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the example that you sent me with your only begotten Son. Through this gift, you have shown me the purity and light of salvation. Teach me the true meaning of sacrifice so that I may share it with those around me and above all, offer up my own body to thee, O Lord. I wish this with all of my heart that I fully submit to your aims, my Lord. In Jesus' name I pray. 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.
