Devotion
What are you hiding?
David Jacobs
My family is as supportive as any family that I have ever witnessed. They have loved me as much as they could, and God knows I have indeed tested them at times! Why then, in my times of trouble, have I hid from them? Why did I not go to the people that have loved me the most, helped me the most, and know me the best in my darkest hour? It is easier said than done, of course, and practice makes perfect.
If you have ever raised a child or even a dog, there are moments when you can see when they have done something wrong. With my dog, the moment that I walk in the door I can usually tell if she has done something that she is ashamed about. She will slink away from me, often not even greeting me at the door. If she does welcome me, it is with a noticeable difference in excitement. I have always treated my dog with love, but when she does something that I won't like, she knows it. Can't you picture Adam and Eve acting similarly here?
Adam and Eve knew they went against God. Like a young child with a sibling, Adam quickly points the finger at Eve to blame her and not take responsibility for his actions. If you were Adam and Eve, how would you act? God gave them life and has shown them only paradise, and they seem to forget it immediately! Do not take this love for granted! Go to your loved ones and seek help from them, admit your faults if you need to, and quickly ask for forgiveness. Nobody is perfect, but we can learn from Adam and Eve and our own mistakes and get better and closer to whom we genuinely care about.
Prayer
Merciful and almighty God, forgive me for my transgressions against you and those around me. I am weak, O God, and I often forget that with you, I am strong. Grant that by your guidance we may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them. In the name of Jesus, who reigns in heaven with you and the Holy Spirit, 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.
