Devotion
The Kingdom is near, the Kingdom is here!
David Jacobs
It is easy to get wrapped up in the hustle-and-bustle of our daily lives: Work, school, spouses, children, finances. There are so many things that seem to require our attention that is often easy to neglect that which is most important: our relationship with God. I often take God's love for granted, coming to Him when I need and not when He needs. I need to remember what the Kingdom of Heaven is truly about.
Above all, our surrender to the will of God and God's desire to bring us healing, peace, victory, and salvation are central to the Kingdom of Heaven. How can surrender be victory? Think about the teachings of the gospels: is surrender and faith in God not the central teaching of Jesus? These verses serve to remind us about our vital roles during our time on earth. We have a responsibility to one another, to believers and non-believers, to act in accordance with God's word. We owe a debt to all of humanity, a debt of love and service, and God asks that we do not judge those that will not receive us. When we surrender to God, we soon realize that the Kingdom of Heaven is not just waiting for us, it is already all around us. Thanks be to God.
Prayer
Blessed Father, I ask your forgiveness for not fully surrendering to you at times. I have blocked the Kingdom of Heaven at times from fully being realized in my heart and mind. Lord, with these words I hope that I can come a bit closer to you, a bit closer to the Kingdom of Heaven, and a bit closer to my fellow man. Help me not to judge others that are struggling with this same battle, merciful Father, and grant me the wisdom, like St. Barnabus, to give generously for the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel. I pray all of this in your name, my Lord, my strength and my redeemer. 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.
