Devotion
Say a little prayer for ... who?
David Jacobs
Recently I went to visit some relatives and was there on the weekend. I am not the most social animal when it comes to meeting new people, so I was a little bit anxious about visiting a new church with my distant relatives. I am so used to my church that when I find myself given the opportunity to worship elsewhere, it can seem uncomfortable at first. Now that I have even written these words, I realize what a fool I am! Are we all not worshiping the same God? Upon our arrival at the church, I was immediately welcomed as if I had been going there my entire life. My family seemed to enjoy introducing me to their friends and other relatives at the church, and although I would normally feel a bit socially anxious, in this instance, I felt as I had known these people for a long time. The church and devotees of Christ are all one!
Praying and worshipping alone is quite easy. The majority of my prayers are about one person: me! How often do we pray for other people? Going a step further, how often do we pray for people far outside of our friend or family circle or even for our enemies? This passage in Colossians is a great example of a prayer made for other people; People that Paul had never met or probably would never meet. In fact, Paul the Apostle wrote Colossians while in prison! Surely, if he can be so selfless and caring about people that are nowhere near him, I can accept and appreciate the people in the church of my relatives! It can be hard to do, however, and this is where our challenge lies. How we behave in these challenges is what truly defines our character. How will you behave?
Prayer
Take some time to pray normally. Now write down a list of people that you would like to pray for and help, people that are close to you that you wish nothing but the best for. Now do the same thing but for people that have recently hurt you or that you may have negative feelings towards. Pray for them as well. I have found that this prayer exercise helps me feel much better about myself and more importantly, the next time I see these people I am more caring and patient than before.
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.
