Devotion
Nobody knows the troubles I’ve seen!
David Jacobs
One of my best friends died when I was young. He was young and strong, diagnosed with testicular cancer at 21. He was given a high chance of survival, nearly 80%, so we remained hopeful throughout the process. Sadly, he was not one of the lucky 80%. At the time, I cried more than I have cried before. Tears of sadness turned to anger, and I really blamed God for doing this to him. "Only the good die young." Perhaps you have heard this before. Why would God have taken him? My friend was a far better person than me, certainly. It didn't make any sense to me and I was furious with God for a long period of time. What did this anger get me? Did I feel any better? No. Did I get to see my friend as a result? No. Did I appreciate all the good things that I had with my friend? No. Did I appreciate all of the good that I had with God? I think you know the answer to that....
People die. Sin exists. The devil works tirelessly to recruit and destroy. Troubles come and go, but the word of the Lord remains our only constant. Work, family, money, health...all of these things fluctuate, both good and bad. As the Apostles have shown, happiness will always be attainable through God and in service to Him. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." Perhaps this idiom is a good example of our relationship with the Lord. A real testament to our character and to our relationship with God is on full display when we are at our most downtrodden.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for using your name in vain! I was selfish and weak, O Lord, thinking only of my own pain instead of the good that you have instilled in me. Lord, I ask that you comfort all that have felt pain as I have, and grant their heart peace and resolve so that they can grow closer to you. Thank you, loving Father, for listening to all of our anger and prayers, and we know that you have sent your only begotten son, Jesus, so that we may be forgiven. In his holy 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.
