Devotion
Where is our manna from Heaven?
David Jacobs
One thought that I have often had when reading the Bible is what I would do if I were in the place of several of the most famous characters. How could Thomas doubt Jesus so much if he was with him all the time? How could Judas betray Jesus if he bore witness to so many miracles? Why would the followers of Moses not be willing to do anything that he asked considering all the things that he had clearly done for them? Certainly I would be different! If only God would give me a sign as strong as He gave to them, then I would be more certain. Then, if only then, I would know how to behave!
I may have acted differently than certain characters in the Bible. In fact, I may have acted better than them at times. However, what selfishness I display when demanding a sign similar to theirs! Is my own life not a sign enough? Is my relationship with God not sign enough? Jesus Christ was sent to Earth to live amongst us and died so that we could be forgiven. If I need a stronger sign than that, I am not sure what I would have done differently than even the most selfish characters in the Bible.
Manna was sent from Heaven to Earth in the Bible. We have our manna: Jesus Christ. Just as sustenance was sent for the disciples of Moses, Jesus was sent so that we may all be his disciples. He is our sustenance, our sign, our manna. Doubt leads to hunger and belief leads to nourishment. We have many characters with which to compare ourselves, but ultimately the choice is ours.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I wish to thank you for the host of characters in the Bible that have helped feed my faith and assist me on my journey. Without them, seeing both the quality of their triumphs and the depths of their falls, I and other Christians, would not have the same relationship with you that we do today. Permit me Christ Almighty, to eat from your word, and drink from your truth. With your permission, I ask to be filled with your word, so that I will never be hungry. I pray this in your name, knowing that you have sacrificed your body and blood so that I may be sustained. 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.
