Devotion
The only door for abundant life
David Jacobs
If you have ever spent any time on a farm, you quickly learn the importance of gates. Every summer growing up I would go with my family to my uncle's farm. Seeing as I was from the city, the change from urban to rural life felt like an adventure, and helping on the farm during my teen years helped me gain a real appreciation for work that is often taken for granted. It also helped me learn that animals are much more clever and observant than they may seem, and a gate that is not closed properly can lead to them walking astray.
Sheep occur frequently in Biblical references because they were a relatable image that was important for many households, tied intimately to their income and survival. Although the profession of a shepherd is not seen much today, it still serves as an apt metaphor. The parable of lost sheep shows that a good shepherd will stop at nothing to retrieve a member of their flock, for each is as precious as the others. John is saying that even if we are lost, we have a chance to be redeemed. Other gods or idols may have lured sheep for some time, but only God is the true door, the only one that welcomes sheep to safe haven and salvation. Understanding that we are offered protection and salvation will allow us to graze more freely, living less fearfully knowing that our shepherd will not abandon us.
Prayer
My Lord and my shepherd, I shall walk with you this day as always. I thank you, caring God, for allowing me to freely graze in your pastures, knowing that you will help lead me to salvation. Grant me the wisdom to understand that if I stray, my savior will find me. In your name, of the only shepherd, the door to salvation, 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.
