Devotion
What kind of fruit would you be?
David Jacobs
If you have ever had a garden or farm, you may understand how rewarding and at times frustrating the relationship with plants can be. Small changes in the weather, pests, and our own mistakes can alter the bearings of the crop immensely. Considering these verses, how have you cultivated your own crop? Speaking from my own experiences, I would say that at times I have been ripe, strong, and able to withstand potential dangers that were thrown at me by nature. At my weaker times, I have been withered, bitter, and susceptible to any pest or disease that came my way.
What may be more important to consider from these verses is the symbiotic relationship that Jesus mentions. He is the vine and we are the branches, meaning that he benefits from us doing well. We are all stronger or weaker together. If we trust in him and glorify God, we will bear fruit and our branches will sprout new branches. Love will be paid forward; God and his son loved us, we love them, and we will continue to spread this love to others in contact with us.
In all of nature we can recognize the symbiotic relationship between all living things. This relationship extends to God and us. It is this that John describes, serving to highlight that both parties need each other. Think about your relationship with Christ: what kind of fruit would you bear?
Prayer
My Lord in Heaven, you have nurtured and nourished me through all of my life. You have sent your only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to tend your fields of believers, although we have at times wasted his care. I humbly ask that you strengthen my relationship with you, O Lord, so that I may strengthen others relationships with you as well. I ask all of this in your holy name. 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.
