Devotion
Two are better than one
David Jacobs
These verses may not seem extraordinary at first glance, but the story is one that caused others to marvel. Zacharias and Elisabeth have a son. Zacharias was deaf and mute at the time, but he was a priest that was well-respected in the community. After Elisabeth gives birth, the community waits 8 days to name the child in line with traditions. A local priest helps to name the child after his father, Zacharias, which would be an honorable name. Elisabeth interjects, saying that the boy shall be named John. This act of defiance alone would bring some shame to Zacharias, and I am sure the community must have been embarrassed for him in a way. He was a priest, unable to speak and name his own son, and now his wife denies the name that the priest and community chose for the boy? Denies the name of his own father?
This is where the story takes its marvelous turn. Zacharias, deaf and mute, asks to write something. Nobody in his name has the name John. He cannot hear his wife say the name as well. He writes on the tablet that his son will be named John. This is more than a coincidence! It is God's will at work.
You may have heard the phrase, "Go with your gut." Zacharias and Elisabeth trusted each other and, more importantly, trusted God to lead them to the right decision.
Prayer
Precious Lord, let me return to your word, again and again, for my daily bread. Although I may not always hear you, I am listening. Although I may not always praise you, I am speaking. Help me understand your message so that I may craft a response, singing your praises that echo for all of my life. 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.
