Devotion
Do you now believe? Answer the question:
David Jacobs
When I was a child, I was often afraid of things that I thought were in my house or room: monsters, thieves, and murderers. Venturing into my parents' room, sleepy yet terrified, I'd tell them that I thought I heard something. Luckily for me, my parents were extremely patient and would try their best to get me to go back to sleep. They would reassure me in a number of ways: tell me that they will stay awake and listen, tell me that the door is locked, or even come in my room. Nobody or thing had ever come into my house, yet I still couldn't believe them! No matter how many times they reassured me, it would take several years for me to finally grow up and out of my fears.
Consider these verses. Through Jesus, we as earthly beings have also found a path to overcoming the world. Humans have tried other methods and others have heard the teachings of Christ and not believed. Without salvation and the word of the Lord, these attempts are doomed to fail. You may have heard of Pascal's wager. It essentially argues that deciding to believe or not to believe is up to the individual, but if you don't believe and are wrong, you are doomed to eternal damnation! Even with that being said, it is much easier said than done. One method above all else has helped reinforce my faith in Christ: I have surrounded myself with faithful Christians. When I feel fear, or doubt, just like when I was a child, I can turn to them and be reassured. Without God one cannot truly transcend this life. Be there for each other.
Prayer
Dearest Father, forgive me for ever doubting you, and understand that I am weak and undeserving of your grace. Strengthen my resolve Abba Father! I long for you and to be stronger disciple of your word. Help me touch those to whom you speak, but are too deaf to listen. May they find inner wisdom and the true path into eternal life; through your divine glory and mercy alone, 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.
