Devotion
When betrayal strikes
David Jacobs
When I first started my professional career, I had a side business that generated a good amount of income for me. My partner and I split the work evenly and it seemed that nothing could go wrong. I was happy, he was happy, and our customers were happy and kept coming back for our services. That changed quickly however, when an outsider promised my partner much greener pastures if he would abandon me and work with him. Sadly, my partner listened, and our business crumbled, as did our friendship.
I was unable to get over this event for a long time: I was betrayed by someone I trusted completely, and the promises that the outsider told my partner were impossible to keep. Shortly after starting their new business my partner was betrayed by the outsider, and we were both left alone. He came to me asking for forgiveness but I was not ready to grant him it at the time. Rejecting his request burned me up inside, making me feel more hateful and angry as a result. When I finally accepted his apology, a load was lifted off my shoulders, and we both seemed to learn a valuable lesson.
Judas is one of the most despised figures in the Bible, betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Like my partner, some of us have our price, no matter what we may believe. Also similar to my partner, I imagine that in time Judas came to despise his thirty pieces of silver, overcome with guilt. In later verses he returns the money, knowing that after Christ' condemnation they had become worthless. Jesus had preemptively forgiven him, teaching him a lesson before he had been betrayed and after. Money will come and go, but friendship and love can last much longer. The love of God...forever.
Prayer
Lord in Heaven, you have shown me the power of forgiveness. I know that I have sinned and will sin again, but you are always there. You have sent your son, Jesus Christ, to die for all of us, teaching a lesson about forgiveness and life eternal. Let me not fall into greed, or become a slave bonded to material goods. I am forever indebted and forever owe my servitude to you. 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.
