Devotion
Where is your garden?
David Jacobs
As we grow up, many of us turn to certain things as "escapes." Work, exercise, sex, and alcohol can all be used in different ways, some more positive than others.
There is one place where I go when I am feeling despondent: my diary. Writing in my journal is a place where I always feel safe. I can reflect on my day and almost always feel a sense of peace and accomplishment when I write in it. Although it may not traditionally be considered prayer, writing in my journal is a meditative, contemplative, and calming action that helps me focus on the things that are most important to me. My journal, in a way, is my garden of peace.
In these verses, Jesus goes to pray with his disciples by the brook Cedron in a garden. His soon-to-be betrayer, Judas, knew would find Jesus there. Even as Jesus knew of his impending end he remained calm, and surrounded himself with those important to him. What better place for Jesus to spend his final hours of peace! He spent his remaining hours doing what he enjoyed the most with the people that he enjoyed the most. Like my journal, it was a place he could turn to calm down, prepare for what was coming, and focus on what was important to him.
Prayer
What is your "garden" of peace? Is there a place, person, action, or substance that you turn to habitually to try to relax? More importantly, whatever your garden may be, is it a positive one? Does it help or hurt you? Use Christ as an example: be in a setting that you love with people that you love.
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.
