Devotion
Jesus Of Nazareth King Of The Jews
David Jacobs
Have you ever been wrong about something but had trouble admitting it once you realized that you were wrong? It can feel like a great burden on your shoulders, sitting like the giant elephant in the room, but our pride sometimes stalls us from admitting that we were incorrect. I have had relationships suffer simply because two people got into a meaningless argument but are too proud to apologize to one another.
Pontius Pilate sentenced Jesus to be crucified and killed. He scourged him, mocked him, and killed him. In these verses, the chief priests, who also wanted Jesus killed, ask Pilate to change the words that were written on the cross. In their view, Jesus had blasphemed by saying that he was the King of the Jews, and this was the reason they wanted him condemned to death. After watching the grisly scene unfold, I also think they must have felt some remorse and regret for allowing this unjust crucifixion take place. If Pilate changes the inscription, they will feel that Jesus' death was justified, because he should not have said that he was the King of the Jews. Pilate will not admit any wrong doing, unwilling to change his final mistake.
Everybody makes mistakes. The priests and Pilate certainly did. Learning to forgive and ask for forgiveness are actions that all Christians should be familiar with: we are born sinners and must go to God in order to be forgiven. Luckily, if we knock, the door will be open for us, seek and we will find. (Matthew 7:7) If we ask we are forgiven, or our pride will help us share the priests' and Pilates' fate.
Prayer
Gracious God, forgive me for my sins. Lead me from evil and I forgive all people that have ever wronged me. I am constantly tempted by sin, O Lord, and I ask that you deliver me from it unscathed. You are the one true God! Your son is the King of the Jews! I pray this in Jesus' 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.
