Devotion
Receiving the Holy Ghost and being freed from sin!
David Jacobs
Everyone deals with feelings of insecurity at times. Personally, I have always compared myself to the people that I most look up to, namely, my mother, father, and Jesus. Doing so has made me feel inadequate often: Christ is God in human form but I am just a man; Christ never sins and I sin often; Christ died and rose from the dead and I am fearful of death. These feelings hinder my growth as a person when I feel them strongly, and it is why verses like these are so important to me.
In these verses, Christ appears to the disciples, proves that he is truly reborn, and breathes the Holy Ghost into them. Their sins are forgiven. They, and all believers, are good enough for Jesus to say these words, to die and sacrifice himself so that our sins, the sins of inadequate mortals, would be remitted. When I remember these verses, I no longer feel inadequate; I, too, feel reborn. The Holy Ghost lives in me as he does in you. My sins are forgiven as are yours. With this in mind, how can I ever feel inadequate?
Prayer
Dear God, my Heavenly Father, who sent his only begotten Son to us, show us peace and mercy. I, like the disciples reunited again with Christ, feel joy in your presence, O Lord. I am weak, but with you am strong, and thank you for reconnecting me with your miracles and wonders. For joy is what my heart wants, and joy is what it shall receive, accepting your blessings and your everlasting embrace. 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.
