Devotion
Release your anger
David Jacobs
In my younger and more rash years, I would often use the word 'hate' to describe things: "hate it when it is cold", "hate flying", "hate this song." What a negative energy it is to use such a strong word, a word that is the opposite of love! It took me some time to realize how often I was using the word 'hate', and took more time for me to learn to stop using the word hate. This Psalm and the teachings of Christ were two major reasons I started working towards removing the word from my lexicon.
It may seem that cursing the wicked and our enemies is noble in a way, but I am struck by the vocabulary used in these verses. Can you imagine Jesus speaking like this? Of course not! Look up how many people Christ says you can hate; better yet, I will save you the time and tell you: none. Nobody. Zero. You should not hate your enemies according to Christ. In fact, you should love them (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27-36).
This Psalm of the emotional King David shows how far God's word had evolved by the time of Christ. Jesus' life led to a transformation, but it seems as though David longed for what Jesus would later preach. He claims to hate his enemies and those that hate God. However, in the last verse, he asks God to search him for any wickedness, and lead him in the way everlasting. This verse foreshadows what is to come, generations after but from King David's bloodline. Jesus Christ will teach devout men like Christ, like you, and like me, to do away with the word hate, replacing it with his favorite word: love.
Prayer
All you need is love...love is all you need. –the Beatles
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.
