Devotion
No prison can hold the word of God
David Jacobs
I used to tutor at a prison in my home city, teaching inmates general education courses in math, history, English, and computers. Contrary to what I thought, most of the inmates were very pleasant, but they had obviously made a mistake at some point in their lives. Some inmates, however, were less pleasant, placing the harsh realities of prison life in view. I was shocked at how thirsty the inmates in the program were for education. They became even more interested and yearned for more lessons when they found out that I was a theology student. God's word will not be denied. It will find its way everywhere.
Paul and Silas were no strangers to prison, unfortunately for them. They had been preaching about the life of Jesus when they met a soothsayer, possessed by a spirit but very profitable for her masters. Paul summoned the spirit out of her, costing her masters money, so they went to the magistrates asking for Paul and Silas to be jailed.
Now in jail after receiving many lashings, Paul and Silas pray in their cell. There was a great earthquake, opening the jail cells. When the guard sees the open cells, he takes his sword to commit suicide. Luckily for him, Paul stops him, assuring him that the prisoners are still in their cells. His act of kindness and overall demeanor must have made an impact on the jail guard, for he lets them go and asks Paul and Silas how to be saved. Soon after, he is baptized and they celebrate the life of Christ, rejoicing in his name.
Prayer
There are no walls, bars, or mountains that can stop the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! 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.
