Devotion
Feeling or everlasting:
which would you prefer?
David Jacobs
Ah, that clever serpent! If only he hadn't convinced Adam and Eve to sin. How wonderful life would be...but wait, without sin and pain, how would we understand love and beauty? Without evil, would good exist?
In Genesis 1, God creates everything, including light and darkness (Genesis 1:2-5). Light is good, darkness is bad. Darkness existed, but temptation as we understand it in these verses, is not yet introduced. Adam and Eve were already created in the likeness of God, but they wanted more. They wanted to be even more like Him. It didn't take much convincing from a creature that they did not even know, but the lure of temptation was too strong. Giving into their temptation, sinning, is rewarded with alienation, pain, and death.
The temptation of drugs, lust, and sloth is strong. It has afflicted much of society today. In fact, it has afflicted so much of society that these temptations and sins have been glorified. Where do these temptations lead? Alienation, pain, and death. There is no glory, no peace, and no reward for giving in. Although it may seem exciting and appealing at first, these temptations are fleeting; these worldly delights will not last, but we have been shown the path to a life everlasting. The choice is ours.
Prayer
Are you struggling with a recurring temptation or addiction? Do you know of someone else that is struggling with one? Go to God and seek His love. Addiction and temptation is usually a result of loneliness. Seek out other devotees of Christ, for there is strength in numbers. Surround yourself with other faithful Christians and your faith will be reinforced.
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.
