Devotion
Let my people go!
David Jacobs
What is your greatest fear? In surveys, many people claim that they fear public speaking more than they fear even death! I shared this fear as a child, constantly feeling anxiety in front of crowds and embarrassed by even the smallest speech mistake that I made in front of people. This changed when I performed a scripture reading as a teenager in front of a large crowd at my church on Christmas. I had practiced reading these verses aloud and was well prepared. I read the verses and could see the looks on the crowds' faces, happy to see a young boy reading such important words. From that point on I relished performing in front of crowds because I knew how much people would appreciate it if I did a good job.
Moses shared this fear of public speaking and felt inadequate for the mission that God had asked of him. "Why me?" he asked God. God replies with the famous verse: "I AM THAT I AM...I AM hath sent me unto you." (Exodus 3:14)
In the verses of this devotion, Moses is still unsure of his mission. God makes the objectives of his mission more clear: Moses will go to Egypt and tell the Pharaoh to free the Israelites or else God will kill every first-born. Poor Moses must have felt the pressure! God had even performed several miracles to show Moses his miraculous power, but Moses was still unsure. Like me, a shy boy in front of a big Christmas congregation, it took Moses being in that moment, being on that stage, before he realized that he could do it. We must place our trust in God. He will not ask of us something that we cannot handle. Remain faithful and good. Leave everything else to God.
Prayer
Are there aspects of your life that make you feel inadequate? Go to God and ask Him for strength. Trust in God and face your fears as Moses did. Each time you do, the fear will be slowly transformed into strength.
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.
