Devotion
How can we lead anguished spirits to God?
David Jacobs
War, terror attacks, sexual abuse...the world is filled with people committing acts that are not in line with the word of God. People turn to things to give them comfort: religion, alcohol, drugs, sex, greed, exercise, food. It may seem hopeless, like the world is filled with too many challenges for us to overcome. What is the point in trying if the problems will keep resurfacing?
Moses faced a staggering challenge at the request of God: free the Israelites from Egypt. Moses balked at first, thinking that he was not capable of performing the tasks that God commanded. Moses probably felt the same way that I described in the first paragraph: hopeless. What would be the point in even trying when he would surely fail? Even when Moses finally musters the courage to speak to the Israelites, they are unable to listen "for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage." (Exodus 6:9) Life had beaten them down so hard they had lost all hope.
Consider many of the problems that I mentioned in the first sentence. Why are people committing such heinous acts? They have lost hope. Why do people turn to alcohol, drugs, greed, food, corruption, and sex? They have lost hope. Brothers and sisters! We must lead as an example, as a shining beacon on a hill, to show the hopeless that there is hope! (Matthew 5:14) Moses became hopeful; survivors of the Egyptian captivity eventually became hopeful; the early Christians that were persecuted and killed remained hopeful; survivors of the Holocaust and world wars remained hopeful. Let our light shine in the darkness for all to see. If not us, then who?
Prayer
There are so many things that divide us: countries, race, religions, politics, economic factors. Think about what things make us all distinctly human. How can we focus on the things that unite us to bring us closer together?
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.
