Devotion
When jealousy rears it’s ugly head
David Jacobs
I have been a musician for most of my life, playing the piano and violin and even composing some of my own music. I always enjoyed playing in front of people and sharing what I had learned. Playing with other people can get competitive, and I remember playing for an orchestra in my youth. I was the concertmaster, meaning I was one of if not the best violinist in the orchestra, when a young girl, maybe 11 years old, joined the orchestra. "She can't possibly play with us," I thought, but then I heard her play. She was incredible, probably better than me, and instead of being happy to have such a young and talented musician in the orchestra, I became jealous and insecure. Eventually I grew to really love that young girl, because she was sweet, innocent, and talented, but I vividly remember the embarrassment I felt when I first heard her playing better than me.
Saul and David's story occurs in the reverse order of my orchestra story. Saul's eldest son, Jonathan, becomes close friends with David. Saul initially loves David like a son, and every task that Saul gives to David he achieves with amazing results. He felt like I should have felt when the young girl joined my orchestra: lucky to have such a valuable member on our side.
Things change when Saul hears women singing the praises of David, saying that Saul has killed thousands and David his tens of thousands. This flips Saul's opinion. He thought they were allies, but hearing others compare him with David leads him to make the same comparison. He feels insecure and cautious, wary of every move that David makes thereafter.
Prayer
God has blessed us all with so much, including Saul and David. Don't make the mistakes that Saul and I made: view other people positively. Everyone can leave a positive impression on you, especially if you try to make a positive impression on them. God would want it no other way.
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.
