Devotion
All are equal in the eyes of God
David Jacobs
Then Ziba said to the king, "Your servant will do whatever my lord the king commands his servant to do." So Mephibosheth ate at David's[a] table like one of the king's sons.
A good friend of mine has Tourette syndrome, a psychological disorder that causes him to have some motor and verbal tics. I often introduced or talked about him as my friend with Tourette's. Although he had gotten used to it, he pulled me aside one day and asked if having Tourette's was the only attribute of his character that I considered. "Why not introduce me as your generous friend or helpful friend?" I remember his asking. I couldn't help but wonder why I judged my friend on this sole attribute.
Jonathan, the oldest son of Saul, was one of David's closest friends when he was alive. David wants to honor his friendship with Jonathan by honoring any surviving relative of his. Luckily, he is introduced to Mephibosheth, one of Jonathan's sons. Before David meets him, he is told that Mephibosheth is lame in both feet, unable to walk. You can imagine how difficult survival would be for a person with a physical disability during that time. Similar to how I introduced my friend, David is immediately told of Mephibosheth's disability. Mephibosheth is surprised that he is summoned at all, maybe even afraid. David comforts him, explaining that he wants to honor the friendship that he has with Jonathan. Mephibosheth has such low self-worth that he wonders what David, the king of Israel, could want with a "dead dog" like him. David treats him as he would treat any surviving family member of Jonathan, allowing Mephibosheth to sit at the king's table and eat for all of this life.
Nothing strikes me more in these verses than Mephibosheth's opinion of himself: he views himself as a dead dog. People have thought of only one thing about him for his entire life: he is unable to walk. It made me think about how I have treated other people that have disabilities. God does not view them for only their disabilities, just like he does not view me only on my best or worst day. Follow God's lead, as David did and treat all people, regardless of their physical or mental capabilities, as equals.
Prayer
Try to notice what is similar about other people and who they really are rather than what makes them different.
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.
