Devotion
Oh Lord, my God, I pray thee!
David Jacobs
My uncle was in a very dark place recently: he was laid off from his job and right after this, he was diagnosed with an illness that required surgery. Being recently unemployed, he lacked insurance to pay for the surgery, which would cost far more than he could afford. He didn't know what to do, but he did not despair. He came to his family for support, and God provided. Within a few days, his family members had asked their friends, family, and churches for any help that they could give, and his surgery was paid for in full. Not long after his recovery, he was given a job by one of the people that had also donated for his surgery.
It is hard to remain confident and faithful to God when things are not going well in our lives. Why would God want us to suffer so much if he loves us? I ask all devotees of Christ this question: is not everyday that we are allowed to witness God's creation a blessing? There will be hardships, pain, suffering, and death, but has God not shown us the path to salvation?
In these verses, Elijah asks God the question I posit before: why would God let this boy suffer? Has God abandoned him? How quickly Elijah forgets the beginning of these verses, when he has no food to eat or water to drink and God tells him to go to Zarepath. How quickly he forgets that the widow is able to provide for herself, Elijah, and her son with so little food to begin with. God was with him the entire time, just as he was with my uncle the entire time. It is our perceptions that have changed, not God. He has given us more than we deserve. Remember this and everyday, all things, are a blessing from God.
Prayer
Our character and faith is tested when we are at our lowest point. These moments are a good reflection of the strength of our faith. When you were at your lowest, how did you respond: with despair or trust?
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.
