Devotion
If you can’t beat then, join them
David Jacobs
When I was in middle school, there was a boy that was much bigger than everyone else, and wow, he was a bully! He would really pick on other students and even hurt them, but he was so big nobody dared to stand up to him. He was equally as terrible to teachers, but I remember after school one day I noticed him red in the face, wiping tears from his eyes. Although he was so big, when he broke down he was like anyone else. That student was awful in my teacher's class, but my teacher put his arm around him, comforted him, and took him into his office so that other people could not see. After that, the student behaved quite well in that class, although I wish I could say the same about other classes!
My teacher's compassion to a person that had constantly troubled him humbled the terrible student. The student was used to being met by scorn, at school and most likely at home, and that was why he acted the way that he did. In these verses, Elisha shows compassion to the soldiers that have been sent to find him and most likely to kill him and the king of Israel. His compassion turns a foe into a friend, an enemy into an ally. Just like the student and the teacher, a show of compassion and love can turn hate into love. Christ teaches us to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), and that is what Elisha does in these verses. How often do we actually do it?
Prayer
Forgiving God, you show compassion to all of humanity. You are patient with us, Abba Father, even when we do not deserve it. Help to remind me of your patience and compassion, O Lord, so that I can inject some of this positivity into my fellow man. You have shown us the way, as did your only begotten son, Jesus Christ, who shed light on the path. In his holy name I pray. Amen.
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.
