Devotion
A humble servant of the Lord, no matter the task
David Jacobs
When I was in high school, I tried out for a school play. It was the first play I had ever tried out for or been in, so I was quite nervous. The play was "Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat." Naturally, I wanted to be Joseph, but I didn't end up getting the part. Other students had more experience and were flat out better than I was. I was given another part (narrator) but was immature and refused to take part at all. I attended a performance of the play with my family, and to this day I can remember how great it was. It was a shame that I could not see the bigger picture and be a part of the show.
King David was a loyal servant of God for his entire life. No character more adamantly sings the praises of God than his obedient servant, David, so it is a surprise here in 1 Chronicles to see the Lord choose another king of Israel to build the temple for Him. God tells David via the prophet Nathan that David's son is the one that God has chosen. Although David was prepared to build the temple, Solomon ended up building it as we still know today.
How did David react? The same way he does in nearly every instance that the Lord speaks to him: he praises God, obediently going along with God's plan. If only I had learned my lesson from these verses! Life doesn't always give you exactly what you want, but to be part of something incredible and view being chosen to be a part of something special is a gift in and of itself. David realized this; I did not. Remember these verses the next time you are in a similar situation: we are God's servants and it is a blessing to be one at all.
Prayer
Have you had a similar experience as mine, when you were not selected for something that you wanted? How did you react? How can you be better and more like David the next time?
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.
