Devotion
Lift you up
David Jacobs
I can still remember one day when I made a huge lapse in judgment. I said something that I should never have said to my girlfriend at the time, making her incredibly upset. It seemed as if I said the thing solely to make her upset and sad, and it made me questions what I was doing with my life and with her. To make matters worse, I didn't want to admit fault, didn't want to admit my mistake to her, because it made me rehash the pathetic behaviors that I had displayed. Our relationship ended soon after, but it took me 2 years to apologize to her for the remarks that I made. At least it was better late than never, or that's what I told myself.
Everybody falls down. Everybody makes mistakes. It is not about falling down, it is about how you get up. With a strong faith in God, when we fall, He will strengthen us through His divine word. We will have the power that we do not even know exists, fortified by our rock, redeemer, and strength. As Isaiah says, we will be lifted up on eagles wings, and when even the young fall after growing faint and weary, the Lord will lift them up, and they will be strengthened.
Prayer
Think of a time where you stumbled mightily. How did you respond? Were you cowardly like I was? Or did your faith in God strengthen you, lifting you up faster than you fell?
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.
