Devotion
Lions and lambs
David Jacobs
There is a popular video online of a lion named Christian. Christian was raised by two men when he was a cub after they found him when he was injured as a baby. They took care of the cub as they would with any pet or child, until the lion was too big for them to care for. It was time for Christian to be released into the wild.
A few years later, Christian had been living in the wild and was a fully grown adult lion. Perhaps foolishly, the two men that raised him went to see how he was doing. In the shocking video, Christian the lion runs at his two parents and starts to play with them and lick them, like he was a cub again. It is a heartwarming scene, one that I am reminded of when reading these verses.
Isaiah speaks about God's judgment of humanity. He says that humanity will not be judged based on the sight of humanity, but on righteousness. The poor and meek who did not try to take too much will inherit the earth. They will inherit God's kingdom. This message provided hope to all the people that would have heard it, and is almost mimicked by Christ when he lives amongst us.
Prayer
Holy Lord, God of power and might, you shall judge the quick of the dead. We are so fortunate, O Lord, that you judge not based on our worldly achievements but on the quality of our spirit. Strengthen my spirit, O Lord, so that I may, in turn, strengthen those around me, as did Isaiah. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. 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.
