Devotion
When did you start to believe?
David Jacobs
When my brother was younger, he refused to listen to the word of God. He did not want to hear anything about God, Christianity, or church. For some reason, he had a block in his mind and was unable to even consider any of the good things that the Lord had done for him. Even if he wanted to believe that God was not real, he certainly had to see the positive impact that being Christian had had on our family. We were blessed to have wonderful parents that were devout and loving in ways that few families are. It was only until he met his future wife that he was pulled back to the church and then his heart was eventually made ready to accept the Lord again.
God is always searching for those of us who are ready to listen to his message. In the hustle and bustle of our lives it can be difficult to focus on the things that are not important for our immediate survival. If we "believe" in God but do nothing to show it, are we any different from my stubborn brother? Is it better to believe but never rejoice in the name of our Lord or to not believe at all? This psalm speaks powerfully about the people that refuse to let God enter their hearts. They are corrupted, broken, and let wanting. They hunger for knowledge, but no matter how much they eat, they will not be satisfied. God will provide for you, but you must let Him in. He is patient, but we should do all that we can to prepare our hearts, minds, and souls to accept Him.
Prayer
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Blessed are those that come in the name of the Lord, and corrupted are those that do not. Help me on this day, as all days, to heal those corrupted souls. As you have been my shepherd, guiding me to green pastures, let me direct these lost sheep to your flock. I know you will not abandon me, and they will know the same. 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.
