Devotion
Bless the Lord, oh my soul
David Jacobs
I am sometimes stricken with anxiety and insecurity, expecting the worst-case scenario to occur even before it has happened. It can be crippling at times, because I anticipate trouble even though it may never happen. This anticipation, however, affects my mood, and I can assure you, it does not affect it in a positive way. In these moments, it is so easy for me to forget about all the things that I am thankful for: the best family I could possibly ask for, beautiful children, parents that one could only dream of, a good job, food, health, happiness. In my moments of anxiety, nothing else matters.
This is where the Bible has helped me the most. When I am feeling anxiety or insecurity, I can read a few pages and be inspired. I can read about the hardships of the Old Testament prophets, the kingdom of Israel, or Christ and the disciples and feel a little bit better about my own situation. I can also be inspired by their faith: no matter the odds against them, God was with them and they were with God. They never forgot who gave them everything. Life is never going to be perfect; we will always have our moments of anxiety and doubt. With a strong faith in God, we will bounce back faster, stronger, and more determined, and we will be less able to forget all that God has given us.
Prayer
Christ in heaven, my redeemer, I owe you a debt of my life. Forgive me heavenly Father, for I have forgotten and lost faith at my lowest and even highest moments. Keep me balanced, O Lord, so that I may never forget where all the good in the world and in heaven comes from: from your lovingkindness, which you share with all man. I beg for your mercy Lord, knowing full well that I do not deserve it, and also knowing that you will grant it to me as long as I ask. In your 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.
