Devotion
Where is the mystery?
David Jacobs
The Lord works in mysterious ways. We have all probably heard this phrase before. I have always thought that it was nonsensical: how much evidence and scripture must there be for us to have a clear understanding of how the Lord works? There are some things that we do not have much understanding of, certainly. There are great mysteries that we have only begun to unravel. But there is a mountain of evidence and scholars that have spent their entire lives writing about the Lord's "ways." Mysterious is not the word that I would use, and it is also not the word that Paul would use in his letter to Timothy.
In fact, Paul states the exact opposite: there can be no controversy to how God works. Paul then lists exactly what the Lord claimed He would do and did! God lived amongst men as Christ, justified by the Holy Spirit, seen by angels at the time of his birth, preached during his lifetime to all that would hear him, believed by those that would hear him including by us, and then died and went to heaven. Where is the mystery? There can be no dispute that Christ's life was truly extraordinary. Praise his name and glory today and every day, for in him was the word and the truth resolved, made manifest in his flesh.
Prayer
Blessed are those that come in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest. May we forever sing your praises my God. There is no mystery surrounding your goodness. I thank you with every breath, every fiber of my being, every ounce of my love. I love you as you have loved me. 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.
