Devotion
Derek’s Delicious Duck
David Jacobs
During my travels to China, I tended to shy away from Chinese food, instead settling for something more familiar. My Chinese friends would encourage me, but no matter how much they preached I just couldn't find myself attracted to a lot of their food. However, that changed when I met Derek.
Derek didn't really care if I enjoyed his national cuisine or not, he only cared that he found it delicious and that it worked for him. During our conversations, he would occasionally talk about his evening plans and weekend adventures. One day he said that he was excited to go to a very good duck restaurant. His efforts in praising them were not to convince me to eat there (I wasn't invited to dinner with him), he sang their praises because they did a great job and he really enjoyed it. That weekend, I went to the restaurant out of curiosity, and I enjoyed duck pancakes, pickled spinach with peanuts, and sweet and sour fish. They are now some of my favorite dishes.
Sincerely singing praises is often contagious. It piques curiosity, sets a terrific first impression and spreads a positive message for those that do good work. No force is necessary.
Furthermore, song (literally) is something that may bring people from very disparate parts of life together, for songs can reach beyond borders and into peoples' lives. There it may get stuck in their heads, or stay with them for years on end, the words or tune affixed to a special time and memory. Would it be preposterous to suggest we treat Gods' love like such a melody? Is it not after all, something immaterial but which moves us in some deep and knowing way?
Prayer
Literally, spread songs of joy amongst friends and nations, if you can, seek out other religious songs in other tongues. Figuratively sing his praise, let it be one of your favorite songs to carry with you wherever you go. You never know who's head the song will get stuck in.
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.
