Devotion
The Christian Conga Line
David Jacobs
I am a fan of stand-up comedy, and the comedian James Acaster has a fantastic joke about Conga Lines. He jokes that a Conga dance is one of the most stressful enjoyable activities one can do. The leader has the stress of ensuring his followers go in a safe, sensible and fun direction. He goes on to explain that within the conga line, you are to follow the person in front of you, but lead the person behind you. If you try to leave the line in front, you don't leave the conga line, you accidentally start a rival one. It's all very funny but we can learn a lot about faith from this example.
When we are born, we model ourselves mostly on our parents or siblings, seeing as these are some of the first people we are exposed to. We follow the song and dance of them, and in turn, they lead us to safe, sensible and fun places. If there are moving to the right music (the word of the Lord) then I will enjoy following, and perhaps others will follow me. We progress together.
If one leaves the line prematurely, they run the risk of taking others with them, in the wrong direction. One that isn't sensible, safe, or fun.
So too, might we later model ourselves on Christ, or Christ's image, who in turn was modeled on his Heavenly Father, who is infinite in His compassion.
Prayer
Fear not for those at the rear of the Conga line, for The Lord will be behind you, encouraging you, accompanying you.
This is ultimately what our God wants, for it completes a virtuous circle
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.
