Devotion
Before the discovery of handwashing with soap, hospitals were often places where diseases spread, instead of being cured. Doctors would go from patient to patient with dirty hands, full of bacteria and germs, and accidentally infect those they sought to cure. Human life expectancy rose rapidly after the discovery of sanitary health practices. Only by being clean, can we avoid disease.
The earlier one can bring one's children or grandchildren into the faith, the better. For this is much like washing one's spiritual hands. Our children suffer from sin as much as we do, but without the correct sanitation, those sins may accumulate and become contagious.
Prayer
We know that a spiritual life can be difficult, arduous, fraught with set backs and doubts. Yet many of us carry on not only because it is the true path but because we know Scripture, we know passages we may read or reread for comfort, we are saved. The Gospel cleans us of sin and boosts our spiritual immune system.
Not only this, we have songs, practical knowledge, references we could all impart to our children to guide them to a moral and fulfilling life. Wouldn't you want your child to have these for his or her journey? Couldn't we help raise them to new heights as we have done, having learned from the mistakes and wisdom of our elders?
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.
