Devotion
The Lord’s Spiritual Spring-Cleaning
David Jacobs
The hardest things to find aren't the small things, or the translucent things, or even something that has been cleverly hidden. The most difficult things to find are those that we aren't even aware that we have lost. Yet, one of the greatest delights is in finding something that you hadn't noticed was missing.
Spring cleaning is a yearly chore for many of us in the modern world. We clean our homes from bottom to top, moving things from their place and giving everything a good polish, scrub or mopping. Occasionally we find things: a book that had fallen behind a cabinet, a dollar bill that had slipped between the sofa cushions, perhaps an earring who's partner had been sitting alone in your jewelry box. The point is, until we restructure our life from bottom to top, those little treasures remain hidden from us.
Prayer
Conceptualized differently, one may say Jesus was a Messiah of reversal, to turn the world upon its head. The last first, the high made low, the sick to be healed, the sinful to be saved. Jesus himself surprised many when rode a donkey into Jerusalem – In sharp contrast to what was expected and preceded him as a King amongst men. So rejoice in his name, for he has found what was lost! The Lord came, flipped the top to the bottom in order to spring clean us all, allowing us to find hidden treasures along the way.
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.
