Devotion
Job’s faith tested
David Jacobs
When I was 22, I experienced one hardship after another and was unable to focus on anything positive for a long time. At that time, I truly began to think that nothing mattered and life had no meaning. My best friend had died of cancer at the age of 21, and I had to witness him waste away until he was just skin and bones. My oldest friend died when he fell out of a window, an incredible stroke of bad luck. My best friend's mom, mere months after his passing, also was diagnosed and suddenly died from cancer. Egotistically, I thought about my role, blaming myself for their deaths in one way or another: what could I have done differently? Why did God hate me? Worst of all, I hated God.
Satan puts Job to the absolute test, making my misfortunes seem almost insignificant. Within a span of a few verses, one messenger after another approaches Job with worse and worse news: first the cows were stolen and servants killed, then the sheep and fields were burned, then the camels and more servants were killed, and, the icing on the cake, all of his children were killed when the house collapsed. It would be enough to break any man. More than just break, it would be enough to send most men away, a new ally of Satan.
Somehow, Job's faith is strong enough. He realizes that he was born alone and will die alone, except accompanied by God. He has a good point too: we were alone saving for God upon birth, and do we look upon it as terrible? The same could be true of death, yet we seldom view it as such. Our time on earth is fleeting, like water vapor: here one second, gone the next (James 4:14).
Prayer
With a strong faith and trust in God, we are promised life eternal. For a stubborn man like me, and a stronger man like Job, it may take some time, but the choice is clear.
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.
