Devotion
It’s a small world after all
David Jacobs
The world may seem more divided than ever before, at least if we listen to the news. China, America, South Korea, North Korea, Africa, the Middle East, Muslims, Jews, rich, poor, north, south...the list of divisions can go on and on. Think about where you are from: is there a group or groups of people that you are "supposed" to be different from?
In America, there is even today a split on the Mason-Dixon line, splitting the north and south during the Civil War. As an American, I can surely tell you that there is little difference between people in Maryland and in Virginia, yet they are supposedly on different sides. As a person that has traveled all over the world, I can also tell you that what I, an American, care about it nearly identical to what people in China, Brazil, and Africa care about.
Prayer
We are all the same in the eyes of God. Consider these verses: do we not want the same things? Family, love, health, fulfillment. It is not different for a person in China as it is for a person in Australia. We all want to survive and thrive, being happy and safe along the way. Focusing on the differences and the divisions is not what Paul says important in these verses. Instead, we should focus on what binds us: a loving God, even to those that do not love Him back.
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.
