Devotion
The Great High Priest
Frances Taylor
Have you ever wondered about facing judgment at the time of your death? It can be difficult to even think about death, let alone being judged. Is there any one of us who wants to think about an alternative to being welcomed into heaven? If so, this passage from the letter to the Hebrews can give us hope. Jesus came to win salvation for us but gave us so much more. First, he gave us an example of what it is to live a fully human life, a life of love, forgiveness and compassion, a life of obedience and fidelity. He also gave us the gift of freedom from fear of God and a new image of a God who wants to be thought of as "Daddy." Jesus, our great high priest, will be the one who can understand what it means to be human with all the struggles, the fears, the challenges and the weaknesses present in our lives. Hebrews tells us that the Word of God is like a two-edged sword that divides us, opening us up and exposing our goodness as well as those less savory aspects of our lives. We are so grateful that Jesus understands us. Going back to the first question in this reflection, I like to think that I am doing God's will, that my good deeds will outweigh the not so good. But I know I can't be sure. And I feel blessed that Jesus knows me so well and can testify on my behalf when the time comes.
Prayer
Compassionate and forgiving God, I ask you to keep me on the right path and when I fail, to forgive my weakness and lead me home. Amen.
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.
