Devotion
Guide Me In the Way of Your Commands
Frances Taylor
Do we really love God's commands? For many people, the commandments have become God's "suggestions." Corporate theft has become so common it no longer rates headlines. Adultery??? It's so common many have forgotten that it's one of the "thou shalt nots" and violence in word and deed is rampant and no one seems to remember "thou shalt not kill." The media delights in leading us in the way of covetousness. After all, don't we all need fancy cars and expensive vacations? We forget God's message, echoed by Jesus, to take care of the poor while we indulge in luxury. Putting God first, refraining from cursing, keeping Holy the Sabbath, respect for authority, eliminating violence, fidelity in marriage, honesty in word and action and being satisfied with the gifts we have without envy of others, are all proscribed by the commandments but seem to have gone out of favor in today's world. It can be difficult to do the right thing when all around us say that this is old fashioned, that the commandments were meant for a different time and place. Yet, theologians of every denomination tell us that these are actually the basis for any civilized society. Perhaps, the lack of adherence to the commandments is the reason our civilization has become so less civilized! We need to get back to basics and reexamine our lives in respect to the commandments. As I began this reflection, do I really love God's law?
Prayer
Lord, I know that I fail and I beg your forgiveness. Help me to be more attentive to your law and to live my life in ways acceptable to you. 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.
