Devotion
For Whom Do I Live
Frances Taylor
Yesterday we reflected on the commandments. Today we look at St. Paul's response to the law. He talks about dying to the law so that he might live for God. The question remains for us, do we live for ourselves or do we live for Christ?
If I am aware that Christ lives in me by my baptism, and I am also aware that it is through him that I am saved, how can I not follow him and obey the law of God? The Old Testament tells us that the Ten Commandments can be summed up in the two great commandments – Love God and love your neighbor. When Jesus was asked which was the greatest commandment, he quoted Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. He didn't come to do away with the law, but pointed out how one should live it. It is also in Leviticus that we find the "Golden Rule," to do to others what we would have them do to us. How do we show our love for God?
Jesus tells us that we live our love of God by loving our neighbor. Paul showed his love of neighbor by spreading the Good News of salvation throughout the known world. Not all of us are expected to travel the world as missionaries, but we are expected to live in such a way that others are led to Christ. Throughout time men and women have used their gifts to spread the message of Christ.
Musicians still sing of God's glory, artists continue to paint offering us examples of the glory of creation and we are uplifted when we see images from the life of Christ in museums all over the world. We are not all gifted as musicians or artists, but we all have been gifted and are expected to use those gifts to God's glory.
Prayer
Lord, show me the path you have chosen for me so that I may lead others 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.
