Devotion
Ash Wednesday
Frances Taylor
As the season of Lent begins, what are your thoughts? Some people respond to Lent by giving up something. For some, it's chocolate, or dessert, or alcohol; for others, it's smoking or some other habit. There are also people who see this as an opportunity to give up time and spend their time doing good works. They may volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. They may collect food or clothing for the poor. Others take fasting to heart and take the money they might have spent on snacks and give it to the poor. What does God want of us? He wants a pure heart, a heart that is full of love and compassion, of forgiveness and kindness. Lent is a time to take stock of our lives. What do we need to change in order to "rend our hearts?" In Joel's day, people showed that they were repentant by wearing rags – rent garments – and sitting in ashes – not bathing.
Many of us go to church services on Ash Wednesday to get ashes placed on our foreheads. What does it really mean if that is one of the only days of the year that we go to church and then do nothing more to show our love of God? Are we actually showing a change of heart, a repentant spirit? Or are we hypocrites? Joel tells us what God expects, as we begin this holy season, may we truly prepare to celebrate Easter.
Prayer
Lord, you give us this season of Lent each year to remind us of the sacrifice that your Son Jesus made on our behalf. May we use this time to become more worthy of his sacrifice. 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.
