Devotion
God’s Law is Universal
Frances Taylor
No one likes to be insulted, to be lied to, to have their possessions stolen or defaced. I could go on, but you already get the idea. We know in our hearts what is right and what is wrong. God's law is imprinted there. It was further defined by the Ten Commandments and even more so by Jesus' law of love.
I always tell those unsure about right and wrong to ask themselves first, if they wouldn't like it done to them, and second, if they need to justify their actions, it's probably wrong. We really don't need to ask if original sin is an outdated idea since we all have a tendency to put ourselves first and God and everyone else in a sometimes distant second or third place. St. Teresa of Calcutta used to say that Baptism is a verb, not a noun. It is not something we get, but something we do. What difference does it make in your life that you are a baptized Christian? Does it affect the choices you make? Do you consider some of the commandments mere suggestions?
Moses told the people not to add or subtract from the law. Jesus told the Pharisees and scribes that they were hypocrites because they cared more for human precepts than God's law. James warned in his letter that we are not to be stained by the world. I seldom go to the movies and watch mostly reruns on TV because I am offended by the lack of morality presented. I worry about the example parents give when they use obscene and vulgar language in front of their children. The world seems to operate on the lowest level of morality – if it gives me pleasure, it's good; if it makes me uncomfortable or gives me pain, it's bad. God's law operates on the highest level – making choices based on the universal good. We are called to strive to be Christ-like. Maybe it's time to take a really good look at the choices we make.
Prayer
Lord, we know that your laws are not difficult, but we don't like to be told what to do We act like unruly children and do what we know we shouldn't. Help us to do a better job of being your children. Give us the graces we need to follow your commands. 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.
