Devotion
Teach Me, Guide Me
Frances Taylor
Who teaches you? Who do you allow to guide you? One of the passages we reflected on once before concerned "blind guides." Sometimes it's hard to know who we should be listening to. The psalms tell us that our teacher and guide is the Lord. Paying attention to Scripture, both the Old and New Testaments, reading them, studying them, reflecting upon them provides the guidance we need. But we need to reach out to them, because if we don't we will allow blind guides to teach us. The media is more than happy to teach and guide us. Do whatever you want, regardless of the consequences; climb over others to get to the top; lie if you can so you can avoid being blamed for something; money is more important than family; lust and greed are just ways to get what you want. This is the teaching of the world. The commandments have a different idea of what is right and wrong. The Beatitudes lead us in another direction as well. Working for peace and justice is the way of God. Sacrifice is the way of the cross. Love and forgiveness, compassion and kindness are the ways of Jesus.
We are all children of the one God, created in his image and for the purpose of taking care of the created world. When we care for one another, we are following God's guidance. When we welcome the stranger, reach out to the poor and the vulnerable, we are allowing God to guide us. Let us return to the Scriptures again and again to teach and guide us through this life so that we may enjoy their fulfilment in the next.
Prayer
Lord, you are the way to truth, may we look to you always to lead us. 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.
