Devotion
Where Do You Need Healing?
Frances Taylor
We all need healing, but are we "blind" to where we need healing the most? Bartimeus in today's gospel knew what needed healing and who he needed to go to in order to obtain healing. Physical needs, such as Batimaeus' blindness, are obvious, but spiritual, emotional or psychological healing can be hidden even from ourselves. Those whose specialty includes marketing or advertising are well aware of this and use this to create a need for their products in us. Sometimes it is hard to see what we really need – or hard to admit it. Are we still carrying pain from a betrayal, a loss, an unfulfilled need buried so deeply that we are afraid to open the wound? Are we suffering from an addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling or our phones? We are told there is a new "condition" called FOMO, the fear of missing out of something. These addictions can take away from our families and even our ability to hold down a job, Doctors know that wounds sometimes need to be opened in order for healing to occur. Jesus is the Doctor who knows were our deepest wounds are found and is waiting for us to come to him in order that they may be healed. Bartimaeus knew this. We need to have the faith in Jesus to bring our wounds to the light and love of his healing power, but first we need to have the courage to face them. Let's take advantage of every opportunity to ask for healing. Jesus is waiting.
Prayer
Gracious God, open my eyes to the areas of my life where I need healing. I ask you to light the dark spots in me so that I may see more clearly the things that I need to change. I come to you, Lord, in the firm belief that you want me to be healed, and ask you to do it. 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.
