Devotion
People Don’t Like To Have Their Faults Pointed Out
Frances Taylor
Jeremiah was trying to do God's work. He was charged with encouraging the people to return to God, to stop worshiping idols, to turn away from evil or they would be destroyed. So they decided to kill Jeremiah. God warned him about their plan. So appropriate that this comes as we are nearing the time when the chief priests and the Pharisees were plotting against Jesus. None of us likes to have someone point out our faults. Most of the time we don't act out of anger, but there are times when people have actually lost their jobs or their lives for being "whistle-blowers." Jeremiah did not stop prophesizing; he continued to work at bringing the people back to God. Have you ever been in a situation where you knew there was wrong-doing, and you had to make a choice whether or not to tell those responsible about it? Knowing that there can be repercussions for acting, would we have the courage to act? It is not easy to speak truth, and yet that is what God expects from us. When we believe we need to speak truth in any situation, the first thing to do is pray, and trust that God will provide the words as he did with Jeremiah.
Prayer
O Lord, it is not easy to be your messenger in our world today. When you need me to speak your truth, be with me and give me both the courage and the ability to do so. 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.
