Devotion
Put On the Armor of God
Frances Taylor
St. Paul warns us that there will be evils to fight in the day to day of our lives, and so tells us to put on the armor of God. We're in a battle even if we don't know it. Satan has been doing battle for the souls of men and women from the beginning, starting in Eden and won't end until the end of time. We aren't much better at recognizing him now than Adam and Eve. How do we protect and defend ourselves? Paul, gives us the answer but we don't always listen to him. We get up in the morning and prepare for our day: washing, eating, dressing, etc. but what about praying. Do we ask God each day to bless us in our comings and goings, to bless our work and our play, to be with us each moment of the day? This is putting on the armor of Christ. Asking Jesus to walk with us! I fail in this many times as well. Usually I remember to say thanks for another day, and I ask God to protect my loved ones, but I don't always remember to ask God to be with me. This is the final week before Holy Week, and Satan will be working overtime to lead us away from our Redeemer. Let us be ever vigilant.
Prayer
Lord, it is so easy to go on our way, forgetting that Satan is active in our lives as well as in our world. Make us ever more aware of your presence during these days. 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.
