Devotion
Easter Joy and Hope
Frances Taylor
Alleluia! Happy Easter! I hope you are feeling the joy and hope that this day and season brings. It is a reminder that this is not all there is, that our life continues because of Christ. What does the joy and hope of Easter mean to you? Stop for a minute, take a deep breath and smile! Think about those things that bring you joy. Is it family? Friends? The birth of a child? And hope, what gives you hope? So often we are bombarded with media blasts that tell us how dismal the future looks and how "I" have the answer! Sometimes hope can be hard to come by! If there is one person who can make our future better, it's Jesus! Last Friday, we felt the pain and the hopelessness of the disciples. Today we celebrate the hope and the joy of the Resurrection. If we have walked with Jesus these past few weeks, truly looking at our lives, changing what needs to be changed, asking forgiveness for our sins, it's time to look to the future with confidence and hope. Easter is a day but also a season. Let us work at continuing the hope and joy we feel today each day during these next weeks. Let us look for those things, those moments, those people who bring us joy and celebrate them every day. Today the glass is overflowing with feelings of joy and hope, don't let the glass run dry.
Prayer
Gracious and glorious God, thank you for sending your son to save us. Thank you for the love you have for us. May we always be grateful to you and never take your love for granted. Help us to be witnesses of your love to all we meet. 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.
