Devotion
Preparing For My Resurrection
Frances Taylor
We say we believe in our "resurrection from the dead." Have you ever given any thought to what that might mean? What about preparing for your resurrection? This is our question to consider today. After giving it quite a bit of thought, I began to wonder what eternal life might be and how we could prepare for it. The answer I came up with was to love. We know that God is love. If we are to live with God, doesn't it make sense to learn how to love? We know that children who do not experience love early in their lives find it difficult to love, or to accept love, as adults. The most important thing parents can do for their children is to love them, to tell them they will always love them and to let them know that there is a God who loves them and will also be with them no matter what. As one of my co-workers pointed out, love is cyclical. When we open ourselves up to receive love, we are better able to love others. The more we love others, the more we are able to experience their love as well as God's love. And we shouldn't forget to love ourselves as well! I guess that our preparation for our own resurrections will depend on how we envision eternal life. Jesus made sure he spent some time with his friends. I like to think that I, too, will spend time with those I loved on earth. What are your thoughts?
Prayer
Loving God, you have promised us eternal like. Scripture tells us that "eye has not see, ear has not heard what God has ready for those who love him." Help us to love better so that we may experience the love of God for all eternity. 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.
