Devotion
He Meets Us Along The Way
Frances Taylor
Have you ever wondered where God was when you needed him? I'm sure that the two disciples on the road to Emmaus were wondering the same thing. But Jesus was right there walking with them and they didn't even know it. Jesus walks with us every day and we often don't recognize him. The main reason is that we're not even looking! Do you invite Jesus into your life each morning and thank him for being there each night? We all need to feel the presence of God in our lives. But we also need to notice him. When you're in a hurry and all the lights are green, do you say thank you? When the alarm doesn't work but you wake up in time anyway, do you say thank you? When your mind wanders as you walk or drive but come to just in time to avoid a disaster, or you need a hug and someone is right there offering one, does God come to mind? Jesus walks with us every day. He is there in the ordinary circumstances of our lives as well as in all the people we meet. Sometimes, we are the ones called to be Jesus for others. Are we open for that? Each time we pray, Jesus gives us the strength to become more like him as well as to make us more open to coming to recognize him in others.
We must remember, however, that Jesus didn't just walk with the disciples, he taught them. He opened up the Scriptures to them so that they would know him better. We are also called to get to know him better and one way of doing that is to open the Scriptures at home each day so that we will know him better and so be able to bring others to know him better as well.
Prayer
O Lord, sometimes the busyness of the world keeps me from spending time with you. I say that I love you but don't make more opportunities to get to know you better through your Word. Slow me down, Lord, so that I have more time for you. 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.
