Devotion
God So Loved The World
Frances Taylor
This passage from John's Gospel is probably the best known by chapter and verse. It is posted on billboards, on signs in ball parks, but I'm not sure Jesus meant it to be a free ticket to paradise. People forget the part about believing and what that means. It's not just lip service. As this Easter season has progressed, we keep hearing about the way to follow Jesus that witnesses to what we believe. As Baptism isn't a one day affair, and neither is just saying that we are believers enough. "Actions speak louder than words" is a phrase that reaches into many areas of life. Jesus expects more of his disciples than mere words. We are called to live our faith. That's not always easy but it's what Jesus wants. And just as Jesus wasn't sent to judge, neither are we to judge. Our job is to spread the message of God's saving love. If he came to save the world, then that means salvation is for all. In Isaiah, we hear, "how beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news." It is still true that we need messengers of peace and salvation and we have so much more to proclaim than those in Isaiah's time. We have the good news that salvation has come. God has sent his Son so that all may be saved. He needs you and me to bring the good news to those who may not have heard it.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for sending your Son Jesus to bring salvation to the world. Give me the courage I need to be a worthy messenger of the good news. 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.
