Devotion
I Will Praise Him
Frances Taylor
Our theme of praising and thanking God continues as we contemplate Easter. This passage from the psalms gives us a reminder that it is in God we boast, not ourselves, and we ask God to be even more within us. If we are to exalt God's name together, it presumes that we have found others who also want to praise God. That means we need to reach out to others. I once heard a wonderful definition of evangelization, which we are all called to be about. The preacher said that evangelization is seeing the God in the other and allowing the other to see the God in us. We can only achieve the second part of that equation by allowing God to increase in us so that our behavior imitates that of Christ. The way we achieve the first half is to see each individual as a face of God. Genesis tells us that we are made in the image and likeness of God. Genesis doesn't say that some people are made in the image and likeness of God, it says all humanity is. Again, we are given a reminder that we have nothing to boast about on our own. People are not drawn to a boastful person, but meekness can attract. It is easier to be meek if we remember that all we have is gift. When we are willing to admit this to ourselves, it is easier to see others as equals, which in turn makes it easier to see everyone as brothers and sisters, children of the one God.
Prayer
Lord, you have created us, you formed us in your image and you have given us all we have. You have called us to share these gifts with others in thanks and praise. Let us be open to sharing your love with all those you send us. 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.
