Devotion
My Sheep Know My Voice
Frances Taylor
Sometimes sheep get a bad reputation and are considered dumb. However, sheep actually do know their master's voice. When sheep from several flocks graze on the same hillside, and it's time for them to return for the night, the shepherd comes among them and calls his sheep and only the sheep of his flock follow him. Jesus' listeners were familiar with the actions of sheep – much more that I am, as a city dweller! But as far as they were concerned, Jesus just wasn't the one they were waiting for. How well were they listening? Jesus had fulfilled the prophesies, had healed the sick, and the blind, had preached in the synagogues with an authority that surprised them, and performed many other acts that astounded them, but he wasn't raising an army to defeat the Romans and drive them from their land. They wanted a leader in the sense of King David who would put things back to what they had been. Jesus came for permanent freedom, not temporary, for peace, not war. How many times have we rejected the word of Jesus when we are being called to change and be better people than we have been, to be more loving and forgiving. Let's make sure that we listen for our shepherd's voice and follow where he leads.
Prayer
Lord, open our ears to hear your voice, and our hearts to do your will. 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.
