Devotion
Do You Love Me?
Frances Taylor
In today's gospel passage, Jesus tells his followers that those who love him will keep his word. We know that his word is to love others as Jesus has loved us.
Love is an interesting word. This past week, our Bible study group spent four days reflecting on the Scripture sayings concerning love, the definition of love in the dictionary, the importance of love, and how we can walk in the way of love. It's not always easy. We have heard more than once that love is a choice we make, an act of the will, not of the emotions. We are to love our families, friends, our God, but also our enemies. How do you love your enemies? When Jesus laid down his life for us, he didn't qualify the gift. In fact, he reminded the Pharisees that he came to save sinners. Of course, that includes us even if we don't want to think about it! Just because we are the ones in church doesn't make us perfect by any means.
Jesus also promises us that he is sending us help so that we can learn to love better – the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, who is that bond of love between the Father and the Son from all eternity. I'm sure that I have quoted verses from St. Paul before, but if you really want to challenge yourself, reread his First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter 13 – all the verses! – and then use this as a checklist to see how well you are doing. I know I can think of a few verses that I need to work on, what about you?
Prayer
Lord, you know that I love you, but like Peter, I have been weak and have failed. You have forgiven me and now I need your help to show my love in a better way by being more loving in my actions with others. Show me the way. 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.
