Devotion
You Are Anointed
Frances Taylor
These were the words that Jesus quoted in the synagogue when he began his ministry. When you were baptized into Christ, you (and I) were appointed to do the same. Just as Jesus brought good news to the people, it is our job to bring good news to those around us. We are to reach out to people in pain even if the only thing we can do is pray for them. We may not be able to go into prison and free those who are there, but there are different kinds of prisons and we can help to bring freedom to people held in bondage there. There are the prisons of addiction, the prisons of closed doors to people who have disabilities, the prisons of injustice.
We can choose to get involved and try to help, or we can decide it's not our problem and turn a blind eye. We can work to get more facilities to help people with addictions and get funding for those who cannot pay. We can challenge property owners to make their businesses more accessible to those with disabilities. We can work with community groups to help provide housing, educational opportunities, and food to the poor. I'm sure if we look around our neighborhoods, our communities, our churches, we will find areas where we who are anointed and appointed can fulfill the mission we have been given.
Prayer
Lord, open our eyes to see the work that needs to be done for your people and give me the courage to get involved. 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.
