Devotion
Blessed are You Who Believed
Frances Taylor
Faith! That's what Mary had, and that's the gift given to us by God in our baptism. In faith, Mary believed the angel's message. And faith, she traveled to her cousin Elizabeth's home. In faith, she would teach her son that he was the Son of God, and she would follow him to his death, and remain with his disciples so that they would not lose faith after he returned home to his father. What do we do with our gift of faith? Why can it be so easily shaken? How many times have we "lost" faith – in God, in others, even in ourselves? Mary's faith did not promise her an easy life, in fact, Simeon told her that her heart would be pierced with a sword so that "the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." Think of how often her faith was tested. How many of us have been tested in the same way? And yet, she continued to believe. God has given Mary to us as a sign that God is with us always, even through the darkest times, the most confusing times. If we continue to believe, to have faith, then we, too, will be called "blessed" because our reward is peace of heart and mind in this world, and a place in at the table with Mary in the next.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of faith! This gift that gets me through the dark days and brightens the good ones. May I always hold you in my heart and work to awaken the gift of faith in others so they may also experience the joy I feel. 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.
