Devotion
The Fruit of the Spirit
Frances Taylor
This letter of Paul to the Galatians contrasts the fruit of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. He lists sins of the flesh: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, jealousies, drunkenness, etc. I don't know about you, but all of these things are so prevalent today that few consider them sins. Just try to see a movie or watch a television show or listen to modern music without at least one of these sins of the flesh being not just illustrated but glorified. It would seem that more people than not live by the flesh, not by the Spirit. Somehow, I have a feeling that many of these consider themselves to be good Christians. I'm glad I'm not the judge. We can't take pride in doing the right thing because we don't know what we would do if we were tempted in the same way as others. All we can do is continue to ask God to help us be kind and faithful. It's a daily struggle to walk by the Spirit and not give in to temptation. It can also be a struggle to not be a source of discord or jealousy by bragging about out possessions or prideful of our accomplishments. Instead, let us be grateful of the gifts we have been given and aware that it is only through grace that we can avoid giving in to the sins of the flesh.
Prayer
Lord, it can be easy to judge others by their behavior, but we know nothing of their struggles. Keep us from pride and boastfulness, so that our behavior may not be a stumbling block in the way of faith. 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.
