Devotion
The Lord Will Be With Us
Frances Taylor
Just as the Lord promised Paul that he would be with him in Corinth, he is with us when we speak of all that the Lord has done for us. God gives us the words we need when we need them.
Have you ever had a friend come and ask for advice or just to share what is happening in his or her life? Sometimes, you are offering them advice or consolation and wonder where the words came from. One of the gifts of the Spirit is understanding, a heart open to the other. When we allow ourselves to open ourselves, we can be open to the other as well. Sometimes we are unaware of our influence on another. I know that there are times when something I heard weeks ago, pops into my head at just the right moment and I'm sure the speaker had no knowledge that his or her words would have such influence. It is the same with us. God gives us the words to say and then they bear fruit in the hearer without our ever knowing about it.
As a teacher, I have had students come up to me years later thanking me for something I said – and I have no idea what they are talking about. God is with us when we are explaining our reasons for our beliefs as well. We needn't be afraid to speak what is in our hearts.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the presence of the Spirit in our lives. The gifts we have received are there for us to make use of at all times, all we need to do is ask. 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.
