Devotion
The Foolishness of God
Frances Taylor
Many people cannot get past the idea of a God who would send his son into the world to die. It seems like foolishness. They say that if there is a God, why does he allow such bad things to happen. There's probably nothing after death so why bother doing anything that you don't want to do. Besides, if we needed saving, couldn't God have done it in another way. As Paul writes, however, the foolishness of God is wiser than men. God gave us the gift of free will that has often led to the majority of the violence and pain that we suffer as well as the need of a Savior in the first place. While it is true that salvation could have happened another way, how would we know of it? How would we know of God's plan for us? How would we know of God's goodness? There is so much that we have to thank God for in sending Jesus to us, to know how God wants us to live, how to be happy in this world as well as in the next. We know that we are saved so that we can live without fear, that death has no power over us. As this Easter season comes closer to an end, let rejoice that God is foolish.
Prayer
Gracious and omnipotent God, it is in your strength that we take comfort. You are our strength and our shield against the power of Satan, who still tries to turn us towards him and away from you. We give you thanks and praise. 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.
