Devotion
They Will Scatter
Frances Taylor
How well Jesus knew human nature. Self-preservation is strong within each of us. His disciples were afraid and ran away when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus and stayed away for fear that they too would be crucified. I'm so glad that I don't have to face that challenge. However, there are still people who do face death for being a Christian. More frequent are times when standing up for our beliefs can lose us friends, jobs and even members of our families. We then have choices to make, do we give in and lose respect for ourselves, or do we accept the consequences of standing firm. I knew a woman who refused to accept help to outfit a soup kitchen because she disagreed with the firm's involvement in making weapons for the military. People have lost their jobs for demonstrating against pollution, racial injustice, or for equal pay for women, equal opportunities for jobs, affordable housing, education for all. When we fight for justice, we can run into problems, but this is what we are called to do. Some will scatter, and some will stand firm. Which will I be? Which will you?
Prayer
Lord, it is often easier to walk away from the challenges of following you. Give us the strength to stand firm in our faith and live as you would have us live. 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.
