Devotion
Go Make Disciples
Frances Taylor
The sending forth of the apostles – and us! Go, make disciples, is what Jesus told them and us to do. He didn't say to go and make followers, but I have a feeling that, unlike the apostles, that's what we tend to do. Do those we baptize, or their parents, realize that they are being called to be disciples?
Disciples are people who sit at the feet of the master and learn from him so that they can go forth and make other disciples. It's not enough to just be baptized, the last part of that passage is so important, that we must teach them to observe all that Jesus commanded them. We've come a long way from the days of the apostles and the early Christians. They were anxious to learn everything about Jesus and his teachings, and often asked the apostles or other disciples to stay longer than they had planned so that they could continue learning.
I'm not sure about where you live, but most adults around me will bring their children to classes, but don't think that they need to go. I wonder how many people would go to a doctor who stopped his studying after high school. That goes for other professions as well. Do we really think we have learned everything we need to learn about Jesus? I know that I learn more and more every time I read the Bible. I learn even more if I am reflecting upon it with others. This week will end the Easter season and bring us again, Pentecost. As we remember the Holy Spirit coming to the apostles this weekend, let us ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds and motivate us to learn so that we will become more like disciples than followers.
Prayer
Lord, you commissioned us as well as your apostles to go into the world and spread your message. Please give us the graces we need to embrace this work. 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.
