Devotion
Salvation for All
Frances Taylor
We tend to think of Paul always on the move, but here we see that Paul is staying in Rome for two years teaching and preaching to all who come to him. At this time, the Jews were still unconvinced that salvation was for any group other than themselves. Even those who had accepted Jesus as the Messiah weren't sure about the Gentiles. It was Paul's task in Rome to convince then that God wanted all to be saved. We can be just as hard to convince that salvation is for everyone. In some cities, men and women go out to bars or to the streets to bring the message of the kingdom to the people there. Some people are offended by this type of outreach. But where do they think Jesus went when he was on earth? Of course, he preached in the synagogues and taught in the temple, but he also connected with the outcasts, the sinners, the tax collectors. The leaders of the time, the Pharisees, were always complaining about the people Jesus associated himself with. We, too, can become self-righteous and attempt to limit those who would go into today's highways and byways. One of the most powerful ministries is that to prisoners, especially those who are in for life. Perhaps our objection is the fact that they just might accept Jesus and desire to learn more about him and his promises. Maybe, we don't want them to be forgiven.
Prayer
Lord, we ask you to free us from judging your children. We forget that you don't want to lose any of your children and we are not to get in your way. 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.
