Devotion
I Send Forth the Promises of My Father
Frances Taylor
Jesus asked the apostles to wait for the coming of the Spirit so that they would be clothed with the powers that they needed to complete their mission. Jesus knew what they would need just as he knows what we need. We are called to be disciples also, and we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit with our baptism. The powers that we need are right there for us. But like anything, we need to use them, the more we ask God to help us, the easier it gets. No one becomes a great athlete with putting in a lot of practice. I know I have heard the phrase "practice your faith" more than once. Do we think it's just a phrase or is it something we take seriously? The Holy Spirit, I think, is the forgotten person of the Trinity. We think about God as Father, as Creator, and we know the Son, Jesus, but how often do we think about the Holy Spirit? These next few days are the perfect time to reflect on the Spirit as we celebrate Pentecost. We know the gifts outlined in Scripture but do we take them seriously? Which gift do you need in your life right now? I think I am always looking for wisdom and understanding, but sometimes courage is first, especially when I don't want to do what I know I should do! Perhaps counsel is the most important thing if you have big decisions to make. I see little reverence in today's world, and we all could use a little fear of the Lord. And we can all use more knowledge. Let's take the time for a spiritual check-up and ask for we are lacking.
Prayer
Gracious God, help us to remember that you are always there ready to give us all that we need to come to you and spread your message to others. Thank you for all the gifts you have given us, and help us know what we need today. 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.
