Devotion
Stay and Wait
Frances Taylor
Wouldn't you love to be able to ask the apostles what they were thinking during these days of waiting? They really had no idea what it would mean. They had all run away when Jesus was arrested. Only John was at the foot of the cross. They stayed in the upper room when they were in Jerusalem, or back in Galilee as Jesus had asked. Now Jesus was leaving them and he told them to wait for something or someone but they didn't have any idea what it would be. What we do know is that they waited, prayed, and chose someone to replace Judas. Sometimes we want Jesus to act in our lives now, and we hate to be told to wait, but God doesn't work in our time frame. Often we need to wait. What do we do while waiting? Do we gather with others to pray with us? Do we ask the Holy Spirit to help us? Or do we try to solve our problems ourselves without waiting for God to be with us? It's easy to think that we can do a better job with taking care of our lives than God, after all, we know ourselves better than anyone, right? Well, how does that work for you? I know it doesn't work for me. Patience is not a gift I have an abundance of. However, I have learned from experience that God does know what's best for me and it would have saved me a lot of trouble if I had waited for his lead. How about you?
Prayer
Lord, you asked the apostles to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit before they went out to preach. You often ask us to wait for the guidance of the Spirit in our lives as well. Give us the grace to do as you have asked us to do. 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.
