Devotion
The Beatitudes
Frances Taylor
Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is one of the most quoted sections of the New Testament. In some translations, blessed is translated as happy. If you read them that way, would they take on a different meaning? After all we all want to be happy! Happy are the poor in spirit. We want to get to the kingdom of God but do we really want to be poor in spirit, or be persecuted? I know it doesn't say "poor." But to be poor in spirit might mean being generous in spirit. We might have to think of others before ourselves, making sacrifices, helping the poor. None of us wants to mourn, but the fact is that unless we die before all the people we love, we will mourn. Jesus is telling us that even though we will grieve, that isn't the end, and if we turn to God and allow him to walk with us, we will find comfort. The world doesn't hold the meek in high esteem, but turning the other cheek takes strength. Acknowledging our weaknesses as well as our strength takes strength. Since Jesus calls us to work for justice, it is part of following Christ that should encourage our hunger for what is right. Those who are merciful, who are able to be compassionate and forgive are the ones that will be forgiven more easily when they fail. And who doesn't want peace? The problem is we need to work for justice if we want peace. We need to refrain from seeing violence as an answer to problems. If we pay attention to the beatitudes, and live them, we will be happy.
Prayer
Lord, you gave us the commandments to help us learn how to live, and you had your Son, Jesus, give us the rules for happiness. Help us to live them. 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.
