Devotion
You Are The Light of the World
Frances Taylor
How can we be salt and light in today's world? Jesus tells us in the last part of this passage; let people see your good works. Of course this presumes that we are doing good works and that we are not doing them to look good, but to glorify God. Everyone can recognize a hypocrite. We can tell when someone is showing off. We also can recognize people who do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Not only are we supposed to be the light of the world but to point out to others the lights in our world. So often the people we hear about are those doing the wrong thing. How often do we hear about the true heroes in the news, the people who go about their business quietly volunteering in soup kitchens, homeless shelters, after-school programs, and in so many small ways that make a big difference in people's lives. These are the ones who are lighting up our communities, salting our world, making a difference. This is supposed to be us. It is our job to go into our neighborhoods, our communities and make a difference by bringing our Christian values into the workplace, our families and in whatever situations we find ourselves in. These values determine the way we do our jobs, the way we raise our children and love our spouses, the way we vote and every other aspect of our lives. We are called to make a difference.
Prayer
Lord, you have given us a challenge. Help us to be the salt and light you expect us to be. 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.
