Devotion
Seeing the Glory of the Lord
Frances Taylor
Don't you just love Paul's way of making everything sound incomprehensible! Today I feel like that and have been working hard to see what he might mean. I wish I was in a group working together to see what we could come up with. I get the first part in that the early books of the Old Testament – those once thought to be written by Moses – are still being read today by all Jewish people as this is the Torah, the most sacred of their Scriptures, but without understanding that these were written to lead them to see Jesus as the Messiah. Christians reading them today see this promise fulfilled in Jesus the Christ. When we live in Christ we are living by the Spirit and living in this way brings freedom because we are living by the law of love which contains all of the commandments given to Moses. I believe that Paul is trying to tell us that we can see the glory of God reflected in our faces and in the faces of other Christians who are doing their best to follow the way of Christ in love. There are people who I have known over the years whose faces literally shine when they speak of their love of Jesus. When I am with them, I truly feel that I am looking at the living face of God. I can only hope that my life is also a witness to my love of God so that others can see God in me.
Prayer
Lord, let our love of you and our desire to live our lives following Jesus' law of love shine forth from our hearts and be visible to other so that we may draw them also to you. 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.
