MONDAY
Our Testimony
God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light (John 1:6-8 NLT).
Each follower of Christ has a testimony of how Jesus changed their life. That testimony is unique. No one but you has had the same experience. There might be someone with a similar testimony, but there is always a difference that is specifically yours.
I've spoken to people who have lived as pure a life as a human could live. They didn't travel the dirt roads that many of us traveled. I've had several of these lifelong followers of Christ say that they really didn't know how to give a testimony because there lives were always dedicated to God. My words to them? “You have an amazing testimony!” Any person that lives a solid Christian life, but also knows that they, no matter how pure their lives are, are still in need of a Savior has one of the best testimonies on the planet earth. We are all broken sinners, we are human.
I've also heard testimony from some people that have walked on the really dark side of life. I've spoken to men that have murdered, but by the power of God working on their hearts, have accepted the mighty grace of God through His Son, Jesus Christ. No one has the same testimony.
My point is that no matter what your testimony is, it is your testimony. You need to tell others what God has done for you. You need to be prepared to give a short 2-3 minute version of how Christ came into your life and what He has done in your life since you accepted His free gift of Salvation. It needs to be simple and to the point. No one knows your testimony better than you.
Please consider telling others what Jesus did for you. We are all called to share Christ. There is nothing to memorize, there is nothing to study, just tell your story. Jesus worked a major work in our hearts. He loves us and saved us, shouldn't we proclaim the Good News so that others might experience His saving grace?
Lord God, thank You for giving us the Free Gift of Salvation. It is a gift to us that cost You so much. You died for our sins, so that we might have a right relationship with our heavenly Father. We praise You for loving us so much so that we might be saved for an eternity in hell. I pray this in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.
TUESDAY
Freedom
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17 NLT).
Experience real freedom! That freedom is in the Lord! Give your heart to Him. Trust in Him and have faith that He is who He says He is. He stated, "I AM!"
Father God, lead us down the path of total freedom. Help us to walk beside Your still waters of peace and comfort. Father, open the doors of Your majesty to us. Lord, thank You for loving us more than we deserve. We praise You Lord. Amen.
WEDNESDAY
His Work
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor (Psalms 8:3-5 NLT).
We are such minuscule beings in this vast world. We should count our blessings and thank God that He loves us. He knew us when He formed us in our mothers womb. He loves us from the cradle to the grave. Do you return that love, respect, and gratefulness of being His precious creation? Do you realize that God loves you so much that He left Heaven to come to earth (in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ), live as one of us, except sinless, then sacrifice Himself for you? He died a physical, humiliating, excruciatingly painful death so that we might have eternity in Heaven with Him. He died so that we might live. He says that we are worthy.
Now how awesome is that? Thanks be to God!
Father, we are truly undeserving of Your mercy, grace and love, but that doesn't stop You from greeting us with open arms and pronouncing us worthy. Lord God, we can't run away from Your love. Help us to stop running and let You work in our lives. We ask and pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
THURSDAY
Finding Happy Days
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say,
“If you want to enjoy life
and see many happy days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil
and your lips from telling lies.
Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face
against those who do evil” (1 Peter 3:8-12 NLT).
I hope that many will come to not only enjoy the happiness that You provide but to find real joy in their lives. Lord, help us to be kind to all we meet as we never know what they are going through in their lives. Thanks be to You, God, for Your word. You truly have given us the greatest book ever written. It is the book of life and Your everlasting Word.
Dear God, Creator, Savior and King of all things, please save us from ourselves. Bring us back to You, Lord. We have drifted so far from Your instructions. Lord, take us back into Your mighty arms. We need You in our lives and in our nation. Save us Lord. I ask and pray this in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
FRIDAY
The Pathway
Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters— a pathway no one knew was there! You led your people along that road like a flock of sheep, with Moses and Aaron as their shepherds (Psalms 77:19, 20 NLT).
When all hope looks dim and life just stinks and you can't see your way through the mess that you're in, remember this:
God has a path, a trail, a way for you. You might not be able to see the road but if you stay in His word, prayerfully seeking His guidance, He will make a way for you.
Just read today's verses and think of what Moses and the Israelite people faced when they had the pharaoh's soldiers and chariots chasing them straight into a seemingly impassable sea of water.
Remember, ALL things are possible with God.
Dear Lord, help us to keep looking up to You, even when we think we are in a place in life that is seemingly impossible to navigate. Remind us, Lord, that we need to open Your word, the road-map for life, and dwell there, soaking up Your guidance. Lead us and direct us in Your ways and not ours. Help us to trust totally in You for all that we need. As needy people, we come to You on our knees, praying in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus. Amen.
SATURDAY
Stillness
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress (Psalm 46:10-11 NLT).
Being still is not a watermark in my life. I'm sure that I'm like many of you, I'm busy. Businesses can control our lives and take us away from our Lord. Sometimes, being busy “for the Lord” moves us farther from what He has in-store for us and moves us to what “we” want. We must guard against businesses that takes us down well intended pathways but away from spending prayer time with God in order to discover His paths for us.
Be still. Listen and absorb His Word.
Lord God, help us to sit in stillness and know that You are God. Help us to totally open up to Your amazing love, mercy and grace. Father, help us to relive Your gift of grace, daily. I ask and pray in the mighty and matchless name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
SUNDAY
Lies And Deception
Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4-6 NLT).
Our world has been blinded by the power of the lie. Satan is the master of lies and deception. Our world is running around in circles, chasing lie after lie. The devil is really causing havoc.
As Christ followers, we must rebuke satan and shine the light of Jesus into the eyes (hearts) of those that are blinded by the ploys and temptations of the evil one. It's time for Christians to exclaim the truth of our God.
The fight for the souls of the deceived is in full battle mode. Are you in the fight or out? May God be with you. Fight the good fight. Thanks be to God.
Lord God, give Your children the strength to exclaim Your truth. Give us Your protection as we go into battle with the evil one. Father, hold us as we stumble, pick us up as we fall. Never leave us Lord and help us to fight the good fight for truth, Your truth. Lead us today, Lord. We know that Satan and his demons cannot stand in Your presence therefore we can go and know that You are with us. We have nothing to fear as long as we stand with You Lord. We praise You for Your gift of salvation. Thank You Jesus and it's in His name that I pray. Amen.
