Monday
A Selfish World
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13 NLT).
The sense of entitlement is a disease that is killing our nation. We want to live in sin and call it normal and okay. But even more troubling, we want others to accept our sinful life as normal and good. It's destroying us, our nation, and our world.
We need to use the only truth that is perfect as our guide, God's Holy Word. If you want truth as your road map for life, His Word is it.
But, we don't want to be told the truth. We want everything our way, not God's.
Friends, join me in praying. Pray that everyone will seek God and His truth. Pray that we might turn from our wicked ways and accept that we are sinners. Pray that we will acknowledge that we are desperately in need of a Savior. Pray that many will accept Jesus and repent. Pray, friends, pray. Many people are drowning in sin and don't even realize it.
Thank You, Father God, for sending us a Savior. Amen.
Tuesday
Our Amazing God
“Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever” (Psalm 86:11-12 NLT).
We serve an amazing God, but more than that, a God that loves us. He has mercy on us and gives us second chances through His grace. I am so thankful that He is a God of second chances; a God that sent Jesus to our earthly world so that we might have a Savior; a God that loves us more than we can ever understand.
We serve a God who is God of all creation, and He loves us. We also serve a just God that can not be in the presence of evil and sin. He has a plan of salvation for each of us, it's our choice on whether we choose Him or sin. We can't serve both our sinful nature and Him. God doesn't wish to condemn anyone to eternal separation, but He gives us the choice. We have the freedom to choose life or death.
I pray that each of you chooses God and His commands, not the frills of this broken world. Our time, on this earth, is short. Our decision will determine our eternity. Choose wisely.
Praise be to You, Father God, for Your love, mercy, and grace. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen.
Wednesday
Pray, Trust and Believe
“Hear me as I pray, O LORD. Be merciful and answer me!” (Psalm 27:7 NLT).
Pray often, trust that God hears and believe He will answer. Just remember His answer might be different than what you want.
Dear God, Your will; nothing more; nothing less; nothing else. Amen.
Thursday
Thankfulness Brings Peace
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15 NLT).
If you are feeling sorry for yourself, just look around. I bet it won't take you long to find someone in a lot worse situation in life than yours.
The world is broken, and we must live in this broken world. This world brings us many trials and tribulations to endure, it's part of life. Remember that today is the first day of the rest of your life. Use it to praise God, help others, and show the lost and dying world how to live a good, Christ-following life.
Dear Father, lead us to the realization that no matter what we are going through, You are with us and will never leave us. Remind us of how blessed we are, no matter the situation. Teach us how to pray for the lost and the struggling. In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Friday
Are You Weary?
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest’” (Matthew 11:28 NLT).
Lay your burdens at the foot of the Cross. Let Jesus pick up your troubles. He is capable. All you need to do is let Him do what He does best, that is love you and carry you when you can't take another step.
Dear Lord, pick us up off the ground and carry us to the finish line. Amen.
Saturday
Look Upward, Toward the Mountain Top
“For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow” (James 1:3 NLT).
We all go through our valleys in life. We have many trials and tribulations as we walk through this world. It's a part of our broken nature. Stuff will happen. We also must know that this "stuff" even happens to the strongest Christian people who we know.
Being a follower of Christ doesn't make you bulletproof and ten feet tall. Satan hates a Christian and especially one who is truly following God's will. That is why it's so very important to regularly read Ephesians 6:10-18. These verses instruct us on fighting the spiritual battle that rages around us. Be vigilant in prayer for ourselves and our fellow believers. Prayer is vital, and we should be in a continual conversation with our Lord.
Be cheerful, brothers and sisters, as we fight the battles of life. God has already won the victory for us through His Son, and all we need to do is walk each day with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Claim that victory! Take one step at a time by the grace of our God.
Praise be to You, Father God. Let us shout out together – we praise Jesus, our King and our Savior. Amen.
Sunday
Transforming Love
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NLT).
God will transform your life if you let him. Isn't it about time to stop following the ways of this world and ask God to make you the person that He has designed you to be?
My original step toward change was pretty fast. God did some dramatic things in my life, but I now realize that original step of change was just the beginning. Every day He works in my life to bring me to more alignment with Him. We are all a work in progress.
Thank You, Lord for changing us, sometimes dramatically and sometimes, a little bit at a time. He will change anyone of us if we let Him. Lord God, I pray that someone who reads this today decides to let You change their life. I ask and pray in the mighty name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
