Monday
Wise Living
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5 NLT).
Are we doing this? Are we living a Christ-honoring life, in full view of those who don't have a relationship with Him? Are we living in this world and not being drawn into being of this world? It's very easy to be drawn from God's light into the Devil’s darkness. We must armor up each and every day. (read Ephesians 6:10-17)
Being a follower of Christ means picking up your cross and following His calling in your life. Many times that is not what you have envisioned for yourself. Many times it is not what you really want to do, because it is out of your comfort zone. Jesus has a way of pushing us, sometimes far beyond that area of comfort.
God, your will; nothing more; nothing less; nothing else. Amen.
Tuesday
Only One Way
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT).
There is only one way to be made right with God so that we might enter His presence. It is by accepting, His Son, Jesus Christ as our Savior. There is only one way to heaven, that's through Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord, we pray that the lost see that they are truly lost and that they need You. We ask in Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday
The Right Direction
Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow (Psalms 5:8 NLT).
Father God, hold us in your arms. Protect us from the troubles of this world. Shield us from Satan's attacks and lies. Direct us in the right direction; your way, not ours. Make clear your way, because we often follow the wrong road. We trust in You, Lord. You will never fail us, even though we fail you daily. Forgive our ineptness and save us from ourselves. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Thursday
God's Unfailing Love
No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39 NLT).
Because God loves us, He bore our sin for us. That is LOVE!
Lord God, thank You for loving us far more than we deserve. Father, thank You for deeming us worthy of Your unending love. We praise You and worship You, Lord. Amen.
Friday
Cleanse Us Lord
Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God (2 Corinthians 7:1 NLT).
Whatever is holding you back, give it to God, let it go and move on. Maybe it's a physical problem or issue; maybe it's a spiritual issue. Whatever it is, put it in God's hands.
We must forgive and ask for forgiveness. Maybe we need to start the health plan that is desperately needed. Whatever is dragging us down whether in body or spirit, let it go. Lay your burdens at the foot of the cross.
Each day has its own set of struggles. Isn't it time to let God use His mighty power in your life?
Dear Father, touch those who need help and direction. In Jesus' name, we ask and pray, amen.
Saturday
All Authority
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18 NLT).
A. W. Tozer wrote: "Thankfully, the resurrection morning was only the beginning of a great, vast outreach that has never ended - and will not end until our Lord Jesus Christ comes back again."
Every Christian has been commissioned to take the gospel into the lost and dying world and proclaim God's amazing grace. It is not just what we are supposed to do, we are commanded by Jesus Christ to go and do this.
So, that sounds hard? No, it isn’t! Just go and tell your story about how Jesus made a difference in your life. Tell what He did for you. Simple, short, sweet... just do it. That is all you have to do. You don't have to be a Bible scholar or theologian, just a willing vessel that God will use to increase His kingdom.
Lord God, open the hearts, minds, and eyes of Your children that they might tell their story and share Your love, mercy, and grace with the lost and dying world. In Jesus' mighty name, amen.
Sunday
His Grace, Our Faith
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1 NLT).
God saves us by His grace. We must believe that God is the Alpha and Omega, the One, true living God. We must have faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. We must learn to trust that the Holy Spirit is working in our hearts, shaping us to be more like Jesus today than we were yesterday.
I can't give you faith. You must find your faith through the power of the Holy Spirit and learning to trust that God is God of all. We must read God's Word and let Him speak to us through His Holy Scriptures.
My prayer today is for those who struggle with believing in a God that they can't see or touch.
Our God is a God who is always with us and will never leave us, but will never force Himself on any of us. A God who will never fail us but will also let us make our own mistakes. A God who loves us more than we can ever understand. A God that came off His throne, came to earth, was hated for no reason, was crucified for our sins, died for us, then was raised from the dead so that we might be raised into a new life when this mortal life is over.
That is the God I serve!
Do you know Him? If not, isn't it time?
Thanks be to God for free will but with that free choice, we must make wise decisions. Choose wisely, my friends.
Father God, we pray for those who are struggling with accepting You as the God of all creation. We pray that you will prick the hearts of those who need you but are not willing to turn to You and ask You into their hearts and their lives. May you reach down from heaven and wrap Your mighty arms around Your lost children. It is in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen.
