Monday
New Life = Real Life
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23 NLT).
Thank you Jesus for giving poor sinners like us a way to put sin to death so we might spring forth in new life.
Lord, we praise you. Thank you for giving us the Way to find real life in this world and eternal life when this life is over. We pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday
Reflection
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see – such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him (Colossians 1:15-16 NLT).
God's plan is extensive, but in reality, His plan is all about relationship. He wants to be in a personal and intimate relationship with each of us. Today, I want to reflect on how awesome our God is, how He is our Creator and Redeemer, how His plan is perfect from the beginning to the end.
Scripture illustrates His perfect plan. A relationship with Jesus is the only way we can approach the throne of God. Don't put off a personal relationship any longer. Your decision has eternal consequences.
Thanks be to God. I thank Him for loving me and chasing me for all those wayward years. God can do the same for each of you. If you are running from Him, why don't you stop and let Him catch you?
Dear Lord, let the lost come to you and bow at the feet of your amazing Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Wednesday
God is Just, God is Sovereign and God is Love
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “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 46:1-11 NLT).
God is our fortress, strength, and refuge. Be aware, though, He will rage against nations and people who turn away from Him. God's love, mercy, and grace are abundant, but still, He is just.
There is nothing that can be hidden from Him. Everything is His and His creation. We must trust and turn to Him. He is our refuge. Stop running from Him and defying His commands.
Those who turn to Him will find shelter. Those who turn from Him will find His wrath and His justice.
We each have a choice: the river of joy or the fires of the field.
Dear Lord, thank you for providing a Way for us to come to you by your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thursday
His Word is Alive
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires (Hebrews 4:12 NLT).
God's Word not only inspires but corrects our path and direction. His Word cuts through the smokescreen that we put up so others, and even ourselves, can't see our evil deeds. His Word brings to light the things in our lives that separate us from Him.
Fully trust in God. His Word is perfect. Thank you, Lord, for your living Word.
Dear Lord, open ears to hear, eyes to see, and a heart to accept your amazing truth. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Friday
The Peace of Christ
(Jesus speaking)
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world (John 16:33 NLT).
Real peace and comfort are in Jesus. He is the answer to all of our needs. He is our Rock and our Comforter. We should stop looking at the things of this world for what only He can provide.
Dear Lord, help those who are struggling with life look to you for all their needs. In your name, we pray. Amen.
Saturday
Turmoil and Peace
(Jesus speaking)
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT).
Our lives, at times, have a lot of turmoil and heartbreak. It's part of this broken world. I use an old military term, "it is what it is" when dealing with life issues.
That said, we can also look at Jesus and say "He is what He is!" He is the Son of God. He is our Savior. He is our Lord. He is our Rock. He is our foundation. There is no other way to the Father except through Him. Jesus is...
Thank you, Lord, for loving us. Amen.
Sunday
Are You in a Valley in Life? Study God's Word
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
We must always read and study God's Word, especially when we are going through trials, tribulations, and shaky times of life.
Father God, help us to realize that we can't do this thing called life without you and your instructions. When we travel the roads of this world, we need your “roadmap” so we can know how to survive and thrive through the sand, mud, and gravel of the road. Lord, give us the desire to study your Word so that we might draw nearer to you and to help us understand that you are with us and will never leave us when we are on the mountain tops or in the valleys of life. I praise you and pray in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus, Amen.
