Monday
Pretending to Love Others
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other (Romans 12:9-10 NLT).
In whatever I'm doing each day, I pray for God to place people across my path so I might have an opportunity to share Christ's light and love. God never fails to answer that prayer. The very power of prayer and of God's love, mercy, and grace will open many doors.
Back when I was riding a motorcycle, a homeless man wandered up to our group of riders so he could see our bikes. We got to share the gospel with him and pray with him. We were greatly blessed by this meeting. Despite all of his difficulties, he knew to trust Jesus Christ. It humbled everyone who was there. God uses all His children to bless each other.
Now the question Christ asked Peter was, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" (John 21:15-17).
Do you love Jesus? If you do, you will love all of His children, even those who might not look, dress, or even smell like you. Do you love Jesus? Do you love them? Do you?
Lord, open the hearts of the church and help us to see the hearts of those we cross paths with so we will be able to overlook their outside appearance. Help us to love them as you love us. We are all loved by you, Lord, no matter our status, abilities, disabilities, income, brokenness, or hopelessness. Help us see all people as a valued creation of the Most High God. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King. Amen.
Tuesday
Are We Calling Out for God?
As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
“Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them. But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” (Matthew 20:29-31 NLT).
I look at the two blind men in today's Scripture and think how we as a nation and also as individuals, need to be calling out for Jesus to have mercy on us. As a nation, we can't seem to get God out of all our schools, government, public facilities, etc., fast enough. We have abandoned God.
As an individual, I'm seeing the god of political correctness rule the lives of wonderful people. They are being deceived by the lies and can't see the forest for the trees. I pray daily for the eyes of those who are blinded by the deception of this evil and vile world.
So, how do we escape the brokenness of this evil transformation of our nation and ourselves? We escape by filtering everything we are told through God's Holy Word. The world might say this is right, but do a truth check with God's Word. If the world says this is wrong, check it by God's Word. We must use the only true guidebook for life that we have.
The other way is to do like the two blind men do in today's Scripture. Scream out for Jesus to have mercy. We must get on our knees and cry out for God to direct our nation, our leaders, and ourselves to a life worth living. Scream at the top of your lungs or whisper in solitude, but pray for God to lead us and direct us in all we do. Prayer and supplication are key means of making changes for God's way and His path.
Also, know this, we might have left God, but God has not left us. He is waiting on us to return to Him so He might bless us as a nation and as individuals. Please pray. It is an open line of communication to the God of the Universe.
Thanks be to God who is, was, and will always be. Amen.
Wednesday
Anchored to the Rock
Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the LORD (Psalm 26:12 NLT).
Are you tired of drifting at sea in the dark? Cast your anchor on Christ the Rock and His saving mercy and grace.
Everyone has a choice. Will you choose God's gift of salvation or the way of the world?
Please choose wisely. Your decision has eternal consequences.
Lord God, help each of us to cast our anchor onto your solid Rock. Help us to know we can't make it through life or hope to have eternal life without being anchored to you through the saving grace you provide. Thank you, Jesus, for loving us and saving us from ourselves. Amen!
Thursday
The War Has Been Won
“See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory” (Isaiah 12:2 NLT).
We should thank God with every breath we take because each breath is a gift.
Are you still fighting battles each day that God has already won for you? He gives victory to each of us who call Him Father. He provides for all of our needs and gives us the courage to battle life's giants.
So stop fighting the war that has been won.
Thank you, Lord, we praise your holy name. The battle has been won by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and in His name, we pray. Amen.
Friday
A Richer Life
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever (Psalm 16:11 NLT).
When we follow God's way for our lives, we will find the joy He has so generously poured out for His children. He offers those who follow Him joy in this life and the peace of knowing we have a home in heaven. The Holy Bible is the unlimited resource for joy, peace, and security. Isn't it time that we spent quality time in His Word on a daily basis?
Thank you, God, for giving us a road map for a richer, fuller life. In Jesus' mighty name we pray. Amen.
Saturday
Strength – Not Fear and Discouragement
This is my command — be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NLT).
Whether you are fighting injustice, greed, illness, addictions, infidelity, or basically anything that threatens your life or livelihood, remember to be strong and courageous. God is right there with you.
Lord, thank you for never leaving us and always being faithful, even when we are not. We ask you to bring us closer to you today than we were yesterday. Give us strength to face today and its problems. Be with those who are grieving and suffering. Father, give them a special blessing so that they might see hope for tomorrow. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Sunday
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 NIV).
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 we need you and your instructions. We need your roadmap so we can know how to survive and thrive these travels even if the road is sand, mud, and gravel. Lord, give us the desire to study your Word so 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.