Monday
No Greater Love
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13 NLT).
Our law enforcement officers and other first responders need our thoughts, prayers, and support. They are on the front lines of an increasingly dangerous world.
I would like to especially pray for all the families who have lost loved ones who were battling the evil in our streets. We have lost too many brave men and women who are working, in sometimes horrible situations, to protect and serve our communities.
God, be with our law enforcement officers and first responders. They go into their daily jobs to protect and serve. Lord, be with all the families who have lost loved ones. Place your mighty hand of healing on every physically or mentally wounded officer/responder. Lord, be with the families who have lost loved ones while they served our cities and communities. We pray in Jesus' mighty and matchless name and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tuesday
Fear Nothing
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power (Ephesians 6:10 NLT).
The power of God is available to us through His Son. I repeat: the power of God is available to us through His Son.
Fear no one. Fear nothing. Be strong and know the He is God.
Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Wednesday
Stand On the Rock
For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth (2 Corinthians 13:8 NLT).
Followers of Christ must always stand firm in God's Word. But our firm stand must be seasoned with love.
We know God's Word is perfect and true, so we have truth on our side. By proclaiming His truth and Word, no one should have an argument with us, for their argument is with God. We are only proclaiming and following His guide for our lives.
I thank God every day for His Word so I might know truth and direction for my life. Thanks be to God!
Dear Lord, help us to share your truth with all people, not by beating them over the head with the Bible, but by our relationship with them and with you. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Thursday
The Good Fight
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NLT).
Every day is a battle. A spiritual battle. Some days are just hard. The Devil throws everything he can to distract us or he whispers lies into our ears or he blinds us from seeing the good things around us. Satan glorifies destructive choices and subdues the choices of goodness and righteousness. The Devil is good at what he does.
Satan is a liar and deceiver. He perverts all that is good in this daily battle.
So, how do we know good from evil? It's all determined by our knowledge of God's Word and having Jesus as our guide.
Do you want to fight the good fight? If so, get in God's Word, ask the Holy Spirit to guide your mind and your heart to follow Jesus into the battle of the day. When all is said and done, Jesus Christ does have ultimate victory. Are you going to be with Him or against Him?
Dear Lord, help us fight the good fight and remain faithful to your commands. I ask this in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Friday
Nothing Is Hidden
“But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve” (Jeremiah 17:10 NLT).
People might fool their neighbors in what they do behind closed doors, but God knows everything. He knows each of our hearts. We might think we are hiding our sin in the dark but not one thing is hidden from God's eyes.
Thank you, Lord, for never giving up on us, even when we sin against you and your Word. Father, thank you for giving us an open door when we come to you in repentance of our sin. We know that you will treat unrepentant sin harshly but you are pleased when we fall on our face and ask for forgiveness.
Thank you, Jesus, for paying the price for this broken world, and we pray this in your mighty name. Amen.
Saturday
God Is With Us
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me (Psalm 23:4 NLT).
The God of the mountain top is the same God who is in the valley.
Right now, many of you are dealing with life-changing and challenging situations.
Everyone should remember God's Word and rest in the comfort of knowing His Word is true. If He says it, it is fact.
God is with each of you. He will never leave you, and He also promises to bring you through the valley. He will not abandon you. How He brings you through the valley might be totally different than what you want or envision, but His way will prove to be the best way. (Read Psalm 23)
Trust in God, my friends. He loves you more than you can ever understand.
Father God, thank you for not leaving us in the valley. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Sunday
Shelter
The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe (Proverbs 18:10 NLT).
Without God in our lives, we have no shelter. We are homeless today as well as for eternity. But God made the Way for all of us to reap the rewards of heaven. That Way to eternal shelter is the good news.
God sent Jesus so those who put their lives in His hands will have everlasting life in heaven.
Lord God, thank you for making a way for your undeserving children so we might come to you for eternity. We pray in the mighty name of the One who saves us, Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Editor's Note: "God Has a Gift for You" that is the good news that restores the broken relationship we have with God because of our sin.)