Monday
The Detour
Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death (Proverbs 24:11 NLT).
We are to preach the gospel everywhere so that others might come into the glorious light of Christ.
Many of you know I was in the biker ministry for quite a few years. Biker ministries use statements to drive home a point of their ministries. Bikers for Christ uses this one, "Some wish to live within the sound of church and chapel bells, we want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell!" The Christian Motorcycle Association uses, "One Heart at a Time." And there are many other great quotes from these powerful ministries.
As followers of Christ, we must be willing to stand at the gates of hell and detour as many people as possible from spending their eternity there. That detour is the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:16). Shine His light brothers and sisters because many people may never read a Bible. So let them see Christ through you. Today, you could be the only chance a person has to ever see the gospel.
Jesus accepts us as we are and loves us too much to leave us that way.
Lord, thank you for accepting us in our brokenness. I pray that you will mold each of us into being the man or woman you want us to be. I pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday
No Gray Areas
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!" (Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT).
There isn't a gray area when it comes to your life with Jesus. It is black and white. You are either on His team or against His team.
Please get off the fence. It's time to become a member of the family of God.
Father God, thank you for saving us. We are broken and so desperately in need of your saving grace. Praise be to you, Father. Amen.
Wednesday
Sharing Jesus
We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too (1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT).
As Christians, sometimes we forget how important it is to not only share the gospel with people but also the need to share ourselves.
God wants a relationship with each of His children. So why do we not understand that God also wants us to be in a relationship with each other?
God's perfect plan is all about having a relationship with each of us through His Son, Jesus Christ.
So my brothers and sisters, don't stop at just sharing God's glorious good news with people. Go farther, and share yourself and your life with them.
Father God, help us to be bold and stand tall on your Word. Help us to proclaim the gospel from the byways and highways, from the valleys to the mountain tops. Help us, Father, to never back down from your truth. In the mighty and matchless name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
Thursday
Wisdom
The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7 NLT).
You will never find godly wisdom down a forbidden path.
Lord, help us to keep our eyes fixed on you. Help us to stay on the path you have chosen for us. Help us not deviate from your moral compass. Give us the wisdom to seek your will in all that we do. We ask in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Friday (New Year’s Eve)
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).
As we celebrate the end of this past year, let us remember that we have a new year ahead that will be full of possibilities. Help us to look to God in what we do, how we act, and how we love one another. May He show us how to love as He loves.
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.
Saturday (New Year’s Day)
Lead Us Lord
Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow (Psalm 5:8 NLT).
The new year begins. Are you ready? Are you prayed up and asked God to direct your life? Are you ready to step out in faith that God will do miraculous things through you? Have you asked Him to lead your every step for this new year? He hears our prayers, and He answers. We have to ask and then we have to sit in silence so we might hear His soft voice. Lead us, Lord.
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.
Sunday
The Proper Path
But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:8 NLT).
Each of us who are living our lives for the Lord needs to make sure we keep our minds and bodies fit to serve His perfect plans in our lives. It is so easy for us to get derailed from walking in the light and to begin walking in darkness. Let's remember how easy it is and not let ourselves drift from God's purpose for our lives.
Dear Lord, bring your people who have drifted away from your purposes back onto the proper path which you have set for your glory. I ask and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
(Editor's Note: "God Has a Gift for You" is the good news that restores the broken relationship we have with God because of our sin.)
