Monday
The Incapable Sinner
Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. So, we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law (Romans 3:23-24, 27-28 NLT).
For everyone has sinned. We all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God freely and graciously declares that we are righteous through Christ Jesus. He did this through His life, death, and resurrection. He freed us from the penalty for our sins.
Dear Lord, we boast only in you! Thank you, God, for your Son. It is only by His sacrificial death that we are able to have a relationship with you. We are incapable of living a sinless life and following your law. But by your blood, our lives are made clean, our past transgressions are wiped clean. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus' mighty name, we are made pure and righteous. Amen.
Tuesday
Morning Prayer
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart (Colossians 4:2 NLT).
Please pray with me today:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for this day of hope. May your mighty name be lifted up on high and may you be worshiped and praised. Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of another sunrise.
Father, today, I pray that you do amazing things through me and help me obey. Bless me to do what you have called me to do and let me give you all the glory for anything good I do today.
Father God, open doors for me to share the love of Jesus with others and may someone's heart be touched by the Holy Spirit.
Lord, I lift up all the sick, hurt, lost, broken, deserted, lonely, and deceived people in this world. I especially lift up my close friends who are struggling with life issues. Lord, I pray you will meet their needs and your name be glorified.
Today, Lord, let me be your servant. Lead me and direct me. Use me, Father God. I pray this in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, my Savoir, and King. Amen and amen.
Wednesday
Our King
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.
He existed before anything else,
and he holds all creation together (Colossians 1:15-17 NLT).
We are so blessed that the God of all creation loves us more than we can ever understand. No matter our situation, He is always with us. Let us never forget to give Him all of our praise.
Dear Lord, help us to fully know your truth and your direction for our lives. Not the direction that we want but what you desire for us. Lead us to truly know that you are the supreme King of all things. Be with those who are suffering, hurting, lonely, and lost, bring them to a full and fruitful relationship with you, Lord. We ask and pray in your mighty and precious name. Amen.
Thursday
Everyday Grace
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed (Titus 2:11-13 NLT).
Jesus came for ALL people, but He will not force himself on anyone. In order to accept His gift of salvation, a person must accept Him.
Every morning, before we put our feet on the floor, we should praise God for His grace. Without His grace, we would not be able to have a relationship with Him. Through His grace, we are saved. It's all about Him and not about anything we have or could do. All we are required to do is accept Jesus, repent (turning from our sin), and walk with Him.
Father God, we praise you for your love, mercy, and grace. We pray that many people will accept your grace today. We pray that those who have experienced your grace will re-live that grace today and praise you for it. Father, help each of us show our fellow man the love, mercy, and grace that you have shown us. We pray in the mighty name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Friday
Sharing
And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ (Philemon 1:6 NLT).
As the Apostle Paul writes to Philemon, I will ask each of you to get out and share what God has given you with those in need. This might be food, money, shelter or it could be sharing your faith. It could even be just listening to someone who needs a friend. The whole point is to GIVE.
Father, help us to remember all that you have given us so that it will place a burden on our hearts to help those in need. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Saturday
Blinded By Others
Then Jesus gave the following illustration: “Can one blind person lead another? Won’t they both fall into a ditch? Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher (Luke 6:39-40 NLT).
There are many people who are leading others down gravel and dirt roads. Still more are leading folks into sinful behavior. And there are those that are even leading people to worship fake gods and into false religions. Be careful who you follow.
Lord God, open our eyes to see your truth. Help us to not believe the false teachings and the lies of this world. Give us your power to rebuke Satan and all of his demons. Lead us today, Lord, out of the valley and help us climb the mountain that is in front of us. We ask and pray in the mighty name of our Savior and King, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sunday
Asking His Counsel
Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge!
How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!
For who can know the Lord’s thoughts?
Who knows enough to give him advice?
And who has given him so much
that he needs to pay it back?
For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen (Romans 11:33-36 NLT).
I have to laugh when I try to outguess or out-think our Lord. (I know I do it; I bet you do it too.)
After relying on myself and not asking God for His counsel, I realize what I'm doing, I take a pause and get on my knees and ask Him for His direction and that His will to be done.
Our God knows everything, from the beginning to the end and everything in-between.
Oh Lord, help us avoid taking things that you are in control of into our own hands and without your counsel. Remind us that we are to come to you in prayer and thanksgiving. Help us ask for your direction and counsel so we can avoid running off in our own directions. Help us to totally rely on you. In Jesus' name, I pray. 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.)
