Monday
Are We Lazy?
If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels (Mark 8:38 NLT).
Why do most Christians not speak about the saving power and grace of Jesus? Why is it so hard for us to stand up for the one who gave his life for us? Are we not commissioned to go out into the world and make disciples of all we meet? Why aren't we doing it?
I might be able to answer my own question. I submit we have become lazy and we have given in to wanting to be "politically correct." Let's face it, humans don't like to be told that what they are doing is wrong and will have eternal consequences. They turn the tables on us and make us seem like we are the haters and the ones that just don't "get it." Folks, we get it alright.
We understand that those who turn their back on Jesus will have the same thing done to them, by Christ Himself. If we love our spiritually lost friends and neighbors, we must tell them that they are headed for a life in the fiery pit of hell. It's the hard truth.
We must proclaim the truth. And the truth is, repent and turn to Jesus. Nothing else takes priority over this.
Lord, give us your heart of love, mercy, and grace to stand on your Word and truth. Let us be bold in knowing what you have written is true. May we be bold and do that with love. In Christ's name, amen.
Tuesday
God Is My Fortress
Praise the Lord; praise God our Savior! For each day he carries us in his arms (Psalm 68:19 NLT).
When you are struggling and barely making it through each day, just think how much harder it would be without Jesus carrying you in His arms. Yes, He never promised a perfect life, but He did promise to never leave you. And He won't.
Thank You Father for being faithful, even when we are not. We praise your mighty name today and forever. In the name of your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, we give praise and offer our prayers. Amen.
Wednesday
Plans
You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail (Proverbs 19:21 NLT).
So, what are you planning? What are your goals? Are you praying for God to help you achieve your dreams? Are you asking God what He wants you to do? Are you being patient and waiting on God's timing? Do you realize His timing is perfect? God's plan is always best. Go with it!
Father God, lead us to where you want us to be so that we might be a bright light in this dark, dying world. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Thursday
My Keeper
I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever (Psalms 121:1-8 NLT).
The Lord is my Keeper, is He yours?
The King of Kings, our God, The Creator of all things, loves us and is our Protector, Savior, and Father in heaven. Let's praise Him and ask Him to bless us, our family, friends, and our nation. He is in control. Trust in Him and have faith that He is the great I Am.
Thanks be to God; we praise His holy name. Amen.
Friday
Our Fortress
God is my strong fortress, and he makes my way perfect (2 Samuel 22:33 NLT).
If we follow our desired path instead of God's path, it usually doesn't work out too well. By following His path and relying on His love, mercy, grace, and His correction, things tend to work out much better. God's correction is not always pleasant or what we would pick, but His correction is done in love. His love and correction are perfect, although, many times it is painful or comes at a cost. We can always trust in Him for all things. He places us under His wings. He is our God.
Father, thank you for loving us more than we deserve. We praise you and thank you for your never-ending love, mercy, and grace. We thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ who came to the earth to save us from ourselves and our own destruction. In His name, we pray, Amen.
Saturday
Our Focus
I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word (Psalm 130:5 NLT).
Life is crazy. We never know what will cross our path. We aren't to worry, though. We are to trust in Jesus and enjoy every minute He has blessed us with. Tell your family and friends that you love them, give them hugs and kisses, and thank God for every breath.
We might not be able to count on our next breath, but we can count on God. He is always with us and will never leave us. We must focus on Him, in the good times and the bad times.
Lord, thank you for never giving up on us. Thank you for being with us 24/7/365. Thank you for your holy Word. Thank you for every breath we take. We praise you, Lord God, and give our lives to you. We pray in our Savior's name, amen.
Sunday
The Price Was Paid
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins (Ephesians 1:7 NLT).
By the grace of God, our salvation was paid for at a very high price, His Son. We should never diminish that fact.
Jesus died for you. Thanks be to God.
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving your life for each of us. Lord, help us to be worthy of your sacrifice. Amen.
