Monday
His Faithfulness
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning (Lamentations 3:23 NLT).
I thank God for His faithfulness even when I have been faithless. His mercy far outweighs our thankfulness. I get up each morning only by His mercy and grace, and I thank God for giving me another day. As I go about my day, I pray that I will show someone His love, mercy, and grace through my actions.
Thank you, God, for Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday
Smoke Signals
In my distress I prayed to the Lord,
and the Lord answered me and set me free.
The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?
Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me.
I will look in triumph at those who hate me.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in people (Psalm 118:5-8 NLT).
We must pray when we are down, depressed, or just without hope. God will set us free of that anguish. He will provide us with strength, comfort, and peace. He will help us keep walking.
God is real! Thanks be to God!
Lord God, thank you for setting us free and showing us what true liberty is all about. We are thankful for your hand of mercy, grace, and love. Lead us today by your Holy Spirit and make our way easy. Forgive us of our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. We ask and pray in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
Wednesday
Patience
Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord (Psalm 27:14 NLT).
With each year of life, I've learned that I need to pray often and wait for God to answer. Unfortunately, the struggle makes it seem as if patience is not one of my strengths.
God does hear us, but we just have to wait and be thankful no matter how He answers our prayers. He will always answer. Whether He answers yes, no, or maybe, the answer always benefits His kingdom and us. We might not see it at the time, but one day we will realize His answer was best.
Lord God, thank you for answering our prayers. Even when we don't understand, help us understand your love for us. We praise you, Father, for you are the Creator of all things, and you know the beginning and the end. You are the Alpha and Omega. Praise be to you, Father God. We pray and praise you in the mighty name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thursday
America, Are You Awake Now?
I have heard all about you, Lord.
I am filled with awe by your amazing works.
In this time of our deep need,
help us again as you did in years gone by.
And in your anger,
remember your mercy (Habakkuk 3:2 NLT).
America – are you awake yet? I'm not talking about being "woke" but being awake to what evil is doing in our nation. We better wake up before it is too late. Men and women of God, get on your knees and pray for our nation to turn from its evil ways.
Lord, I fall to my knees and plead for your mercy and grace for our nation. May a remnant of your people do the same. We have sinned and are sinning against your way, truth, and light. Father God, we have no hope without you. It is because of your mercy and grace we are asking you to not abandon us. Father God, help our nation repent, and we beg for your forgiveness of our nation. Amen.
Friday
Your Choice
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NLT).
Please, please, please, don't reject Jesus Christ.
Lord, open the hearts of those who are rejecting you and your truth. I pray that all will be saved. The Way to salvation has been provided. I pray all will see Jesus Christ is the only way, the truth, and the life who brings us to you Holy Father. Let your sheep know and hear your voice. Amen.
Saturday
All Can Be Saved
This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” — and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen (1 Timothy 1:15-17 NLT).
The apostle Paul writes that not only is he a sinner, but he is the worst sinner of all. If Paul is the worst sinner of all, where does that leave each of us? I don't know what is worse than worst, but I think I would rank in that category.
No matter how horrible your life has been, it's not so horrible that Jesus can't transform you from a sinner to a saint. Not only will Jesus save you, but He will use you to share God's message of love, mercy, and grace with others.
Lord God, help us to trust in you and share the message of salvation wherever we go. Help us realize that we need to live a life that reflects our salvation and your presence. Thank you, Lord, for bringing us from sinners to saints. You are the eternal King. We pray in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus. Amen.
Sunday
Early Morning Prayer
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed (Mark 1:35 NLT).
Prayer time is special, but early morning prayer seems even more so. I was just reading a dear brother's account of his morning prayer time and the passage above came to mind.
Prayer is probably the most important time of our day. The time spent talking to God is so very necessary. But even as important as our time talking with Him, so is that time of listening. Sometimes it's just a whisper. Other times, He speaks so loudly to us that we cannot ignore Him.
So, this morning in your time of prayer, spend some time in silence and listen to what our amazing God is trying to tell you.
Father God, thank you for a way to personally communicate with you. Help us to remember this is a two-way conversation. Let us be still and quiet while listening. Lord, if it is needed, we ask for you to shout so that we might hear you. Train our hearts and ears better so we can hear your small voice. Help us focus on you in adoration. Thank you, Lord God. 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.)
