Monday
A New Life
Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives (Romans 6:1-4 NLT).
We must focus on our new life when the world starts pulling us back into sinful ways. It's easy to be pulled back into our old lives. We must focus on the gift that Jesus gave us, through His death and resurrection. We have a new life. We must live it.
Lord God, thank You for our new life. Help us to remain faithful and focused on what You have given us and not what the world has to offer. Lead us today by Your Holy Spirit. Help us to be more like Jesus today, than yesterday. We pray in His mighty name. Amen.
Tuesday
Free from Sin
When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:20-23 NLT).
We have been given the greatest gift of all time. Are you living like you are a child of God or a child of the Devil?
We all slip up and sin, most of us sin every day but do we turn to God in repentance?
Father, please help us to live a more Christ-like life. We struggle at times and make many mistakes as we walk through this world. Help us to realize the gift that You have given us. We have been freed from sin by the blood of Christ Jesus. Let us rejoice and be more like our Savior today than we were yesterday. It is in His mighty and matchless name that we pray. Amen.
Wednesday
Freedom with Christ
I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin (Romans 7:21-25 NLT).
We all have a sinful nature. I agree with the Apostle Paul, that there is always a struggle going on inside me. It seems to be a mind game of warfare at times. I bet I'm not much different from each of you.
I'm thankful that I have a Savior who comes alongside me and helps me combat my sinful nature. Jesus Christ is the answer to our struggles. Do you have Jesus helping you fight your evil desires and sinful nature?
Lord God, thank you for loving us that you sent Jesus to help us battle the evil that lurks in our minds and in this broken world. We love you Lord God and pray for your continued help, every day. Amen.
Thursday
Our Sinful Nature
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit (Romans 8:1-4 NLT).
Jesus laid down His life for each of us. He chose to die to save us, not because we were deserving but because He deemed us worthy. He died for us! Thanks be to God!
Father God, thank You for sending Jesus to save us. He came to us as we are but will never leave us as we are. Where Jesus is, there is change. Real change. Thank You, Lord God! Amen!
Friday
Zero Separation
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s 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 8:38-39 NLT).
Nothing! Absolutely Nothing! Praise God!
What a wonderful Scripture to begin this Friday morning with, isn't it? Y'all have a wonderful day and know that nothing can ever separate us from our God, NOTHING!
Father God, we love you and thank You for Your never-ending love, mercy, and grace. We praise You, Lord God! Amen!
Saturday
Declaration of Faith
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved (Romans 10:9-10 NLT).
God made it so easy to come to Him.
Lord God, thank you for the gift of salvation. It's a free gift for us but it cost you so much. You sent your Son as a sacrifice for each of us. The One whom you sent, Jesus Christ, willingly laid down His life for us lowly sinners. We so don't deserve such a gift, but you called us worthy. Lord God, we praise you for this glorious gift of salvation. Amen.
Sunday
His Way, Not Ours
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? (Isaiah 40:13)
And who has given him so much
that he needs to pay it back? (Job 40:11)
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).
We are covered in God's creation and His blessings. We are privileged to have His Holy Word to read, study and live by. He gives us His knowledge through His Word. But we have no way to ever fully understand His ways, which, in my opinion, is a really good thing. I don't think we could handle His full knowledge.
Father God, thank You for being in control. If decisions of importance were left up to us, it would be a mess. Father, we fully trust you and know that the many things we don't understand in this world will be made clear when we join you in heaven. Your ways are not our ways, please bolster our hope and trust in you, and may we never rely on our own understanding. Lord God, lead us by your Holy Spirit today so that we might be more like Jesus. Thank you gracious and all-knowing Father. We put our hope and trust in You. Amen.
