Powerful Prayer

Ephesians 6:18 - Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

These are great instructions for Christians to keep in prayer for other Christians.  Not just occasionally, but at all times and on every occasion.  And don't just do it once in awhile, but be persistent about it.

Christians are persecuted a lot more for spreading God's Good News by people who refuse to believe than the other way around.  This is why we need to keep them in our prayers to God every day.

Dear Lord, please keep watch over my brother's and sister's as they work tirelessly to spread Your Good News.  Please guide and protect them with Your infinite wisdom and unfailing love.  Amen!



God Bless!!!

Backsliding

Psalm 94:19 - When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

Whenever doubts about our faith creep in, it is Satan's way of knocking at our door and trying to get in.  We must be strong and prayerful and keep him out and let God's Spirit stay strong in us.

I know I have been guilty of backsliding.  I accepted Jesus as my Savior more than 14 years ago, but I didn't have any kind of relationship with Him until about 2 years ago.  But one I started an honest walk with Him, I have indeed had renewed hope and cheer.

Dear Lord, thank You for renewing Your Spirit in me and giving me a hope and happiness that I cannot find anywhere else.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Upward Path

Ecclesiastes 7:29 - I discovered that God created people to be upright, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path.

God created us to be perfect but gave us the free will to choose for ourselves.  Since the original sin by Adam & Eve, we can never be perfect and will always fall short of God's glory.

I know that I am not perfect, and I never will be.  I used to joke with people that I wasn't perfect, but I was pretty close.  That is so far from the truth.  I know I have fallen short, but God gave His Son to redeem me, and I will forever seek to honor Him for that.

Dear Lord, thank You for choosing me.  I know that I am not worthy of anything You give me, but Your unfailing love is given to me daily anyway, and I am eternally grateful.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Life Giver

Ephesians 2: 4-5 - But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead.

Human nature is to take credit for everything we can.  We say, "I got this because of what I did here."  Nothing happens without God's stamp of approval.  Including life eternal in Heaven.  Jesus is that stamp of approval.

I saw a saying once that said, 'I cannot brag about my love for God, because I fail Him daily.  But I can brag about His love for me, because His love never fails.'  Truer words were never spoken...

Dear Lord, thank You for loving me and giving me the life I do not deserve but definitely needed.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Plans

Psalm 33: 10-11 - The Lord shatters the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes.  But the Lord's plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken.

This is a great passage.  Left to ourselves, we are dangerous.  But if we trust in God's solid foundation, we will be just fine.

I once heard a wise person say, 'If you want to make God smile, tell Him your plans'.  What I want doesn't matter.  The only thing that matters is God's plan for me, and I am trusting in it completely.

Dear Lord, thank You for thinking of me and making a plan for me.  I know and trust that it is good and You will never lead me astray.  Amen!



God Bless!!!

Re-Guided Trust

Proverbs 29:26 - Many seek the ruler's favor, but justice comes from the Lord.

A lot of people misguidedly put their trust and faith in man.  True justice will only come from God.

I know I have been guilty of this.  Since my walk with Christ began in earnest a couple of years ago, I have gotten so much better about it.  I know that God will never let me down, and never tell me to 'figure it out'.  He already has it figured out.

Dear Lord, thank You so much for Your guidance in this life.  I know I can trust You to lead me where I should go according to Your plan for me.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Foolish Follower

Proverbs 26:4 - When arguing with fools, don't answer their foolish arguments, or you will become as foolish as they are.

In Star Wars, the wise old Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi said, "Who is the more foolish?  The fool, or the fool who follows him?"  This a good way to summarize this verse.

I remember someone telling me once that 'arguing with an idiot doesn't make them smarter, but it makes you an idiot too'.  Never try to argue with a fool.  Try to reason with them, and show them God's way.

Dear Lord, thank You for all of the life lessons You have taught me with Your unending patience and unfailing love.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Made Equal

Proverbs 22:2 - The rich and the poor have this in common: The Lord made them both.

This is such a great truth.  God made all of us.  For His purpose.  No one is better than another.  We are all unique individuals, because that's what God wanted us to be, but by no means is anyone better than anyone else.  We all fall short of God's glory because of our sin.

I have always believed in total equality.  There have been times I have looked down my nose at people, but God has always been quick to corret me.  I am no better than any of God's children.

Dear Lord, I cannot thank You enough for teaching me humility.  It is the best lesson I have learned so far.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

God's Plans

Proverbs 21:30 - Human plans, no matter how wise or well advised, cannot stand against the Lord.

No matter what we may want to do, if it isn't in God's plans for us, it will not happen.  God always holds the trump card.

This is something that took me awhile to understand.  But as I gave my heart completely over to God, I have completely understood that God will only trump my plans for His protection and love for me, and I am completely fine with that.

Dear Lord, thank You for trumping me.  I know that Your plans for me are to love and prosper.  Thank You for prospering me.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Patiently Prayerful

Romans 12:12 - Be glad for all God is planning for you.  Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.

The harder it is to be enthusiastic about something, the harder we should try, and the more enthusiastic we should be about it.

This is something I have to work very hard at.  It is not something that comes naturally to me.  But I have noticed that the harder I work at it, the more God has blessed me.  And that makes it totally worth it.

Dear Lord, thank You for doing a work in my heart and making me more patient and prayerful.  Your love is worth it to me.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

His Glory

Romans 11:36 - For everything comes from Him; everything exists by His power and is intended for His Glory. To Him be glory ever more.  Amen.

For those who aren't celebrating this holiday for the right reasons, this can be a very selfish time.  What did you get me? they ask.  They give so they can get more.  Mine, mine, mine.  None of it is ours.  It's all His.  And if it doesn't bring Him glory, then it's wrong.

Even before I found my faith, I had always felt a strong connection with this holiday.  I always believed it was so much more than giving presents getting them.  More than a stocking and a tree.  I am so blessed to know that I was right.

Dear Lord, thank You for holding that special place in my heart even before I really knew what it was.  All glory be to You forever.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Searching

Proverbs 11:27 - If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!

I have heard it said, that you don't have to go far to find evil.  Evil will always seek you out.  This passage could have easily said, 'If you search for God, you will find favor'.  And you don't have to go far to find Him either.  He will be right there waiting for you with open and loving arms.

In my old life, I had no problem finding trouble.  I have been truly blessed to find good.  To find God.  Sometimes I'll say it took me a long time to find Him.  But it didn't.  Once I opened my heart and looked, He was right there.

Dear Lord, thank You for being there.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Right By Faith

Romans 9:30 - Well then, what shall we say about these things?  Just this: The Gentiles have been made right with God by faith, even though they were not seeking Him.

Gentile is a generic term that means anyone who isn't a Jew.  Originally God's chosen people were the Jews.  Even though the non-Jews weren't seeking God at first, they started to display their faith in Him, and He showered them with His love.

I am so blessed to belong to such a loving God.  I am blessed to be made right in His eyes by my faith in Him.  I love to thank and praise Him for His gift of salvation every day.

Dear Lord, thank You for saving me...from myself.  I know that I cannot do this without Your love and grace, and I am happy to welcome You into my heart and into my life.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Free

Romans 8:2 - For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death.

Jesus took the punishment to free us from the certain death we were destined for because of our sinful lives and our sinful nature.  To allow us to be with Him in God's Glorious Kingdom.

How do you say thank you for something like that?  The only way I can think of, is by spreading the Good News of His Word in the hopes of others giving their lives over to God and accepting His gift of salvation.

Dear Lord, thank You for saving me from myself.  Give me the wisdom and the strength to reach others for Your Kingdom so they may be saved also.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Greedy for Gain

Proverbs 1:19 - Such is the fate of all who are greedy for gain.  It ends up robbing them of life.

The material desires of this world will rob us of our eternal life with God if wee allow them to.  We must put these evil desires away and live for the eternal gain from Him.

This is something I struggled with for a long time.  It finally sunk in, with some great teaching, that there is nothing this world could give me that I need.  I only need God.  God will give me whatever I need here on earth AND He gives me eternal life.  That's a much better deal.

Dear Lord, thank You so much for teaching me about the worth of eternal gain in You through faith in Your Son Jesus.  It is the best lesson I have ever learned.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Live For The Glory

Romans 6:11 - So you should consider yourselves dead to sin and able to live for the glory of God through Christ Jesus.

Once we are saved through God's grace through our faith in Him, we are no longer slaves to our old lives.  He has set us free to live for the Glory of God.

I am so blessed to not have my old life anymore.  I am no longer a slave to sin, but a slave to His righteousness.

Dear Lord, thank You for saving me.  Give me the strength and courage to continue living for Your Glory.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

High Privilege

Romans 5:2 - because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.

It is through faith alone that we have been given this gift.  No work will do it.  The work was done by Jesus, we have to believe it now.

Sharing God's glory...who am I to deserve that high privilege?!  I am simply an unworthy sinner.  But I have faith.  I volunteer at church no to earn God's favor, because I can't.  I do it to share God's favor.

Dear Lord, it is so difficult for me to find the words to express sometimes how thankful I am for Your love.  Please continue to grant me the wisdom and courage to continue to share it.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Faith Alone

Romans 4:5 - But people are declared righteous because of their faith, not because of their work.

Paul made the point here.  We are saved by God's grace because of our faith alone.  There is nothing we can do to earn our way into God's Glorious Kingdom.

My faith has never been stronger than it is at this point in my life.  I am so thankful for the wonderful teaching I have received over the last year that has really helped strengthen my faith.

Dear Lord, thank You for every gift You have given me.  Your wise counsel and wonderful teaching through Your Word has meant so much to me.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Tell Everyone

1 Kings 8:60 - May people all over the earth know that the Lord is God and that there is no other god.

Solomon had the right idea.  Everyone needs to know.  This was the work that Jesus started when He sent out His disciples and told them to go to all the nations and spread the Good News to everyone.

Sharing God's Word is something I love to do.  A lot of times, it is simply just a bible verse or two posted on my Facebook.  But whenever I have the opportunity, I love doing more.

Dear Lord, please continue to give me the wisdom and courage to spread Your Good News with anyone that will have ears to hear it.  I want to shout it from the highest mountains!  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Persistently Good

Romans 2:7 - He will give eternal life to those who are persistent in doing what is good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.

This is a great passage.  Paul is telling the Romans that it doesn't count if you do good if you are only doing it once.  You must be consistent in your behavior and persistently seek the heart of God in order to truly receive God's gift of eternal life with Him.

I know I need work in this area.  I am generally a good person, but I catch myself falling into sin too easily sometimes.

Dear Lord, guide my heart so that I may consistently and persistently seek Your will in all I do and not the pleasures of the flesh.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Encouraging Faith

Romans 1:12 - I'm eager to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.  In this way, each of us will be a blessing to the other.

Paul is talking about how Christians should encourage each other's faith and lift each other up.  He wanted to help the Romans grow in their faith, and he believed that by doing so, it would help grow his faith.

What a great way to live.  When my Christian friends come to me for advice or support, the first thing I always tell them is to be prayerful, and God will answer.  It is so important to me that we life each other up.

Dear Lord, thank You for the opportunity to serve You, and to help encourage others in their faith in You.  I am forever Your humble servant.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Not Our Enemies

2 Thessalonians 3:15 - Don't think of them as enemies, but speak to them as you would to a Christian who needs to be warned.

Paul was preaching the second greatest commandment - Love everyone.  Like Jesus said, don't just love your friends, love your enemies too.  They need to be shown the power of God's mercy more than anyone so that they may be saved.

This is something I have gotten a lot better about, but I still need to work on it.  With God's grace and guidance, I will.

Lord, please continue to give me the courage and wisdom to truly love like Jesus loved.  Show me how to love the ones who wish me ill, so that I may be a better example.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Wisdom

2 Chronicles 1:10 - Give me wisdom and knowledge to rule them properly. For who is able to govern this great nation of Yours?

Solomon could have had anything he wanted, and he asked for wisdom so he could care for God's people properly.  What a great man.  Trule he was his father's son.  And God rewarded him for it.

Wisdom is something I regularly ask for.  Being a leader at my work, I realize I need God's guidance so that I can lead my team effectively.

Dear Lord, thank You so much for Your wonderful blessings on me beyond the wisdom I ask for.  You have provided so much for me, my cup runneth over.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

His Justice

2 Thessalonians 1:5 - But God will use this persecution to show His justice.  For He will make you worthy of His Kingdom, for which you are suffering.

Jesus said we will face trials and tribulations, but not to fear because He has overcome them.  Paul is reiterating that promise to the Thessalonians.  For if we stay true to God and honor Him, He will stay true and honor and protect us.

I know I am not worthy of God's salvation, and no works I do can make me worthy.  I trust in God completely and honor Him, knowing that He will honor me with His love.

Dear Lord, thank You for allowing me to honor and praise You.  I need You in my life, because I can't do this on my own.  Come into my heart and renew my spirit with Your love.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

My Shelter

Psalm 91:1-2 - Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  This I declare of the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I am trusting Him.

When we seek shelter in God's love, He will take care of us.  He will not permit harm to come to us, and He will never forsake us.

This has been my life verse for years.  I came across this verse almost 12 years ago, and it just made everything make sense.

Dear Lord, thank You for being my refuge and shelter.  Thank You for giving me the unbreakable safety of Your Love.  I have been so blessed by You in my life.  I shall seek no other besides You.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Obeying God's Rules

1 Thessalonians 4:8 - Anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human rules but is rejecting God, who gives His Holy Spirit to you.

Paul was reminding the Thessalonians to stay pure and not live immoral lives, because by doing so would be rejecting God, and He would be righteous to withhold His gift of the Holy Spirit from them.

I have been so blessed since I turned my life over to God.  I strive to please Him every day in every way.  I know I am not perfect, but I know He loves me anyway, and I am eternally grateful.

Dear Lord, thank You for loving this imperfect and unworthy servant of Yours.  I know I don't deserve Your grace, and I am so blessed to have You in my life.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Great Joy

1 Thessalonians 3:9 - How we thank God for you!  Because of you we have great joy in the presence of God.

Paul was worried that after they left Thessalonica, the people might be tempted to give up their faith in God.  But after hearing that it was as strong as ever, he was elated by God's blessings.

I recently had a friend tell me that they were worried that they might sway me from my walk with Christ.  My reply was, 'nothing or no one could ever sway me from my walk with Him'.  We all need to keep our faith strong during times of trials and temptations.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your strength and courage during the trials and temptations of this world.  My faith is and always will be in You.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Forgiveness

1 Chronicles 21:8 - Then David said to God, "I have sinned greatly and shouldn't have taken the census.  Please forgive me for doing this foolish thing."

David realized he had sinned greatly against God, and begged for His forgiveness.  Later in the chapter, he begs God to only punish him and not the whole of Israel.  He had such high integrity.

When I sin, and believe me, I do, I need to make sure that I am not only humble when I ask for forgiveness, but that I never try to blame someone else for my transgressions.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your everlasting forgiveness and love that You have given an unworthy servant like me.  I hope I am able to please You forever.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Perfection

2 Samuel 22:31 - "As for God, His way is perfect.  All the Lord's promises prove true.  He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection."

God will take care of us.  If we believe, have faith, look to Him for answers, and trust those answers, He will never let us down.  His plan for us is perfect, and we must trust in that.

My complete trust and faith is in God.  I need to make sure I am quieting my mind so that I can hear and listen and understand Him better.

Dear Lord, thank You for being perfect.  I am so blessed to have You as an example of total perfection in my life.  My complete trust and faith is in You.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Giving My Burdens

Psalm 55:22 - Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you.  He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

Give it all to God, and He will take care of you.  Don't pick and choose what you want Him to handle.  He will take care of it all for you, because He loves you and won't allow anything bad to happen.

I have gotten so much better about this in the last couple of years.  But I must be fully reliant on God, so that I may receive His full blessing.

Dear Lord, please continue to give me the wisdom and courage to rely on You completely and without reservation.  All my burdens I give to You.  I trust only in You.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

My Trust

Psalm 56: 3-4 - But when I am afraid, I put my trust in You.  O God, I praise Your word.  I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?  What can mere mortals do to me?

David's unquestionable and undeniable trust in God to deliver him from evil and into safety is on full display here.  David knew that God was in full command.

I want to be like David.  I need to be more prayerful that I have the same level of trust in God.  I trust God completely, but I need to be careful not to yield to the temptation of trusting in anything else that offers false hope.

Dear Lord, please continue to give me the strength and courage to resist the temptations of this world, and to keep my trust, hope, and faith in You alone.  Amen!

God Bless!!!