New Strength

Isaiah 40:31 - But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint.

God gives us renewed strength through His Son Jesus because He loves us.  As long as we stay strong in our faith to Him, nothing can ever hurt us.

As I've reached my late 30's now, I'm not physically able to do things that I did 10 years ago.  My knees and shoulders are not what they used to be.  Like everything else on this earth, they and I have a shelf life.  But as I read this passage, I am reminded that God has great things planned for me, and that these pains are only temporary.  He is going to make me new in Heaven.  What a gift...

Dear Lord, thank You for promising to renew my strength because of my faith in Your Son Jesus.  Thank You for reminding me that this is all temporary, and I have nothing to worry about, because You have overcome everything.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Rescued

Isaiah 38:17 - Yes, this anguish was good for me, for You have rescued me from death and forgiven all my sins.

God has always been there for us.  We may have our hurts, habits, and hang-ups, but they are good for us, because they teach us to lean on God's love and mercy.  He has overcome the world, and He will help us overcome our fears and anxieties.

While I am indeed repentant of my sins, I am always thankful for them.  My need to free myself from the slavery of my sin is what led me to seek a relationship with Jesus, and to realize that I am not capable of doing it myself.  How could I NOT be thankful for that?!

Dear Lord, I cannot say it any better than Isaiah, this anguish was good for me.  It led me to You, and You saved me and restored me just as You promised You would.  Amen!

Complete

John 19:30 - When Jesus had tasted it, He said, "It is finished!"  Then He bowed His head and released His spirit.

Jesus completed the work that He had set out to do.  To give Himself as a sacrifice for us all.  To offer His body and shed His blood to cleanse us of our filthiness.

How do you repay something like that?  You can't.  No work will suffice.  One of the criminals that was crucified with Jesus believed in Him at the end and asked for His forgiveness, and Jesus promised him paradise.  When did he have time for good deeds?  He didn't.  All we can do is believe and offer God our honor, praise, and worship for His ultimate sacrifice.

Dear Lord, thank You for making me whole again by the sacrifice and blood of Your Son Jesus.  I was lost, but now I have indeed been found.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

For All

John 17:19-20 - "And I give Myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by Your truth.  I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in Me through their message."

Jesus gave it all up as a sacrifice for all who would believe.  He wants that none should perish without hearing and knowing and believing in His truth which is eternal.

The best thing I ever did for myself, was to sit down and open the Bible with an open mind.  It has developed into such an amazing relationship with Jesus.  It truly is a relationship, and not a religion.  As the saying goes,"I can't brag about my love for God, because I fail Him daily.  But I can brag about His love for me, because it never fails."

Dear Lord, thank You for loving me.  I am not worthy of Your mercy and grace, but You have made me worthy because of Your unfailing love for me.  I know I can never repay what You gave up to save me from certain death and destruction, I just ask that You use me to bring You glory in whatever way You desire.  Amen!

God Bless!!!

Apollyon

Revelation 9:4 - They were told not to harm the grass or plants or trees, but only the people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.

In the last days, God will continue to protect His chosen people.  Although Satan has been given dominion over this world, God will not allow those sealed by His love and grace to be harmed or destroyed by Satan.  We will be tempted for sure, but if we keep our hearts focused on God, we will not perish.

As a human made of flesh, I am tempted all the time.  There are times where something can seem harmless, but I have to remind myself that if it doesn't bring glory to God, it isn't from Him.  The plague of locusts described here isn't from God, and since it will not bring Him glory, He promises to protect His sealed ones from it as long as we remain true and faithful.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your eternal protection by Your love and grace.  I ask that You help me keep my heart focused on You, so that I am able to resist the temptation that Satan will present me with.  Help me remember that if it doesn't bring glory to You, then it isn't from You.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

God Bless!!!

Foundations

Psalm 111:10 - Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.  All who obey His commandments will grow in wisdom.  Praise Him forever!

This is such an important truth.  We can't continue to sin and EXPECT God to forgive us.  That would just be ignorant.  To have true wisdom, we must fear our punishment for not repenting of our sins in our hearts.

God expects certain things of us.  One of them is a true heart for Him.  Failing to live up to His standards and having a lackadaisical attitude about it is a dangerous path to travel.  I choose His ways over mine, because I am afraid of the alternatives if I don't give Him my whole heart.  I don't want to be lukewarm in my faith.

Dear Lord, thank You for showing me the path to true wisdom that is only found through Your Son Jesus Christ.  I want to keep my heart strong for You.  Please guide and protect me while I am in this world, and use me in whatever way brings You the glory.  Your will be done.  In Jesus' name, Amen!

God Bless!!!

Turn Back

Ezekiel 18:32 - I don't want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord.  Turn back and live!

God wants that none of us should die.  He wants us to all have eternal life with Him in His Glorious Kingdom.  He sent His Son Jesus to take the punishment for our sins.  All we have to do is believe and repent.

This is such a one-sided deal in our favor, how can we not take Him up on this?!  Jesus made me clean again, how could I not believe in His healing power and all that He has to offer?!

Dear Lord, thank You for redeeming an unworthy person like me.  Your unfailing love and grace have made me clean. I will forever worship Your Holy Name.  Amen!

God Bless!!!