MONDAY
We Are too Blessed Not to Love Others
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other (Romans 12:9, 10 NLT).
When I am out on my motorcycle and enjoying God's gift of life and all He has given me, it's easy to forget that there are many people who aren't as blessed as I am. That is why before I hop on my bike, I pray for God to place people across my path that need to see Christ's light and love through me. God never fails to direct someone across my path. The very power of prayer and God's love, mercy, and grace, opens many doors so that we might be His disciples.
Not too many years ago, a homeless man wandered up to our group of riders so that he could see our bikes. We got to share the Gospel with him and prayed with him. I was greatly blessed by this meeting. As with all his difficulties, he knew to put his trust in Jesus Christ. It humbled me. God uses us to bless others.
Now to the question that Christ asked Peter in John 21:15-18, "Do you love me?" Do you love Jesus? If you do, you will love all of His children, even those that might not look, dress or even smell like you. Do you love Jesus? Do you love them?
Lord, open the heart of the church and help us to see the hearts of those we cross paths with, so we will be able to overlook their outside appearance. Help us to love them as You love us. We are all loved by You Lord, no matter our status, abilities, disabilities, income, brokenness or hopelessness. Help us see all people as valued children of the most high God. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, and King. Amen.
TUESDAY
New Life Equals Real Life
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23 NLT).
Thank you, Jesus, for giving a poor sinner like me a way to put sin to death that I might spring forth in new life. Lord, I praise You. Thank You for giving us a Way to find real life in this world and eternal life when this life is over. I pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
WEDNESDAY
The Ole Tempter
For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world (1 John 2:16 NLT).
I believe God wants us to enjoy our lives as we walk in this world. He smiles when we are having fun. That being said, we must remember how this world tells us that it's ok to do this or that if it makes us feel good. We must watch out for this form of the Devil's temptations. When we give into the desires of this broken world, it isn't good for us and it isn't godly. Our Creator does not smile when we indulge in illicit acts, just for pleasure or pride.
Know your enemies, physical and spiritual. Know what draws you away from God's desire for you.
Father, thank You for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. By this very act, those who confess sin and come to Jesus, are given the amazing promise of heaven. Lead us in Your righteousness for Your name's sake. Amen.
THURSDAY
Not in Our Strength, but God's
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9 NLT).
Whether you are fighting injustice, greed, illness, addictions, infidelity or basically anything that threatens your life or livelihood, remember...be strong and courageous. God is right there with you.
Lord, thank You for never leaving us and always being faithful, even when we are not. We ask that You bring us closer to You today than we were yesterday. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
FRIDAY
Equipped
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV).
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. That has been said by many people for years, and it's so true. Through the Holy Spirit, God instructs us and directs our path. We are equipped, not by what we can do, but what God can and will do through us.
I encourage everyone to sit down with God's word and ask the Holy Spirit to direct your reading and understanding of the Word. It is amazing what God will show you as you read. You might even be reading the same passage that you have read many times and God will give you another point He wants you to see from it.
God's Word is referred to as the living Word. That is an accurate statement. God's Word never changes. His Word, being the Living Word, will direct your thoughts and understanding to a new level as you ask the Holy Spirit to lead and direct you as you read. His word is alive.
Father God, I praise Your holy name. Thank You, Lord for not only giving us a road map for life but giving us Your Guide to lead us in our understanding of life and the new kingdom to come. Your word is as true today as it was when it was written. Amen.
SATURDAY
Are You In A Valley? Study God's Word
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
We must always read and study God's word, especially when we are going through trials, tribulations and shaky times of life.
Father God, help us realize that we can't do this thing called life without You and Your instructions. When we travel the gravel roads of this world, we need Your “Roadmap” so we can know how to survive and thrive, through the sand, mud, and gravel of the dirty road. Lord, give us the desire to study Your Word so that we might draw nearer to You. Help us understand that You are with us and will never leave us when we are on the mountain tops or in the valleys of life. I praise You and pray in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus, Amen.
SUNDAY
Why Did the Creator of All Things, Create Other Religions?
Well, God, the one and only true God didn't create other religions, His broken creation, fallen man, did. When Adam fell into brokenness and sin, he opened the door for man to create and even to become his own god.
Because of man's desire for control, the religions of the world were invented/created, not by God but by man. This falls into the "free will" category that came at the time of the fall of man.
Sin entered the world through a man named Adam. The world was saved by Jesus Christ's obedience.
When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous (Romans 5:12, 17-19 NLT).
Lord God, thank You for saving us from ourselves and giving us Your Word. I praise You, Father God. Amen.
