Monday
Our Intercessor
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God (Romans 5:8-11 NLT).
Jesus gave His life for us, why is it so hard for us to give Him our heart? Without the "heart knowledge" of Christ, we cannot have a relationship with the Father. It is a decision that each person has to make. Decide wisely.
Lord God, thank you for Jesus, our King, our Intercessor, and our Savior! Without Christ Jesus, we could never have a relationship with you, Father God. We praise you, Father. We worship you and we love you. Lead us this day by your Holy Spirit and deliver us from evil. Forgive us of our transgressions and hold us close to you. We ask in the mighty name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
Tuesday
Denying God and His Word
For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts (2 Peter 1:16-19 NLT).
Those that deny God and His Word have hate for truth and also for God. His Word is infallible and perfect. He gave us His Word, so that we would have a roadmap for life. A life that is not just about eternity but also a guide on how to live in a broken world that hates truth.
There are many historical and proven first-hand accounts of God's miraculous events. The Word is not just stories or fairy tales. The Bible is God's very own account from the beginning to the end of all creation. Our Father ordained His Bible for our benefit. It is truth. As a good friend says, "Do not doubt this book.”
Many of the anointed writers personally witnessed God's hand as He did miraculous things on earth. Many witnessed Jesus as He walked this earth and without a doubt, knew He is the Son of God. He is the Messiah.
Don't let the unbelievers sway your belief. Stand firm.
I am still amazed at how an atheist, who hates God, can say in their next breath, they don't believe in Him. How can you hate something that you don't believe in?
Lord God, I thank you for your Word and your never-ending love. Amen.
Wednesday
Blessed By Grace
This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins (1 John 4:10 NLT).
By God's mercy, grace, and love, we are new creatures.
Dear Lord, thank you! Amen.
Thursday
Trust In God
O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! (Jeremiah 32:17 NLT).
Sometimes we forget to call on God first. We try to solve problems by ourselves. If we call on Him first and if it is His will, He will work with us to bring closure to whatever we are going through.
Call on His hand of help first. Remember that He loves you.
Dear Father God, your will, nothing more; nothing less; nothing else. Amen.
Friday
They Hated Jesus First
We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors (2 Corinthians 6:8 NLT).
In today's politically correct environment, people are going to hate you while creating lies and using deception regarding God's truth. Are you going to honor God or man? Who are you willing to please?
Dear Lord, give us the strength to stand firm in your truth. Help us to never waiver. Lead us beside your still waters when we are under attack and use your rod and staff to guide us and protect us. I ask and pray this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Saturday
How Do We Live?
For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy (Deuteronomy 30:16 NLT).
Why do we let this world and our pride, dictate how we live? Why is it so hard to follow the teachings in God's Word? Satan has done a great job with deception and lies. Also, our pride and selfish desires have much to do with how we live. We want to serve ourselves and not do what we are called to do in serving others.
Get your hearts right with God folks. Turn your life over to Jesus, and love God with all your heart, mind, and soul. We need God as a people, but our nation needs Him also.
Heavenly Father, I pray that you will bring our nation to repentance and humble us to know that you are God. May we return to keeping your commandments and may you redirect our lives toward your truth and righteousness. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Sunday
A Friend Speaks Truth
Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others (Proverbs 12:15 NLT).
Sometimes we have blinders on and can't see that the path that we are on is not a good one. We must willing to listen to a good friend that is speaking truth to us. Sometimes that truth cuts deep into our core. When that happens, compare your friend’s rebuke with God's Word. If they agree, you must adhere to your friend's rebuke. Remember, it's for your own good.
Dear Lord, help us to accept correction from credible sources. We all go astray. Lord, help us to be open to rebuke by our friends. Father God, help us get back on track. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.