Monday
Doing For Others
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too (Philippians 2:3-4 NLT).
If we want to truly exhibit a selfless act, do something for someone who could never repay our action. Also, do it without others knowing that we did anything.
Lord God, help us to be more like you today. Help us to see the total selflessness you exhibited on the cross. We must drop to our knees in praise and worship, for you, Lord, are our King, our Savior, and our God. We pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday
Temptation
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin (Luke 17:1-2 NLT).
What are we doing that might cause someone to stumble back into sin? It's true that we all sin. A sin in my life might be different from one in your life.
So, we need to be conscious of our actions around others to avoid being a hindrance to them. Our actions might cause someone to stumble back into their sin.
Thank you, Lord God, for loving us so much that you gave us forgiveness through your Son, Jesus Christ. Let us relive your mercy today. Amen.
Wednesday
The Storm
As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!” (Luke 8:23-25 NLT).
What is the current storm that you are going through?
Are you thanking God in the midst of it? Are you trusting in Him to bring you through this storm? Are you praising God in spite of it?
Are you realizing He is working in your life through this storm? Do you understand God loves you no matter how bad the storm is raging?
It's not about the intensity of the storm is, but how you proceed through the storm.
It's not about the rain, it's how you dance in the rain!
It's not how big the storm is, it's how big our God is!
God will not leave you in the storm. He will deliver you by the storm, through the storm, or in the storm. When we have Jesus in our hearts, nothing can change His love, mercy, and grace for us.
Thank you, Lord! Your love endures forever! We praise you and worship you, Lord God. It is by our faith and by your grace that we are saved. Praise God! No matter how big the storm is, you are with us. Amen.
Thursday
Right And Wrong
People may be right in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their heart (Proverbs 21:2 NLT).
You can sometimes fool yourself or others, but you will never fool God.
No matter how many ways you bend and reshape the truth to what you want it to be, the truth will always be the truth. Right is right and wrong is wrong. Every time.
Lord, let truth reign in this dark and dying world. Our world has turned its back on you. I also know you, Father God, are loving and forgiving. I know you are the God of second chances. I pray that we, as a world, a nation, and as a people, will turn from our wicked ways and hit our knees in repentance. I trust totally in you, and I know that you will reign forever and ever. I know that no matter what happens in this world, the ones who know you will have an eternity in heaven. I pray that many will come to you and claim you as their King and their Savior. Lord, my heart is heavy, but at the same time, it is full...full of you. Lord God, please have mercy on us. Our world is a mess. Help us to come back to you, my Lord, my God. It is in Jesus' mighty and matchless name that I pray. Amen.
Friday
Unfailing
Answer my prayers, O Lord, for your unfailing love is wonderful. Take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful (Psalm 69:16 NLT).
Unfailing love and mercy! That's my God!
We lift our hands high to you, Lord! We hit our knees in reverence and thanksgiving. We praise you, Lord, at the top of our voices. Thank you, Lord. Thank you! Amen.
Saturday
Running Away
The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish (Jonah 1:1-3 NLT).
Are we doing what God has commissioned us to do? Are we going where He wants us to go? Are we running in the opposite direction from where He has told us to go? Are we like Jonah? Are we standing on the truth of God's Word? Are we watering it down so that we will be liked and make people feel good about the sin they are wallowing in?
Running away from God's commands didn't work out very well for Jonah. It won't for us either.
We know Jonah ended up in the belly of the big fish. Where are you going to end up? Is it going to take a situation like Jonah had to get your attention? Think about it.
Father, you have given us a course to follow. Help us to follow your plan and not attempt to design our own plan of action. We pray in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.
Sunday
No Need To Be Afraid
I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.
For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
for those who fear him will have all they need. (Psalm 34:1-9 NLT).
A group of my amateur radio friends was on the radio one morning discussing the state of our nation and the world when someone brought up those verses.
If a person is struggling with anxiety and fear about what is going on today, they would be advised to open God's Word and mark these verses. Then read and dwell on them frequently.
We really have nothing to fear except God Himself (Fear means respect and awe.). Remember, "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment" (Proverbs 9:10 NLT).
May the Lord bless each of you, today and always.
Father God, thank you for your Word and your reassurance that everything will be okay and that you are in control. Why should we worry? You have never failed us, and you never will fail us. We trust in you, Lord. It is in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus that I pray. Amen.
