For courage to share the gospel Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CDT "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6). Give me a caring heart, oh Lord, to love and seek the lost. Overcome my fear and grant me courage to share my hope of salvation with those who have no hope. Make me faithful in my daily life so that all I say and do may glorify you. Amen.
Thank you Lord Tue, 9 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CDT "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever" (Psalm 107:1). Lord Jesus, I thank you for your mercies which are new every morning. I thank you for your grace which cancels the sins of yesterday. I thank you for the gift of today--the present! Help me to use this day to honor you and to love those around me. Amen.
Jesus my payment Mon, 8 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CDT "This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper" (Hebrews 9:9). Dear Jesus, all around me I see people who try to make payment for their sins. They hope that things they do will make God like them, but down inside they know they haven't done what satisfies God, and they spend their days in guilt and fear. Teach me to treasure the beauty of your Word, which tells me clearly that it is finished; you have paid in full for all and every sin. Help me to share this comfort with my neighbors who so need what you have shared with me. Amen.
To love our enemies Sun, 7 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CDT "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). Gracious Father, we call on you in the name of our Savior, Jesus, without whom we would have forever remained your enemies. You have turned aside your just wrath over our rebellions toward your own Son, in order that we might be your children. We must confess, however, that our own love and patience have not lived up to the boundless grace that brought us to you. Forgive us our merciless cries for justice when what we really seek is revenge. Send the warm, piercing light of your pardoning love coursing through the hardened recesses of our hearts that we may love our enemies with new hearts that you alone can give. Amen.
Give me patience Thu, 4 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CDT "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense" (Proverbs 19:11). Lord Jesus, bless this day. Help me to view interruptions not as an intrusion in my life, but as a divine appointment, an opportunity to demonstrate your love and patience to others. Help me not to hurry through life, but to cherish the people and the relationships you have given me. Amen
To seek strength from Scripture Wed, 3 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CDT "For I know the plans I have for you, 'declares the LORD,' plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). Eternal God, the Holy Scriptures reveal your compassion in Christ for the entire world. To your Word we come for strength in uncertain days. We are not the first to live in challenging times. Such times turn us to your promises, which alone can overcome our fears. You promised your people that you would be with them, even in slavery. Hearing their cries, you delivered them. Jeremiah comforted the captives with your assurance to give them hope and a future. With this confidence we commit our lives to you. Amen.
Help us in our service Tue, 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CDT "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble" (1 Peter 3:8). Dear God, compassionate Father, you have found us spiritually blind and deaf because of our sin and opened our eyes and ears to the truth of your salvation in Christ. Thank you for your forgiving love. Now in thankfulness and reflecting the hope of our salvation, open our eyes to see those who are suffering. Help us in our service so that in our labor of love we glorify your name and relieve the misery of the weak and hurting. We ask this in the name of Christ our suffering Savior. Amen.
Jesus my victory Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CDT "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith" (1 John 5: 4). Dear Lord, some days are so difficult! I feel attacked by the attitudes of people around me. I feel Satan's temptation, and I feel the desires of my own sinful flesh, fighting against your Word and rejecting your forgiveness. Give me the wisdom to daily go back to your Word and the message of your victory. Strengthen me and keep me in your faithful arms, and comfort me through your almighty Word. Amen.
