1st John 2:28&3:2-3 NLT - 28 And now, dear children, continue to live in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.
2 Yes, dear friends, we are already God's children, and we can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. 3 And all who believe this will keep themselves pure, just as Christ is pure.
Journal Entry #56
As we wait for our Lord’s return, we must keep in fellowship with Him through prayer and study of His word to us and by living our life with Him living and working in and through us. As we continue doing life with Him with us and in us, we will be certain of the welcome we will receive from Him and have no reason to fear finally meeting Him face to face. But if we keep Him out of most of our lives, we will know Him little and do little for Him and when we meet Him face to face we will see our error and be ashamed at how we have lived our life. For this is truly how we are meant to live, “not I but Christ living in me.”(Galatians 2:20) To live this way means absolute surrender to God of every part of who we are and all we do, to invite Him to take control of everything. Then let us long for the day that we shall see Him face to face as He really is. Let us long for the day when our conformity to Christ likeness will be complete and we will stand in the fullness of His presence holy and blameless, without a single fault (Colossians 1:22)– even as we stand now in His eyes if we have accepted His gift of righteousness.
May all of those who belong to God pray, “Lord Jesus, help us to live in constant fellowship with You. Lord, teach us how to, “pray without ceasing.”(1 Thessalonians 5:17), to every moment be aware that You are with us and in us – as we go to work, or run errands, or anything else we do in our daily lives. Lord, right now, may we invite You to take full possession of our live and help us to surrender all we are to You that You would fill all our lives with Your presence*. Work in and through us so that all we do is You living in us. As we draw close to You and submit all our selves to Your lordship, God, fill our hearts and souls with courage and certainty in the face of life and death. Fill us with assurance that we belong to You and that You take joy in us. May Your Spirit testify with out spirit that we are Your children (Romans 8:16). Father, we long for the fulfillment of Your promise of a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13) and the day when You come back to take us to be with You (John 14:2-3) forever (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) and there will be no more pain (Revelation 21:3-5). Purify our hearts, Lord, and make us holy. We thank You for the gift of forgiveness and righteousness You have given us and achieved for us through Your life, death, and resurrection. Stir our hearts with love, praise, thankfulness, worship, and adoration for all that You have done, are doing, and will do for us who love You and have been called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28). You alone are worthy of all we can give and so we give it all to You for through You and to You are all things. To You be the glory forever! Amen (Romans 11:36).
*See the song Be Near to Me Always.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
#55 The Home of Righteousness – 2nd Peter 3:13-14
2 Peter 3:13-14 NIV - 13 But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.
Journal Entry # 55
Every child of God should look forward to this promise – a new universe. Not one unrecognizably different from this one, but so much better in every way. There will be no more sin – this means that not only will no one and nothing tempt us, but also that there will be nothing in us that will incline us toward sin. Then there shall also no longer be a curse on anything (Revelation 22:3-4) – no more useless toil, no more pain or death, no more sadness or loneliness. If we really do look forward to this promise of perfection and perfect fellowship with God, then we will desire to move toward it now as well as we can. This means simply that we will do what we know to do to grow in Christ likeness and in our relationship with Him. This necessitates that we spend time in genuine / heartfelt prayer, in earnest and hungry study of His Word, and intentionally bringing the Lordship and conscious presence of God into every aspect of our lives. To live as though Jesus were every moment standing beside us, for there He truly is, if only we could see it. No matter the circumstances or our feelings, He is always with us (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5-6).
Therefore, let us pray, “Our great God, Lord of heaven and earth, maker and sustainer of all things, help us to remember that You are present in all places at all times – that You not only watch over us, but You stand beside us, You live inside us, and You hold us in Your hands. Remembering this, then, help us to live within this reality – desiring to please and serve You with our lives and being free from all fear and worry, trusting in You. Place before our eyes and make real to our hearts Your promise of the complete restoration of all things where we will live in Your full presence in absolute perfection and in the joy of unbroken fellowship with You. Help us to do everything all to the glory of Your name.* Amen.”
*See the song What I’m Here For.
Journal Entry # 55
Every child of God should look forward to this promise – a new universe. Not one unrecognizably different from this one, but so much better in every way. There will be no more sin – this means that not only will no one and nothing tempt us, but also that there will be nothing in us that will incline us toward sin. Then there shall also no longer be a curse on anything (Revelation 22:3-4) – no more useless toil, no more pain or death, no more sadness or loneliness. If we really do look forward to this promise of perfection and perfect fellowship with God, then we will desire to move toward it now as well as we can. This means simply that we will do what we know to do to grow in Christ likeness and in our relationship with Him. This necessitates that we spend time in genuine / heartfelt prayer, in earnest and hungry study of His Word, and intentionally bringing the Lordship and conscious presence of God into every aspect of our lives. To live as though Jesus were every moment standing beside us, for there He truly is, if only we could see it. No matter the circumstances or our feelings, He is always with us (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5-6).
Therefore, let us pray, “Our great God, Lord of heaven and earth, maker and sustainer of all things, help us to remember that You are present in all places at all times – that You not only watch over us, but You stand beside us, You live inside us, and You hold us in Your hands. Remembering this, then, help us to live within this reality – desiring to please and serve You with our lives and being free from all fear and worry, trusting in You. Place before our eyes and make real to our hearts Your promise of the complete restoration of all things where we will live in Your full presence in absolute perfection and in the joy of unbroken fellowship with You. Help us to do everything all to the glory of Your name.* Amen.”
*See the song What I’m Here For.
#54 Patience for Repentance - 2nd Peter 3:9
2 Peter 3:9 NIV - 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Journal Entry # 54
God is neither early nor late, but He does everything at just the right time. And so His second coming and judgment of the world waits until all who will believe in Him have come to repentance so that they will not perish in judgment. In the meantime, He patiently endures those who rebel against Him, waiting till the day they repent or stand before Him in judgment. We must not give up our hope in His return, but watch, wait, and pray. For when the end comes, it will catch everyone by surprise “like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2, Matthew 24:42-44)” but we ought to expect it not only any day, but every day. So then, keeping in mind that the days are short, we should live in hope and expectancy, doing the things He has called us to do. Let us not be caught sleeping or sitting idle.
May all God’s children pray, “Father, help us to be patient as we wait on You, may we keep in mind that in Your time, You will move* – whether we are waiting for a need to be met, a request answered, deliverance, or Christ’s return. Help us to trust You and to cling to Your promises. Among them is this promise that You are not being slow, but You wait for the moment You have chosen in the fullness of time by Your infinite wisdom to act in response to our prayers. As we wait on You, strengthen us by Your Spirit that we would be persistent in our prayers, firm in our faith, and not grow weary (Galatians 6:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:13, Hebrews 12:3). May we continue in the work that we know You have given us to do through all the waiting we will do in this life. For if we are waiting and looking for nothing else, we are looking toward Your return and the restoration of all things. Reach the world through us bringing all who will come to repentance and even so we pray – “Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)” Let it be! Amen.”
*See the song I'm Waiting on You.
Journal Entry # 54
God is neither early nor late, but He does everything at just the right time. And so His second coming and judgment of the world waits until all who will believe in Him have come to repentance so that they will not perish in judgment. In the meantime, He patiently endures those who rebel against Him, waiting till the day they repent or stand before Him in judgment. We must not give up our hope in His return, but watch, wait, and pray. For when the end comes, it will catch everyone by surprise “like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2, Matthew 24:42-44)” but we ought to expect it not only any day, but every day. So then, keeping in mind that the days are short, we should live in hope and expectancy, doing the things He has called us to do. Let us not be caught sleeping or sitting idle.
May all God’s children pray, “Father, help us to be patient as we wait on You, may we keep in mind that in Your time, You will move* – whether we are waiting for a need to be met, a request answered, deliverance, or Christ’s return. Help us to trust You and to cling to Your promises. Among them is this promise that You are not being slow, but You wait for the moment You have chosen in the fullness of time by Your infinite wisdom to act in response to our prayers. As we wait on You, strengthen us by Your Spirit that we would be persistent in our prayers, firm in our faith, and not grow weary (Galatians 6:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:13, Hebrews 12:3). May we continue in the work that we know You have given us to do through all the waiting we will do in this life. For if we are waiting and looking for nothing else, we are looking toward Your return and the restoration of all things. Reach the world through us bringing all who will come to repentance and even so we pray – “Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)” Let it be! Amen.”
*See the song I'm Waiting on You.
#53 Christ Died Once for Our Sins – 1st Peter 3:18
1 Peter 3:18 NIV - 18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.
Journal Entry # 53
The fact that Christ died only once is very important. In the old testament, sin offerings were offered with astounding frequency. Not only were sacrifices offered every year by the priests (Exodus 30:10, Leviticus 4:21) for the sins of the people as a whole, but every time one sinned a sin offering was to be given to remove the offence (Leviticus 4:14). But Christ’s death as the sinless lamb and the Son of God is so powerful and transcendent that it needed only to be offered once and then Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 10:11-13). And this sacrifice is on behalf of everyone who believes that they may have eternal life (John 3:14-16, John 6:40). Christ died not only for those living at that time, but also those who died before Him who trusted God and looked for the Messiah, and also for those of us who die after Him who trust God and believe in the One He sent. He did this to bring us into a right relationship with God. While we were still enemies, Christ died for us. We are now clothed with the righteousness of Christ (Philippians 3:9, 2 Peter 1:1) and have become children of God (John 1:12). Not only did He die for us, but He was raised to life – literal, physical life (Luke 24:39). This is important in two ways: first, His physical resurrection is proof of all He claimed to be or He would have remained dead just like everyone else who ever lived. Second, it proves that we can have confidence in God’s power and in His promise that though we die we will be raised to new life (John 11:25-26, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)*, an eternal life with God.
So let us pray, “Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your death on the cross which paid for our sins that You might bring us to You and through You to the Father. Thank You for Your promise of eternal life – to know You (John 17:3). You have done everything for us that we may know You.* your love, oh God, is far greater than we could ever imagine – it knows no bounds and has no end, for Your love is the forever kind. As we live our lives, help us to always remember what You have done for us, and in light of all You do for us, help us to live only for You – to Your glory. Help us to know You, make us desperate for You*, draw us close to You. May You be glorified in us and through us forever. For You alone are worthy. Your name be praised in all the earth! Amen.”
*See the songs I Died – I am Alive, Just to Know You, and Desperate for You.
Journal Entry # 53
The fact that Christ died only once is very important. In the old testament, sin offerings were offered with astounding frequency. Not only were sacrifices offered every year by the priests (Exodus 30:10, Leviticus 4:21) for the sins of the people as a whole, but every time one sinned a sin offering was to be given to remove the offence (Leviticus 4:14). But Christ’s death as the sinless lamb and the Son of God is so powerful and transcendent that it needed only to be offered once and then Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 10:11-13). And this sacrifice is on behalf of everyone who believes that they may have eternal life (John 3:14-16, John 6:40). Christ died not only for those living at that time, but also those who died before Him who trusted God and looked for the Messiah, and also for those of us who die after Him who trust God and believe in the One He sent. He did this to bring us into a right relationship with God. While we were still enemies, Christ died for us. We are now clothed with the righteousness of Christ (Philippians 3:9, 2 Peter 1:1) and have become children of God (John 1:12). Not only did He die for us, but He was raised to life – literal, physical life (Luke 24:39). This is important in two ways: first, His physical resurrection is proof of all He claimed to be or He would have remained dead just like everyone else who ever lived. Second, it proves that we can have confidence in God’s power and in His promise that though we die we will be raised to new life (John 11:25-26, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)*, an eternal life with God.
So let us pray, “Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your death on the cross which paid for our sins that You might bring us to You and through You to the Father. Thank You for Your promise of eternal life – to know You (John 17:3). You have done everything for us that we may know You.* your love, oh God, is far greater than we could ever imagine – it knows no bounds and has no end, for Your love is the forever kind. As we live our lives, help us to always remember what You have done for us, and in light of all You do for us, help us to live only for You – to Your glory. Help us to know You, make us desperate for You*, draw us close to You. May You be glorified in us and through us forever. For You alone are worthy. Your name be praised in all the earth! Amen.”
*See the songs I Died – I am Alive, Just to Know You, and Desperate for You.
#52 Be a Living Testimony – 1st Peter 2:12
1 Peter 2:12 NLT - 12 Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when He comes to judge the world.
Journal Entry # 52
As Christians, we are to be able to witness to the world through our lives, that they might see Christ through our actions. “If the only witness they ever see is my life and You living in me…I want to live it out…”* For our lives ought to be “Christ living in me (Galatians 2:20).” But if we live no differently than them – that is, caught up in the same sins and addiction as they are – then they will only see us to be hypocrites and would be right to say so. We are to live holy lives then, not merely before God who we say, “Sees my heart and knows that I am weak and forgives me.” Though this is certainly true, too often we use this as an excuse to not live a holy life, forgetting what Peter has said here and what Jesus has also said, “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16).” Let us pray, “Father, help us to live lives pleasing to You. May our lives be a testimony to the world, that through us and our lives, You might draw all peoples to You. Call Your children into a life of holiness, lived for You and seeking after You. Amen.”
*See the song Megaphone for Your Grace.
Journal Entry # 52
As Christians, we are to be able to witness to the world through our lives, that they might see Christ through our actions. “If the only witness they ever see is my life and You living in me…I want to live it out…”* For our lives ought to be “Christ living in me (Galatians 2:20).” But if we live no differently than them – that is, caught up in the same sins and addiction as they are – then they will only see us to be hypocrites and would be right to say so. We are to live holy lives then, not merely before God who we say, “Sees my heart and knows that I am weak and forgives me.” Though this is certainly true, too often we use this as an excuse to not live a holy life, forgetting what Peter has said here and what Jesus has also said, “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16).” Let us pray, “Father, help us to live lives pleasing to You. May our lives be a testimony to the world, that through us and our lives, You might draw all peoples to You. Call Your children into a life of holiness, lived for You and seeking after You. Amen.”
*See the song Megaphone for Your Grace.
#51 Submit Yourself to God - James 4:7-8 & 10
James 4:7-8&10 NIV - 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Journal Entry #51
There is a certain progression to this verse that if we will first submit ourselves – that is our will and every part of our lives – to God, we will then we able to resist the devil and stop our constant sinning that keeps us from drawing close to a holy God. This then, among other things, is a call to repentance. To wash your hands means to turn away from your sins. To purify your heart is to set it on God alone – do not be divided between your sins and your God. Acknowledge your place before God as needing His grace, depending on His strength, and being under His authority – and He will pour out His grace and fill you with the courage and strength you need to stand up against the devil and to keep yourself from sin. Remember, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13).” He will lift you up to walk blamelessly before Him*.
May we pray, “Our Father, help us to fully submit ourselves to You for You alone are God and we are Your children (John 1:12, Romans 8:15-17, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Galatians 3:26). Help us to wash ourselves in the blood of Christ and to turn from sin, to set aside those things that so easily entangle us (Hebrews 12:1-2). Give us the strength by Your Spirit to stand against the devil, remembering that He has already been defeated by You (John 16:33, Colossians 2:15, 2 Timothy 1:10). You are victorious over him and will give to us the victory (1 Corinthians 15:57, 1 John 5:4). In the midst of all the hurrying in this life, Lord, place in us a desire to draw near to You, the giver of every good thing* (James 1:17). For in You we find all we could ever need. May we long to know You, God, and to be close to You. May our hearts be pure and our passion single – for an intimate relationship with You, for the spreading of Your gospel, and for Your eternal glory. May we always remember that our place is on our knees at Your feet where You will pour Your grace out on us and lift us up to Your glory. May Your name be exalted in all the world! Amen.”
*See the song Every Day of Forever, Who You Are.
Journal Entry #51
There is a certain progression to this verse that if we will first submit ourselves – that is our will and every part of our lives – to God, we will then we able to resist the devil and stop our constant sinning that keeps us from drawing close to a holy God. This then, among other things, is a call to repentance. To wash your hands means to turn away from your sins. To purify your heart is to set it on God alone – do not be divided between your sins and your God. Acknowledge your place before God as needing His grace, depending on His strength, and being under His authority – and He will pour out His grace and fill you with the courage and strength you need to stand up against the devil and to keep yourself from sin. Remember, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13).” He will lift you up to walk blamelessly before Him*.
May we pray, “Our Father, help us to fully submit ourselves to You for You alone are God and we are Your children (John 1:12, Romans 8:15-17, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Galatians 3:26). Help us to wash ourselves in the blood of Christ and to turn from sin, to set aside those things that so easily entangle us (Hebrews 12:1-2). Give us the strength by Your Spirit to stand against the devil, remembering that He has already been defeated by You (John 16:33, Colossians 2:15, 2 Timothy 1:10). You are victorious over him and will give to us the victory (1 Corinthians 15:57, 1 John 5:4). In the midst of all the hurrying in this life, Lord, place in us a desire to draw near to You, the giver of every good thing* (James 1:17). For in You we find all we could ever need. May we long to know You, God, and to be close to You. May our hearts be pure and our passion single – for an intimate relationship with You, for the spreading of Your gospel, and for Your eternal glory. May we always remember that our place is on our knees at Your feet where You will pour Your grace out on us and lift us up to Your glory. May Your name be exalted in all the world! Amen.”
*See the song Every Day of Forever, Who You Are.
#50 Show Your Faith by Your Deeds - James 2:18-20
James 2:18-20 NLT - 18 Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." I say, "I can't see your faith if you don't have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds." 19 Do you still think it's enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror! 20 Fool! When will you ever learn that faith that does not result in good deeds is useless?
Journal Entry #50
A true faith will always show itself through good deeds. This is so because true saving faith desires to display the glory of God, and it is to God’s glory that we bear much fruit (John 15:8). A true faith in God leads to love for God and a desire to obey Him (Philippians 2:13 NLT). Good deeds are commanded all over both the old and new testaments. Jesus Himself gave many commands to do good to each other and to love one another. The epistles say things like, “Live such good lives among the pagans that they see your good deeds and glorify God.” (1 Peter 2:12) This must mean that we show ourselves to be different from them not simply by refraining from the evils that they engage in, but by doing as much good for others as we can. Our faith must be not only in our minds but in our hearts, souls, and lives, or we are no different from the demons who know of the truth of God as well or better than we do yet work in rebellion against God and His truth. Oh, let us pray, “Father, may our faith in Jesus Christ be manifested in our lives through the good deeds we do in Your name. help us to obey You and live lives consistent with Your word that in everything we do, we would be a witness to the world. By Your Spirit and strength, may we bear much fruit to Your glory (John 15:8). Unite us in You, Lord, and help us to love one another, then everyone will know we are Your disciples (John 13:35). Make us one in You so that the world will believe (John 17:20-23). Amen.”
Journal Entry #50
A true faith will always show itself through good deeds. This is so because true saving faith desires to display the glory of God, and it is to God’s glory that we bear much fruit (John 15:8). A true faith in God leads to love for God and a desire to obey Him (Philippians 2:13 NLT). Good deeds are commanded all over both the old and new testaments. Jesus Himself gave many commands to do good to each other and to love one another. The epistles say things like, “Live such good lives among the pagans that they see your good deeds and glorify God.” (1 Peter 2:12) This must mean that we show ourselves to be different from them not simply by refraining from the evils that they engage in, but by doing as much good for others as we can. Our faith must be not only in our minds but in our hearts, souls, and lives, or we are no different from the demons who know of the truth of God as well or better than we do yet work in rebellion against God and His truth. Oh, let us pray, “Father, may our faith in Jesus Christ be manifested in our lives through the good deeds we do in Your name. help us to obey You and live lives consistent with Your word that in everything we do, we would be a witness to the world. By Your Spirit and strength, may we bear much fruit to Your glory (John 15:8). Unite us in You, Lord, and help us to love one another, then everyone will know we are Your disciples (John 13:35). Make us one in You so that the world will believe (John 17:20-23). Amen.”
Monday, March 26, 2007
#49 Be Doers of the Word – James 1:22-25
James 1:22-25 NLT - 22 And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don't obey, you are only fooling yourself. 23 For if you just listen and don't obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you keep looking steadily into God's perfect law—the law that sets you free—and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
02/16/07-02/18/07
Those who take the Word of God into their minds, either by reading or by listening, but never obey its commands, never put it to work in their lives or in their hearts – such people only fool themselves if they think that they get any benefit from this. God will not reward us for superficially receiving His Word by hearing and not obeying – rather, we are accountable to Him for knowing His Word and yet not obeying what we know. But if we will take in God’s Word and let it work in our hearts and be worked out in our lives, we will have the benefit of pure hearts, godly character, and transformed, righteous lives – this is what pleases God. He will bless our efforts, conforming us to the likeness of Christ, and He will pour many other blessings out on us. Oh, Let us all pray, “Lord God, may we be doers of Your Word and not hearers only. May we truly receive Your Word and hide it in our hearts that we would not sin against You (Psalm 119:11). Oh, Father, give us the desire to obey You and the power to do what pleases You (Philippians 2:13). God, move in our hearts and help us to follow You*. Let us not be conformed to this world but may we be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2) by Your Spirit and through Your Word. Lord, You have set us apart as Yours, help us to surrender all our selves to You that we would live completely for You. May we seek to know You and to see Your will at work in our lives. Amen.”
*See the song Every Day of Forever
02/16/07-02/18/07
Those who take the Word of God into their minds, either by reading or by listening, but never obey its commands, never put it to work in their lives or in their hearts – such people only fool themselves if they think that they get any benefit from this. God will not reward us for superficially receiving His Word by hearing and not obeying – rather, we are accountable to Him for knowing His Word and yet not obeying what we know. But if we will take in God’s Word and let it work in our hearts and be worked out in our lives, we will have the benefit of pure hearts, godly character, and transformed, righteous lives – this is what pleases God. He will bless our efforts, conforming us to the likeness of Christ, and He will pour many other blessings out on us. Oh, Let us all pray, “Lord God, may we be doers of Your Word and not hearers only. May we truly receive Your Word and hide it in our hearts that we would not sin against You (Psalm 119:11). Oh, Father, give us the desire to obey You and the power to do what pleases You (Philippians 2:13). God, move in our hearts and help us to follow You*. Let us not be conformed to this world but may we be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2) by Your Spirit and through Your Word. Lord, You have set us apart as Yours, help us to surrender all our selves to You that we would live completely for You. May we seek to know You and to see Your will at work in our lives. Amen.”
*See the song Every Day of Forever
Thursday, March 08, 2007
#48 Never Abandoned - Hebrews 13:5-6
Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV - 5 God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." 6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
02/13/07-02/15/07
Let us never forget that God is always with us no matter how we feel or if the circumstance try to tell us otherwise. For Jesus has promised us “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”(Mat. 28:20). There are times when we feel abandoned by God and we try to pray but it feels like He doesn’t hear and doesn’t answer*. It’s in these times that we must learn to trust Him and His promises. Let us trust in God for everything we need for scripture says, “Depend on the Lord; trust Him and He will take care of you.”(Psalm 37:4-5). The Lord is our help in times of need and if God is for us who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) Therefore, let us not be afraid when trouble comes, for God is working everything to the good of those who love Him and are called by Him (Romans 8:28). If we will seek our refuge in God, we will not be shaken. Let us pray, “Lord, help us to remember that You are always with us – every moment of every day and that if we will ask anything in line with Your will, You will hear and You will answer us (1 John 5:14). May we learn to trust You, depend on You (Psalm 37:3-5), and wait on You no matter the circumstances. You alone, Sovereign God, are worthy of all our love and trust. You have declared the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) and numbered our days before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16). You put the stars in the sky and You know them all by name (PSALM 147:4) - even the very hairs on our heads are numbered (Luke 12:7). May we find our delight, our joy, and our life in You alone. For Your love will never fail and if You are for us, oh God, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) who in all creation has the strength to take us from Your hand*? Nothing can separate us from Your love (Romans 8:39). Amen.”
*See the songs Never Needed You so Much, I’m Waiting on You, and Help Me Trust in You.
02/13/07-02/15/07
Let us never forget that God is always with us no matter how we feel or if the circumstance try to tell us otherwise. For Jesus has promised us “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”(Mat. 28:20). There are times when we feel abandoned by God and we try to pray but it feels like He doesn’t hear and doesn’t answer*. It’s in these times that we must learn to trust Him and His promises. Let us trust in God for everything we need for scripture says, “Depend on the Lord; trust Him and He will take care of you.”(Psalm 37:4-5). The Lord is our help in times of need and if God is for us who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) Therefore, let us not be afraid when trouble comes, for God is working everything to the good of those who love Him and are called by Him (Romans 8:28). If we will seek our refuge in God, we will not be shaken. Let us pray, “Lord, help us to remember that You are always with us – every moment of every day and that if we will ask anything in line with Your will, You will hear and You will answer us (1 John 5:14). May we learn to trust You, depend on You (Psalm 37:3-5), and wait on You no matter the circumstances. You alone, Sovereign God, are worthy of all our love and trust. You have declared the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) and numbered our days before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16). You put the stars in the sky and You know them all by name (PSALM 147:4) - even the very hairs on our heads are numbered (Luke 12:7). May we find our delight, our joy, and our life in You alone. For Your love will never fail and if You are for us, oh God, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) who in all creation has the strength to take us from Your hand*? Nothing can separate us from Your love (Romans 8:39). Amen.”
*See the songs Never Needed You so Much, I’m Waiting on You, and Help Me Trust in You.
#47 Pursuing God - Hebrews 12:1-3
Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT - 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on Whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy He knew would be His afterward. Now He is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. 3 Think about all He endured when sinful people did such terrible things to Him, so that you don't become weary and give up.
02/10/07-02/12/07
If we are going to pursue our relationship with God, He must be first priority. We may have to stop doing even “innocent” things that take time which could be spent with Him. We fill our lives with so many useless activities and valueless distractions. How much time do we spend being simply entertained? – TV, movies, video games – and very few of these are as innocent as we would like to think. The world’s values creep into all these things and as you allow them into your mind, these values creep into you too. Be careful of what you allow into your mind! I challenge everyone who reads this to fast for a month from all entertainment that is not completely God centered, and when you find yourself wondering what to do – talk to God, study His word, build your relationship with Him. Let us pray, “God, may You be so first in our lives that anything else is a far distant second. Help us to set aside time every day to spend time with You – to get to know You better. Show each of us what we should cut out of our schedules that we may spend more time with You. Lord Jesus, with our eyes fixed on You, as Your Spirit works in us, help us throw off everything that ever draws us away* that we may not stumble or stray but by Your strength, may we live completely for You. Amen.”
*See the song All Forsaken – Not Forsaken.
02/10/07-02/12/07
If we are going to pursue our relationship with God, He must be first priority. We may have to stop doing even “innocent” things that take time which could be spent with Him. We fill our lives with so many useless activities and valueless distractions. How much time do we spend being simply entertained? – TV, movies, video games – and very few of these are as innocent as we would like to think. The world’s values creep into all these things and as you allow them into your mind, these values creep into you too. Be careful of what you allow into your mind! I challenge everyone who reads this to fast for a month from all entertainment that is not completely God centered, and when you find yourself wondering what to do – talk to God, study His word, build your relationship with Him. Let us pray, “God, may You be so first in our lives that anything else is a far distant second. Help us to set aside time every day to spend time with You – to get to know You better. Show each of us what we should cut out of our schedules that we may spend more time with You. Lord Jesus, with our eyes fixed on You, as Your Spirit works in us, help us throw off everything that ever draws us away* that we may not stumble or stray but by Your strength, may we live completely for You. Amen.”
*See the song All Forsaken – Not Forsaken.
Monday, February 12, 2007
#46 The Power of the Word of God - Hebrews 4:12-13
Heb 4:12-13 NLT - 12 For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. 13 Nothing in all creation can hide from Him. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes. This is the God to Whom we must explain all that we have done.
02/07/07-02/09/07
The Word of God is more than words on a page, it is the very heartbeat of God. It is the power of God to transform the reader or hearer if we will only open ourselves to it. It will reveal to us – by the power and work of the Holy Spirit in us – our motivations, our true desires, of what sort it is. For the word of God is truth (John 17:17) and anyone who is willing to be open to it will know the truth and be set free (John 8:32) from deception and error. Therefore, we should fill our minds and hearts with the word of God for thusly will God keep us in the light of truth. We cannot hide from God nor the truth, for God sees and knows all and we shall all one day stand before Him. Come before Him now while things might yet be changed. May we pray, “Lord, let us never try to hide anything from You, as though we ever could. But in trust and humility let us say, “Search me and know me, trace out all my ways*. Lead me in Your way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24).” Lord, teach us the importance of filling our minds with You and Your Word that we would not sin against You (Psalm 119:11) and that we might not be led astray from Your truth. Amen.”
*See the song To the Praise of Your Glory.
02/07/07-02/09/07
The Word of God is more than words on a page, it is the very heartbeat of God. It is the power of God to transform the reader or hearer if we will only open ourselves to it. It will reveal to us – by the power and work of the Holy Spirit in us – our motivations, our true desires, of what sort it is. For the word of God is truth (John 17:17) and anyone who is willing to be open to it will know the truth and be set free (John 8:32) from deception and error. Therefore, we should fill our minds and hearts with the word of God for thusly will God keep us in the light of truth. We cannot hide from God nor the truth, for God sees and knows all and we shall all one day stand before Him. Come before Him now while things might yet be changed. May we pray, “Lord, let us never try to hide anything from You, as though we ever could. But in trust and humility let us say, “Search me and know me, trace out all my ways*. Lead me in Your way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24).” Lord, teach us the importance of filling our minds with You and Your Word that we would not sin against You (Psalm 119:11) and that we might not be led astray from Your truth. Amen.”
*See the song To the Praise of Your Glory.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
#45 By the Grace of God Alone for His Glory - 2 Timothy 1:9
2nd Timothy 1:9 NLT – It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan long before the world began—to show His love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus.
02/04/07-02/06/07
It is God alone who has saved us by His grace and mercy, it has nothing to do with who we were or what we have done. It is the gift of God, not by works so no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). He has chosen us to live a life holy and dedicated to Him. Oh, live for God alone you who claim to be His! He has shown this great love and kindness to us: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He did this not because we deserved it (for all have deserved is death, as scripture says, “The wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23) but by God’s grace and according to His own sovereign plan and purpose (for scripture also says, “but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23).
May we pray, “Lord, help us to remember that all creation is about You. For through You and to You were all things made (Romans 11:36). Even our salvation was to put the glory of Your love, grace, mercy, and kindness on display in and through us*. Your work on the cross shows that You have power to triumph over sin and death by claiming for Yourself a people to be cleansed from sin, made holy and blameless forever. Oh, Lord, may we lay everything – all our selves – at Your feet, for You alone are worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. You do all for us, may we give all that we are to You alone. Draw us closer to You that we may indeed live a holy life to which You have called us (2 Thess. 1:11-12) and for which You have chosen and saved us. You chose to die for us, You do more than we deserve. Lord, may we follow You forever and serve You alone*. To You, the only God, who sits enthroned over all creation forever, be all glory through all that You have made and done. Amen.”
*See the song It’s About You and All for Your Glory.
02/04/07-02/06/07
It is God alone who has saved us by His grace and mercy, it has nothing to do with who we were or what we have done. It is the gift of God, not by works so no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). He has chosen us to live a life holy and dedicated to Him. Oh, live for God alone you who claim to be His! He has shown this great love and kindness to us: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He did this not because we deserved it (for all have deserved is death, as scripture says, “The wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23) but by God’s grace and according to His own sovereign plan and purpose (for scripture also says, “but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23).
May we pray, “Lord, help us to remember that all creation is about You. For through You and to You were all things made (Romans 11:36). Even our salvation was to put the glory of Your love, grace, mercy, and kindness on display in and through us*. Your work on the cross shows that You have power to triumph over sin and death by claiming for Yourself a people to be cleansed from sin, made holy and blameless forever. Oh, Lord, may we lay everything – all our selves – at Your feet, for You alone are worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. You do all for us, may we give all that we are to You alone. Draw us closer to You that we may indeed live a holy life to which You have called us (2 Thess. 1:11-12) and for which You have chosen and saved us. You chose to die for us, You do more than we deserve. Lord, may we follow You forever and serve You alone*. To You, the only God, who sits enthroned over all creation forever, be all glory through all that You have made and done. Amen.”
*See the song It’s About You and All for Your Glory.
Monday, February 05, 2007
#44 The Life to Which He has Called Us - 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
2nd Thessalonians 1:11-12 NLT – 11 And so we keep on praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of the life to which He called you. And we pray that God, by His power, will fulfill all your good intentions and faithful deeds. 12 Then everyone will give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus because of you, and you will be honored along with Him. This is all made possible because of the undeserved favor of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
02/01/07-02/03/07
God will make us worthy of our life in Him by transforming us with the power of His Holy Spirit in us. He will, by His power, fill us with the desire to do good and will produce the fruit of the Spirit and good deeds in our lives so that the world may see our good deeds and transformed lives and glorify and honor God (1 Peter 2:12). So let us pray, “Lord God, we continually ask that You will make all of us, Your children, worthy of the life to which You have called us in Christ. May we see You at work in us*. Lord, by Your unlimited and almighty power at work in us, fulfill all the good intentions and faithful deeds that You have given to us. Then may all the world give honor to Your name, Lord Jesus, because of us and Your work in and through us, and may we be honored in and with You. For we are Your workmanship, created anew in Christ Jesus to do the good works You prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). Thank You for Your undeserved favor – our God, Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
*See the song Make Me.
02/01/07-02/03/07
God will make us worthy of our life in Him by transforming us with the power of His Holy Spirit in us. He will, by His power, fill us with the desire to do good and will produce the fruit of the Spirit and good deeds in our lives so that the world may see our good deeds and transformed lives and glorify and honor God (1 Peter 2:12). So let us pray, “Lord God, we continually ask that You will make all of us, Your children, worthy of the life to which You have called us in Christ. May we see You at work in us*. Lord, by Your unlimited and almighty power at work in us, fulfill all the good intentions and faithful deeds that You have given to us. Then may all the world give honor to Your name, Lord Jesus, because of us and Your work in and through us, and may we be honored in and with You. For we are Your workmanship, created anew in Christ Jesus to do the good works You prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). Thank You for Your undeserved favor – our God, Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
*See the song Make Me.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
#43 Be Set Apart to God Alone - 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
1st Thessalonians 5:23-24 NLV - May the God of peace set you apart for Himself. May every part of you be set apart for God. May your spirit and your soul and your body be kept complete. May you be without blame when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. The One Who called you is faithful and will do what He promised.
1/29/07-1/31/07
It is God Himself who has set us apart for Him, and He desires to have all of us completely surrendered over to Him alone. We have been justified and made blameless by the blood of Christ. God is the One who has called us and what He began He will complete for He is the faithful and true (Revelation 19:11)* who does what He promises. God has said, “Be holy for I am holy.”(1 Peter 1:15-16) This is the essence of what it means to be set apart. It also means that we offer ourselves to God as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). However, even though God commands it of us, this is not something that we can do by ourselves or in our own strength. Like everything that God commands of us, He must also work it in us by His Holy Spirit and we must ask that He do so. For we must realize that such work is impossible for us, but that all things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26). Therefore, we pray, “Our Father, You have called us to be Yours, set aside for You that we might be conformed to the likeness of Christ and live our lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). For the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ who purchased us for this very reason, set us apart for Yourself that our whole selves would belong to You, dedicated to You, and used by You. Lord, call Your people out from the world to be separate (2nd Corinthians 6:16-18) and unite us to Yourself that all may see that we have been made holy by You. May we become a light in this darkness, a city on a hill (Matthew 5:13-15). May we so shine for You that the world may believe. Father, call Your children into a life of holiness – lived for You and seeking after You to the praise of Your glory and grace. Be glorified in us*, oh, our God, every day of our lives and from now through forever. Hear us now and for the sake of Your great name, answer us, oh, Lord. Amen.”
*See the song Take All of Me on the Faithwriters link.
1/29/07-1/31/07
It is God Himself who has set us apart for Him, and He desires to have all of us completely surrendered over to Him alone. We have been justified and made blameless by the blood of Christ. God is the One who has called us and what He began He will complete for He is the faithful and true (Revelation 19:11)* who does what He promises. God has said, “Be holy for I am holy.”(1 Peter 1:15-16) This is the essence of what it means to be set apart. It also means that we offer ourselves to God as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). However, even though God commands it of us, this is not something that we can do by ourselves or in our own strength. Like everything that God commands of us, He must also work it in us by His Holy Spirit and we must ask that He do so. For we must realize that such work is impossible for us, but that all things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26). Therefore, we pray, “Our Father, You have called us to be Yours, set aside for You that we might be conformed to the likeness of Christ and live our lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). For the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ who purchased us for this very reason, set us apart for Yourself that our whole selves would belong to You, dedicated to You, and used by You. Lord, call Your people out from the world to be separate (2nd Corinthians 6:16-18) and unite us to Yourself that all may see that we have been made holy by You. May we become a light in this darkness, a city on a hill (Matthew 5:13-15). May we so shine for You that the world may believe. Father, call Your children into a life of holiness – lived for You and seeking after You to the praise of Your glory and grace. Be glorified in us*, oh, our God, every day of our lives and from now through forever. Hear us now and for the sake of Your great name, answer us, oh, Lord. Amen.”
*See the song Take All of Me on the Faithwriters link.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
#42 The Lord Comes! Amen. - 1st Thessalonians 4:16-17
1st Thessalonians 4:16-17 NIV - For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
1/26/07-1/28/07
It is the Lord Himself who will once again come down from heaven for us. By His authority as God, He will raise from the dead those who are His and will also transform the bodies of the rest of us who still live, so that all those who are His will have glorious bodies like His resurrection body – immortal, imperishable, incorruptible (1st Cor.15:53-54). For He is the resurrection and the life, those who believe in Him will live even though they die (for they will be raised to life) and those who live and believe in Him will never die (John 11:25-26) (for they shall put on immortality). In this moment we will be fully like Him when we see Him as He is (1st John 3:2). And when He has called us home, then we will be with Him forever. For who shall separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35-39)? No one! We pray, “Lord Jesus, may all Your people look and long for Your return with expectant hearts. Till then, may we live lives holy and blameless – set apart for You. Then we will be confident and unashamed before You when You come (1st John 2:28). Lord, teach us to store up treasure in heaven that our heart may be there (Matthew 6:19-21) with You. So that when the call comes, there will be no hesitation in us, nothing to make us cling to this world. But Lord, may we truly cling to You alone. You are all we need, may You be our hearts true desire. We pray Thy kingdom come, and we pray Thy will be done, in our lives and hearts and every place You are*. May we so long for You that Your promises of our future with You stir our souls to cry out – Amen! Come Lord Jesus!(Revelation 22:20) For the sake of Your name, let it be even so.”
*See the song Coming Back on the Faithwriters link.
1/26/07-1/28/07
It is the Lord Himself who will once again come down from heaven for us. By His authority as God, He will raise from the dead those who are His and will also transform the bodies of the rest of us who still live, so that all those who are His will have glorious bodies like His resurrection body – immortal, imperishable, incorruptible (1st Cor.15:53-54). For He is the resurrection and the life, those who believe in Him will live even though they die (for they will be raised to life) and those who live and believe in Him will never die (John 11:25-26) (for they shall put on immortality). In this moment we will be fully like Him when we see Him as He is (1st John 3:2). And when He has called us home, then we will be with Him forever. For who shall separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35-39)? No one! We pray, “Lord Jesus, may all Your people look and long for Your return with expectant hearts. Till then, may we live lives holy and blameless – set apart for You. Then we will be confident and unashamed before You when You come (1st John 2:28). Lord, teach us to store up treasure in heaven that our heart may be there (Matthew 6:19-21) with You. So that when the call comes, there will be no hesitation in us, nothing to make us cling to this world. But Lord, may we truly cling to You alone. You are all we need, may You be our hearts true desire. We pray Thy kingdom come, and we pray Thy will be done, in our lives and hearts and every place You are*. May we so long for You that Your promises of our future with You stir our souls to cry out – Amen! Come Lord Jesus!(Revelation 22:20) For the sake of Your name, let it be even so.”
*See the song Coming Back on the Faithwriters link.
#41 Colossians 3:23-24 NLV
Colossians 3:23-24 NLV
Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men. Remember that you will get your reward from the Lord. He will give you what you should receive. You are working for the Lord Christ.
1/23/07-1/25/07
To do everything for the Lord implies doing your best at any job whether or not there is someone there to see and reward us for it – God sees and He will reward us. This is similar to the call to in everything, whether eating or drinking, do all to the glory of God. (1st Cor. 10:31) For if we will work hard and honestly in our jobs as for the Lord, then we will bring glory to God by living such good lives among the unbelievers that they see our good deeds and glorify God. (1st Peter 2:12) The way we do ours works is a testimony and a witness to the world of the truth of God in our lives. We pray, “Father, help us to remember that we do everything for You and that You see and You reward us. Lord, may we live all our lives for Your glory – every day that we stand, every breath that we breathe* by Your power and Your grace. Amen.”
*See the song All For Your Glory on the Faithwriters link.
Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men. Remember that you will get your reward from the Lord. He will give you what you should receive. You are working for the Lord Christ.
1/23/07-1/25/07
To do everything for the Lord implies doing your best at any job whether or not there is someone there to see and reward us for it – God sees and He will reward us. This is similar to the call to in everything, whether eating or drinking, do all to the glory of God. (1st Cor. 10:31) For if we will work hard and honestly in our jobs as for the Lord, then we will bring glory to God by living such good lives among the unbelievers that they see our good deeds and glorify God. (1st Peter 2:12) The way we do ours works is a testimony and a witness to the world of the truth of God in our lives. We pray, “Father, help us to remember that we do everything for You and that You see and You reward us. Lord, may we live all our lives for Your glory – every day that we stand, every breath that we breathe* by Your power and Your grace. Amen.”
*See the song All For Your Glory on the Faithwriters link.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
# 40 Colossians 1:22 NLT
Colossians 1:22 NLT
Yet now He has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in His own, physical body. As a result, He has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault.
1/20/07-1/2207
When we were enemies of God, He took the burden upon Himself to make a way for us to come back to Him through the life and death of Christ – God made flesh, human. As scripture says, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Since we are now made right with God if we trust Christ for salvation, we can come freely into His presence. Indeed, Christ calls us and draws us into the very presence of God. We no longer need to fear His holy presence because the blood of Christ has washed us clean so that we stand before God pure and blameless* with the righteousness of Christ covering us. For this reason we can be confident and not shrink back from Him in shame. (1st John 2:28) We can be confident in Him, trusting in the atoning work of Christ to have cleansed us from all unrighteousness. (1st John 1:9) May we pray, “Thank You, God, for making a way to bring us to Yourself, into Your holy presence washed clean and made pure*. May we come to You boldly confident in Your work in us and for us, drawing us to You. Lord, fill our hearts with the desire to come and draw near to You, to long to come and stand before You that we may fall at Your feet – not in fear or shame, but in love, thanksgiving, and worship. Help us to live every moment of every day in Your wondrous presence, remembering that it is Your love and sacrifice that has brought us near to You. All glory and praise be to You – God of saving grace and boundless love! Keep us by the power of Your name. Amen.”
*See the song Every Day of Forever on the Faithwriters link.
Yet now He has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in His own, physical body. As a result, He has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault.
1/20/07-1/2207
When we were enemies of God, He took the burden upon Himself to make a way for us to come back to Him through the life and death of Christ – God made flesh, human. As scripture says, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Since we are now made right with God if we trust Christ for salvation, we can come freely into His presence. Indeed, Christ calls us and draws us into the very presence of God. We no longer need to fear His holy presence because the blood of Christ has washed us clean so that we stand before God pure and blameless* with the righteousness of Christ covering us. For this reason we can be confident and not shrink back from Him in shame. (1st John 2:28) We can be confident in Him, trusting in the atoning work of Christ to have cleansed us from all unrighteousness. (1st John 1:9) May we pray, “Thank You, God, for making a way to bring us to Yourself, into Your holy presence washed clean and made pure*. May we come to You boldly confident in Your work in us and for us, drawing us to You. Lord, fill our hearts with the desire to come and draw near to You, to long to come and stand before You that we may fall at Your feet – not in fear or shame, but in love, thanksgiving, and worship. Help us to live every moment of every day in Your wondrous presence, remembering that it is Your love and sacrifice that has brought us near to You. All glory and praise be to You – God of saving grace and boundless love! Keep us by the power of Your name. Amen.”
*See the song Every Day of Forever on the Faithwriters link.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
# 39 Colossians 1:18-20 NLV/NLT
Colossians 1:18-20 NLV/NLT
Christ is the head of the church which is His body. He is the beginning of all things. He is the first to be raised from the dead. He is to have first place in everything. For God in all His fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to Himself. Everything in heaven and on earth can come to God because of Christ's death on the cross. Christ's blood has made peace.
1/17/07-1/19/07
As the Church, we are all a part of Christ, united to Him and each other as His body. He is the head which controls and directs each member. Christ was and is fully God and fully human and because of this, He was able to bring us to God and make us right with God through His death on the cross. Therefore, let us give Him His rightful place – first in everything, in every area of our lives, and over us. Let us remember that we are united to every believer as the body of Christ. So we should treat each other as members of our family and parts of our body – with love, gentleness, respect, and concerned interest. If we will view ourselves as a part of a whole and allow Jesus to control us, then Christ as the head of the Church will direct us in harmony and unity and will lead us into true fellowship with Him and each other. Let us pray, “Christ Jesus, may You have first place in our lives and hearts. Help us to understand what it means to be united to You and united to each other through You. Lord, even on Your way to the cross You spoke of our unity with You and prayed that we would be united with each other so that the world would see the truth about who You are*. As it was so important to You, may it be as important to us. Lord Jesus, may we pray the prayer You prayed and in Your name: Make us one, God, united in You and to You*. Amen.”
*See the song The Unity of the Redeemed on the Faithwriters link.
Christ is the head of the church which is His body. He is the beginning of all things. He is the first to be raised from the dead. He is to have first place in everything. For God in all His fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to Himself. Everything in heaven and on earth can come to God because of Christ's death on the cross. Christ's blood has made peace.
1/17/07-1/19/07
As the Church, we are all a part of Christ, united to Him and each other as His body. He is the head which controls and directs each member. Christ was and is fully God and fully human and because of this, He was able to bring us to God and make us right with God through His death on the cross. Therefore, let us give Him His rightful place – first in everything, in every area of our lives, and over us. Let us remember that we are united to every believer as the body of Christ. So we should treat each other as members of our family and parts of our body – with love, gentleness, respect, and concerned interest. If we will view ourselves as a part of a whole and allow Jesus to control us, then Christ as the head of the Church will direct us in harmony and unity and will lead us into true fellowship with Him and each other. Let us pray, “Christ Jesus, may You have first place in our lives and hearts. Help us to understand what it means to be united to You and united to each other through You. Lord, even on Your way to the cross You spoke of our unity with You and prayed that we would be united with each other so that the world would see the truth about who You are*. As it was so important to You, may it be as important to us. Lord Jesus, may we pray the prayer You prayed and in Your name: Make us one, God, united in You and to You*. Amen.”
*See the song The Unity of the Redeemed on the Faithwriters link.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
#38 Colossians 1:15-17 NLT
Colossians 1:15-17 NLT
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through Him and for Him. He existed before anything else, and He holds all creation together.
1/14/07-1/16/07
Through the life of Christ and the things He did while on this earth, we can see what God is like since Jesus was “God with us”. If we will study the things that Jesus did and said while here, we come to know His heart - the heart of God. Jesus healed those He chose to and taught those who would listen and wept over the fate of the unbelieving. He was also angry over the hypocritical religious life of the scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees, and the priests. We can see then how God will heal according to His will and our faith, how He will teach and bring light to those who desire to hear the truth and grow in the light, how even though God punishes the wicked and unbelieving He does not want any to perish but everyone to come to repentance, and how He is still angry with those who twist His words and the way of salvation and keep people from being saved by living inconsistently with their religious beliefs, thus maligning the true way. Jesus, since He is God, is creator of all and is therefore supreme master and unquestioned Lord. All things were made by His power and all things were made for His glory and will be seen to bring Him glory in the end. We pray, “Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to earth and allowing us to see what God is really like, for displaying the heart of God for all those who want to know who You are. As we read or listen to the account of You life here, help us to keep our hearts open to understanding who You are. May we listen to Your words and desire to grow in Your light, and help us to be true followers of You not hypocrites or “religious people” but keep us in close relationship with You as true believers that we would not break Your heart or provoke Your anger. Christ, may You be undisputed Lord of us who call upon Your name. May You be master of all of our lives. Lord, we desire to bring glory to Your name for we were made by You and we were made for this very reason: to bring glory to You by embracing Your gift of grace and by proclaiming Your worth through our desire to know and draw near to You. You are worthy of all praise, glory, honor, and power. Thank You for being who You are and for choosing to reveal Your self to us that we might know You. May You be all our heart’s desire. Amen.”
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through Him and for Him. He existed before anything else, and He holds all creation together.
1/14/07-1/16/07
Through the life of Christ and the things He did while on this earth, we can see what God is like since Jesus was “God with us”. If we will study the things that Jesus did and said while here, we come to know His heart - the heart of God. Jesus healed those He chose to and taught those who would listen and wept over the fate of the unbelieving. He was also angry over the hypocritical religious life of the scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees, and the priests. We can see then how God will heal according to His will and our faith, how He will teach and bring light to those who desire to hear the truth and grow in the light, how even though God punishes the wicked and unbelieving He does not want any to perish but everyone to come to repentance, and how He is still angry with those who twist His words and the way of salvation and keep people from being saved by living inconsistently with their religious beliefs, thus maligning the true way. Jesus, since He is God, is creator of all and is therefore supreme master and unquestioned Lord. All things were made by His power and all things were made for His glory and will be seen to bring Him glory in the end. We pray, “Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to earth and allowing us to see what God is really like, for displaying the heart of God for all those who want to know who You are. As we read or listen to the account of You life here, help us to keep our hearts open to understanding who You are. May we listen to Your words and desire to grow in Your light, and help us to be true followers of You not hypocrites or “religious people” but keep us in close relationship with You as true believers that we would not break Your heart or provoke Your anger. Christ, may You be undisputed Lord of us who call upon Your name. May You be master of all of our lives. Lord, we desire to bring glory to Your name for we were made by You and we were made for this very reason: to bring glory to You by embracing Your gift of grace and by proclaiming Your worth through our desire to know and draw near to You. You are worthy of all praise, glory, honor, and power. Thank You for being who You are and for choosing to reveal Your self to us that we might know You. May You be all our heart’s desire. Amen.”
Sunday, January 14, 2007
# 37 Philippians 3:7-9 NLV
Philippians 3:7-9 NLV
But I gave up those things that were so important to me for Christ. Even more than that, I think of everything as worth nothing. It is so much better to know Christ Jesus my Lord. I have lost everything for Him. And I think of these things as worth nothing so that I can have Christ. I want to be as one with Him. I could not be right with God by what the Law said I must do. I was made right with God by faith in Christ.
1/11/07-1/13/07
Knowing Christ is more important than anything else we could ever have or do. Nothing else could ever compare and anything else, if it is apart from Him, is worthless. Therefore, let us give up everything that is not for Him. Let us examine all the books we read, the movies we watch, the games we play, the music we listen to, and the motive behind all that we do. If it is not for Him and all about Him then what good is it? If only we would do everything with this motive: to please Him, to draw closer to Him, to bring glory to His name. He is worthy of the focus of all our life for when we were still enemies, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8) and we are now made right with God by faith in Christ. Therefore, let us offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), let us offer the parts of our bodies to Him as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:11-13). Let us separate ourselves from the standards of this world and cling to God’s standards. Let us pray, “Lord Jesus, help us to see that anything in our lives that is not for You, about You, is worthless. Help us to cast all aside that we might focus on You and fill our lives with You. May we see that this abandonment of the “innocent” things of this world in order to draw closer to You, is the only proper response to all You’ve done for us and all You are to us. Oh, Lord, may we now surrender all to You whether sin, or “innocent” distractions, or deep rooted fears. For You are worthy of all obedience, all love and attention and devotion, and all trust. God, set us apart as Yours for the glory of Your name and for Your joy and our joy. May we find our all in You, may we be so lost in You that we find ourselves to be complete* in You. That we may say without hesitation or reservation, “more than all the world, oh God, I want You!*” Amen.”
*See the song God, I Want You on the Faithwriters link.
But I gave up those things that were so important to me for Christ. Even more than that, I think of everything as worth nothing. It is so much better to know Christ Jesus my Lord. I have lost everything for Him. And I think of these things as worth nothing so that I can have Christ. I want to be as one with Him. I could not be right with God by what the Law said I must do. I was made right with God by faith in Christ.
1/11/07-1/13/07
Knowing Christ is more important than anything else we could ever have or do. Nothing else could ever compare and anything else, if it is apart from Him, is worthless. Therefore, let us give up everything that is not for Him. Let us examine all the books we read, the movies we watch, the games we play, the music we listen to, and the motive behind all that we do. If it is not for Him and all about Him then what good is it? If only we would do everything with this motive: to please Him, to draw closer to Him, to bring glory to His name. He is worthy of the focus of all our life for when we were still enemies, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8) and we are now made right with God by faith in Christ. Therefore, let us offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), let us offer the parts of our bodies to Him as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:11-13). Let us separate ourselves from the standards of this world and cling to God’s standards. Let us pray, “Lord Jesus, help us to see that anything in our lives that is not for You, about You, is worthless. Help us to cast all aside that we might focus on You and fill our lives with You. May we see that this abandonment of the “innocent” things of this world in order to draw closer to You, is the only proper response to all You’ve done for us and all You are to us. Oh, Lord, may we now surrender all to You whether sin, or “innocent” distractions, or deep rooted fears. For You are worthy of all obedience, all love and attention and devotion, and all trust. God, set us apart as Yours for the glory of Your name and for Your joy and our joy. May we find our all in You, may we be so lost in You that we find ourselves to be complete* in You. That we may say without hesitation or reservation, “more than all the world, oh God, I want You!*” Amen.”
*See the song God, I Want You on the Faithwriters link.
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