1 John 4: 18~ There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Fear comes in many forms. Some of these fears are true, some are made up, and still others don't make sense. As Christians, we don't have to worry about judgment, which is the most important thing that will happen to us. God's love saves us, gives us strength, blesses us, works in us, and touches other people through... moreGood night brothers and sisters
1 John 4: 18~ There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Fear comes in many forms. Some of these fears are true, some are made up, and still others don't make sense. As Christians, we don't have to worry about judgment, which is the most important thing that will happen to us. God's love saves us, gives us strength, blesses us, works in us, and touches other people through us. Most importantly, having experienced this love, we know where we stand with God and can let go of fear. He is our loving Father who wants to bring us home.
Prayer: God, you are holy, mighty, and awesome. Your strength is great. You are holy beyond comparison. When you deal with your people, you are good and fair. Most of all, I thank you, dear Father, because you don't treat me as my sins deserve. No, O God, you treat me with kindness and bless me with your grace that saves and changes me. Your love gives me the courage to live for you and to look forward to the day when I will stand in front of you. Until then, I want to thank and praise you. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.
Luke 5:5~ And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
The contrast or tension between our worldly masters and our ultimate ... moreGood morning brothers and sisters
Luke 5:5~ And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
The contrast or tension between our worldly masters and our ultimate devotion to the Lord. These two things may not always be in conflict, so our obedience to both can be considered harmonious, even beneficial. But perhaps more often times than not, there is a disconnect between the two, just as in Christs' own time. The law of man is important in helping us maintain social order, modeled imperfectly as it is on God's moral order. But it is not and never will be the Law; for God does not respect our borders and our small islands of land with their governments. God respects what dwells within the hearts of men, wherever they may be, delighting in a community that gives thanks to him.
Prayer: Father of all men, share with us your wisdom and love around the world. Bring your disciples together, following in the footsteps of Christ and unifying our hearts in a choir of praise. Let us not forget that our allegiance lies with your Law, Lord, beyond the vagaries of men, and let us not forget Lord, your prophets and Son, giving thanks to them, Amen.
Psalms 73:25~ Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
The earth is corrupt and full of temptation. The desire for riches, fame, and an extravagant lifestyle is common for most people. Christians see something more important than earthly things as our focus is on the Lord; He is our treasure, safe refuge, and precious friend. Nothing compares to His steadfast love and the peace we have in His presence. We will make it a priority to share the Gospel... morePsalms 73:25~ Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
The earth is corrupt and full of temptation. The desire for riches, fame, and an extravagant lifestyle is common for most people. Christians see something more important than earthly things as our focus is on the Lord; He is our treasure, safe refuge, and precious friend. Nothing compares to His steadfast love and the peace we have in His presence. We will make it a priority to share the Gospel with everyone so they too can see the value of life with God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You are more precious than silver and gold. Show us opportunities to guide others to You; we want them to experience salvation along with us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
James 1:13~ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
We often blame God for struggles in our lives. We feel that He does not care for us or isn't all-powerful. We ask why He isn't parting seas or moving mountains for us. Sometimes, it's tempting to blame God and stop trusting Him altogether. God does not tempt us to reject Him, and struggles occur because we live in an imperfect wor... moreGood night brothers and sisters
James 1:13~ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
We often blame God for struggles in our lives. We feel that He does not care for us or isn't all-powerful. We ask why He isn't parting seas or moving mountains for us. Sometimes, it's tempting to blame God and stop trusting Him altogether. God does not tempt us to reject Him, and struggles occur because we live in an imperfect world. God uses our hardships to grow closer to us by strengthening our character and faith. We will not blame Him for our difficulties. Instead, we will continue to praise His name and rest peacefully in His loving arms.
Prayer: Dear God, we struggle daily in this imperfect world. You are our hope in the darkness, and we will continue to lean on Your everlasting arms in comfort and peace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Isaiah 1:18~ Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Looking back there may seem to be mistakes and sins we've committed we may never be forgiven for. Even if, somehow, one is absolved by others, the shame of having committed them may cause such intense guilt that it turns to self-hatred, of feeling unworthy in the eyes of other... moreGood morning brothers and sisters
Isaiah 1:18~ Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Looking back there may seem to be mistakes and sins we've committed we may never be forgiven for. Even if, somehow, one is absolved by others, the shame of having committed them may cause such intense guilt that it turns to self-hatred, of feeling unworthy in the eyes of others. Yet, in front of the eyes of our Heavenly Father, we were and always will be naked. Our nature is sin, whilst Gods' is forgiveness. We cannot hide our misdeeds from Him; we can only be forgiven in confessing them. Only if we have the courage to trust in the mercy of our Lord, in admitting to our darkest wrongs, can we be made pure again.
Prayer: Merciful Father, who sees all that dwells within the heart, please wash my body of its scarlet sins, so that I may become pure as snow. Take my hand, and lead it to the Riverbanks of Jordon, wherein I may cleanse all my trespassings within the Holiest of waters. Bathe me in your mercy, so that I may emerge pure as a lamb, forever thankful, and forever in your debt. Amen.
James 1:6~ But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
God is willing to provide wisdom regarding the Word to anyone who asks. When we ask, we must do so with confidence that He is all-knowing and trustworthy. We cannot request His guidance if we do not genuinely believe. We must trust God; and no one else. In doing so, we will be ready to act on His words instead of doubting or see... moreGood night brothers and sisters
James 1:6~ But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
God is willing to provide wisdom regarding the Word to anyone who asks. When we ask, we must do so with confidence that He is all-knowing and trustworthy. We cannot request His guidance if we do not genuinely believe. We must trust God; and no one else. In doing so, we will be ready to act on His words instead of doubting or seeking a second opinion from a friend.
Prayer: Dear God, we seek Your wisdom in our studies and daily activities. We trust You and no one else to guide us according to Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Isaiah 6:3-4~ They called to each other and said,
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies!
The whole earth is filled with his glory."Their voices shook the foundations of the doorposts, and the temple filled with smoke.
In the hallowed halls where celestial beings dwell, a single utterance reverberated, causing the very foundations to tremble—not by the voice of the Almighty, but by an angel's proclamation. Such power held in a servant's cry, what then shall... moreGood morning brothers and sisters
Isaiah 6:3-4~ They called to each other and said,
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies!
The whole earth is filled with his glory."Their voices shook the foundations of the doorposts, and the temple filled with smoke.
In the hallowed halls where celestial beings dwell, a single utterance reverberated, causing the very foundations to tremble—not by the voice of the Almighty, but by an angel's proclamation. Such power held in a servant's cry, what then shall the earth endure when the Lord Himself declares His will?
We often approach worship with casual hearts, forgetting the majesty of the One we stand before. God, our friend, yet remains the Almighty, the Holy One. Recognizing His transcendent holiness rescues us from irreverent thoughts as we kneel in prayer. And yet, He invites us with open arms, to His throne of grace, where boldness and humility intertwine, empowered by Jesus, our Advocate.
In the divine dance of worship, as the angels exalted the Lord, the temple filled with God's manifest presence, the shekinah glory. Our worship, too, stirs the heavens, unveiling the Divine to the earnest seeker. Though the profound reality of God may evoke fear, as with Isaiah, let it also usher us into willing service for a world in need.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, how lightly I have regarded the sacred invitation to Your presence. Each moment of worship carries the potential to be kissed by Your Spirit. Teach me, Lord, to come before You with a heart both bold and humble, never forgetting the intercession of Christ at Your side. May my worship move Your heart as I seek to live out Your love and light in the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Matthew 2:1 ~ Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Trust Jesus and leave all behind. The Magi followed a star, shepherds left their flocks, and we must surrender our plans. He will provide meaning, meet our needs, and guide us. Let's trust and follow Him.
Prayer : Dear Lord Jesus, I am Your devoted follower. You are my Lord and I will put You first in my life. I wi... moreGood night brothers and sisters
Matthew 2:1 ~ Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Trust Jesus and leave all behind. The Magi followed a star, shepherds left their flocks, and we must surrender our plans. He will provide meaning, meet our needs, and guide us. Let's trust and follow Him.
Prayer : Dear Lord Jesus, I am Your devoted follower. You are my Lord and I will put You first in my life. I will give up all else to follow You. In Your name, Amen.
Romans 3:23-24~ For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
I constantly compare myself to Jesus Christ. Although I think that it is a good thing to contemplate how you live and compare it to Christ, it can also be very difficult. Jesus is the Son of God. It would be impossible for us to ever be as good as him because he was created without flaws. God sent him to ... moreGood morning brothers and sisters
Romans 3:23-24~ For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
I constantly compare myself to Jesus Christ. Although I think that it is a good thing to contemplate how you live and compare it to Christ, it can also be very difficult. Jesus is the Son of God. It would be impossible for us to ever be as good as him because he was created without flaws. God sent him to earth as a mortal man, as a sinner, so that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5: 21) It is an impossible standard to reach, but is there any other person that you would rather be more similar to?
Prayerivine God, powerful creator of both Heaven and earth, I pray that these words convey my sincere gratitude to you for sending Jesus to us. Forgive me, Father, for I am selfish and weak, acting directly against your heavenly mandate. I know that Jesus Christ has shown light on a darkened path, and I shall march forward on the path to heaven, where I hope to one day join you, O Lord. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Hebrews 12:2~ Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
I honestly believe that the world is in a state of crisis right now. There are more and more people turning away from God, and because of this, the hero that has sustained peace and love for thousands of years does not have the same reach that he once did.... moreGood morning brothers and sisters
Hebrews 12:2~ Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
I honestly believe that the world is in a state of crisis right now. There are more and more people turning away from God, and because of this, the hero that has sustained peace and love for thousands of years does not have the same reach that he once did. There is a hero vacuum, and people are looking for other places to live vicariously, wishing that they could be more like a superhero or a celebrity. We should all already have our superhero. He lived and died for our sins; he bore a cross in shame; he sits at the right hand of his Father, God in heaven. Do not look for other heroes when the mightiest of all already exists!
Prayer: Jesus, my hero and savior, why have I ever looked at other sources for motivation? Forgive me for this transgression. I am weak and did not fully think through my actions, unlike the actions of Christ. Precious Jesus, you knew the suffering and shame that you would endure on the cross, and you were still willing to bear it so that I could live. With this prayer I shall honor your suffering. I shall honor your life and death. I promise that I will do all in my power to spread the love that I have for you with others so that they may feel the same. I pray this in your holy name, Jesus Christ, my love, finisher of faith, and hero. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:4~ And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
We do not like to be wrong, and our egos become bruised when we stand corrected. The Bible provides details as to how we should conduct our lives so that we align with the will of God. We read the Word of God and gain wisdom regarding sins we need to remove from our lives. People who enjoy their sinful lifestyles don't want to hear they are wrong; they deflect fr... moreGood night brothers and sisters
2 Timothy 4:4~ And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
We do not like to be wrong, and our egos become bruised when we stand corrected. The Bible provides details as to how we should conduct our lives so that we align with the will of God. We read the Word of God and gain wisdom regarding sins we need to remove from our lives. People who enjoy their sinful lifestyles don't want to hear they are wrong; they deflect from the truth and do what they want to do instead of what God asks of them. We will continue to study the Word and understand truth from false prophecy.
Prayer: Dear God, please guide us as we read Scripture. We desire wisdom regarding the truth to remain in line with Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
