Monday - We have not because we ask not
“You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy” (John 16:24 NLT).
Asking for God's blessing is only the first part. Asking in His will is another and believing that He hears you and will answer is also a vital part.
We have not because we ask not.
Dear Lord, Your will, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. Amen.
Tuesday - Unleashing God's Plan
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago (Ephesians 2:10 NLT).
Not only did God save us from eternal hell by sending His Son on a rescue mission, but God has a plan for each of us. That plan can only be unleashed by Christ Jesus living in our hearts.
Are you ready to be the masterpiece God created you to be?
Father God, sometimes we don't see ourselves as a masterpiece. A lot of the time we see ourselves as fallen, broken creatures, just existing and walking through life. Lord God, open the hearts and the minds of Your children so that we will see the masterpiece that You have created. Give us the faith that we need to be dependent on You, Lord. Help us to trust in You through the tough times. Father God, pick us up when we have fallen, lead us when we are blind, help us when we feel helpless. Lord, we give our lives to You. Do what You will with us and lead us down Your path of righteousness.
Father God, Your will, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. We ask in the mighty and matchless name of Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Wednesday - We Are Backsliders by Nature
So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it (Hebrews 2:1 NLT).
We must guard against sliding back into our old ways. It's very easy to do. Ole Satan does all he can to tempt us to do that backslide to disaster. He loves to see a man or woman fall back into His grasp.
Put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and study His word. Remain in Him so He will remain in you.
God's word is truth. Depend on it. Do not depend on man’s opinions. Thanks be to God. He has provided the true and only path, Jesus Christ.
Father, pull us back into Your full grasp. We ask in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
Thursday - Choose the Light
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12 NLT).
I ask each of you, do you want to live in the light or live in the shadows of darkness? It's your choice.
Please understand that when you live in darkness, you will not find the right path. You will not be able to see the danger. You will not be able to find the true life that is offered to you by our loving God. If you live in His Light, all things are possible. His love is limitless.
Lord, open the eyes of those that are living in darkness and expose them to Your light. Amen.
Friday - Only One Place to Turn
The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe (Proverbs 18:10 NLT).
When you are scared, under attack, beat down, or just need a place to hide, remember God is there.
Father God, there are a lot of my friends that are being beaten up by this world. Stuff is just going on that's crazy in their lives. Some of the stuff is self-inflicted but some are inflicted by others. Some stuff that is whipping them is just plain ole life like health issues, etc. Whatever is beating them down, I pray that You will touch them and let them know You are there and will never leave them. Draw the lost ones back to You and strengthen those that are Your children. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
Saturday - Stumbling Around Life
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past (Psalm 25:4-6 NLT).
Are you worn out with the life that you are living? Are you just tired?
There is a right path for us to take, but when we are blinded by the sin in our lives, it's hard to see through the fog. We live in a world that tells us it's okay to continue living in our sin, but we have a God that tells us that our sin leads directly to destruction. So, how do we live, and live life more abundantly?
God's word provides us with a road map for life. Didn’t Jesus say He is the way, the truth, and the life in John 14:6? Isn't it time to get on the right path? Isn't it time to lay down the sin that is destroying you? God's plan for you is to prosper you and fill you with His love, mercy, and grace. God's plan is not only for our eternity, but it is also for our daily, earthly life. His word is as true today as it was when it was written.
Open, read, and study the GPS for life, God's word – the Holy Bible. This GPS is God's Positioning System!
Lord, bring us back to You and Your direction for our lives. Let us lay down our sin and pick up Your cross. Help us to be steadfast in turning away from sin and looking to You for all that we need. Lord, we love You. Help us, Lord God. We ask and pray in the mighty name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Sunday - God's Timing, Not Ours
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions (Galatians 5:16-17 NLT).
Life is full of choices, good and bad. When you are dealing with issues, try leaving them in God's capable hands. Ask Him to lead you through the trials and deliver you from the sin, bad choices, junk in your life.
Is it easy? No, not at first. But when you see that God hears our faithful hearts and answers us, in His perfect timing, we begin to fully rely on Him. Remember, God works on His timetable and not ours. Don't get impatient or think He is not hearing your needs. You must continue to trust in Him and have faith in His provisions.
God gives us free will so we can make our own choices. He never forces Himself on us. We can make our choices that include Him or not. I know, personally, what works best in my life. Thanks be to God.
Father God, help us to turn our lives over to You and stop pulling it away from Your hands. When we give our problems to You, let us leave them there and stop pulling them back, thinking we can do better. Father God, help us to know that You will answer prayer: “Yes, No, or Not Yet.” Help us to wait on You as Your timing is perfect. Thank You, Lord and we ask and pray this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
This article originally appeared on the Stand.
