Monday - Life's Struggles, Made Easier
For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT).
Are you still struggling and fighting with life? Are you still wandering around in the darkness of this world?
Many times the glory we can experience in this world is overshadowed by the darkness we have allowed into our lives. Yes, there are wonderful things in this world, but those wonderful things get even better when you are walking in the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. Even the rough times of life are so much better when you have Jesus to lean on. What are you waiting for? Open your heart and see His glorious Light!
Dear Lord, I lift up all people who are struggling with life. I pray that they will accept you and find your peace and comfort even if they are in their earthly valleys. I ask in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday - Why Worry?
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT).
The Apostle Paul reminds us of a few things in today's Scripture. Don't worry. Pray. Give thanks. When you do this, you will experience His peace in your life.
I'm a firm believer in the fact that God hears our prayers. Does He answer all of our requests? I believe He does, but maybe not as we expected. His plans are perfect and our plans are flawed. Our plans are full of wants and earthly desires. His plans are to meet our needs, not necessarily our wants, albeit, many times He gives us our hearts desires. His plans are for the heavenly kingdom.
Trust in God. Your trust will always be honored.
Dear Lord, lead us into a strong prayer life and total trust in you. I ask and pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday - Sharing the Relationship
We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too (1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT).
As Christians, sometimes we forget how important it is not only to share the Gospel with people, but the need to share ourselves.
God wants a relationship with each of His children, so why do we not understand that God also wants us to be in a relationship with each other?
You see, God's perfect plan is all about having a relationship with each of us, through His Son, Jesus Christ. So, my brothers and sisters, don't stop at just sharing God's glorious Good News with people, go farther, share yourself and your life with them.
Father God, help us to be bold and stand tall on your Word. Help us to proclaim the gospel from the byways and highways, from the valleys to the mountain tops. Help us, Father, to never back down from your truth. In the mighty and matchless name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thursday - The Key to a Long Marriage
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).
I feel that after 44 years of marriage, this is the key to success. No, it hasn't been easy, but when things were going bad, I can reflect that it was because we weren't living this Scripture.
May each of you read and place these verses in your hearts. Not only for dealing with marriage issues but also in dealing with fellow man.
Dear Lord, etch these verses in our hearts. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Friday - Wisdom for Life
A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume. And the day you die is better than the day you are born (Ecclesiastes 7:1 NLT).
Just a couple of quick questions/statements today. I praise God today and always, because without Him, I would still be wandering around in the wilderness.
Do we realize how important our reputation is for us? We can have many things in life but a good reputation will go before us and will linger after we leave.
Another question: Are you living your life realizing that there is much more after our time on earth is done? Are you wrapping your arms around the greatest gift ever given, Jesus Christ?
Thank you, Lord, for blessing us beyond our ability to understand. Amen.
Saturday - God Releases His Great Light
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine (Isaiah 9:2 NLT).
A great Light shown upon the people, but many did not see it. They were so busy living in their brokenness and sin, they didn't notice there was a Light available to illuminate their path.
The reason they didn't see the great Light was that they didn't want to see it. They didn't want to seek that Light. Jesus said, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you” (Matt. 7:7 NLT).
But, many people did see that Light and found a life that is far better than can be described by human understanding. That Light is found by faith. That Light lives today. That Light is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Open your eyes, lost children, the great Light is among us. Seek Him, knock on His Door. It is promised that if we seek, we will find. If we knock, the door will be opened. Do it and change your life in the present situation and for eternity.
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).
Thank you Lord God for saving us from ourselves. In Jesus' mighty and matchless name. Amen.
Sunday - Armor Up!
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil (Ephesians 6:11 NLT).
Put on the armor of God and watch your sixes. It's fixing to get interesting in this broken world. The longer we suppress truth and glorify wrong, the more ground Satan gains.
Armor Up!
Dear Lord, we have read your Book and we know you win. Let us stand firm in your truth and glory. Amen.
This blog first appeared on The Stand.
