Monday
The Answer Is Jesus
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT).
Are you tired? Is your plate full of problems, anxiety, and sadness? Have you just about given up? Is work demanding more than you can give? Are you struggling financially or in relationships?
You know folks, this is part of the world we live in. Sometimes it's hard. It seems many times the best we can do just isn't good enough. There is an answer, that answer is to bring all your troubles, frustrations, problems, needs, and uneasiness to Jesus. When we lay our brokenness at the foot of the cross, we can find relief from the problems in life, focusing on the One who is the answer, the comforter, and our King.
Lord, thank you for healing our brokenness. Thank You for being our comforter and redeemer. We praise your mighty name. Amen.
Tuesday
Gambling on Salvation
One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:39-43 NLT).
I pray you won't gamble with your salvation until your last breath, as the thief on the cross did. I pray you will accept Jesus now and begin a new life with Him, today.
Isn't it great news to know Christ accepts us, even if it's just before we take our last breath on this earth?
That said, we never know when our last breath might come. It could be so sudden that we don't have time to cry out in belief before that breath. Are you really willing to take that chance? What about your family? Don't they deserve to know they will see you again in heaven? The thief's family never knew he had accepted Jesus, so they did not have the assurance of his eternity. Our family and friends deserve to know and not have to guess whether they will see us again.
Accept Christ today, declare Him your Lord and Savior then turn from your former life of sin and grow deep in being a new creation through Christ.
Lord God, Thank You for your rescue mission, to save us from ourselves and our sure destruction. Amen.
Wednesday
Only One Way
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT).
There is only one way to be made right with God so we might enter His presence. It is by accepting, His Son, Jesus Christ as our Savior. There is only one way to heaven, that's through Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord, we pray the lost see that they are truly lost, and they need you. We ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
Thursday
The Right Direction
Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow (Psalm 5:8 NLT).
Father God, hold us in your arms. Protect us from the troubles of this world. Shield us from Satan's attacks and lies. Direct us in the right direction; your way, not ours. Make clear your way because we often follow the wrong road. We trust in you, Lord. You will never fail us, even though we fail you daily. Forgive our ineptness and save us from ourselves. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Friday
Cleanse Us Lord
Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God (2 Corinthians 7:1 NLT).
Whatever is holding you back, give it to God. Let it go and move on. Maybe it's a physical problem or issue; maybe it's a spiritual issue. Whatever it is, put it in God's hands.
We must forgive and ask for forgiveness. Maybe we need to start the health plan that is desperately needed. Whatever is dragging us down whether in body or spirit, let it go. Lay your burdens at the foot of the Cross.
Each day has its own set of struggles. Isn't it time to let God use His mighty power in your life?
Dear Father, touch those who need help and direction. In Jesus' name, we ask and pray, amen.
Saturday
Jesus Has All Authority
(After the resurrection)
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18 NLT).
A. W. Tozer wrote: "Thankfully, the resurrection morning was only the beginning of a great, vast outreach that has never ended - and will not end until our Lord Jesus Christ comes back again."
Every Christian has been commissioned to take the gospel into the lost and dying world and proclaim God's amazing grace. It is not just what we are supposed to do, we are commanded by Jesus Christ to go and do this.
So, that sounds hard? No, it isn't! Just go and tell your story about how Jesus made a difference in your life. Tell what He did for you. Simple, short, sweet...just do it. That is all you have to do. You don't have to be a bible scholar or theologian, just a willing vessel who God will use to increase His kingdom.
Lord God, open the hearts, minds, and eyes of your children that they might tell their story and share your love, mercy, and grace with the lost and dying world. In Jesus' mighty name, amen.
Sunday
Make A Joyful Noise
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT).
Smile, you are a child of God. Jesus died for you. Christians, get that scowl off your face. God loves you.
Pray constantly. He hears your pleas. Remember to listen to Him. He will respond, more than likely you will hear Him in your heart.
Always give thanks. Everything is a gift from God.
His will – nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. Praise God!
Father, we praise you, for, from you, all blessings flow. In Jesus' mighty and matchless name, we pray. Amen.
This article first appeared on The Stand.
