Category: Bible

The Death of Self

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We don’t like to think about death. There is pain involved. This verse talks about being crucified with Christ. This isn’t literal, physical death. This is the death of our selfish sinfulness. While we feel pain with the death of self, we can know greater joy when allow Christ to take over. Remember as you face the pain of dying to self, there is greater joy to come.

Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to remember that salvation means we are “crucified with Christ”. Please help us to set our own desires aside for the desires of Christ. Thank you for the gift of Jesus.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Imitate and Worship

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This verse reminds us of some very important truths. People often imitate those they love, respect and/or worship. Believers are to imitate God. We have many examples to follow in the Bible. Jesus is the best example, the perfect example. Walking in love is a “sacrificial and fragrant offering to God”. There is no greater goal in life.

Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to imitate Your perfect example. Thank You for sending Jesus Christ to “love us and give Himself for us.” We acknowledge this incomprehensible gift.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

It Is Too Easy to Faint

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I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure I have given up more times than I can count. I am thankful God doesn’t give up. God gives us what we need to know in His word about how to do good and not grow weary.

I could write this blog for 100 years and not come close to covering what the Bible says. My hope is to encourage my readers to go to the Bible. We should spend our lives reading and studying what God has given. Not just a simple reading, but a prayerful consideration of the depths of knowledge available to us.

Dear Heavenly Father, we are weak and need the strength You provide to keep doing good in our weariness. We are tired and faint so easily. Please help us to live according to the strength You provide through the encouragement and commands in Your word.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Don’t Give Up

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We often see the words “Don’t Give Up” in motivational tools. In this passage Jesus tells us a story about not giving up. A widow goes to an unjust judge several times before he truly listens. However, eventually the judge gives in. The point of the story is that God who is the perfect judge will give help to those He loves as they cry out to Him.

Don’t give up. Keep asking God for help. Cry out to Him. He is waiting to listen and give help.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us to not give up. Please help us to endure in our asking.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Groanings

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Life is full of many difficult challenges. Health issues, relationship difficulties, there is a long list of possible problems we can face. The Bible gives us many things to pray, but sometimes our hearts are so overwhelmed words seem impossible. I am so thankful God provides help through the Holy Spirit. He knows what we ought to pray and turns our groanings into words.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit’s help when we cannot pray as we ought. Please help us remember the Holy Spirit is always available.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Wholehearted

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Sometimes as flawed human beings we put less than our best into what we do. Life is hard and we can give up. God tells us that we need to seek Him with all our heart. I don’t think this was an expectation of perfection – God knows we cannot be perfect. He asks for our effort – true wholehearted effort. God wants the best for us and He gives commands towards that end.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for lovingly telling us what is needed for life. Please help us to seek You with all our hearts.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Anxiously Looking

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Fear and anxiety is a part of life. We face so many difficulties and uncertainties. This passage is specifically for Israel, but I know God does not want us to fear (2 Timothy 1:7). God provides strength (1 Peter 4:11). God gives us the promises He so eloquently spoke to Israel. Those of us today can rest in the strength and help God gives.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful way You tell us to look to You. Please bring these reminders often. We need Your help to face the anxieties of life.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.