One of the challenges of studying the Bible is defining the terms as God intended. We are prone to putting our own definitions to the words. Jesus’ example prayer tells us to ask God for our “daily bread”. This is talking about the basic needs of life. I’m sure there is debate about what needs really are.
We can ask confidently for our needs according to Jesus’ example prayer. We know God will answer according to today’s verse. As we humble ourselves before God, He will direct our prayers to ask for what is truly needed.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing our needs. Thank You for sharing Your riches with us. Please guide our prayers to be humble in asking for our needs.
There is loads of trouble in this world. Reading and watching the news gives us the specifics. I am so thankful that God has overcome the world. This is a huge benefit of living life on God’s side.
I like how Corrie Ten Boom viewed tribulation. “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.”
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for overcoming the world. Please help us to look to You as we navigate the tribulation in this world. We need You to help us rest.
I was the recipient of good this week. A friend from church sold me a nice vehicle that was an upgrade from my previous vehicle. I appreciate that I can trust the seller – knowing this family’s faith in God. We can’t always trust people in society today. I am extra thankful when I know someone who is honest.
God gives us a command to do good to everyone. However, God gives an emphasis on those who are a part of God’s family. I am grateful when God’s family does good for me. I want to watch for opportunities to do good to others. It frequently starts with prayer.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing a new to me vehicle through my fellow believer. Please help me to share good with others as opportunities arise. Thank You for blessings through other believers.
We live in a world who wants worth to be whatever we want it to be. The truth is our value is because we are made in the image of God. There is no greater worth that people can know.
I typically write this blog for people who have a personal relationship with God. I wonder if anyone reads who doesn’t know what it is like to know who God really is. There are many ways to learn about God – there is only one to know Him personally. If you want to learn more start reading the book of Mark in the Bible. See who Jesus is. He can be trusted – the Bible can be trusted. You will learn the truth. If something is confusing ask God to help and find a church that can teach you the Bible. I can assure you that the greatest joy you can find is knowing who God really is.
Dear Heavenly Father, I’m not sure who will read this post or what they will do with this. I pray that someone will choose to find out Who You are. Please help me to share the truth of the gospel with others including reminding those who know You to continue to trust in You each day.
The last three weeks I have had to fight fear over a “lump” that I found. This felt similar to what I had 2 ½ years ago. I had visions of surgery and potentially other treatment. As I made diagnostic appointments (and waited about 1 ½ weeks to go to the appointments), I chose this verse. There is worry involved in medical issues. I had to pray my way through allowing God whatever He chose.
Praise the Lord, he allowed me to only have 2 cysts and a non-malignant spot. No surgery or medical treatment needed. I am grateful for God’s kindness in allowing this news.
I have prayed many times in recent years that I am willing and able to endure whatever God asks of me. I was wrestling with that prayer before finding out the prognosis. I appreciate these verses. Seeking God helps deliver us from our fears. I know that I can feel shame as I wrestle with my fears – verse 5 reminds us that we can be radiant and unashamed as we look to God.
The simple reminder is to seek God and I can be delivered. The difficult reality is that I need to keep working hard to give my fears and worries to God and leave them there. I am glad God is patient and kind in providing for my weakness.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for closing this chapter in health issues. Please help me to continue to give all of my fears to You. Please help me to encourage others to do the same.
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:19-25
I love this passage of Scripture. It reminds children of God that we have confidence in going to our Heavenly Father. Verse 23 is my favorite part – I need to hold fast and God is faithful. I know there are many times I don’t feel as though I can hold without wavering. Yet my loving, heavenly Father is faithful – unwavering.
One help God has provided is other believers. Verses 24-25 tell us what we are to do for each other. God knows we cannot be faithful without other believers. We need to be a network of strength for each other. The end of verse 25 tells us that we need to encourage one another more as time goes on. We need to read and study God’s Word and encourage each other with what we have learned. The more difficult life gets, the more we need to band together – holding each other up.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for giving us instruction in Your Word. Please help us to hold fast and encourage each other to do the same. Please draw us nearer to You each day.
Pleading in Prayer 