Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing Jesus as the bread of life. All of humanity needs to recognize the necessity of trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation from sins. Thank You that once we are saved we will always be saved. Please help those of us who have trusted in Jesus to share the good news with others. Please show the unsaved that they have a hunger for the bread of life so they can glorify Your name for all eternity.
I pray this in Jesus name.
God is so good.
Another Thanksgiving has come and gone. We are now “officially” in the Christmas season. I want to write about the truth of Christmas.
Humanity is on a path of animosity towards God. We seem to think we are worthy of worship. I don’t believe we are. I believe God is clearly worthy of worship. If you don’t believe that, please find out Who God truly is. Today’s verses talk about some of the benefits of God’s worthiness. God lavishes goodness on mankind.
Other passages tell us that He sent His Son, Jesus, to be born as a baby, grow to adulthood and die a horrible death on a cross. He rose from the dead to show triumph over the consequence of sin (death). This results in the gift of salvation. God has made this gift available to all. Have you accepted this gift? If you haven’t, will you today?
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the many ways You show Your steadfast love. Please help us to see Your worthiness.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
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.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
I’m not sure we think of forgiveness and encouragement in the same thought. However, when we confess our sins we can take comfort in God’s faithful forgiveness. This passage reminds us that to be honest, we need to admit to our sin. Sin damages our fellowship with God. Confession and forgiveness restores that fellowship. What a joy that should be to us.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of forgiveness. Please help us to remember the need to confess and seek Your forgiveness. We want to stay in a good relationship with You.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
I think as Americans we are used to having so much we don’t understand what “the riches of His grace” being lavished on us means. There are times when according to our definition, we go through famine. Material wise that might be true. This passage tells us of the lavish grace that gives us forgiveness. I wonder if we realize how big God’s forgiveness is. He doesn’t owe us forgiveness, but He gives freely and generously – a feast.
I am so thankful for God’s generosity. I will receive His forgiveness every time I ask (1 John 1:9).
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for lavishing forgiveness on those You have chosen. I am comforted by Your generosity. Please help me to keep the proper perspective on Your generous forgiveness.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
After the trouble we have seen the last couple of years, we might think we need to be saved from the troubles of life. The Israelites in Jesus’ day wanted a Savior. They had been told the Messiah was coming. The Bible records the prophecy such as Isaiah 7:14. What was missed at that time (and is now) is the fact that Jesus came to save people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). He did not come to save us from troubling circumstances. He came to save us from the wrong in us. I believe if more of us were aware of that need, we would have fewer troubling situations. However, too many reject Jesus Christ completely. Some of us after placing our trust in Jesus don’t live as though we know Him. I pray this Christmas season we learn more about Jesus and seek to show we know Him. This is the only salvation we need.
Dear Heavenly Father, we groan with the trials we have faced. Thank You for sending Jesus to save us from the burden and penalty of sin. Please help us to seek You more each day.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
I have talked the last couple weeks about trusting in Jesus Christ to save us from our sins. Some think that to have a relationship with God, there is a difficult formula to manage. No, it is very simple. Romans 10:9-10 tell us that it is as simple as confession (saying, “I’m sorry”) and belief that God has done what He says. Jesus did the hard work when He died on the cross. He took the penalty on Himself.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing such a simple way to have a relationship with You. You are worthy of all worship, but You made a way for us to come to You. I praise Your name.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
I have had a few responses from others who shared their favorite verse about thankfulness. Today I will share the verse my grandma sent to me.
If you read all of chapter 9, you will find the concept of cheerful giving. When we understand what God has done for us by sending Jesus Christ to die for our sins, cheerful giving is so much easier. The Bible tells us that we are sinners – the book of Romans shares a lot about that. We shouldn’t have too much trouble believing that when we look at the wrong all around us. But I believe if we are honest with ourselves, we can see wrong within us. That makes the joy of what God did greater. Who can express the joy? I am going to try throughout this month.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ to die for me. Thank You that everyone has the opportunity to know You and trust in Your Son. The gift of salvation is indescribable. I praise Your name!
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Pleading in Prayer 