Category: gospel

Boldly Ask

pleadinginprayerLeave a comment

We live in a world with many needs. The economy isn’t great, politics stink, families have struggles. Let’s face it – we have a mess. I am thankful that God provides help. If you read Hebrews 4:14-15 you will find that the help is meant for our weaknesses. Jesus was tempted in every way we are. He can sympathize with our struggle. His ability to avoid sin gives me more encouragement about His help. I just need to go boldly to Him to ask for help. I will receive compassion and kindness from the One Who died for me. This will help my weakness.

Dear Heavenly Father, we have so many struggles. Please remind us to come boldly to ask for help. Thank You that you will give generously.

I pray this in Jesus name.

God is so good.

Worthy and Worthwhile

pleadinginprayerLeave a comment

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.

The Death of Self

pleadinginprayerLeave a comment

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.

Worthy of the Gospel

pleadinginprayerLeave a comment

We live in an age where everyone is considered “worthy”. Webster’s dictionary defines worthy as “having worth or value”. We all want to be valuable. In Philippians 1:27, we are told to walk worthy of the gospel. The second part of the verse tells us how to be worthy. We need to stand firm in unity for the sake of the gospel. Everything in our lives need to point back to the good news of Jesus Christ.

I wonder if we would have more value if more of our lives were lived for the sake of the gospel.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the instructions You give in Your word. Please help us to live unified for the sake of the gospel. We need You to guide us.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Heavenly Minded

pleadinginprayerLeave a comment

Every now and then, I hear the saying, “Don’t be so heavenly minded you are no earthly good.” I think we need to define what that means. True heavenly mindedness is commanded in the Bible. Colossians 3 begins by telling us to “seek the things that are above”. 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:23 tell us everything needs to be for the honor and glory of God.

I think we know people who seem out of touch with the here and now. That may be true, but it doesn’t change the commands of the Bible. God has told us that He is to be the center of our lives. Everything I do should honor and glorify my Heavenly Father.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the instruction You provide in Your Word. Please help us to obey what You have commanded by living our lives only for You. Give us the strength we need.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Walking in Wisdom

pleadinginprayerLeave a comment

I fear as believers we sometimes assume we are walking in wisdom when we are not.  The apostle Paul reminded the Christians in Ephesus to walk as wise and to use time with that same wisdom.  Clearly, we all need to hear it. 

The best source of wisdom is God’s Word.  We need to continue to read and study the Bible to make sure we are “making the best use of the time”. Please, friends, don’t assume you are walking in wisdom.  Make sure by reading and studying the Bible, spending time in prayer and with believers who will encourage your spiritual growth.

Dear Heavenly Father, please guide me towards wisdom.  Please help me to put the continued effort towards becoming like Your Son. Please direct my path to believers who can help me and whom I can help.  I want more of You.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Chosen for Adoption

pleadinginprayerLeave a comment

The first blessing we see in Ephesians 1 is that of being chosen for adoption.  Looking at the culture in Israel during Bible times adoption is a great honor.  The first-born son would inherit everything.  God adopts us as first-born sons.  I’m not sure how well it translates into the American culture that I know so well.  In Bible culture this was a very high honor.  I want to allow that concept to warm my heart living in what is often a cold, dark (sin-cursed) world.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me to be an adopted child.  Thank You for the beauty of Your love.  Please help me to share this with those who know You chose them as well as those who have not learned of this wonderful gift.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Happy 2023

pleadinginprayerLeave a comment

Hello Friends, welcome to 2023 (tomorrow).  Each year I pick a theme for my blog.  2022 was wisdom/fear of God.  I spent much of the year in Proverbs.  For 2023 I want to focus on a Biblical self-image.  We live in a society that has an “it’s all about me” attitude.   We have added pressure on ourselves to measure up to an impossible and very selfish standard.  The Bible is the only place for us to gain freedom from this prison.

Most of my audience are people who claim a relationship with God based on the gospel (good news) of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection.  We need to make sure our life focus is based in the Bible.  I hope to help with that in my weekly posts.

Dear Heavenly Father, please guide me to share the truth of who we are in Christ.  Please let my words direct people to You.  Thank You for all You will do in the coming year.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Christmas Reminders

pleadinginprayer2 Comments

Last week, I mentioned the prophecy about Jesus Christ in Isaiah – He is Immanuel – God with us.  I think we get stuck on warm fuzzy thinking of God being with us.  The reason Jesus came was to save people from sins.  There is nothing warm and fuzzy about sin.  I think we struggle admitting the ugliness of sin in our lives.  Maybe that is why we have so much grumpiness during this Christmas season.

I wonder if the remedy for negativity is admitting our sin and asking Jesus to forgive us.  We might have more joy to share with others. I think it is worth a try. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus came to save us from our sins.  Please help us to admit our sin and ask forgiveness.  Thank You for the joy of being forgiven.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Thankfulness to Show the Gospel

pleadinginprayerLeave a comment

I chose the gospel as my word for this year. This verse is part of the reason why. I am thankful that God saved me from my sins through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. I want to live so others see how good God is. If people know the truth of Who God is, I believe we would see a drastic change in our world. The goodness of God overcomes the ugliness of sin.

Today I am thankful for the gospel and the difference it can make in our lives.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for providing the gospel through Jesus Christ. Thank You for being so good. Please help me to show Your goodness to others. I want others to see Your goodness in my life. I praise Your name.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.