Grace in Trouble
Category: Grace
Boldly Ask
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.
Faithful Love
Thankfulness and Love
The apostle Paul often opens his letters with thankfulness for the believers to whom he is writing. I like how Paul qualifies that thankfulness in this book. This is because of the love the Colossians had “for all the saints”. John 13:35 tells us that people will know we belong to Jesus by our “love for one another.” This tells us that love for other believers is very important.
Love doesn’t always come easily. We face many challenges. However, God is faithful to increase our love for Him and others through the challenges. He gives us His Spirit and His Word. And He gives us other believers with whom we can wrestle through the difficulties.
Dear Heavenly Father, please give us the wisdom we need to show all men that we are Yours. Guide us to love as You do.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Compassionate Love
The Encouragement of Forgiveness
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.
Don’t Give Up
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.
Anxiously Looking
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.
Encouragement
Welcome to 2024. In recent years, I have chosen a word for the year. I don’t always keep my blog posts to my word, but I try to stay close to the theme.
We live in difficult times. There are some specific situations friends and family have faced, but I also know we all need encouragement. My hope with this blog has been to encourage others to look to God’s Word for everything we need in life. God has given us all we need (2 Peter 1:3).
I pray this year that we spend more time focusing on Who God is and see the peace and hope He gives to us. Today’s verse talks about peace in believing and hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. I don’t think I want to live this year with anything else in the front of my mind.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the peace and hope You give. Please help us to focus on Your Word and the help You give.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Cannot be Described
I love this verse. Jesus humbled Himself to come to earth to be a sacrifice for us. That gift cannot be fully expressed with words. The best part – those of us who accept this gift will have all eternity to learn the beauty of this gift. I’m glad God allows us to start learning now.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the amazing gift that words cannot express. I am in awe of Your love.
I praise this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Pleading in Prayer 