Comforting

I am so thankful for the comfort God provides through our trials. This doesn’t mean that we will always have warm fuzzies and happy emotions. However, God knows how to provide Bible verses, hugs from friends, and many other joys that bring comfort.

One reason for the comfort is to pass that along to others. We know from experience how precious it is to receive comfort. What could be better than give the same to others?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the comfort you provide. Please give us the strength and joy to pass that comfort to others.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

God Loves First

I am so thankful for God’s love. I believe this is a huge concept that we cannot fully understand. However, reading God’s Word and seeking to live it helps move us towards a deeper knowledge of God’s love. In today’s verses, we see that God’s love should move us to love others. This can be challenging since flawed human beings can be hard to love. However, God gives us many verses to help us through the challenges.

As we spend time in the Bible and in prayer, we will gain the help we need to learn more about God’s love and sharing it with others.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us even though we don’t deserve it. Please help us to work towards a deeper knowledge of Your love and the best way to show love to others.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

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.

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.

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.