I love the verses that remind us of God’s protection of those who have trusted in Him. These verses tell us that God will not forsake us. We will spend eternity with God after our bodies die. I look forward to that Day.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the promises You give. Please help us to turn away from evil and do good.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
I often see a general dislike for the concept of righteousness. Some in our world don’t seem to care about doing what is right, or we want to redefine what is right. Those who have read my blog know that I use the Bible as my standard of right and wrong.
In light of the ugliness I sometimes see it can be discouraging trying to obey God and do what is right. It can seem as though we are not making a difference. However, Jesus told His listeners that those who desire righteousness are blessed or have favor from God. This can seem lost on those in our world today, but those of us who seek righteousness will see the truth of what God has told us. I am thankful when God shows me His favor. I hope to learn more about watching for His work.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the favor You give to those who seek for righteousness. Please help us through the times it seems righteousness doesn’t matter. Please open our eyes to the blessings You readily give.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
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.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
I enjoy the 4th of July in the United States. I get the day off work, sometimes spending time with friends, and maybe enjoy some fun fireworks. I am thankful to have so much freedom in the country of my birth.
God provides freedom. We are free from the bondage of sin (unless we choose to give in). We have many choices in life that God allows us to make. Unfortunately, we sometimes use our God given freedom selfishly. Our freedom according to this verse is to be used to serve others. Some days that can be difficult. Others are not always fun to serve. However, I have learned that doing what God commands brings intense satisfaction. There is an internal freedom when my selfish wishes are not dictating my life. I’m not saying it is easy, but I know it is worth it.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the freedom You provide. Please help us to use that to serve others.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
God has given us information about what is good. God has given commands – commands that He has the right to give. This verse gives a simple list. Act justly. Love faithfulness. Walk humbly with God.
I’ll admit it is not always simple to follow those things. Pride in self interrupts other serving humility. Faithfulness requires hard work. Living justice when that is not what is happening around us can become tiring. However, God promises to be with those who trust in His Son. He promises the grace we need to obey His commands.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for telling us what is good. Thank You for providing the help we need to obey Your commands. I ask for strength to act justly, love faithfulness and walk humbly with You.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Many people worry about what the will of God is. We tend to think in terms of what job to take, whom to marry, what to do for vacation, etc. God gives us several specifics about His will, but not the way we tend to think. Today’s verses tell us the will of God. We are to “rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks”. These are not always easy to do. In fact, when life is tough they can be difficult. However, if it is the will of God, He will give us the strength to do these things.
Rejoicing can boost low spirits. Praying reminds us how much we need God. Giving thanks shows our appreciation for what God has and will do. All of these things will draw us closer to Christ as we follow God’s will.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for telling us what Your will is. Please give us the strength to rejoice, pray and give thanks no matter what our circumstances are. We know You are worthy of all these.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
We live in a world that seems to think “It’s all about me.” Sadly, even believers fall into this trap. We need to spend time with God daily asking Him to show us what we are selfishly holding back. If we do something good for our own benefit instead of the glory of God, I think we contradict this verse. Every part of our lives should be for our Heavenly Father.
This is easy to say, but hard to do. That is why we need to daily go to God to ask for help glorifying Him.
Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to do everything for Your honor and glory. We know you are deserving of glory. Thank You for giving us the opportunity to glorify you.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Those who have trusted in Jesus Christ have the opportunity to grow and mature. I appreciate Paul’s statement in verse 9 that he and Timothy are consistently praying for the believers in Colossae. Pray should be step number one in our spiritual maturity. We should pray to be “filled with the knowledge of His will” for ourselves and others. Then, we need to seek knowledge, wisdom and spiritual understanding.
The purpose? To “walk worthy of the Lord.” He is worthy to be pleased and we get to grow by “bearing fruit in every good work”. There is no greater purpose.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving the gift of prayer. Please help us to look to the knowledge and wisdom You have given. Please guide us to the greatest purpose of bearing fruit to please You.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Pleading in Prayer 