Dear Heavenly Father, we often do not have endurance to continue the race. Thank You for the “cloud of witnesses” You tell us about in Your Word. Please help us to remove the obstacles that get in the way of running the race You have chosen for us. Please remind us to look to Jesus who started and perfects the faith. Thank You that Jesus endured the horrors of death on a cross for us. He deserves to sit “at the right hand of the throne of God”.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
I want to keep working on praying passages of Scripture. I know that we need to keep biblical principle in mind when we pray, but God gives us words that we can say in talking to Him. This passage shares what the apostle Paul was praying for the Philippian believers. I want to pray the same thing for the believers I know.
Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to continue to learn Your word to increase our love for You and others. Please guide us in wisdom so we can make the best choices to honor You and be “pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.”
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
I think this part of God’s will is often considered the same thing as suffering. Government overreach can be difficult to navigate. However, God tells us that we are to obey the government. The reason is to keep foolish people silent. Those who hate God want to silence those who seek to honor God. If we live appropriately, we will silence the critics. They will have nothing to say against us.
This can be hard to do, but is worth the effort. Those of us who have trusted in Jesus Christ have help from God to obey. He gives the strength needed to do what is right.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing authority to punish the evil. Please help us to obey the authority even when it is hard. Please help us to remember that You have a purpose for our obedience. We need Your strength to obey.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Too many times we want details about God’s will. What job should I have? Whom should I marry? What car should I buy? The Bible doesn’t go into the detail we tend to want. God does give us principles to use when asking those questions. One of the principles is to be filled with the Spirit. When a person trusts in Jesus Christ for salvation from sin, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us. The verb in this passage is passive. This isn’t something we do – although we can fight against the Holy Spirit’s work. Our passage today tells us that we need to walk in wisdom understanding God’s will.
This is one passage out of many that gives principles to follow when looking for God’s will. We need to keep searching Scripture to understand what God wants for our lives. Our decisions need to be driven by the work of the Holy Spirit, not our selfish desires. God’s way is always better.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us direction about Your will. Please help us to allow the work of the Holy Spirit so we can be wise. We need Your help.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
As we get full swing into 2025, I want to remember that there is work to do. God tells us to be diligent. The Bible tells us how to be “approved to God”. We need to work towards that goal.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the instruction and encouragement You give us in Your Word. Please help us to obey what You have commanded. There is nothing better.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
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.
Pleading in Prayer 