Category: Scripture

Worthy of the Gospel

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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.

How We Love

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Last week I wrote about John 15:12 which tells us to love as Jesus loved. 1 John 4:19 tells us more about how we love. We love because God loved us first. There is no way that I can love others in my own ability. I am more likely to put myself first. We need the reminder that God loving us is the only way we can love others.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so we could love others. Please help us to remember that You are the only way we can love.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Giving Incomprehensible Love

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This verse is a bit daunting to me. Trying to love as God loves is a tall order. I am glad that God tells us how. John 15 tells me that I need to abide in God to be able to obey His commands. I know God’s Word is powerful, but I am still often amazed at what God gives.

I pray you have a love for God’s Word and the desire to read and study as much as possible. We cannot obey God’s commands without consistently abiding in Him.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the Bible. Thank You for the guidance from Your words to us. Please help us to remember that we can’t love others appropriately without abiding in You.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

My Identity or God’s?

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This year I have been talking about personal identity. We have so much confusion in our culture today. I want to direct my reader’s thinking towards what God says. In this passage the apostle Paul talks about some of his experiences with the Ephesian believers. While Paul did many things, in verse 24 he directs the reader’s attention to the Lord. Paul considered his life to be in last place and service to Jesus to be first.

Our culture pushes a “me first” identity. Sadly as believers we sometimes choose this thinking. We need to remember that me, myself and I should be in last place. Our energy should be more focused on the things of the Lord. How do we do that? Study God’s Word, pray and spend time with people who will pray with you and direct your thinking to God.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us examples like Paul who had proper priorities. Please help us to follow his example and make our lives about You.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Weak Groanings

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 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called he also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified.

Last week I talked about how I must believe that God will give wisdom. I know that can be a weakness for me. I am thankful for this passage in Romans that tells me the Holy Spirit intercedes for me when I don’t know what to pray. He gives support to help in my greatest time of need.

I know there are times that my faith can be weak. God has provided help for those of us who have trusted in Jesus Christ. God gives what I need.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Spirit to help me when I don’t know how to pray. I cling to that promise. May Your name be praised for this marvelous gift.

I praise this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.