Thank God I'm Forgiven
Whenever we have ask God to forgive us for sin, we should ask ourselves "have I forgiven the people who have wronged me?"
The key is forgiving others is remembering how much God has forgiven you. Is it difficult for you to forgive someone who has wronged you a little when God has forgiven you so much?
Realizing God's infinite love and forgiveness can help you love and forgive others.
Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ. Ephesians 4:32
Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. Colossians 3:13
But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel. Have pity on others, just as your Father has pity on you. Jesus said: Don't judge others, and God won't judge you. Don't be hard on others, and God won't be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you. Luke 6:35-37
If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. But if you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15
Friday, June 24, 2005
Examine Yourselves
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15, NIV
It's time for self-examination.
Paul's Final Advice:
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test. I hope you recognize that we have passed the test and are approved by God.
We pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. We pray this, not to show that our ministry to you has been successful, but because we want you to do right even if we ourselves seem to have failed. Our responsibility is never to oppose the truth, but to stand for the truth at all times. We are glad to be weak, if you are really strong. What we pray for is your restoration to maturity.
I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won't need to deal harshly with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to build you up, not to tear you down.
Paul's Final Greetings
Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
Greet each other in Christian love. All the Christians here send you their greetings.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
2 Corinthians 13:5-14
Dear Father,
Help me to examine myself, to test myself, to see whether I am holding to my faith. Help me to realize that Jesus Christ is in me. Help me not to do anything wrong, to do nothing against the truth. Help me stand for Christ and for what is right and true. Let my life, my attitude and my actions show constant improvement. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ rest upon me. May you, the God of love and peace, be near me. May the fellowship of your Holy Spirit surround me.
In Jesus name I ask.
Amen
It's time for self-examination.
Paul's Final Advice:
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test. I hope you recognize that we have passed the test and are approved by God.
We pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. We pray this, not to show that our ministry to you has been successful, but because we want you to do right even if we ourselves seem to have failed. Our responsibility is never to oppose the truth, but to stand for the truth at all times. We are glad to be weak, if you are really strong. What we pray for is your restoration to maturity.
I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won't need to deal harshly with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to build you up, not to tear you down.
Paul's Final Greetings
Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
Greet each other in Christian love. All the Christians here send you their greetings.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
2 Corinthians 13:5-14
Dear Father,
Help me to examine myself, to test myself, to see whether I am holding to my faith. Help me to realize that Jesus Christ is in me. Help me not to do anything wrong, to do nothing against the truth. Help me stand for Christ and for what is right and true. Let my life, my attitude and my actions show constant improvement. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ rest upon me. May you, the God of love and peace, be near me. May the fellowship of your Holy Spirit surround me.
In Jesus name I ask.
Amen
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Jesus Prays For Himself
The Prayer of Jesus
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone in all the earth. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you told me to do. And now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began. John 17:1-5
From it, we learned that the world is a tremendous battleground where the forces under Satan's power and those under God's authority are at war. Jesus prayed for his disciples, including those of us who follow up today. He prayed that God would keep his chosen beleivers safe from Satan's power, setting them apart and making them pure and holy, uniting them through his truth.
How do we get eternal life? Jesus tells us clearly here - by knowing God the Father himself through his Son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ, when we admit our sin and turn away from it, Christ's love lives in us by the Holy Spirit.
Confess your sin..
listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! Nehemiah 1:6
Before Jesus came to earth, he was one with God. At this point when his mission on earth was almost finished, Jesus was asking his Father to restore him to his original place of honor and authority. Jesus resurrection and ascension - and Stephen's dying exclamation ( Acts 7:56 ) - attest that Jesus did return to his exalted at the right hand of God.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knee and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:59-60
Stephen saw the glory of God and Jesus the Messiah standing at God's right hand.
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone in all the earth. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you told me to do. And now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began. John 17:1-5
From it, we learned that the world is a tremendous battleground where the forces under Satan's power and those under God's authority are at war. Jesus prayed for his disciples, including those of us who follow up today. He prayed that God would keep his chosen beleivers safe from Satan's power, setting them apart and making them pure and holy, uniting them through his truth.
How do we get eternal life? Jesus tells us clearly here - by knowing God the Father himself through his Son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ, when we admit our sin and turn away from it, Christ's love lives in us by the Holy Spirit.
Confess your sin..
listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! Nehemiah 1:6
Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Psalm 32:5
But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done. Psalm 38:18I have sworn by my own name, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will confess allegiance to my name." Isaiah 45:23
For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Roman 10:9
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. James 5:16
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. 1 John 1:9
Before Jesus came to earth, he was one with God. At this point when his mission on earth was almost finished, Jesus was asking his Father to restore him to his original place of honor and authority. Jesus resurrection and ascension - and Stephen's dying exclamation ( Acts 7:56 ) - attest that Jesus did return to his exalted at the right hand of God.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knee and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:59-60
Stephen saw the glory of God and Jesus the Messiah standing at God's right hand.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Father's Day Prayer
Father's Day Prayer
Fathers are very special people and gifts from God. This is a special prayer for fathers.
God, bless all the fathers in the world. Guide them to be good role models and loving to all their children. Help them to be a father like You are. Give them grace and patience to handle situations in a loving way.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
Thank you for the love you've shown me.
Thank you for setting a good example for me.
Thank you for forgiving me when I did wrong.
Thank you for teaching me the lessons of life.
Thank you for helping me set goals.
Thank you for sharing in my accomplishments.
Thank you for providing for me.
Thank you for making my life easier.
Thank you for being my friend.
Thank you for caring about me.
Thank you for spending time with me.
Thank you for always being there when I need you.
Thank you for everything!
I love you, Dad!
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8
Fathers are very special people and gifts from God. This is a special prayer for fathers.
God, bless all the fathers in the world. Guide them to be good role models and loving to all their children. Help them to be a father like You are. Give them grace and patience to handle situations in a loving way.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
Thank you for the love you've shown me.
Thank you for setting a good example for me.
Thank you for forgiving me when I did wrong.
Thank you for teaching me the lessons of life.
Thank you for helping me set goals.
Thank you for sharing in my accomplishments.
Thank you for providing for me.
Thank you for making my life easier.
Thank you for being my friend.
Thank you for caring about me.
Thank you for spending time with me.
Thank you for always being there when I need you.
Thank you for everything!
I love you, Dad!
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8
Monday, June 13, 2005
In Your Prayer Life
What changes need to be made in your prayer life? How can you make worship a higher priority? Pray from your heart. With reverance.
We can never pray too much if your prayers are honest and sincere. Before you start to pray, make sure you mean what you say. It is not wrong to come to God many times with the same requests - Jesus encourages persistent prayers! But he condemns the shallow repetition of words that are not offered with a sincere heart.
Jesus said to his disciples -
When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.
Notice the order in this prayer. First, Jesus praised God then he made his requests. Praising God first put us in the right frame of mind to tell him about our needs. He made forgiveness the cornerstone of their relationship with God. God has forgiven our sins, we must now forgive those who have wronged us. Persistence in prayer overcomes our insensitivy, not God's. To practice persistence does more to change our hearts and minds than his and it helps us understand and express the intensity of our need. Persistence in prayer helps us recognize God's work.
We can never pray too much if your prayers are honest and sincere. Before you start to pray, make sure you mean what you say. It is not wrong to come to God many times with the same requests - Jesus encourages persistent prayers! But he condemns the shallow repetition of words that are not offered with a sincere heart.
Jesus said to his disciples -
When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.
Notice the order in this prayer. First, Jesus praised God then he made his requests. Praising God first put us in the right frame of mind to tell him about our needs. He made forgiveness the cornerstone of their relationship with God. God has forgiven our sins, we must now forgive those who have wronged us. Persistence in prayer overcomes our insensitivy, not God's. To practice persistence does more to change our hearts and minds than his and it helps us understand and express the intensity of our need. Persistence in prayer helps us recognize God's work.
Pray at home first. Make sure you are spending quality time alone with God daily in your own personal time of worship, prayer and fasting.. Do not allow the Church Prayer Meeting times to be your only time of prayer. Jesus warned us many times about those who love to stand before men and let their prayers be heard. Jesus called them hypocrites.
Enter the prayer room with good thoughts. Words of encouragements. Hope. Faith. Build up each other. Grumbling and complaining can set a bad tone.
Less Talking, More Praying. A prayer gathering is just a time to join together and pray. We have come together in a group to pray. Shared a few God stories filled with thanksgiving and praises. We enter the prayer's room with worship. Thanksgiving and praises. We cannot rush into the room waving our list of requests.
Allow the Holy Spirit to lead. Learn to listen. Learn to ask God to show you what to pray for.
Pray short and sweet. Most recorded prayers of Jesus were very short. If you pray many topics at once, it makes it difficult for others to focus your prayers. That way everyone has a chance to pray along with you.
Simple prayers are fine. Jesus taught us to come to God as little children. God knows our hearts. He wants us to talk to Him as a child would speak to his father.
Pray from your heart. With reverance.
Pray for God's will to be done. Not your will. Stay in His word.
Dear Lord,
I praise you that You are the God who hears and answer our prayers.Thank you that You long to be with us. Thank you for allowing us to come to You in prayer.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen
Friday, May 27, 2005
Only Jesus Knows
My Father has given me authority over everything. No one really knows the Son except the Father, and no one really knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Matthew 11:27
The New Testament makes strong claims for Jesus. These claims are not just based upon the conclusions of men, but go back to several claims of Jesus. While these claims are most clearly seen in the Gospel of John (the "I Am" statements of Jesus and the emphasis on the Son knowing and doing the Father's will), they occur in the other Gospels as well. In this statement, Jesus is claiming to be the only one to really know the Father and his will. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks as one who has authority, making clear the will of God. As he leaves the earth, he does so with all authority in both the spiritual realm ("in heaven") and in the physical realm ("on earth"). The bottom line for Jesus' followers is what we do in response to Jesus as Lord. What we believe about him and who we believe him to be determine everything of lasting and eternal value in our lives.
Jesus prayed this prayer:
Then Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way! Matthew 11:25-26
Dear Father,
Thank you for sending Jesus so I could know you and your will. Your love and kindness in sending him has given me confidence that when I stand before you in judgment, it will be to hear you say, "This is my child, whom I love, and in whom I am well pleased." For this hope, I offer you my praise and my life.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
The New Testament makes strong claims for Jesus. These claims are not just based upon the conclusions of men, but go back to several claims of Jesus. While these claims are most clearly seen in the Gospel of John (the "I Am" statements of Jesus and the emphasis on the Son knowing and doing the Father's will), they occur in the other Gospels as well. In this statement, Jesus is claiming to be the only one to really know the Father and his will. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks as one who has authority, making clear the will of God. As he leaves the earth, he does so with all authority in both the spiritual realm ("in heaven") and in the physical realm ("on earth"). The bottom line for Jesus' followers is what we do in response to Jesus as Lord. What we believe about him and who we believe him to be determine everything of lasting and eternal value in our lives.
Jesus prayed this prayer:
Then Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way! Matthew 11:25-26
Dear Father,
Thank you for sending Jesus so I could know you and your will. Your love and kindness in sending him has given me confidence that when I stand before you in judgment, it will be to hear you say, "This is my child, whom I love, and in whom I am well pleased." For this hope, I offer you my praise and my life.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Nothing Should Limit Our Prayer
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25
Falsely imprisoned, Paul and Silas had been beaten and locked in prison. Under such horrible condition, they managed to praise God in hymns and pray to their Father in Heaven. Under this kind of pressure, their faith caught the attention of the other prisoners who listened to them. We need to be reminded that over the years of Christian witness, some of the most effective times of evangelism happened because Christians remained faithful and joyous people despite persecution and harassment. Nothing should limit our prayer and praise. God will use them to reach the hearts of those in the most difficult of places.
When we praise God we are blessed. In praise, God begins to soften our hearts to show us more about His nature. In prayer, God begins to mold our hearts like His. In prayer He reveals Himself to us.
Spend time praising Him. Praise God for all the blessings He had poured out on you and your Church.
For the LORD your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song. Zephaniah 3:17
The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16
Dear Lord,
I pray that you will make me a loving, respected, and forceful witness for Jesus. I ask this not so that I can boast, but so that others can more fully know your grace and come to Jesus to be saved. Thank you for your daily blessings.
In Jesus name I pray.
Amen.
Falsely imprisoned, Paul and Silas had been beaten and locked in prison. Under such horrible condition, they managed to praise God in hymns and pray to their Father in Heaven. Under this kind of pressure, their faith caught the attention of the other prisoners who listened to them. We need to be reminded that over the years of Christian witness, some of the most effective times of evangelism happened because Christians remained faithful and joyous people despite persecution and harassment. Nothing should limit our prayer and praise. God will use them to reach the hearts of those in the most difficult of places.
When we praise God we are blessed. In praise, God begins to soften our hearts to show us more about His nature. In prayer, God begins to mold our hearts like His. In prayer He reveals Himself to us.
Spend time praising Him. Praise God for all the blessings He had poured out on you and your Church.
For the LORD your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song. Zephaniah 3:17
The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16
Dear Lord,
I pray that you will make me a loving, respected, and forceful witness for Jesus. I ask this not so that I can boast, but so that others can more fully know your grace and come to Jesus to be saved. Thank you for your daily blessings.
In Jesus name I pray.
Amen.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Blessed Jesus
He is your God, the one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done mighty miracles that you yourselves have seen. Deuteronomy 10:21
BLESSED JESUS
I love this song. It was a joy for me to sing this song, in sign language, for the deaf ministry www.fxcc.org/deaf yesterday morning. I listened to this song
approximately ten times Saturday night with my BOSE headphone on. God Rocks! Jesus died for YOU and ME! This song is on ZOE DESPERATE cd.
http://zoegroup.faithsite.com/
Blessed Jesus, come to me.
Soothe my soul with rays of peace.
As I look to You alone.
Fill me with Your love
Mountains high or valleys low.
You will never let me go.
By Your fountain let me drink.
Fill my thirsty soul.
Glorious, marvelous.
Grace that rescued me.
Holy, worthy is the Lamb.
Who died for me.
Blessed Jesus, come to me.
As I fall down at Your feet.
Let me touch Your nail-scarred hands.
Jesus I would see.
Glorious, marvelous.
Grace that rescued me.
Holy, worthy is the Lamb.
Who died for me.
Holy, worthy,
Holy, worthy,
Holy, worthy,
Holy, worthy,
Holy, worthy,
Is the Lamb who died for me.
Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery! Psalms 145:3
I will call on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, for he saves me from my enemies. 2 Samuel 22:4
How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ. Ephesians 1:3
BLESSED JESUS
I love this song. It was a joy for me to sing this song, in sign language, for the deaf ministry www.fxcc.org/deaf yesterday morning. I listened to this song
approximately ten times Saturday night with my BOSE headphone on. God Rocks! Jesus died for YOU and ME! This song is on ZOE DESPERATE cd.
http://zoegroup.faithsite.com/
Blessed Jesus, come to me.
Soothe my soul with rays of peace.
As I look to You alone.
Fill me with Your love
Mountains high or valleys low.
You will never let me go.
By Your fountain let me drink.
Fill my thirsty soul.
Glorious, marvelous.
Grace that rescued me.
Holy, worthy is the Lamb.
Who died for me.
Blessed Jesus, come to me.
As I fall down at Your feet.
Let me touch Your nail-scarred hands.
Jesus I would see.
Glorious, marvelous.
Grace that rescued me.
Holy, worthy is the Lamb.
Who died for me.
Holy, worthy,
Holy, worthy,
Holy, worthy,
Holy, worthy,
Holy, worthy,
Is the Lamb who died for me.
Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery! Psalms 145:3
I will call on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, for he saves me from my enemies. 2 Samuel 22:4
How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ. Ephesians 1:3
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Cast All Your Anxiety
Cast all your anxiety on Him!
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Someone asks you how you're doing. At first, they seem interested but as you begin to share the burdens of your heart, you begin to realize that they are not really listening and are not really interested. They're just being polite. Most people have so many burdens they simply don't know what to do with more.
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power is his forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10-11
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Someone asks you how you're doing. At first, they seem interested but as you begin to share the burdens of your heart, you begin to realize that they are not really listening and are not really interested. They're just being polite. Most people have so many burdens they simply don't know what to do with more.
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power is his forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10-11
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
God's Thoughts On Loving Moms
Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God will give you. Exodus 20:12
Each of you must show respect for your mother and father, and you must always observe my Sabbath days of rest, for I, the LORD, am your God. Leviticus 19:3
Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are a public disgrace and an embarrassment. Proverbs 19:26
Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 19:19
Honor your father and mother. This is the first of the Ten Commandments that ends with a promise. Ephesians 6:2
The church should care for any widow who has no one else to care for her. 1 Timothy 5:3
Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us. James 1:27
Each of you must show respect for your mother and father, and you must always observe my Sabbath days of rest, for I, the LORD, am your God. Leviticus 19:3
Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are a public disgrace and an embarrassment. Proverbs 19:26
Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 19:19
Honor your father and mother. This is the first of the Ten Commandments that ends with a promise. Ephesians 6:2
The church should care for any widow who has no one else to care for her. 1 Timothy 5:3
Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us. James 1:27
God Wants Us To Come Before Him
God wants us to come before Him in prayer.
"Serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13
God wants us to come before Him in prayer. He has promised to hear and respond when we do so.
Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16
God of the universe has given us the amazing privilege and authority of cooperation with God in the accomplishment of God's purposes on earth through PRAYER. This is an important principle to remember when we gather to pray.
Jesus promises in Matthew 21:22, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
Ask God to give you a heart of prayer. Pray for God to make your church His House of Prayer for all nations. Pray for God to begin drawing everyone at your church closer to God through prayer.
Pray for every member of your church to have a strong faith in God.
Pray for clean heands and pure hearts.
Pray that you would not be double-minded.
Pray for God to provide His perfect peace and strength to His children who are being beaten and tortured in prison because of their faith in Jesus.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8
"Serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13
God wants us to come before Him in prayer. He has promised to hear and respond when we do so.
Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16
God of the universe has given us the amazing privilege and authority of cooperation with God in the accomplishment of God's purposes on earth through PRAYER. This is an important principle to remember when we gather to pray.
Jesus promises in Matthew 21:22, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
Ask God to give you a heart of prayer. Pray for God to make your church His House of Prayer for all nations. Pray for God to begin drawing everyone at your church closer to God through prayer.
Pray for every member of your church to have a strong faith in God.
Pray for clean heands and pure hearts.
Pray that you would not be double-minded.
Pray for God to provide His perfect peace and strength to His children who are being beaten and tortured in prison because of their faith in Jesus.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
God Offers Comfort To All
GOD OF COMFORT
If you love me, obey my commandments. John 14:15
All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God's comfort.
I think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead. And he did deliver us from mortal danger. And we are confident that he will continue to deliver us. He will rescue us because you are helping by praying for us. As a result, many will give thanks to God because so many people's prayers for our safety have been answered. 2 Corinthians 1:3-11
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you his grace and peace.
2 Corinthians 1:2
I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts. Ephesians 6:22
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace 2 Thessalonians 2:16
Dear God of Comfort,
You are the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. Thank you that our suffering is not meaningless, but is for the comfort and salvation of others. Thank you for a hope that cannot be shaken. Jesus has taught to besiege you with constant prayer. Thank you for your Son, Jesus.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
If you love me, obey my commandments. John 14:15
All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God's comfort.
I think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead. And he did deliver us from mortal danger. And we are confident that he will continue to deliver us. He will rescue us because you are helping by praying for us. As a result, many will give thanks to God because so many people's prayers for our safety have been answered. 2 Corinthians 1:3-11
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you his grace and peace.
2 Corinthians 1:2
I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts. Ephesians 6:22
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace 2 Thessalonians 2:16
Dear God of Comfort,
You are the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. Thank you that our suffering is not meaningless, but is for the comfort and salvation of others. Thank you for a hope that cannot be shaken. Jesus has taught to besiege you with constant prayer. Thank you for your Son, Jesus.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Fear Only God
Fear ( RESPECT ) Him
If you love me, obey my commandments. John 14:15
Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him. Deuteronomy 13:4
Don't be afraid of those who want to kill you. They can only kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows. Matthew 10:28-31
No one will be able to stand against you, for the LORD your God will send fear and dread ahead of you, as he promised you, wherever you go in the whole land. Deuteronomy 11:25
Don't fear people. The only thing they can destroy is our physical life. God will judge and he can take from us our eternal life. God has no desire to condemn. His desire is to redeem and save. If he knows each sparrow and each hair on our heads, don't you know that he cares for us! God is not going to let the wicked one snatch us from his love or grace. A wicked person can take our physical lives, but he cannot strip from us our relationship with God. Our faith is in God. Since our lives are glued to Jesus, then our future is glued to the resurrected Lord as well.
Show your fear of God by treating the deaf with respect and by not taking advantage of the blind. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:14
No one will be able to stand against you, for the LORD your God will send fear and dread ahead of you, as he promised you, wherever you go in the whole land.
Deuteronomy 11:25
If you love me, obey my commandments. John 14:15
Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him. Deuteronomy 13:4
Don't be afraid of those who want to kill you. They can only kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows. Matthew 10:28-31
No one will be able to stand against you, for the LORD your God will send fear and dread ahead of you, as he promised you, wherever you go in the whole land. Deuteronomy 11:25
Don't fear people. The only thing they can destroy is our physical life. God will judge and he can take from us our eternal life. God has no desire to condemn. His desire is to redeem and save. If he knows each sparrow and each hair on our heads, don't you know that he cares for us! God is not going to let the wicked one snatch us from his love or grace. A wicked person can take our physical lives, but he cannot strip from us our relationship with God. Our faith is in God. Since our lives are glued to Jesus, then our future is glued to the resurrected Lord as well.
Show your fear of God by treating the deaf with respect and by not taking advantage of the blind. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:14
No one will be able to stand against you, for the LORD your God will send fear and dread ahead of you, as he promised you, wherever you go in the whole land.
Deuteronomy 11:25
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Mother's Prayer
A MOTHER'S PRAYER
Dear Lord,
It's such a hectic day, with little time to stop and pray. For Life's been anything but calm, since You called me to be a mom. Running errands, matching socks, building dreams with matching blocks, cooking, cleaning and finding shoes and other stuff that children lose. Fitting lids on bottled bugs, wiping tears and giving hugs. A stack of last week's mail to read. So where's the quiet time I need? Yet, when I steal a moment, Lord, just at the sink or ironing board. To ask the blessings of Your grace, I see then, in my small one's face, that You have blessed me all the while and I stop to kiss... That precious smile.
Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you.
Dear Lord,
It's such a hectic day, with little time to stop and pray. For Life's been anything but calm, since You called me to be a mom. Running errands, matching socks, building dreams with matching blocks, cooking, cleaning and finding shoes and other stuff that children lose. Fitting lids on bottled bugs, wiping tears and giving hugs. A stack of last week's mail to read. So where's the quiet time I need? Yet, when I steal a moment, Lord, just at the sink or ironing board. To ask the blessings of Your grace, I see then, in my small one's face, that You have blessed me all the while and I stop to kiss... That precious smile.
Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
In My Cardio...
Cardio - HEART!
Christ In My Heart.
Now let me remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then and still do now, for your faith is built on this wonderful message. And it is this Good News that saves you if you firmly believe it—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place. I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me—that Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the twelve apostles. After that, he was seen by more than five hundred of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died by now. Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. Last of all, I saw him, too, long after the others, as though I had been born at the wrong time. For I am the least of all the apostles, and I am not worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted the church of God. But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than all the other apostles, yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace. So it makes no difference whether I preach or they preach. The important thing is that you believed what we preached to you.
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
"I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again". John 11:25
Dear Lord,
Thank you that Christ's revelation of himself within my soul as Lord of my life and as the living Spirit of truth and holiness testifies that he is not dead but alive forevermore. Thank you that he lives in my heart. By your grace, and by my faith in what you did, I am what I am. The resurrection is preached and I believe it.
Thank you.
In Jesus' name we pray,
Amen
Christ In My Heart.
Now let me remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then and still do now, for your faith is built on this wonderful message. And it is this Good News that saves you if you firmly believe it—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place. I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me—that Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the twelve apostles. After that, he was seen by more than five hundred of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died by now. Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. Last of all, I saw him, too, long after the others, as though I had been born at the wrong time. For I am the least of all the apostles, and I am not worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted the church of God. But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than all the other apostles, yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace. So it makes no difference whether I preach or they preach. The important thing is that you believed what we preached to you.
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
"I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again". John 11:25
Dear Lord,
Thank you that Christ's revelation of himself within my soul as Lord of my life and as the living Spirit of truth and holiness testifies that he is not dead but alive forevermore. Thank you that he lives in my heart. By your grace, and by my faith in what you did, I am what I am. The resurrection is preached and I believe it.
Thank you.
In Jesus' name we pray,
Amen
Friday, April 29, 2005
Twelve Men
Just 12 Men
Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter's brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James's brother), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the Zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). Matthew 10:1-4
What an interesting and amazing group to choose if your goal is to forever change the world. Twelve men who, because of Jesus' life and resurrection and the power of the Spirit, forever changed the history of our planet. We have such a great temptation to offer honor to these men because of the good they did. While we must be grateful of those who were faithful and paid the ultimate price for their discipleship, we must also realize that the glory of their service is found in their Master.
What makes them special is that Jesus called them and gave them authority to do great works to bless others. I wonder what he wants to do with us? I wonder what role he wants us to play in his great work of redemption?
The Need for Workers
He said to his disciples, "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers for his fields." Matthew 9:37-38
COME-Be-My-Disciple
http://denniscesone.blogspot.com/2005/04/come-be-my-disciple.html
Dear Lord,
Please give me the heart to follow Jesus, the faith to expect his great works to be done through me. Allow me to give Him all the glory for what happens that is good. Thank you, Father, for your love and everlasting grace.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart. -John Bunyan
Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter's brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James's brother), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the Zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). Matthew 10:1-4
What an interesting and amazing group to choose if your goal is to forever change the world. Twelve men who, because of Jesus' life and resurrection and the power of the Spirit, forever changed the history of our planet. We have such a great temptation to offer honor to these men because of the good they did. While we must be grateful of those who were faithful and paid the ultimate price for their discipleship, we must also realize that the glory of their service is found in their Master.
What makes them special is that Jesus called them and gave them authority to do great works to bless others. I wonder what he wants to do with us? I wonder what role he wants us to play in his great work of redemption?
The Need for Workers
He said to his disciples, "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers for his fields." Matthew 9:37-38
COME-Be-My-Disciple
http://denniscesone.blogspot.com/2005/04/come-be-my-disciple.html
Dear Lord,
Please give me the heart to follow Jesus, the faith to expect his great works to be done through me. Allow me to give Him all the glory for what happens that is good. Thank you, Father, for your love and everlasting grace.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart. -John Bunyan
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Friendship
Friendship with the LORD is reserved for those who fear him. With them he shares the secrets of his covenant. Psalms 25:14
God will surely do this for you, for he always does just what he says, and he is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9
http://marklowenstein.blogspot.com/2005/04/friend-that-stays.html
Mark, thanks for your BLOG on Friend-That-Stays!
There is more to friendship than just having fun.
A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17
Friends knows the importance of friendship and the responsibility that goes along with having a friend. Friends aren't just for doing fun things. Friends are there to help when you need them and need help themselves sometimes, too. Jesus teaches to care for others more than you care for yourself and the love and caring that you share with friends.
What kind of friend are you? There is a difference between knowing someone well and being a true friend. The greatest evidence of genuine friendship is loyality ( loving at all time ) and being available to help in times of distress or personal struggles. Too many people are fair-weather friends. They stick around when the friendship helps them and leave when they are not getting anything out of the relationship. Think of your friends and your loyality to them. Be the kind of true friend the Bible encourages.
The more we become like Christ, the more love we will show to others. God gives us spiritual gifts to our loves on earth in order to build up, serve, and strengthen fellow Christians.
God will surely do this for you, for he always does just what he says, and he is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9
http://marklowenstein.blogspot.com/2005/04/friend-that-stays.html
Mark, thanks for your BLOG on Friend-That-Stays!
There is more to friendship than just having fun.
A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17
Friends knows the importance of friendship and the responsibility that goes along with having a friend. Friends aren't just for doing fun things. Friends are there to help when you need them and need help themselves sometimes, too. Jesus teaches to care for others more than you care for yourself and the love and caring that you share with friends.
What kind of friend are you? There is a difference between knowing someone well and being a true friend. The greatest evidence of genuine friendship is loyality ( loving at all time ) and being available to help in times of distress or personal struggles. Too many people are fair-weather friends. They stick around when the friendship helps them and leave when they are not getting anything out of the relationship. Think of your friends and your loyality to them. Be the kind of true friend the Bible encourages.
The more we become like Christ, the more love we will show to others. God gives us spiritual gifts to our loves on earth in order to build up, serve, and strengthen fellow Christians.
Friday, April 22, 2005
Examine Yourself
Examine yourself during the Lord's Supper.
And you should follow my example, just as I follow Christ's. 1 Corinthians 11:1
So if anyone eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily, that person is guilty of sinning against the body and the blood of the Lord. That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking from the cup. For if you eat the bread or drink the cup unworthily, not honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God's judgment upon yourself. That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died. But if we examine ourselves, we will not be examined by God and judged in this way. But when we are judged and disciplined by the Lord, we will not be condemned with the world. 1 Corinthians 11:27-32
Paul gave specific instructions on how the Lord's Supper should be observed:
We should take the Lord's Supper thoughtfully because we are proclaiming that Christ died for our sins. We should take it worthly, with due reverence, and respect. We should examine ourselves for any unconfessed sins or resentful attitude. In reality, no one is worthy to take the Lord's Supper. We are sinners saved by grace. That is why Paul wants us to observe the Lord's Supper with respect and thoughtfulness.
Remember, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.
When Paul said unworthy manner, he was referring to church members who were rushing into without thinking of it's meaning.
Father, thank you for leaving us a reminder of Jesus's sacrifice, his life-giving grace, and our responsibility to keep his memory and ministry alive as his Body, the Church. Thank you so much for Jesus. Thank you for blessing me with a spiritual meal which reminds me and proclaims again that Jesus died, offering his body and blood as the sacrifice for my sins.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
Remember Jesus! Remember his great sacrifice and his imcomparable love for you!
And you should follow my example, just as I follow Christ's. 1 Corinthians 11:1
So if anyone eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily, that person is guilty of sinning against the body and the blood of the Lord. That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking from the cup. For if you eat the bread or drink the cup unworthily, not honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God's judgment upon yourself. That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died. But if we examine ourselves, we will not be examined by God and judged in this way. But when we are judged and disciplined by the Lord, we will not be condemned with the world. 1 Corinthians 11:27-32
Paul gave specific instructions on how the Lord's Supper should be observed:
We should take the Lord's Supper thoughtfully because we are proclaiming that Christ died for our sins. We should take it worthly, with due reverence, and respect. We should examine ourselves for any unconfessed sins or resentful attitude. In reality, no one is worthy to take the Lord's Supper. We are sinners saved by grace. That is why Paul wants us to observe the Lord's Supper with respect and thoughtfulness.
Remember, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.
When Paul said unworthy manner, he was referring to church members who were rushing into without thinking of it's meaning.
Father, thank you for leaving us a reminder of Jesus's sacrifice, his life-giving grace, and our responsibility to keep his memory and ministry alive as his Body, the Church. Thank you so much for Jesus. Thank you for blessing me with a spiritual meal which reminds me and proclaims again that Jesus died, offering his body and blood as the sacrifice for my sins.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
Remember Jesus! Remember his great sacrifice and his imcomparable love for you!
Thursday, April 21, 2005
GOD'S MISSION
God has a MISSION for you in the world. You were made for a MISSION.
Jesus prayed to his Father:
In the same way that You gave Me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world.
John 17:18
Through Christ God has made peace between us and Himself and He gave us the work of telling everyone the peace we can have with Him. So we have been sent to speak for Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:19-20
If you want God's blessing and power on your life, you must care about what God cares about most. The biggest concern of God's heart is bringing his lost children back home to Him.
The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me, to tell people the good news about His grace.
Acts 20:24
Our mission on earth is to be ambassadors for God. God loves people so much that he has sent us to represent Him to those who do not know him. This is your mission to the world.
God created you to have a ministry in the church and a mission in the world. Both are urgent! Fulfilling your mission in the world is called Evangelism. Once you become part of God's family it is your mission to tell others the Good News about Jesus.
Through Christ, all the kindness of God has been poured out upon us and now He is sending us out around the world to tell all people everywhere the great things God has done so they too, will beleive and obey Him.
Romans 1:5
Jesus prayed to his Father:
In the same way that You gave Me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world.
John 17:18
Through Christ God has made peace between us and Himself and He gave us the work of telling everyone the peace we can have with Him. So we have been sent to speak for Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:19-20
If you want God's blessing and power on your life, you must care about what God cares about most. The biggest concern of God's heart is bringing his lost children back home to Him.
The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me, to tell people the good news about His grace.
Acts 20:24
Our mission on earth is to be ambassadors for God. God loves people so much that he has sent us to represent Him to those who do not know him. This is your mission to the world.
God created you to have a ministry in the church and a mission in the world. Both are urgent! Fulfilling your mission in the world is called Evangelism. Once you become part of God's family it is your mission to tell others the Good News about Jesus.
Through Christ, all the kindness of God has been poured out upon us and now He is sending us out around the world to tell all people everywhere the great things God has done so they too, will beleive and obey Him.
Romans 1:5
Monday, April 18, 2005
Come, Be My Disciple...
Authority
As Jesus was going down the road, he saw Matthew sitting at his tax-collection booth. "Come, be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9:9
As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at his tax-collection booth. "Come, be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So Levi got up and followed him. Mark 2:14
If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters – yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26
I will prove that I, the Son of Man, have the authority on earth to forgive sins." Luke 5:24
Jesus have the authority to forgive sins. He has the authority to command sinners to follow and they follow. They respond with a change of heart and behavior. An example, Matthew the tax collector - tax collectors in Jesus day were renown for using their position for personal gain and were associated with traitors who sold out to the Roman occupiers. He is a great witness that Jesus cares for all and goes in search of all. He is a great reminder that redemptive love allows no cultural and social barriers to love.
Matthew's response is the great reminder that many sinners are looking for a Savior. All they need is someone to show them how to get him.
Prayer:
Dear Father,
Thank you for coming to this world to save sinners. Thank you for your son, Jesus. I thank you for the grace and mercy you've given to me. Please help me be more gracious to others and come closer to your grace and forgiveness.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
As Jesus was going down the road, he saw Matthew sitting at his tax-collection booth. "Come, be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9:9
As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at his tax-collection booth. "Come, be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So Levi got up and followed him. Mark 2:14
If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters – yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26
I will prove that I, the Son of Man, have the authority on earth to forgive sins." Luke 5:24
Jesus have the authority to forgive sins. He has the authority to command sinners to follow and they follow. They respond with a change of heart and behavior. An example, Matthew the tax collector - tax collectors in Jesus day were renown for using their position for personal gain and were associated with traitors who sold out to the Roman occupiers. He is a great witness that Jesus cares for all and goes in search of all. He is a great reminder that redemptive love allows no cultural and social barriers to love.
Matthew's response is the great reminder that many sinners are looking for a Savior. All they need is someone to show them how to get him.
Prayer:
Dear Father,
Thank you for coming to this world to save sinners. Thank you for your son, Jesus. I thank you for the grace and mercy you've given to me. Please help me be more gracious to others and come closer to your grace and forgiveness.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)