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Showing posts from December, 2021

Believe in Jesus

 Dec 31, 2021 John 20:30-31ESV) “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” The Bible’s main purpose is to give the reader the good news about Jesus.  For those that God gives the gift of faith the Holy Spirit uses the Bible to grow their faith.  Let us start this new year determined to believe more in Jesus so we will have true life in him.  You all will be always in my prayers.  Amen 

God is working in us

 Dec 30, 2021 Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12–13). The greatest news when it comes to living for the Lord is that Jesus works in you to transform you into his image.  The Holy Spirit is in your heart molding and making you shine more of Jesus’s light in your relationships.  It may seem like at times he is leaving you to your own efforts.  But Jesus promised to never leave you.  Therefore as we live out our lives with  fear at times let us know for certain that God is working in us to do his will for our good and his glory.  Amen 

Love not the world

 Dec 29, 2021 John 15:18-20 (ESV) “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” Lord it is wonderful when we submit to the guidance of the Bible and the Holy Spirit in our life. We experience great joy and peace knowing that we are glorifying you Jesus. The struggles occur when interacting with people who don’t love you Lord. It is hard to love your enemies and we can fall into the temptations of sin. Lord please reveal yourself during those times so we can say and act in a loving way yet stay true to the Bible. May we honor your name Jesus today. Amen 

Produce good fruit

 Dec 28, 2021 John 15:1-2 (ESV) “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit… “ We can do nothing without Jesus because he is the source of all life. Lord help us to be vessels of your mercy and glorify your name by producing good fruit. Please keep us from producing bad fruit and be cut off from you.  Jesus we love you help us to live for you today.   

Eternal Peace with God

 Dec 27,  2021 John 14:27 (ESV) “Peace I leave you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Peace from Jesus is peace with God. If God is for you who can be against you.  We as believers eventually win the war against evil.  Eternal peace, now that is heaven with the Lord Jesus. Amen

Favor with God

 Dec 26, 2021 “And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:40‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We as believers truly have the favor of God on us because of Jesus.  We must live our lives obeying  God’s law and grow in the grace and love of the Lord.  On our own we can do nothing but with God all things are possible.  Lord thank you for your favor toward us.  Amen 

Jesus supplies all our needs

 Dec 26, 2021 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Jesus supplies us with all our needs to serve him and others.  Serve him is trusting in his guidance and serving others is denying our own wants and giving to others for they ultimate need which is loving and trusting Jesus.  Lord help us to be the light of the world today and in so doing give you all the glory.  Amen 

Joy to the world

 Dec 25, 2021 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Joy comes from the undeserved gift of God.  It tells us we are loved, saved and a child of God.  Nothing can take that truth away from your spirit for it is an eternal truth coming directly from Jesus our Lord.  Joy to the world for the Lord Jesus has come.  Amen 

Merry Christmas

 Dec 25, 2021 Galatians 4:4 says, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” Christmas is all about us being adopted in to Jesus’s family. What a wonderful gift we celebrate everyday to know that we receive when we trust in him.  Lord may we receive your gift of eternal life again today as we celebrate your birthday.  Amen 

Jesus came to die for us

 Dec 24, 2021 John 3:14-16(ESV) “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The reason for Christmas is salvation.  Without Jesus’s birth there would be no forgiveness of sin. Oh how wonderful you are Jesus to come to die for us.  We praise you today and forevermore.  Amen 

Desire greatness in heaven

 Dec 23, 2021 Mark 9:33-35 (ESV) “And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” To be great in this world you have to practice, focus, be inspired by others, put all your effort into your goal.  It talks raw talent and incredibly desire to succeed.  And all this is for the praise of people.  To be great in the kingdom of God you have to do all the same things to be great.  The only difference is the definition of the goal.  Greatness in the kingdom of God is servanthood.  To be the greatest servant takes much effort to die to yourself and serve others.  The reward is praise from God not necessarily people.  Lord Jesus give us the desire to be great in yo...

Serve the Lord with righteousness

 Dec 22, 2021 “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.” ‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3:3‬ ‭ESV‬‬ How can we serve the Lord God of the universe?  By submitting to his love and discipline for us.  His love by sending Jesus as our Savior and asking him for forgiveness. His discipline by taking up our cross daily and following him wherever he wants us to go.  Lord please help us to serve you today and evermore.  Amen 

God’s character

 Dec 21, 2021 “he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:52-53‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Mary is summarizing the character of the Lord God.  We must look and see how God is working today for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  So do you want to be blessed by God?  How then should you live, humble and desiring more of him.  If you want to be rich and have luxury then be careful it might indicate you are on the wrong side.  Lord Jesus please help us to desire you and your riches.  Amen

The Lord is in our midst

 Dec 20, 2021 “The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.” ‭‭Zephaniah‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭ESV‬‬ When our enemies are gone because the Lord came down to be with us.  Then the only obstacle is our own sin.  But thanks be to God that he has taken away our judgments.  We are forgiven! What wonderful news.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen 

Righteousness always there

 Dec 9, 2021 “But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:13‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Can you imagine a place where righteousness will always occur.  A place where everyone does the correct thing.  There would be no bad motives, no lies, no bad behavior.  We all would love it but even ourselves would have to change.  For if we are honest we fall short of always being righteous.  Lord please work on our hearts to be righteous like you are righteous.  Maybe then you would come back!Thank you Jesus.  Amen

The wonder of Jesus

 Dec 19, 2021 “And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:18‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Have we as believers stopped wondering the mystery of God with us and in us?  If we have we have become bored with the most fabulous gift we ever have received.  Let us not be like children who want one more gift to open because they can’t appreciate the gifts they received.  Let us marvel and be overwhelmed with joy that Jesus came to be our savior and Lord.  Amen 

Make haste to see Jesus

 Dec 18, 2021 “And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Let us hurry to see Jesus in scripture, in our prayers, our circumstances and our conversations today.  Let us be like the shepherd’s and make haste to see and worship Jesus our Lord.  Amen 

Overcome evil with love

 Dec 18, 2021 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 ESV The fruit of the Holy Spirit start with love and since the Spirit gives us power to overcome evil and darkness it will start by loving the person and hating the sin. We overcome evil with good, light and love. God so loved the world that he gave us Jesus.  Lord let us be victorious by loving our enemies. Amen 

Trust in the Lord Jesus

 Dec 17, 2021 Matthew 8:5-7 (ESV) “When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” A wise person is one who puts their faith and trust in Jesus.  Jesus has the power and love to lead you and protect you from all unrighteousness and injustice.  The way to heaven is a narrow road but with the Lord leading us it is very safe and secure.  Jesus help me to trust in you today. Amen 

Trust in God’s love

 Dec 16, 2021 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16-18‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The will of God is to rejoice on all occasions and give thanks always.  It might not make sense but it is true.  If we set our minds on the truth of God’s love for us there is never a time for despair or anxiety.  Lord please help us to trust in you with all our hearts and not on our understanding.  Amen 

Know me Lord

 Dec 15, 2021 Matthew 7:21 (ESV) “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Lord Jesus I pray that you give me a heart that loves you and loves the people you want me me to love. I need your Lord everyday to guide and direct me into your everlasting love. Let me love in deed and word. Without you I can do nothing but with you all things are possible.  Your grace is more than sufficient to live in joy with you.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen 

Wisdom is discernment

 Dec14, 2021 Matthew 7:15-16 (ESV) “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” Lord it is difficult to forgive and to judge righteously.  Love the sinner and hate the sin. A spirit of humbleness is a characteristic of a leader in the church.  The longer you have a relationship with Jesus the more you realize how much you need his love and forgiveness.  When I am weak he is made strong.  Lord give us wisdom to love others and not be deceived by Satan and sinful pride in ourselves and others.  Help us please Jesus.  Amen 

Love Jesus more than money

 Dec 13, 2021 “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Loving money and loving Jesus are counterintuitive.  Money and Jesus can take care of you which one will you choose.  Lord let me choose you the true lasting riches!  Amen 

Help me to trust in you

 Dec 11, 2021 Matthew 6:25-26(ESV) “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on” Lord Jesus you have loved me, forgiven me and protected me for a long time.  Still I get anxious so often over the little things, things that cause me to get nervous or upset. Jesus I need your peace in the little things so I can love others and not get upset. The older I get the more I realize how much I need you.  Please help me Lord. Amen 

In my weakness you are made strong

 Dec12, 2021 “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:29‬ ‭ESV‬‬ I am thankful for each new day and year the Lord has given me.  But with each you day on this earth our body’s are wearing out. We try to keep it strong but we realize we are less than before in power and strength.  That is why learning to depend on God’s power and wisdom grows sweeter each day.  Lord I need you every hour I need you.  Amen 

Our heart’s desire

 Dec 10, 2021 Matthew 6:24 (ESV) “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”  Lord you are our hearts desire because you made us to find our joy in you. Please reveal yourself in our lives so we recognize and cherish you.  For you are our hearts desire forever.  Amen 

Jesus our greatest treasure

 Dec 8, 2021 Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)  “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Our greatest gift is our salvation from and by Jesus’s life, death and resurrection.  That is our greatest treasure freely given. Anything we have on earth can never compare to it. Therefore what we have on earth we should freely share with others. Why hold on to things that we can’t keep? Give and it will be given to you by the Lord. Jesus is the reason for all seasons in life. May he be our treasure forever. Amen

Forgive others

 Dec 7, 2021 Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV) “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”  Forgiveness is a daily task for Jesus in my life. If I think it was only one time when I was saved and from then on I don’t need to be forgiven my reading of the Bible is in error.  When we come to Jesus every time we sin we are teaching our heart to be a forgiving heart. If you are forgiven today then you will forgive others as well. If you don’t think you need forgiveness then you most likely won’t forgive others.  Lord let us confess our sins so we will be forgiven by you and can forgive others when they treat us wrong.  Amen 

Give God the right credit

 Dec 6, 2021 “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭51:17‬ ‭ESV‬‬ When we sin we no we need God forgiveness his help that we can’t do on our own.  Do we feel that way when we succeed?  Jesus said be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.  Do you believe you can live a day without the Lord’s help?  When we come to worship Jesus do we say thank you for making me so good?  Should we rightly say we can do nothing without you and give him the praise he rightly deserves.  Lord help us to see you and ourselves correctly. Amen 

Jesus is the light

 Dec 6, 2021 “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” ‭‭John‬ ‭12:46‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Jesus is what life is all about.  Everything was made by him and for him.  This truth was hidden by sin and the world was thrown into darkness.  Jesus came to reveal the light again.  When he opens your eyes to him then we have the knowledge of who he is and praise and worship the creator, sustainer of the world.  He came to abolish death and share his light.  He will come again to eliminate sin!  Amen 

Peace in Jesus

 Dec 6, 2021 “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26:3‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We receive peace from the Lord when our minds are focused on him.  Anxiety comes when we feel alone and helpless.  Lord please help us to keep you in our heart so we will know that you will never leave use and are always available to guide, direct and protect us.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen 

Death is swallowed up

 Dec 5, 2021 “He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭25:8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Jesus came and healed many and loved so dearly that he died for the sins of all who believe in him.  His second coming is to end all death and sadness.  What a glorious truth we look forward to knowing that all the words of prophecy about him will be fulfilled because Jesus is God.  Lord thank you for coming once to save us please come soon to end all evil and death.  Amen 

God sanctification in us

 Dec 4, 2021 “then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:9-10, 14‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We are made perfect by Jesus doing the will of the Father perfectly.  Living a sin free life and dying for our sins Jesus made us perfect in God’s sight.  Now God is working to make us perfect on the outside which is called sanctification.  Jesus help us work out our salvation with fear and trembling for it is you who have worked in us to will and to work for your good pleasure.  Praise you Lord Jesus.  Amen 

Rejoice always

 Dec 5, 2021 “And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:20‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Have you ever had great news but couldn’t speak about it? It becomes a burden on your soul and it can cause great heartache.  When Jesus reveals his love to you our natural response is to praise him.  When you experience something wonderful your immediate action is elation!  Let’s not save our joy for your teams victory, let’s be sensitive to Jesus loving work in our lives and shout for joy often! Amen 

Freedom from sin

 Dec 3, 2021 “so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9:28‬ ‭ESV‬‬ There is great hope for Jesus to return just like their was great hope in his first coming. He paid the price of our sins by his death and he will save us from this evil world when he comes again.  In the meantime we live as children of God sharing his love and truth wherever we go because we know that Jesus will save us when he reigns on earth.  Lord Jesus help us to trust in your promises of freedom from sin and death. Amen 

Justification without Jesus

 Dec 2, 2021 “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭51:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬ David is not asking God for mercy because he was special or good but because God is special and good.  Justification without Jesus is pride that keeps us from the love and mercy Jesus offers us.  Jesus came to the sick not the healthy.  Until you realize your desperate need to be redeemed you won’t experience the freedom of redemption from and by Jesus.  Lord help us to know our need for you and our joy we have in your forgiveness.  In Jesus name, Amen 

Live by the Holy Spirit

 Dec 2, 2021 “he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9:12, 14‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Purity our conscience of dead works.  Anything that is not from the Holy Spirit is dead works.  If the Holy Spirit lives in you the works that he does will glorify Jesus and therefore are eternal.  When we live by the flesh we die. All sin is death but when we live by the Holy Spirit and then serve God, we live forever!Jesus please help us live by the Holy Spirit today. Amen 

Glorify God with your body

 Dec 1, 2021 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6:19-20‬ ‭ESV‬‬ How do we glorify God with our body?  Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your life.  The Holy Spirit uses the word of God to lead you and empower you to glorify Jesus.  We must stay in the word, meditate the word and share the word. The Holy Spirit will lead you in the path of righteousness that will glorify the Lord God if you have the word hide in your heart.  Jesus help us to be in your word daily. Amen