Maybe it’s just the algorithm in my social media, but many people (even high-profile ones) are taking a stand against many of the evils in our society. Additionally, many are even invoking the name of Christ in their speeches, which, on one hand, gets me very encouraged. On the other hand, I’m mindful that there can be a superficial calling upon the name of the Lord that has no substance, and doing that kind of thing can lull us into a false sense of security (Matt. 7:22-24).
I can remember when this country was brought to its knees, so to speak. On September 11th, 2001, thousands of American lives were lost because of horrible acts of evil, and as a result, there seemed to be a great awakening among our fellow citizens. Even among the politicians in Washington, it seemed people were putting away their differences to do what was right. On television, they held hands, sang gospel hymns, and attended church services. Furthermore, Americans were united with a greater sense of patriotism. But how long did all of that last?
We ought to learn from the history of God’s people. Jeroboam II ruled when the nation of Israel seemed to flourish (2 Kings 14:23-29). Israel’s military was powerful. They had expanded their territory to the furthest reaches since the days of King Solomon. Politically, they appeared to be strong on the world stage. Economically, business was booming! The problem was that the people (including their leaders) weren’t genuinely seeking after God, and as a result, the end came very quickly, and the Assyrians soon toppled them (2 Kings 17:1-41). All those blessings during Jeroboam’s time almost make it seem like God said, “If you would turn to me, things could be so much better. This is how it could be if you genuinely sought after Me and followed My ways.” Unfortunately, that was not the case for Israel, as their ascent was based on superficial means.
I perceive an opportunity for our great blessing here within our borders. Who doesn’t want our military to be strong? We want righteousness to prevail over wickedness socially. We want the economy to be robust. We want peace and brotherly love to reign. Many wish for Christianity to flourish. Still, if it’s just going to be some superficial Christianity that we embrace, if we’re going to be weak in our convictions, or if we’re going to be halfhearted — that’s not going to cut it. We need complete allegiance to Christ. Satan would love nothing more than for you to have a false sense of security in America’s military, our economy, and even brotherly love. But at the end of the day, all those fears that people have about how things may have been going for some time will ultimately come to fruition if we do not seek God wholeheartedly (Mark 12:30).
As an individual, I pray for an awakening among the borders of the land where we dwell. I pray for a worldwide GREAT awakening (2 Tim. 2:1-7). But God Almighty, please do not let me not fall prey to a false sense of security or even a false message of who You are and what You want from my life (Col. 2:8)! Reveal Your true character to me through Your word, Father. Moreover, reveal to me (through Your word) the one TRUE Jesus (2 Pet 1:4; Col. 1:27). I pray that all honest hearts will find You (Matt. 7:7-8), and may Your people capitalize on this time of great potential to manifest true godliness within our local sphere of influence (Matt. 5:11-16). Amen.
Many perceive Bible study as dull, which often coincides with the notion that Bible doctrine holds little significance. Is this how you view it? Does God truly care about our treatment of His word? Furthermore, can plain Bible truths convey different meanings to different individuals?
Paul advised Timothy that by instructing others based on his letters (1 Tim. 1:3-11), he would be a good minister of Jesus, flourishing in the words of faith and the sound doctrine he had followed so closely (4:6). He urged Timothy to prioritize reading, encouragement, and doctrine until he arrived (4:13). Paul also cautioned Timothy to pay close attention to himself and his teaching, emphasizing that perseverance in these matters would lead to his and his listeners’ salvation (4:16). He affirmed that elders who govern effectively deserve double honor, especially those who diligently work in the word and doctrine (5:17). Timothy was instructed that bondservants should honor their masters to prevent the name of God and His doctrine from being blasphemed (6:1), and the seriousness of doctrine is highlighted by Paul’s warning that if anyone teaches differently and disagrees with wholesome words, including Christ’s teachings, they are proud and lacking knowledge (6:3-5).
Everyone who desires to fulfill God’s word should seek to be nourished by faith (Rom. 10:17). We must diligently follow what God imparts through Scripture. And like Timothy, we should read and reflect on how we live in light of God’s teachings. Adhering to God’s doctrine is so crucial that it leads to our salvation! Moreover, our fidelity or failure to God’s teachings will influence how others perceive Him.
For those who believe God is indifferent to how we handle His word or view “doctrine” as tedious or unimportant, I ask—what about these Scriptures? So many today discuss “my truth” versus “his or her truth,” relating to personal perspectives… However, God’s word is presented as absolute (John 17:17). Thus, plain Bible truths cannot be interpreted subjectively.
Consider this: if you see a sign that warns of a bridge out ahead, would you take it to mean anything other than — that there’s a bridge out? If you encounter a stop sign, does it imply that you should either slow down or speed up?? Of course not—a stop sign means stop! Similarly, when God communicates through His word, He truly means what He says. Those who find the Bible uninteresting or deem doctrine trivial likely have not engaged deeply. God does care about how we honor His word; do we share that same reverence?
“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.” (1 Timothy 1:3-4, New King James Version)
Thinking about asking God for help, we sometimes use the word in very self-centered ways. For example, I might ask my children, “Can you ‘help’ me with the chores? I’ll pick it up, and you run the vacuum.” Or “Can you ‘help’ me do some yard work? I’ll rake the pine straw, and you place the piles into a bag.” So essentially, I ask them to “add their strength to mine” in these mundane things. I would like them to assist me. Such a supplication infers that I have plenty of strength and merely need some assistance.
But if I am not careful, I can ask God for help in self-centered ways, forgetting that He is the source of all ability that I own. For example, I might flippantly entreat God to, “Please ‘help’ my friend struggling with her health concerns.” All the while, subconsciously implying that, “Since my friend and her body are doing all the hard work, God, please come along and ‘help’ her body to heal.”
God is not merely supporting our strength; He is the source and sustainer of all (Acts 17:25-28)! When we ask for His help, we invite His infinite power to further work in our life. Maybe to improve my thinking, I could pray this manner: “Father, by Your infinite power and wisdom, please heal my friend’s body.” It would be more than just saying, “Help heal my friend’s body.” Instead, I’d acknowledge Him as the healer, and ask Him to do HIS WORK to restore her health. My friend can participate in her rehabilitation, but God’s power ultimately brings true healing, even through providential means (James 5:15-18). I can also pray, “Father, grant wisdom to those ministering to her, like the doctors, nurses, and therapists so that they can provide her with the best care possible.” Such goes beyond simply saying, “Help her medical team.” Additionally, I may pray, “God, empower me to love and support her well.” Remembering that God is not just an assistant in our lives is essential. Recognize that while God is infinite and all-powerful, we are finite and weak. Therefore, I can thus pray, “God, please ENABLE me to minister to others effectively!”
Let me be clear: I do not wish to sensationalize God’s work in our lives, suggesting that mankind shouldn’t put any effort into such things. I also understand that many passages entreat God for His help, implying that special times call for the entreating of God’s special response (Psalm 12:1; 20:2; 22:19; 37:40). I simply wish to evoke that our consciousness of God and His work in our lives be more present. God doesn’t merely assist us; He empowers us. He doesn’t just add a little strength; instead, HE PROVIDES us with the very strength needed to reach out and accomplish all tasks (John 15:5; Heb. 1:3). So instead of asking God to “lend a hand” or give us a “handout,” let’s OPEN OUR HEARTS to our infinite and loving Father, ENTREATING HIM to be who He promises: “our refuge and strength, a VERY PRESENT HELP in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Though not everybody continually struggles with bitterness, there are plenty of warnings against the matter in Scripture. These warnings are not just for people of the world, but, for Christians (Eph. 4:31). Therefore, bitterness must be an issue that some struggle with. It’s also crucial to recognize that even if we don’t feel overwhelmed by bitterness, it can creep in slowly and subtly, impacting our relationships with others and even our relationship with God. It prompts us to ask ourselves: What signs of bitterness might be present in my life, and how can I address them with compassion? The effects can be profound, leading to unfair treatment of those around us and damaging the bonds we hold most dear.
Bitterness often arises from unforgiveness, and when we allow bitterness to take root, it creates barriers that hinder our spiritual growth, preventing us from experiencing the love, joy, and peace that God desires for every one of us. Unresolved anger is also one of the key elements that can lead to bitterness (Eph. 4:26). This kind of anger often lingers when we don’t take the time to process or address it adequately. Many people, like us, may find themselves replaying past hurts and feelings of injustice, making forgiveness much more difficult. It is also common to feel envious or resentful when we perceive others as happier or more successful than we are (Matt. 6:22-23). This can lead to a cycle of self-criticism and negativity that affects us and those we interact with (James 2:13; 4:7-10).
Maybe you don’t feel like you possess a bitter spirit toward anyone, but I understand that even tiny seeds of resentment can hold us back from experiencing a more profound connection with God and others (Heb. 12:15). The Bible discusses the need to forgive others, emphasizing that our forgiveness of sins from God is closely tied to our willingness to forgive others (Matt. 6:12, 14-15). If someone has hurt us, we should approach them with a desire not just to highlight their wrongs but to seek restoration for both their and our peace (Prov. 28:23; Matt. 18:15-16). As the Apostle Paul instructs, we should strive to live at peace with everyone, recognizing that this is a path toward healing and growth for all involved (Rom. 12:18).
Oh my God, I realize that some matters weigh heavily on people more than others. Although I do not often feel overwhelmed by these struggles, I have noticed times when bitterness has crept into my own heart. Please help me focus on the blessings in my life from You and guide me in processing and dealing with my emotions more healthily. Help me move past the hurt I have experienced from others and grant me the strength not to envy those doing well. I want to continually cultivate a more hopeful attitude regarding my salvation, and also desire to possess a forgiving spirit. Grant me the wisdom, strength, and boldness to address any issues that arise with others openly and sincerely. God, I long for peace with You and harmony with Your people. Help me in ever-experiencing true contentment, oh God! Amen.
So often, many start the new year wanting to set goals and read their Bibles more ambitiously. People also set goals to better themselves physically, financially, etc. Setting goals in the new year motivates me to “get better.” It’s just an overall refreshing exercise. Still, I have experienced varying success and failure in fulfilling those New Year’s resolutions.
Here is a very simplified plan of attack for my new year, which may encourage you somehow. My goal for this year is to read the Bible in its entirety while also reading one Psalm a day as part of my reading. I will also pray more fervently ABOUT my daily Bible reading. Additionally, I will pray continually for myself and my family, my brethren, and my friends, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses—while giving God thanks and offering supplications on our behalf.
Another big resolution for this year is to do more outreach on a personal level. I want to encourage relationship-building this year genuinely. That will be one of my main focuses, and I ask for your prayers to help me engage more with others (Eph. 6:19). While I don’t consider myself an introvert, stepping out of my comfort zone to make sincere connections requires effort. I genuinely believe this is something I can improve on and help spread the gospel according to God’s design (John 13:35; Rom. 12:10; 1 Pet. 1:22; 4:8).
May the Lord bless you richly in your efforts to glorify Him this next year. 2025 will be a great blessing for you, your family, the local community you live in, and the nation where we dwell. Let us help our fellow citizens recognize that the most excellent citizenship one can have is that of heaven (Phil. 3:12), and the only way to become a citizen of heaven is to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Acts 4:12). Have you done that? If not, then why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling upon the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16).
A massive spread of food is before me, and someone jokingly asks, “Are you preaching on Sunday about gluttony?” I smile and reply, “Uh, no!” Everyone chuckles. But when was the last time you heard a biblical lesson on gluttony? It may be a long overdue study.
It is undisputed whether gluttony is a sin. The Bible records people punished by God (Num. 11:34; Ezek. 16:49) and provides warnings against such evil (Prov. 23:2; 1 Cor. 10:6).
Although the term “glutton” is often associated with food (Prov. 23:20), the original words translated as “glutton,” “gluttony,” or “gluttonous” have broader meanings. They relate to being worthless, taking things lightly, and lacking moral integrity. Additionally, the Pulpit Commentary states that gluttony “includes other kinds of excess besides eating. It designates one who is prodigal, who wastes his means or wastes his person by indulgence.”
Gluttony always implies criticism of excess behavior and can describe excessive consumption of anything beyond reasonable or necessary. This point warrants careful consideration, as we may draw numerous applications regarding our indulgent and affluent culture.
Examples related to eating can include binge eating, overindulging, or consuming large portions beyond the point of satiety. Do you think our society has become gluttonous with food? What about me? While many foods have addictive properties, and eating can serve as a coping mechanism for those dealing with depression or other issues, is there an underlying problem causing one to overeat? Practicing self-control may be beneficial, but seeking help is also an option. Whatever the solution may be, it is essential first to acknowledge that there is a problem.
Gluttony can also refer to excessive spending habits, such as purchasing overly expensive items, hoarding wealth, or spending beyond one’s means. The concept of “corporate greed” is frequently discussed in our news, and God condemns the hoarding of wealth in Scripture. But on a personal level, reflecting on your spending habits is essential. In America, credit card debt is a significant problem. Although debt relief programs often exploit those who have overspent, the underlying issue is that many people purchase items they do not need. The question then becomes: What will I do about my own budget (Prov. 21:20)?
With our consumption of information, such as viewing the news or engaging with social media, is it possible to feel overwhelmed and/or unproductive? Ongoing studies have shown that social media can be addictive, and many developers are transparent about their goal of keeping users engaged. Once a week, I receive a report on my screen time with my iPhone. While I occasionally use it to read the Bible, I often accumulate countless minutes simply doom-scrolling. Although entertainment is not inherently bad, it’s worth considering how much time we could have spent enjoying God’s word, appreciating God’s creation, or nurturing interpersonal relationships with loved ones. Can I engage with others more personally and meaningfully?
Many people around us lack religious belief (consider news outlets, workplaces, schools, etc.). This irreligion, while being ungrateful and overindulging, may play a role in the obesity epidemic. However, gluttony isn’t limited to just overeating, remember? What areas might you overindulge in, and what will you do after identifying these excesses?
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”(1 Corinthians 6:12, New King James Version)
Jesus consistently utilized parables as his primary teaching method. This choice not only engaged His audience but was also a strategic way to mask deeper meanings from those not earnestly seeking the truth of God’s word (Matthew 13:12-15). In every instance, Jesus’ parables compelled His listeners to think critically and delve deeper into spiritual matters (Mark 4:13). Though His use of parables posed challenges to their understanding, Jesus was generally willing to explain the meanings of these parables to those who inquired about them, though He did not always do so.
It is often said that parables are earthly stories with heavenly meanings, but that doesn’t go quite far enough. In Jesus’ parables, the analogy always concerned the kingdom of God, and since the things this world so often counter the essence of God’s spiritual kingdom, any attempt to point to anything in this world and say, ‘there is the kingdom of God,’ would bring many misunderstandings. Jesus frequently employed stories that included analogies relatable to His audience, such as farming practices. But, as His hearers began to feel at ease within a story’s context, Jesus would introduce a surprising twist that challenged their assumptions by bringing forth a lesson completely contrary to their preconceived notions. For example, consider that only twenty-five percent of the seed sown in the Parable of the Sower went on to bear fruit, whereas seventy-five percent did not (which, on the surface, looks discouraging). Yet, that same twenty-five percent in the parable is said to produce some thirty, some sixty, some hundredfold! Thus, Jesus greatly challenged the hearer’s understanding of how things operate in the spiritual realm… Those who teach are, therefore, encouraged to simply sow the seed and allow God to provide the increase. That is, in fact, why Jesus calls it “the parable of the sower” (Matthew 13:18). Through His teaching methods, Jesus challenged people to reevaluate everything they believed about God and His kingdom. This method still prompts modern hearers to reconsider their preconceived notions of the kingdom of God.
Application on the Parables of Jesus
Observing Jesus’ teaching techniques, we can consider the Parable of the Lost Son in Luke 15:11-32. One key theme that Luke emphasizes in his Gospel is that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Chapter fifteen begins with Luke informing his readers that all the “tax collectors” and “sinners” drew near to hear Jesus and that “the Pharisees and scribes complained,” saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:1, New King James Version). That is why Jesus spoke the parables presented in the rest of the chapter (Luke 15:3). Identifying the target audience, and the reason stated before Jesus’ discourse will aid in identifying the major lessons gleaned from the parable. First comes the parable of the lost sheep, in which Jesus describes a shepherd going out, leaving a flock of ninety-nine sheep to find one that strayed away from the flock. When the shepherd finds the lost sheep, he returns home rejoicing and shares the good news with his friends and neighbors. Jesus then spoke the Parable of the Lost Coin, concerning a woman who had ten coins, lost one, and diligently searched until she found it. In both instances, Jesus spoke of “joy” and “rejoicing” in heaven when one sinner repents. Both parables are very encouraging. Then came a parable concerning a man with his two sons. The story centers on how younger of the two sons asked for his share of an inheritance, which he was given, and then journeyed to a far-off country where he wasted his possessions with riotous, sinful living. After spending everything that he had, a famine came onto the land, and this son began to be in want. So, he attached himself to a citizen of that country and was sent into his fields to feed swine. The story mentions this young man became so hungry that he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods the swine ate, but no one gave him any! If we pause right there, for those of the first-century Jewish audience, this wasteful man seems to have gotten what he deserved. Because the Pharisees and scribes considered themselves righteous, one may infer that they would have looked down upon such a man (Luke 15:2-3). Nevertheless, Jesus does not end His story on this point. Instead, He further described how that young man “came to himself,” realizing that while his father’s servants had plenty of food, he was starving to death (Luke 15:17). The son, therefore, resolved to go to his father in humility to acknowledge his sins, and even his unworthiness to be called his father’s son. The young man determined to be like one of his father’s hired servants and arose to journey home. But when he was still far off, his father saw him and had compassion. Furthermore, the father ran to his son, fell on his neck, and kissed him! The son acknowledged his sinfulness, but the father does not rebuke him. Instead, the father rejoices by putting the best robe on his son, a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet. Moreover, the father’s servants were told to bring the fatted calf to be eaten because, as the father said, his son “was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15:24) But as the father’s older son is in the field, and as he comes and draws near to the house, he hears music and dancing. So, he called one of the servants and asked what that meant. He was told that his brother had come home, that his father had received him safe and sound, and everyone was rejoicing! But instead of being pleased, the older son was angry and refused to attend the feast. That is when his father came out and entreated him to rejoice. The older son then complained to his father about how he had been faithful in everything for many years, while his father’s son went out and wasted his possessions on harlots. After complaining about how sinful his younger brother was while extolling his virtues and that he did not receive such praise, the son is pleaded with by his father. The older had always been with him; all the father had was his. It was therefore fitting that they should make merry and be glad, because his brother was dead and is alive again; he was lost and now he was found.
The parable’s end does not describe how the older brother responds to this pleading from the father. It concludes with a cliffhanger. But from the onset, the story concerns a person who was very covetous and wasteful, and the Pharisees may have even considered the subsequent famine as part of God’s retributive justice. But surprisingly, Jesus gave insight into the younger son’s heart, describing his feelings of humility and measure of true repentance. Moreover, there is a sharp contrast revealed in that the father was willing to accept his penitent son, whereas the older brother continued to look down upon the younger with contempt. Most of the Pharisees would not have thought of themselves as being in the position of the lost son. Instead, they likely perceived that Jesus aligned the Pharisees’ and scribe’s’ attitude with the older brother’s thinking. While encouraging sinners to come to their senses and repents, Jesus also revealed that many in attendance had very calloused and unforgiving attitudes. Moreover, Jesus did not finish the parable by informing anyone of the older brother’s concluding response. So then, Jesus left His hearers with an unspoken challenge: How would they, in turn, respond to other people that sought God’s forgiveness, after they themselves have been striving to remain pure? Perhaps Luke even intended for his readers to put themselves into the story and determine how they would respond.
For the modern audience, many immediately place themselves in the younger son’s position. Within the New Testament, there is the theme throughout that concerns grace being extended to sinners through the blood of Jesus Christ (Cf. Luke 24:46-47; Romans 3:24-25). Indeed, if one comes to their senses, they too can humbly approach a loving Father who is willing to joyfully accept them with forgiveness (Luke 15:7, 10, 20). I find great comfort in that. However, one should heed the other side revealed in this parable, because while there is great comfort in Jesus’s words about forgiveness, there is also an implicit warning against self-righteous attitudes that causes one to look down upon others (cf. Luke 15:1-2; 5:31-32; 18:9-14). The same Jesus who calls for men to seek after righteousness also demands that men possess a readiness to forgive (cf. Luke 15:31-32; 17:3-4). How will the reader of Luke chapter fifteen respond to the Parable of the Lost Son? Today’s readers are still left wondering how the elder brother ultimately responds. The teaching methods of Jesus, especially His use of parables, continue to challenge hearers to reconsider their thinking today!
With my faith, there are times that I feel very strong and other times that I feel weak. Perhaps some of that is because my emotions are up and down from one day to the next, and I shouldn’t give in to every whim on how I’m feeling today as a barometer to spiritual wellness. That said, I wish to GROW IN BEING MORE CONSISTENT WITH MY INTENSITY OF FOCUS! Perhaps this devotional will grant me some things to meditate on and pray about.
Spiritually speaking, GOD DOES WILL for me to have A DIALED-IN APPROACH to my spirituality. And I do need to be EVER MINDFUL in the pathway that I’m currently on. Every one of my heart’s intents should be aligned with God’s and doing that will inevitably lead my actions to follow suit. The wise King Solomon put it this way: 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. 26 Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil. (Proverbs 4:25-27)
Of the many things that I probably allow to hinder my growth, looking too much in the rearview mirror of my life has stymied my progress. Though I do want (and need) to learn from my mistakes, the last thing I want to do is live in the past. God, PLEASE ENABLE ME THE PROPER FOCUS, AND MAY I TAKE CONTROL OF MY OWN THINKING to the extent of imitating Paul in the matter of intensely focusing/capitalizing on the opportunities in front of me: 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)
There is something to be said for the fact that this world will pose its challenges. Something I cannot control are the racing thoughts that enter my mind from time to time, because of those past failures, or new information that pollutes my thinking. I would even say that too often, I am given over to mindless consumption of entertainment. God, I resolve to actively pursue that which will ENGAGE MY INTENSITY OF FOCUS: 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)
Many things have an outward appearance of wisdom (things of this world, intellectualism, philosophy, etc.), but I pray that setting my mind on things above, and MORE INTENSELY FOCUSING ON BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES will enable me a fuller, richer, and more rewarding service to You, God! I will truly embrace the gift of being risen with Christ, seeking those things that are above, with the earnest expectation of nobler things! 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4)
The statement from Isaiah is often quoted to emphasize the vast difference between human and divine thinking. However, a closer study of the text reveals a more profound message directed at God’s people. During Isaiah’s time, the kingdom was divided between Israel and Judah. Both kingdoms had strayed from God’s path, leading to the need for repentance. God wanted His people to embody His holiness and live according to His ways. Through Isaiah, God called upon His people to abandon their sinful ways and align their thinking with His. The passage therefore highlights God’s desire for His people to embrace His way of thinking, presenting a challenging — yet remarkable — opportunity for transformation! While we do fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23), we can continually strive to align our thinking with God’s, ultimately partaking in His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4)!!
Holy God, You are the great God of all heaven and the earth. You created all things, and know the thoughts of every living person on this earth. You alone are worthy to be praised. As your creation, I want to be more like You, my Creator. Enable me fuller knowledge of your word, that I may grow to be more like You. I open my heart to You. Cultivate and mold me in holiness and strength of character. Thus, may my manner of living be productive in service to both You and my fellow man. Bless me in this, please. It is in Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
6 Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
10 “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater,
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
12 “For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; And it shall be to the Lord for a name, For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”
There is currently a major hurricane brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, and it is headed straight toward Florida. Moreover, there are people throughout the world right now who are going through difficult, frightening times – circumstances testing their faith.
Lord, may You be with Your people in the path of this storm (Mark 4:37; Acts 27:14). May they be faithful to You, and may You see them through. For those dealing with difficult circumstances right now, grant them the strength to carry on in the hollow of Your hand (Psalm 71:3; Matthew 14:27). No matter what comes, may everyone seek strength from You through the challenging times ahead (Luke 8:22-25).
In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face, While the storm howls above me, and there’s no hiding place. ‘Mid the crash of the thunder, precious Lord, hear my cry; Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
Many times Satan whispered, “There is no need to cry, For there’s no end of sorrow, there’s no hope by and by.” But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I’ll rise Where the storm never darkens the skies.
When the long night has ended and the storms come no more, Let me stand in Thy presence on that bright, peaceful shore. In that land where the tempest never comes, Lord, may I Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more, Till the clouds roll forever from the sky, Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand, Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
We Wish to See Jesus 