“My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed – cut off from Christ! – if that would save them.” (Romans 9:2-3)
We all have a passion for something. It may be for our family, our job or even for our favorite hobby. These are all great things, and we can enjoy sharing these passions with others. Unfortunately, many Christians do not have a passion for the lost. They will rally behind their favorite sports team or spend hours discussing the latest movies to hit the theaters, but when pressed about those who are without Jesus, they are indifferent. We cannot be indifferent towards the lost. We should pray for the same passion Paul had for the lost.
Paul proclaims in no uncertain terms that he would willfully give up his own salvation so that his Jewish brothers and sisters would be saved. Now that is reaching the lost with passion. So how do we gain this passion? I believe, in part, it comes from understanding what the future holds for those who die without Jesus. To imagine any of my loved one’s being eternally separated from God and punished for their sins, causes me to tremble. This sorrow leads me into a passionate desire to see them saved. How about you? Together, let’s seek out those who need Jesus, share His love and change the world!
“We should have a sorrow and a passion for the lost.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your salvation and Your love for me. Father, help me to be mindful of the lost. Give me a passion to proclaim Your name and to pray for those who need You. I pray that You would draw my friends and family to Yourself so that they too may know the peace that comes from a relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have you ever received Jesus as you Lord and Savior? If you do not know Him personally,you will never be truly free. I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the storms. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus
“Ephraim has encircled Me with lies, And the house of Israel with deceit; But Judah still walks with God, Even with the Holy One who is faithful.” (Hosea 11:12)
After King Solomon, the Kingdom of Israel split in two. Both the northern kingdom of Israel and the Southern kingdom of Judah faced their share of issues, but Judah was able to stay on track longer. Why is this? One of the key reasons was the proximity of the temple which was the dwelling place of God. Since the Temple was located in Judah, they were able to continue fellowship with the Lord through the sacrifices and daily duties of the priests. This helped Judah remain more focused on the Lord.
Do you realize the same is true for us? In order for us to persevere in difficult times and to grow in our faith. God has given us the church. The church is not a building, but a body of believers that has been ordained by God to encourage us, challenge us and change our lives for good. We are the Church! Can it be messy in a church? Sure it can. Can we struggle with loving our Christian brothers and sisters? Of course, but what better place to learn to love than with those we know love Jesus. Our surroundings will influence our lives. When we surround ourselves with the teachings of God, the love of Christians and the opportunities to serve, give and witness, we will grow stronger. On the contrary, if we refuse to commit to worship and praise of God. Fail to have Bible studies as well as fellowship with other believers, we will miss out on God’s growth tool for our lives. It may not be easy, but it is worth it.
“Remember to always try to practice the teaching of Jesus in our daily lives. Because we are the Church.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the church. Thank You for brothers and sisters who love You and love me. Help me to commit to a fellowship with my whole heart so that I can experience spiritual growth and victory this year. Help us to walk in love and grace with one another so that the world will see our love and desire to know more about You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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“Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; For shall the thing made say of him who made it, ‘He did not make me’? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, ‘He has no understanding?’ ” (Isaiah 29:16)
Imagine…the God of the universe who spoke all the stars and galaxies into existence is the very one who formed you into the person you are today. Your eyes, nose, hands and feet were all created by the One who holds the oceans in the palm of His hands. I don’t know about you, but that is a humbling image. What great comfort to know that the God of all things created me the way I am and yet, He still desires to mold and make me more and more like Jesus.
Of course, this process is tough and quite messy. There’s a lot of molding, cutting and carving that seems painful at the time but in our Master’s hands, we become a masterpiece. When we fully submit our lives to God, He is able to take hardened clay and bring new life to it by wetting it with His Word and Spirit. He then begins shaping us into the image of His Son by scooping out the excess clay that is weighing us down. When you find ourselves ensuring hardships, trials or even a life threatening Illness, they are often results of our fallen state. Some we bring on ourselves due to bad choices, some are caused by other means not always our fault.
Please understand that whatever the circumstance that we find ourselves facing, God will use it to mold and shape us. It may be difficult, we may not understand but we can trust His hands because He loves us and knows what’s best for us.
I personally have faced extraordinary hardships, trials and loss in my life. As hard as it was, I would not change any of it. I am the person I am today because I let God use these events to mold me into a who I am today. He still has much work to do… But I know that God will keep me close and protect me, His name is written on me because I now belong to our Lord and Master.
“God desires to make a masterpiece of your life.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the forgiveness of sins through Jesus. Thank You for saving me and changing my life. Lord, I pray that You would take this broken ball of clay and make it new. Mold my life into what You desire. Help me to see the hardships in my life as the Master’s hands shaping me more into the likeness of Jesus. Use my life for Your world and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jesus died on the cross for you and me. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the trials and hardships we face. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus
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“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.” (2 Timothy 3:1-2)
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Romans 12:3)
Finding Faith can be a hard for many. Some have been jaded by misplaced trust and therefore have a hard time believing anyone, even God. While this may be a problem, the more challenging issue is misplaced faith. We all have faith in something. Our faith may be placed in ourselves, whether because of our wealth or authority, or it could be placed in someone or something completely different. Either way, faith that is not placed in Christ alone will only lead to ruin.
In 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul warns his young disciple of a time that would come where men would trust in their own self. Their misplaced faith would lead to a world filled with pride, anger, hatred and irreverence for the things of God. Paul concludes with the warning, “Stay away from them.”
As Christians, we must be guided by our faith and trust in Christ. He is our Savior and King, and His Word alone is our guide into eternal life. When we trust in His Word, we will find a life that is filled with love, grace and forgiveness. This love has the power to change the world, but this love is only available to us when we trust in the One who is ultimate love, Jesus Christ.
“We all have a measure of faith. It’s what we choose to put our faith in will ultimately guide our decision making, our perspective and the course of action for our lives.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the love You have shown me through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Help me to hold firm to this Truth so that my faith will continue to grow. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can discern those who may be living for themselves. Help me to minister to those who need to hear the Gospel message. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Invitation:
Put your faith and trust in Jesus! If you do not know him personally please read below.
Jesus Christ says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him” (Revelation 3:20)
The Bible promises eternal life to all who receive Christ: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:11-13)
If you have not asked Jesus into your life you can receive Jesus Christ right now by faith through prayer.
Prayer is just talking with God. He knows your heart, so don’t worry about getting your words just right. Here is a suggested prayer to guide you:
Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive you as my Saviour and Lord. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be, Amen!
!If you have read this prayer and believed in your heart, then congratulations!
(Luke 15:7) says that when one sinner accepts Jesus Christ as his or her Saviour the angels rejoice. So there’s a party going on in heaven right now over your decision! Remember this date as your “second birthday,” the day you were born into a new life in Christ! You have God’s Word that He answered your prayer.
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“Then Asa cried out to the Lord his God, “O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in you alone. It is in your name that we have come against this vast horde. O Lord you are our God; do not let mere men prevail against you!” (2 Chronicles 14:11)
In life, we are all faced with difficulties and trials. Whether it is a struggle within us or a struggle with another person, we often find ourselves beat up and deflated. This is why it is vital for any believer to surround themselves with people who are courageous at heart. These are men and women who know the obstacles but are not stopped by them. Friends, who may be challenged by life, but their faith in God overpowers their fear.
All too often, we can find ourselves surrounded by those who seem more apt to throw a pity party than a pep rally. In these times, we need to seek out those who will be an encouragement and strength during our times of weakness. As we fellowship with Christians who are empowered by their faith and set on fire through the Spirit, we will find ourselves igniting with hope and courage. A steady diet of courageous fellowship leads to a life that is blessed and growing. This is the life Christ came to give us – an abundant life.
“Courage and Faith are Contagious.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love for me and the hope I have in You. Help me to seek out those who can encourage me in my walk with You. May I surround myself with those who love You and are full of faith so that I may be on fire to inspire others and glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Relationship with Jesus?
If you do not know Jesus personally, I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. He loves us and wants to help us. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus
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“They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.” (2 Peter 2:19)
Throughout our lives, we will be faced with various temptations. It could be in the form of a false teacher promising something unbiblical or an activity that appeals to our sinful nature but either way, it is empty in the end. One of the temptations the bible refers to is the “lust of the eyes”, and it has the power to cause us to become bitter, unhappy and resentful towards others. Another word we could use to describe this sin would be the word covetousness. When we look at the blessings of others and desire it for ourselves, we begin coveting. At that moment, we can begin secretly resenting that individual for nothing more than being blessed by God. It’s true, they probably don’t deserve it, but none of us do.
How can we battle the lust of the eyes? I believe we find the answer in the words of Paul found in (Philippians 4:11) “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”
Contentment is the key. Also, notice what Paul said, “I learned.” Paul did not start off content. Through the power of God, he learned to be that way whether he was in prison or enjoying the blessings of food and fellowship. This can be difficult at times but there is true freedom in learning contentment. If we can learn this, then no matter what happens in this crazy world, we will be joyful because we have God, and He is enough. As you begin your day, ask God to help you to be content. Don’t be surprised; however, if you find that your coworker gets a raise or a friend is able to buy a brand new car. Instead of getting upset because you didnt, choose contentment.
Rejoice with them and thank the Lord for graciously saving you. After all, if God can forgive us of all our sin, what more do we need?
“Contentment is a choice we must make”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the grace you have shown me. You have given me life and because of Christ, I know that I also have eternal life. Help me to be content with whatever You plan for my life. I desire to walk in peace and joy regardless of my circumstances. Use me today to share Your love with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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“I blasted you with blight and mildew. When your gardens increased, Your vineyards, Your fig trees, And your olive trees, The locust devoured them; Yet you have not returned to Me,” Says the LORD.” (Amos 4:9)
Often in the Scriptures, we read of the judgments of God and gasp as we see Israel and other nations suffering under the Lord’s power. While the judgments of God are difficult, we must understand that all through the Old Testament God is showing grace and mercy. In the prophets, He calls for people to turn from their wicked ways and He will forgive them. You see, while God’s discipline can often seem extreme, His love is just as potent.
(Romans 5:8) “But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Love to the Extreme – that is what the God of all creation has shown towards us. While we were steeped in sin and suffering under the weight of condemnation, He stepped out of heaven and gave His life for ours. The punishment that we deserved was placed upon Jesus on the cross. Each strike of the nails that pierced His hands was done so that we could know forgiveness. Each cruel word and slash of the whip on Jesus’ body happened so that we could spend eternity with Him. All we have to do is come to Jesus seeking forgiveness and trusting in Him for salvation. As we do, we take part in the greatest love anyone could ever know.
“God goes to extreme measures to reveal His love for us.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I know that I have done and sometimes do wrong. Today, I come to You and ask that You would forgive me of all my sins. I confess that Jesus is Lord and I believe that He died for my sins and was raised from the grave three days later. Lord, make me a new creation and fill me with Your Spirit so that I can live for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have you ever received Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If you do not know Him personally, you will never truly be able to experience Love to the Extreme!. I encourage you not to pass up the precious gift of His love and eternal life. Jesus died on the cross for you and me. Jesus loves us and wants to help us through the storms. If you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior please click here 4 Simple Steps to Jesus
“Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.” (Matthew 14:31-32)
Sometimes we are embarrassed to admit to God that we need help. We feel as though we should be able to work things out on our own. But what we should to be doing is crying out to Jesus. We should never be embarrassed or feel ashamed in asking for God’s help.
When Peter got out of the boat and walked toward Jesus, he walked on the water until he took his eyes off Jesus, he questioned in his heart if that was possible and began to sink. It hardly came as a surprise to to Jesus, he knew where Peters Faith was. But He also knew what Peter would become. He didn’t merely see him for what he was; He saw him for what he would be. And that is how God sees us as well.
Jesus knew that Peter would fail, not only in this situation, but later when Peter would deny Him. In fact, Jesus brought it to Peter’s attention on one occasion (see Luke 22:31–32). So Peter’s failure came as no shock to Jesus.
And just as Peter was sinking, the Bible tells us that “immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased” (Matthew 14:31–32).
The Bible doesn’t say that Jesus carried Peter back. They got into the boat, which means that Peter stood up and walked with Jesus on the water once more, back to the boat. And where did Jesus take Peter and the disciples? Back to land.
We will have our miraculous moments in life, our mountaintop experiences. But mountaintops prepare us for the valleys of life, and calm waters prepare us for the storms.
Maybe you are sinking right now. Maybe you are gripped by fear, worry, and defeat. Follow the example of Peter: cry out to Jesus. He will not rebuke a person who is trying to come to Him by faith.
“When doubt, fear, or worry come your way, cry out to Jesus, He hears our cries for help!”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, It gets so hard trying to face the storms of life on our own especially when we feel weak. I need Your power and strength to face each one. Please continue to help and teach me to turn to You first. Help me learn to patiently endure the suffering and the hard times and honor You in the midst of them as I walk by faith. I lift up all of my troubles and faithfully trust in You Lord that you will guide us through the storms and calm the raging seas of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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“I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears.” (Psalms 6:6)
How does deep emotional pain hit us? How do we respond to it? It could come from the death of a precious loved one, the hardship of having someone betray you, or the sin you keep falling into that you hate. Perhaps you’ve had sorrow as King David did and had a child turn against you. Many of us, no matter how tough we are, have experienced pain that brought us to tears. How does God look at you and me during our struggles and when we’re weeping before Him?
(Psalms 56:8) “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book”
Our loving heavenly Father takes distinct note of when we cry. When we cry, we do not keep our tears, but they are captured by the Lord. Have you ever been bothered by seeing your child struggle, getting hurt, and crying? It is even more so with our Father in heaven who sent His Son to intercede with His tears on behalf of our struggles and sins. Jesus sowed tears of sorrow for our sin so that He could give us joy by defeating our sin (Psalm 126:3). Take heart today by knowing God has taken note of our hurts, our struggle, our prayer, our tears, and most importantly our sins, and we will ultimately be eternally freed if we have entrusted our life to Him.
(Revelation 21:4) “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever”
“Jesus turns our tears into diamonds in His nail scarred hands.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank you for capturing my heart, my sorrows, and my tears. Thank you for paying the ultimate price for my sin so that I can be eternally delivered from the sorrow of my sin in such a sin stained world. I have great hope because of You Lord. Thank you for caring for me and remembering me even when I weep. Please keep reminding me that my tears are but for a moment, and you will wipe every tear I ever had away from my face. Please give me Your power to see and walk in Your joy since I know this day is coming. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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