Tag Archive for: ecme devotions

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba Father’. The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his suffering in order that we may also share in his glory.

Romans 8:14-17

“You are safe and loved.” How many times have you said this to a little one? Safety is a building block of learning and developing. In order to learn successfully and even for the brain to develop successfully, a child needs to feel safe. If a child lives in fear, the child’s life will be filled with many struggles and obstacles.

The Bible passage for today gives the comfort of safety to all who have received the Spirit. As children of God there is no need to live in fear. God is not a distant God removed from the lives of his children. It is the opposite! Through the Spirit we have become God’s children. What a comfort to know that God has made each one of us his dear children.

There are two blessings highlighted in these verses that we receive as children of God. First is a blessing that we can confidently approach God as our Heavenly Father. He is our Father and we can boldly and confidently take anything to him in prayer. We can also rest assured in the promise that God will hear the prayer as our Heavenly Father.

Secondly, we are heirs of God, co-heirs of Christ. Through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection we receive the gift of salvation. The troubles and sufferings we face in this world are only temporary because we will one day receive the glory of Heaven!

There is peace and comfort in the feeling of safety. In this time of challenges and concern, we can all rest peacefully in the safety of our Heavenly Father! He has us in his arms and will not let us fall. One day we will be in Heaven with our Heavenly Father.

Prayer:
Children of the Heavenly Father safely in his bosom gather;
Nestling bird or star in heaven such a refuge ne’er was given.

Though he giveth and taketh, God his children ne’er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely to preserve them pure and holy. Amen
Christian Worship 449:1,4

Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

Psalm 143:7-8

Have you ever had one of those days? A day when an unexpected problem comes up and you have no idea how to solve the problem. The problem follows you around through your entire day. It cannot simply be pushed from your mind. Maybe you even have that pit feeling in your gut.

It can be exhausting living in this sinful world. Problems, worries, and fears arise every day and can follow for days, weeks, months, or even years. Where do you turn in these situations? What is your first instinct in these situations? Do you expect an instant fix?

In these situations, the answer lies in taking the problem to the Lord in prayer. The Lord promises to hear the prayer and offers confidence that he will be with you throughout the problem and beyond.

The reading for today is a great example of taking problems, worries, and fears to the Lord, asking for God’s strength and presence during the difficult times. Without God, there is no strength to continue. The Psalm even mentions without the Lord, “I will go down to the pit”. It is God’s promise of strength and deliverance that carries you through a rough time.

The verses in this Psalm, take it one step further, asking for not just God’s strength and deliverance, but also for God’s guidance during the situation. It is so important to rely on God’s guidance and spiritual guidance when working through a difficult time. Ask God for guidance and trust in God! God will show you the way to go!

The next time you have one of those days pause and think of these Psalm verses. Follow the example of the Psalm: pray to the Lord, trust in God’s strength and deliverance, and ask for God’s guidance. Finally, trust that God has you and he will not let you fall!

Prayer: For today’s prayer, let’s reread the Psalm verses found in the reading for today. Take your problem, fear, or worry to the Lord with these words.

Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Amen

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give to you,” he said, “if you bow down and worship me.”

Jesus said to him, “Away from me Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Matthew 4:8-11

Let’s be honest…Christian life in this world is difficult. Temptations are all around in the world. A temptation is a test with the outcome either being pass or fail. Satan’s goal with each temptation is to lead an individual away from Jesus. Satan provides a plethora of temptations and individualizes temptations to do his very best to tear an individual away from Jesus. Sometimes temptations are blatant like stealing or dishonesty. Some are maybe more subtle such as doubt in God’s plan or coveting higher success or wealth. Blatant or subtle the temptations are an immoral act against God. The good news is that we are never alone in a temptation. Jesus is with us and will help overcome the temptation.

Jesus himself was tempted by Satan. Following his baptism Jesus was led into the desert where he fasted for 40 days. It is during this time that Satan worked to lead Jesus to sin. In turn this would have negated Jesus’ work of salvation for all of mankind. Thankfully, Jesus resisted the devil and overcame temptation not once, not twice, but three times!

The reading for the devotion is the third temptation of Jesus. Satan is claiming that he has the power to give Jesus all the kingdoms, with one caveat…Jesus must bow and worship Satan. This is, of course, a lie by Satan.

Twisting the truth, even Bible verses, is a common tactic of Satan. How many times has Satan tried to tempt you to think if you try this you will be wealthier or if you do this you will be more accepted by your friends? Soon doubt begins to break down the trust in God’s plan and in turn the lies of Satan are trusted.

Jesus used Scripture to refute Satan and overcome the temptation. We can follow Jesus’ example when we are faced with temptations. Jesus is stronger than Satan. The words of Scripture are more powerful than the lies of Satan. As we face every temptation we can trust in God, rely on God for deliverance, and when we fall into temptations have peace in the forgiveness given to us.

Temptations will be a part of life in this world. Each temptation is a test, but we can rest assured in the promise of God that he is with us through all temptations and will give us strength to endure the temptation.

Prayer:
A mighty fortress is our God, a trusty shield and weapon.
He helps us free from every need that has us now o’ertaken.
The old evil foe now means deadly woe.
Deep guile and great might are his dread arms in fight.
On earth is not his equal.
Christian Worship 200 verse 1

For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees, and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

Deuteronomy 30:16

The people of Israel had spent forty years waiting to enter the Promised Land. They stood at the brink of finally reaching their goal, when their leader, Moses, spoke the words of our Bible text. Moses knew his journey would end before the people stepped into this new home, but theirs was just beginning. What would they do? Would they follow God’s commands or slip into their old habits of worry, complaints, and disobedience?

We are not so different from the people of Israel. We thank God for faithful parents, friends, and leaders who made sure we learned about God’s law and how Jesus kept that law for us. Yet still we wander. We gossip or complain about work. We worry and forget Jesus’ continued love and providing care.

The list Moses gave the people and us today was daunting: walk in obedience and keep God’s commands, decrees, and laws. But Moses also encouraged the people. Just a few moments later he said, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6). Moses rightly promised that no matter what dangers or temptations we face, the Lord will be with us and forgive us. His death and resurrection seal that promise for us. We can always depend on his help, guidance, and forgiveness.

Moses promised the people wonderful blessings for their allegiance to God. For a long time they prospered in their promised new home. Our new home is waiting for us. Because of Jesus’ gracious sacrifice, we know we get to spend eternity in heaven with him forever.

“Therefore I murmur not; heaven is my home. Whate’er my earthly lot, heaven is my home. And I shall surely stand there at my Lord’s right hand. Heaven is my fatherland; heaven is my home.” (Christian Worship 417:4)

Prayer:
Dear Lord, every day I face temptations and hardships. Remind me that you are always with me, protecting me from all evil. I long to join you in heaven. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

I Corinthians 1:30-31

One of the joys of teaching is working with so many different personalities. Each child is a unique individual. While this diversity is wonderful, it can make teaching complicated. How can I hope to find that perfect lesson, the exact right words to teach the concept I want them all to understand? What if I just can’t get through to each child?

These questions get even scarier when I consider that God has entrusted me with the most precious message of all: we all are sinners that need a Savior, and Jesus is that Savior. What if I mess up? Why would God entrust these treasured souls to me?

God has a track record of choosing unexpected people to share his Word. His disciples included a group of uneducated fishermen, a despised tax collector, and a political rebel. Moses killed a man and then was a shepherd for years before he was called to lead God’s people. The first people to hear and share the news of the Savior’s birth were shepherds. Maybe we fit right into God’s group of misfits.

“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus.” (I Corinthians 1:30). The word him refers to God. It is because of God that you are in Christ Jesus. God chose you. He chose you to be a believer. He clothed you with Jesus’ holiness so that you are now perfect in his eyes. God also chose you to share the wonderful message of salvation with little ones and their families. Not only did God choose you, he also equipped you. God gives you his Word so that you can grow in your faith and then share that faith. The Holy Spirit guides you as you teach and apply God’s Word each day. You are in the position you are because of him. If you’re faithfully using the Word he has equipped you with, you don’t have to fear that you’ll mess things up. It will also be because of him and his power that your students will share in the blessings of Jesus through Spirit-worked faith.

There will still be times when you wish you had found better words or had handled a situation differently. Just remember, God chose you. He continues to work through you. And, one day, you will see those precious souls in heaven.

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, thank you for choosing me to teach these children the truths of your Word. Help me confidently share your love with them every day. In your name I pray. Amen.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

John 1:29-31

Our preschool class started the year with the stories of Creation and heard about Jesus every day. In every Bible lesson that we teach, we point to Jesus, the cross, and Jesus’ resurrection. So when we finally began reading the New Testament stories about baby Jesus, they had been waiting, and waiting a long time for this baby Jesus. Finally, the day came. One child stood up and said, “Wait a minute, is this the same Jesus as the one on the cross? It’s about time!”

God’s people had been waiting for Jesus to come for a long, long time. Many people-prophets, kings, priests-were sent before Jesus to prepare the way for him, teaching repentance and God’s grace. John, the servant in our Bible verse today, was born before Jesus. John was a messenger sent by God to point everyone to Jesus. God intentionally revealed Jesus as the Savior to John so that John could preach repentance and baptism to the people of his day. He said, “Look, there he is, the one we have been waiting for!”

Jesus is the Lamb of God because, in the times of the Old Testament, God’s people would sacrifice a lamb to show sorrow and repentance for their sins. The sacrificed lamb was killed for the people’s sins. This lamb was a symbol of Jesus Christ, who would sacrifice himself on the cross for all sins of the whole world, sins of the past, present, and future.

John tells God’s people that Jesus, the Lamb, is the reason for his work. It was time for everyone to see Jesus for who he was, the Lamb of God and Savior of all people in the whole world. We, too, want to share this message with all people. Every believer shares the messenger role that John did. We want to use the rest of our time on earth to share that message with children, their families, and all people that God places in our lives. We don’t have to wait! Our Savior has come; he is here!

Prayer:
Lamb of God, we fall before you, humbly trusting in your cross.
Our great joy is to adore you; All things else are only dross.
Jesus gives us true repentance by his Spirit sent from heav’n,
Whispers this assuring sentence, “All your sins are now forgiv’n”.
Christian Worship 354: 1, 3

A Question to Consider:
Do you have a friend, co-worker or family member that does not know about Jesus? Perhaps they are “still waiting” to reach a worldly goal as the answer to their problems or they think worldly treasures will remove sorrow. Think about how you might show them that Jesus, the Lamb of God, is the answer to every need.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Matthew 2:1-2, 10-11

The nativity is such a pretty scene- the small family with a newborn, the humble shepherds, singing angels, and wise men with birthday gifts. But wait! Read the words in Matthew again: “On coming to the house, they saw the child”. The wise men didn’t visit Jesus in the stable!

There are actually a lot of unanswered questions about Jesus’ first months on earth. How long was Jesus in the stable? We don’t know for sure. The Bible also doesn’t tell us precisely who the wise men were, where they came from, when they arrived, how long they stayed, or even how many wise men visited Jesus. We also don’t know exactly how the magi knew the special star meant that Jesus was born. All we know is that God did reveal this to them.

These questions that we have, though they are interesting details, don’t matter to the story at all. God always tells us everything that we need to know in his Word. Here is what we do know: the Magi knew the star was different and that God sent it. We know they went out of their way to find and worship the King. And we know that the gifts were very, very expensive treasures of the world at that time: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And we know that this Jesus was the Savior of the whole world.

The words tell us “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” They had been waiting for Jesus, the king! Jesus is ruler of heaven and earth, the king of our hearts. When the wise men saw Jesus, they treated him like the royalty that he is. They first worshiped him, honoring him as the Savior of all the world, and then presented him with precious gifts.

Is Jesus your king? Do you honor him by worshiping him in your church and at home? Do you drop everything and even go out of your way, like the Wise Men did, to praise him? Or do you only go to church when it is convenient, or pray when you desperately need something? Do you give him your very best treasures of time, talents, or money?

Sadly we often act more like the disinterested religious experts of Herod’s court than we do like those faithful Magi. But that is exactly why Jesus came in the first place, isn’t it? He came not only be your ruler-king but also your victor-king. The child of Mary went to war against our every enemy, even the one found in our own hearts. He conquered your sins by paying their price on the cross.

Truly our Savior, who suffered and died for all of our sins, is worthy of the very best efforts we can give. He knows our sins, how we are tempted by this world, and offers himself as the answer to our every need. Jesus is our King-he is here! The long-awaited Savior has come for all. May we honor our King every day until he comes again!

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to be the King of all. Help us to honor him with our very best gifts of time, talents and treasures. May we praise your name until Jesus comes again. Amen.

A Question to Consider:
What “precious gifts” can you use to serve our king? Do you have the gift of time to share with a family, friend, or stranger? Can you use your time or talents to serve in your church and community? Could you give a part of the monetary blessings God has given you to support the ministry? Can you help encourage others to serve?

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Luke 2:6-7

How could the King of Kings sleep in a manger (a feeding trough for animals)? How could the creator of the world find no room in an inn? How could the infinite, all-knowing, and all-powerful God allow himself to be born in such lowly circumstances? Love. That’s why.

How could an adult with a college degree take little children (not their own) to the bathroom? How could a grown person be so consumed with slime, playdough, and crayons? How could sophisticated, well-educated, and articulate adults allow themselves to be in such a position for not great pay? Love. That’s why.

In order to understand the birth of Christ you have to look beyond the hill of Judaea (Bethlehem) to Mount Calvary. In order to truly understand this Christmas event you have to look beyond the wood of the manger to the wood of the cross. This little boy came to die. God came to die. Sins needed to be paid for so God came to pay the price. That’s why he is so lowly. Love. That’s why.

In order to understand your life’s work in the home, in the school, and in the world, you need to look past everything to the cross. It’s all for love, that’s why. Love that serves in order to point others to the cross where you have found your Savior’s love. That’s why you clean up those disgusting messes. That’s why you painstakingly laminate an endless amount of paper. Love. That’s why.

It doesn’t always feel like it. It can feel more like burden. It can feel like a cross. And it is. God works his love in the world through you. So even when there are days when you don’t feel very loving or patient or calm or appreciated or valued or loved yourself, God still works his love through you. So why do you do it all? Love. That’s why. Because God loves you and you will do whatever it takes to show that love to those little ones in your care.

Prayer:
Dear Savior, help us to look past the manger to the cross. Here we see a simple and ugly thing used for the ultimate good, our forgiveness. Remind us in the grind of our own lives that you still work your love through us to others. Amen.

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:4-6

God’s words are for your encouragement. That is why they were written. That’s why the Holy Spirit inspired them. For you. Just think about that. The Father who speaks words, the Spirit who inspires words, the Son who is the Word, are all for you. For you.
God’s word also has power. In the beginning of St. Paul’s letter he calls the gospel “the power of God” (Rom 1:16). In particular, God’s Word has creative power. He said “Let there be light” and there was light. His words of forgiveness actually forgive sins (John 20:23). His words create faith (Rom 10:17) in dead hearts.

Let’s put those two things together: The power of God’s words and the fact that these words are for you. From the beginning of time God thought about you. “She needs to hear this message. He needs to be taught this lesson. She is going to have a rough day on December 29th 2019 so I want her to hear this gospel right now. He is going to get sick when he is 74 and I want him at peace. And my words will get the job done because my words have power.”

He knows. He knows you. He knows your classroom. He knows your students. He knows their parents. He knows. And his words are for them and you. So that you may have hope. A hope in Christ. Your sins are forgiven. Your work matters. Heaven is secure. Here are God’s words for your encouragement. They were written for you.

Prayer:
Jesus Christ, your life and death have granted us eternal security in the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. Continue to encourage us and our students with these powerful words. Amen.

The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen.’ The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’

There was written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. One of criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us.’

But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God’, he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’

Then he said, ‘Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.’

Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’

Luke 23:35-43

Welcome home. What do these words mean to you when you hear the words? Are you thinking of coming home after a vacation to the comfort of your home? Perhaps these words are said to you when you visit your parents after you have moved out of their home? Maybe it is as simple as after a long day when you pull in the garage, you mutter these words to yourself. There is a sense of comfort in these words. Home! A special place of belonging and with comfort and peace.

As Jesus was hanging on the cross on Good Friday, many things were happening around him. Some were mourning his pain and imminent death. Others were laughing and hurling insults at Jesus as he was suffering.

Jesus hung on the middle cross. The Bible says one criminal hung to his right and one to his left. One of the criminals mocked Jesus and asked for a miracle. The criminal wondered if Jesus is truly the Savior why he didn’t save himself and them as well.

The other criminal had more of a humble approach on the cross. He even realized that they were being punished fairly, but Jesus had done nothing to deserve the punishment of dying on the cross. He even asked Jesus to have pity on him and remember him when Jesus enters his kingdom.

Jesus turned to the criminal and said, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” What amazing words! Can you imagine the shock of the criminal as Jesus gave him this comfort? Jesus is welcoming him into paradise, his eternal home!

One day Jesus will say to us too, welcome home!

Thought to Ponder: Take time to pause today and marvel at the promise Jesus gives to us, just like the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise”

Prayer:
Jesus sinners does receive. Even I have been forgiven.
And when I this earth must leave, I shall find an open heaven.
Dying, still to him I cleave—Jesus sinners does receive. Amen
Christian Worship 304:7

All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.

2 Thessalonians 1:5-7

Have you ever just had one of “those” days, a day when nothing seemed to go right? Maybe it was day filled with trials. Maybe it was a day when you received bad news from a loved one. Maybe it was a day where you felt persecuted for proudly talking about your faith and the Good News of Gospel. It is safe to assume that the answer to this question is a yes from all people. There are days when things do not go as planned, days when chaos overtakes the day, and days when there are trials.

When trials and persecutions come, it is easy to search for answers as to why there is suffering. Where is God? Why is God letting suffering happen? Did we do something to deserve the suffering? Christians can easily begin to think that suffering is a judgement of sinning. However, 2 Thessalonians 1:5 states, “All this is evidence that God’s judgement is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering”. The comfort is that suffering happens because we are counted worthy of the kingdom of God. Suffering and trials are evidence that we are children of God.

The remainder of the passage is describing God’s judgement on the Last Day, Judgement Day. This will be a day when Jesus comes in full glory and the final judgement will take place. The promise is that everyone who suffered, especially for being a Christian, will receive the comfort of eternal life in heaven where there is no more suffering. Christians will receive “relief” from earthly sufferings.

Sufferings and trials can be difficult in the moment. It may seem like the sufferings will not end. Throughout the suffering and trials, cling to the promise of the Savior-salvation and eternal life! Any earthly suffering is temporary, but the peace of heaven will last for an eternity.

Thought to Ponder: God is just. God is judge. We have peace knowing what Jesus has done for us. There is an urgency to share God’s message of grace with those who do not have faith. Since there is a sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel, what can you intentionally do this week to share the Word with someone?

Prayer: To me he spoke, “Hold fast to me- I am your rock and castle.
Your ransom I myself will be; For you I strive and wrestle.
For I am yours, your friend divine, and evermore you shall be mine;
The foe shall not divide us.” Amen
Christian Worship 377:7

Your will be done.

Matthew 6:10

If only. Do you ever find yourself pondering these two little words? “If only I could get a bit more sleep.” “If only I was able to pay off the bills just once.” “If only we had a few more students or another staff member.” “If only I had a new vehicle so I wouldn’t have to worry about the next inevitable repair bill.” “If only God would take away my headaches or cancer or fatigue.” “If only we knew what day the licensing rep would be dropping in for an inspection.” “If only God would answer my prayer the way I’ve asked.” If only.

There are a couple of places that the words, “Your will be done” are spoken in the Bible. Two that come to mind are when Jesus teaches his disciples and us, the Lord’s prayer. Another time is when Jesus is praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, shortly before his arrest and crucifixion. Wouldn’t we expect that Jesus wouldn’t even need to say those words? Wouldn’t God automatically respond to his own Son’s prayer with a “yes?” No. God didn’t for Jesus, and he doesn’t always for us. And we are left to ask why.

Each time we pray, our words are eagerly heard by the God who made the universe, who made each of us. His love and care for us extends beyond seeing us as a mere creation. He loves us deeply, deeper than any love than any parent for their child. More than the parent anticipating their child coming home, God wants each one of his creations to spend every day of eternity in his home, in heaven. That love sent God’s only Son, Jesus, to the cross, the grave, and then to rise on Easter morning. A God who loves us that much, truly wants only what is best for us. When we pray, “Your will be done,” we are making a statement of faith that recognizes that we may not see the big picture for our lives, but our God does. We know what we want, but God knows what is best for us.

Sometimes our prayers are hard. We feel the weight of our burdens and can be thinking, if only God will answer this prayer the way that I hope, all will be fine. “Your will be done.” What is God’s will? What are we saying when we pray these words? God’s will is that his name is made holy and that all would know and believe in him. His will is grounded in a deep love for us. More than just asking God’s will to be done, we are also asking that the Lord bring our will into harmony with his good and gracious will. We can trust his will for us and boldly pray that he would bless and encourage us as we face the challenges of life. We can pray that he will help us to use each of our blessings and challenges as a way to give glory to him for all he has done for us.

The most important “if only” in our lives has already been done. We have forgiveness and peace with God because of Jesus. The heartaches and stresses of life continue but we can face them with courage and with confidence knowing that God’s will is for our good and that whether the answer to our prayer is a yes or a no, he is with us. “Your will be done, indeed!” We wouldn’t want it any other way! To Him be the Glory!

Prayer: Dear Lord, give me confidence and comfort in prayer trusting that your will for me and those I love is good and gracious and founded in your love. In your name I pray. Amen