How very important it is for us to forgive others.

Jesus says in Matt 6:14-15, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” and in Mark 11:25 Jesus says,” And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive your sins.”

When we pray, we need to take a moment and think about whether we are withholding our forgiveness from someone. If so, we need to release our animosity toward them and put it in God’s hands. This may be very difficult, but it is very important for us, so that we may receive God’s forgiveness, for which we ask.

Dear Lord, we may have been hurt or treated unjustly. There may be evil people in the world that seem unforgivable. Help us, however, follow your example of giving them what may be undeserved forgiveness, just as you gave us undeserved redemption and salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

I heard it said once that “you may be the only Jesus some people may ever know.” Meaning that some people may never go to church, read the Bible, or be exposed to Christianity in any way other than running into you at the mall, gas station, hospital, etc.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:27, “You are Christ’s body and each of you is an individual part of it.”

Since Jesus ascended into heaven, Christians have become the physical presence of Jesus’ will on earth. In a way, we are his hands, feet, and voice until he returns. So in addition to the Great Commission, “go and make disciples,” we are also the way Jesus can physically show his love to people in need, through our actions.

Dear Lord, you can give us the tools we need to be your physical presence on earth. Help us look for your will and act in faith, so if we are the only Jesus some people ever see, they will see and feel your love through us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I think we all can admit that it feels good to be better than someone else at something. Better golfer, smarter, richer, in better shape, our child’s school is better, company is better; there are an unlimited number of ways we can find to try to compare ourselves to others in order to pump ourselves up. Though it is great to work hard and strive to make ourselves better, boasting about our advantages shows that our focus is in the wrong place.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 says, “This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things.”

There is only one thing we can rightly boast about and be proud in, and that is our Lord God.

Dear Lord, it is your awesome power that made everything we know, and all the while you care about each of us individually. Help us put our pride in you and be grateful that you called and loved each of us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Some Bible verses just tell us things so clearly that it is almost hard to accept what they say.

Proverbs 22:4 is one of these. Saying, “True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.”

Wouldn’t we and our world be better off if we pursued these objectives of humility and the fear of the Lord?

Dear Lord, In the Bible, you tell us many times in many ways to submit to you and let you guide our ways, promising that you will lead us in life when we do. Help us humbly follow your direction so that we may live the lives you desire for us, and bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I think we have all seen those wild animal documentaries showing the predators, lions, tigers, and hyenas following a herd of prey. They wait for a young, old, or weak member of the herd to get out of the safety of the herd, and they attack that one.

In the same way, 1 Peter 5:8 tells his followers, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” The Devil also looks for someone that does not have support of other Christians. The lack of support makes them easier to influence, manipulate and pull away from their faith. Having a “herd” or our group of Christian friends and family for support helps us avoid being vulnerable to attack from our enemy the Devil. A great way to have a group of Christian friends is to have a church you regularly attend. The “herd” is there to help protect you, but you are also there to protect and support other members.

Dear Lord, help us all find our Christian “herd” and a church where we can feel safe and comfortable in our faith. Help us provide mutual support for each other to defend against the attacks of the devil. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.