Jesus, we know that even after we experience salvation, we still have a heart of flesh that will be continually challenged. You teach us that the difference is that, because of our faith in You, You have sent the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts, to counsel and comfort us and to continue to forgive us daily as we seek to be more like You.
A tandem truth…what we say and what we do, matter to God
You tell us that there is a tandem truth; the fruit of our mouth, what we say, and the fruit of our labor, what we do, will be rendered (delivered) to us. We know You are a just God but oh how we lean upon Your mercy. Our imperfections are ever before us.
Want a better view? Stand upon the Rock!
You are the Rock, our Redeemer and You lift us to a higher place. Father, we await Your intervention, that moment when we will stand in Your Holy presence.
Will it be a fear filled moment when we stand in Your presence?
Jesus, we know that those who do not proclaim their love for You, will experience fear when You judge them. On the other hand, if we love You, we have a Spirit of adoption. You are our Savior, our Friend.
Do I need to make some lifestyle changes?
If we were to make a list of things that we think “defile the temple”, what would our list include? God, help us know what it is that You would have us stop doing.
Does it seem your heart is tatooed, indelibly, with sin?
Father, when King David asked you to forgive all his sins, he meant all. That includes thoughts and actions of every kind which he knew displeased You.
The correct position…to hunger and thirst for the Word
Father, this pivotal event makes us able to come to You in the righteousness of Christ. Your word teaches us that our righteousness is as filthy rags. We are able to approach you as a friend of Jesus, our Advocate, as disciples seeking to serve. Oh that our eyes would fail because we spent so much time in Your word.
Rejoice? You have to be kidding. My life is a mess…
Father, Your word says rejoice always. Sometimes Father we feel that true rejoicing in the midst of the trials of this earth is nearly impossible. Thank You for reminding us that we rejoice in the victory of Your presence in all situations. We never suffer or go through trials alone.
Do angels actually comfort God’s children?
Jesus, we know that when You suffered on the cross for our sins and took our sins upon yourself, that it meant separation from the Father, for the moment, since the Father will not allow sin or sinners in His Holy presence. You suffered as we would have had to suffer if it was not for Your sacrifice. Your assumption of our sins accomplished for us what we could never accomplish on our own.
Sealed by the Holy Spirit… How do you know?
Paul teaches us that those who love You and obey You are “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise”. Father, for this degree of certainty, we are grateful.