“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
All of us suffer under the curse brought upon the world by sin, and, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we suffer the hatred of unbelievers and may be persecuted for clinging to Christ and His Word. Yet, the sufferings we endure in this world are nothing compared to the glory that awaits us as believers when Christ returns and takes us to be with Him in His eternal, heavenly kingdom.
Keep our eyes focused on You, O Lord, and on the glory that awaits us in heaven for the sake of Your innocent sufferings and death in our stead. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“And the Jews’ Passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem and found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: and when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; and said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.” John 2:13-16
Should our churches, which are to be houses of prayer and places to hear God’s Word, be turned into places of business where goods and merchandise are sold and money exchanged? What do you think Jesus would say?
Grant that we have a true zeal for Your house, O Lord, and use it to hear Your Word and come before You with our prayers and praises. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!” Deuteronomy 5:29
God’s desire for us, His children through faith in Jesus Christ, is that our hearts would be changed from selfish and sinful hearts into hearts that honor Him, love Him, and trust Him above all things — hearts that gladly and willingly obey His holy commandments — that all would be well with us, and our children. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Ps. 51:10).
O gracious and merciful God, for the sake of Jesus and His cross, forgive me for the evil thoughts and desires of my heart, and cleanse me that I might live for You and serve You with all my heart and soul. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body.” John 2:19-21
The Jews asked for a sign that Jesus truly was and is the Son of God and the promised Messiah and Savior. The sign Jesus gave them was His death and His resurrection on the third day. His hearers didn’t understand, but His resurrection on Easter morning proves He is God the Son and that He has, on the cross, atoned for the sins of all that we might look to Him in faith for forgiveness and life eternal.
Dear Lord Jesus, grant that I see in Your death and resurrection proof that You are the Son of God and my Savior from sin and death that I might trust in You and be saved. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6
The Word of God is true and pure, and there is great blessing in accepting God’s every word in faith. But there is danger in adding our own interpretations to God’s Word, in saying more than God has said. Anyone who adds to His words (or takes away from them) will be reproved by the LORD God and found to be a liar.
O Lord God, grant that I accept Your every word in faith, neither adding to Your words nor taking away from them. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
