“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring good news of good things!’” Romans 10:14-15
How important it is that pastors or preachers be called and sent to proclaim the gospel of peace through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross! Without preachers of the gospel, few will hear of Christ Jesus and His sacrifice for sin, and few will believe, for “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).
O gracious God, raise up faithful preachers and move us to support the preaching of the gospel so that the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ may be heard by people in every place. Amen.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 16:25
It is our very nature to justify ourselves and think that our choices in life are good and right, but instead of leading to life, they lead to death and condemnation. We ought to examine our ways in the light of God’s Word, repent of the sin and evil in our lives, and look to God for mercy in Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world.
Your Word, O Lord, is good and right. It reveals my sin but shows me the way of forgiveness and life through faith in Jesus Christ, my Savior. Grant that I hear and heed Your Word. Amen.
“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged, and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” Proverbs 16:6
When we accept the truth and acknowledge our sins and failures, looking to God for mercy through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, we receive mercy and forgiveness. When we revere and honor the LORD, who both created and redeemed us, we depart from evil and seek to live for Him in accordance with His commandments.
Grant that I not be self-deceived, O Lord, but confess my sins and look to You for mercy and forgiveness in Christ Jesus and His cross; and move me to honor You as my Maker and Redeemer and turn from my evil ways. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.” Proverbs 15:8
God does not accept prayers or praises from the impenitent, who continue in their sinful ways, but He gladly hears and answers the prayers of those who acknowledge their sins and turn to Jesus Christ and His cross for mercy.
Forgive my sins, O Lord, for the sake of Christ Jesus and His atoning sacrifice on the cross, and give me a heart to hear and obey Your commandments. Amen.
“Daniel said: ‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. It is He who changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who know understanding. …’” Daniel 2:20-21
It is the LORD God, the possessor of wisdom and might, who gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those with understanding. He also removes rulers and sets up rulers. He does so for His own purposes, often not known to man. Rulers can be for a blessing upon His people or for judgment upon a people who have turned away from the LORD and His Word and have rejected His wisdom and understanding.
O all-wise God, grant that we trust in You and accept Your judgments, for we know that You work all things for the good of those who trust in Your name. Amen.
