“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.“ Genesis 1:27
If God created mankind male and female and He created each of us in our mother’s womb, as the Bible teaches in Psalm 139:13-16, who are we to say that our infinitely wise Creator, who created and stretched out the entire universe (Isa. 40:22), got it wrong when He created each of us either male or female?
O all-wise and almighty God, grant us the wisdom to humbly trust in You and rejoice in Your creation of the universe and of our own bodies and souls. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:8-9
Since God loved us and sent His Son to die for us even while we were still living in disobedience and sin, certainly He will save us from His wrath and punishment and give us eternal life with Him in heaven now that we are justified and counted righteous through faith in Christ’s shed blood.
Thank You, O loving God, for sending Your Son to die for us and for granting us salvation through faith in Christ’s shed blood. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope …” Romans 5:3-4
Some would teach that those who trust in Christ will have no troubles in this world, but the Word of God teaches us that God uses the troubles and sufferings we must endure in this world to keep our focus on Christ and the eternal blessings He won for us on the cross. He produces in us perseverance in the faith, character, and hope in the life to come.
Keep my eyes upon You, O Christ, that I may patiently endure the tribulations of this life and live in constant hope of the eternal joys of heaven You have won for me. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and his word was on my tongue.” 2 Samuel 23:1-2
David, the human author of so many of the psalms in our Bibles, recognized that it was the Holy Spirit who spoke by him. In other words, though David penned the Psalms, they weren’t his words and his thoughts but those the Spirit of God gave him and moved him to write. And this is true of all of the Bible. Though God used human authors and their writing styles, the words they wrote were not their own but God’s. It is as Peter wrote in 2 Peter 1:21: “For prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”
Grant that we view the Bible as Your inspired Word, O God, and accept and believe its every word and message, repenting of our sins and trusting in Christ Jesus, Your Son and our Savior, for forgiveness and life. In His name, we pray. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised 1833 Webster Version of the Bible.]
“The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” 2 Samuel 23:3
Here is God’s Word regarding earthly rulers. They are to be just and punish evildoers, not showing favoritism, and they are to rule “in the fear of God,” meaning they are to be guided by God’s Word and honor and respect the LORD God and His will in all they do.
O LORD God, our Maker and our Redeemer, grant us godly rulers who love You and Your Word and honor You in all they say and do. We ask this for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised 1833 Webster Version of the Bible.]
