Safe In Your Love

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.

—Jude 1:20-23 (NLT)

Heavenly Father,

Help me always be careful to examine all of my relationships, so that as I purpose to courageously do Your will in service to others, I am kept safe in Your love.

Help me to surround myself with other believers who, running alongside of me, will encourage and challenge me to continually build upon the holy foundation of faith that has been established in my heart—as I do the same for them.

Help me to pray by the power of the Holy Spirit, at all times and in every situation, so that with discerning wisdom I can know and follow after Truth, while I remain here on earth—always holding onto the hope that I have in my heart for the joy of eternal life with You through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

In this way, keep me safe in Your love, as I show mercy to others whose faith is wavering and encourage them in their journey forward with You, as I warn others of the judgment that comes to all mankind and offer them the hope of right-standing with You, and a I purpose to compassionately show Your love and mercy to sinners, all the while cautiously despising the sin that corrupts and pollutes their lives.

Help me always be careful to examine all of my relationships, so that as I purpose to courageously do Your will in service to others, I am kept safe in Your love.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Never Abandoned By You

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.  We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.  Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

—2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (NLT)

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that no matter what troubles I may face, along my journey through this life, You never abandon me—and because You are my eternal hope, I have no need to fear!

When I feel the oppressiveness of trouble pressing in on me from every side, remind me that You will not allow me to be crushed—that while it is hard to go through, You will not allow it to remain on me forever, but will deliver me safely out from under it.

When I feel unsure of what I should do and when I can’t seem to see a way out, remind me that I find my way in You—that I can go to You for wisdom and never have to be in despair, because You will always show me what to do.

When I am pursued and persecuted for my beliefs, remind me I never stand alone—for You are always by my side, upholding me by the power of Your right hand.

When I allow myself to get my feet knocked out from under me, remind me that You will pick me up and brush me off and set me on solid ground again—that I remain unbroken and I cannot not be destroyed.

Remind me that in every situation I face, Christ has already won the victory—that these are all opportunities for Him to demonstrate His power and presence in me and through me, to all those around me.

Thank You that no matter what troubles I may face, along my journey through this life, You never abandon me—and because You are my eternal hope, I have no need to fear!

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Love Manifested In Action

Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 

For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 

And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

—1 John 5:3-5 (NLT)

Heavenly Father,

Help me show my love for You more each day—help me to willingly and carefully keep all Your commandments.

Let me not forget that love is manifested in action—that the depth of my love for You is measured by my desire to act in obedience to Your commands.

Because I am Your child, Your commandments are not a burden to me, when—fueled by my love for You—I follow them out of true obedience, rather than following them grudgingly—with an attitude of unwilling compliance.

Because I am Your child, Your commandments are a comfort to me—providing protection from this evil world, provision for my every need, and peace through every circumstance of life.

Show me that as a child of God, I have victory over this evil world, as long as I make staying faithful to Your Son, Jesus, the only battle I wage.

Help me show my love for You more each day—help me to willingly and carefully keep all Your commandments.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.