Called, Equipped, And Empowered To Be Holy

For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

—1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 (NIV)

Heavenly Father,

I am grateful that You not only call me to live a holy life, but You also have equipped me to live that life by giving me the Holy Spirit, who empowers me for this journey toward holiness.

Help me never forget that the instruction to live a holy life does not come from a man, but from You—and is given to me out of Your unsurpassed wisdom, for my own benefit, because of Your great and unfailing love for me.

Let me always remember that when I reject this instruction—instead of allowing it the opportunity to work in me the protections and blessings it brings—I am not rejecting a man, but I am rejecting You, the LORD GOD, my Creator and Protector.

Help me see that in doing so, I have grieved Your Holy Spirit within me—and have separated myself from the very One who You have given to me to make it possible for me to turn from impurity and choose to live a holy life.

Help me to understand fully that when I choose impurity over Your call to holiness, I don’t have my own best interests at heart—because I have rejected You and Your very best for me.

I am grateful that You not only call me to live a holy life, but You also have equipped me to live that life by giving me the Holy Spirit, who empowers me for this journey toward holiness.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

The Gift Of Grace And Peace

May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.  Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.   All glory to God forever and ever!  Amen.

—Galatians 1:3-5 (NLT)

Heavenly Father,

No matter what might be happening in the world around me, help me to remain in the grace and peace that You have provided through the Lord Jesus Christ—in that assurance that Jesus gave His life to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.

I am so grateful that You always had a plan—even from before time began—for Jesus to give his life for my sins, so that I might be rescued from this evil world and no longer be crippled by the fear it brings.

Help me to remember that though I have not yet been rescued out of this present evil world, I have been rescued from its evil power over me—no longer bound by Satan’s lies, which enslaved me to sin, but free to choose to live my life in Christ and for His glory, honor and praise.

So let my life be a continual and ever-perfecting reflection of the One who saved me, a demonstration of my gratitude for all that He has done for me—as I live my life in the grace and peace of Christ and give You all the glory forever and ever!

No matter what might be happening in the world around me, help me to remain in the grace and peace that You have provided through the Lord Jesus Christ—in that assurance that Jesus gave His life to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

This Is The Way You Should Go

Your own ears will hear him.
    Right behind you a voice will say,
“This is the way you should go,”
    whether to the right or to the left.

—Isaiah 30:21 (NLT)

Heavenly Father,

Your Word assures me that if I will listen, I will hear Your Voice telling me, “This is the way you should go,” so I can stay on the right path—that path that leads to life—as I obediently place my life in Your Hands.

Help me always look forward—with great excitement and expectation—to the honor of hearing Your Voice guiding me in each new moment of the day, as You unfold Your wondrous plan before me. 

Help me remain willing to move obediently forward with energy and enthusiasm—eager to participate in the things that You have planned for me to learn and experience—knowing You work in all things for my good.

Help me to trust the Truth that there is nothing hidden from You and that, because of Your Unfailing Love for me, You will never leave me and will keep me in every way, as I remain in You—as I listen for Your Voice and obey.

Your Word assures me that if I will listen, I will hear Your Voice telling me, “This is the way you should go,” so I can stay on the right path—that path that leads to life—as I obediently place my life in Your Hands.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.