Full Understanding and Expression

 

 

May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

 

—2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NLT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heavenly Father,

 

Lead my heart that I would come into a full understanding of Your love and then be able to express that same love to others—with the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

 

Help me each day to come to understand Your love more—by granting me insights into its mysteries and ever deeper revelations of its wondrous and healing power.

 

May my deepening understanding of Your unfailing love cause my heart to change toward others—so that I can fully express Your love to them, as my own.

 

May Your love’s patient endurance live in me—a manifestation of Christ in my life—so that all will see You and give You the glory and honor that You are due.

 

Lead my heart that I would come into a full understanding of Your love and then be able to express that same love to others—with the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Through Suffering

 

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,

 

Whenever I am pressed on every side by troubles, help me hold onto this Truth:  You never leave me, You never let go of my hand, and victory over this world is found in Christ—who is my strength and who has won for me eternal life.

 

In those times when it seems as if my world is falling in on me, remind me that, as hard as it is to endure, You will not allow me to be crushed—but will strengthen me through the struggle and deliver me safely through to the other side.

 

When I feel confused, perplexed, or at a loss as to how to find my way, remind me that I find my way in You—that You hold all wisdom and I don’t have to be driven to despair, because You will always show me what to do, when I ask in faith.

 

If I am ever pursued or persecuted for my beliefs, remind me that it is Your right hand that protects me and Your Spirit who tells me how to answer my accusers.

 

When I get my feet knocked out from under me, help me trust that You will pick me up and brush me off and set me on solid ground again—that in Christ, I will not be shaken and I cannot not be destroyed.

 

Remind me that in every situation I face, in every suffering I endure, 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.

 

Whenever I am pressed on every side by troubles, help me hold onto this Truth:  You never leave me, You never let go of my hand, and victory over this world is found in Christ—who is my strength and who has won for me eternal life.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Faith, Love, Hope

 

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

—1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

 

 

My God and Father,

 

Make me ever mindful that a person’s best work is produced by faith, that a person’s most honest labor is prompted by love, and that a person’s strength to endure all things can only be inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Help me to remember to give thanks for those people that You have placed in my life whose best work is produced out of their absolute faith in You—for their example of steadfast faith, which challenges me to trust You more.

 

And to give thanks for those who emulate well Christ’s labor of love toward all those He died to save—whose example of Christ’s love in action, prompts me to love more deeply and express that love more completely.

 

And to give thanks for those whose endurance is made possible only by their hope in our Lord Jesus Christ—for their example of long-suffering, which inspires me to endure my struggles because of the hope that stands forever before me.

  

Make me ever mindful that a person’s best work is produced by faith, that a person’s most honest labor is prompted by love, and that a person’s strength to endure all things can only be inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Safe!

 

 

I lay down and slept,

    yet I woke up in safety,

    for the LORD was watching over me.

 

—Psalm 3:5 (NLT)

 

 

 

Ever-watchful LORD,

 

How blessed I am to be able to lie down and sleep—knowing that I am under Your ever-watchful care!

 

Thank You for the comforting truth that You never take Your eyes off me—that You are always there to keep me safe in every way.

 

Thank You that when the troubles and worries of this world try to steal my peace away from me, I need only cry out to You and You are there to hear me and to restore my peace—with the full assurance that You are in control of whatever circumstances that I may have to face.

 

Help me not to forget that—because I am Your very own—You will always use every circumstance I may have to endure for my good and will not withhold any good thing from me, if I walk uprightly before You.

 

How blessed I am to be able to lie down and sleep—knowing that I am under Your ever-watchful care!

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Follow Jesus!

 

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.

 

—Luke 9:23 (NLT)

 

 

Dear Jesus,

 

Grant me the strength to turn away from my selfish ways and to embrace with courage and patient endurance any challenge I may face—as I daily commit to follow You, wherever You may lead me.

 

Help me always remember that my life is found in Christ—that I belong to Him and that the life I am called to live serves Your plans and purposes, not my own selfish ways.

 

Give me a sacrificial heart—one that is willing to deny myself—and give me hands and feet that move quickly and willingly toward the work at hand.

 

Help me not to merely serve You with my mouth but rather demonstrate my love and my gratitude for You, by obeying Your Word and following Your example—for Your glory, honor and praise.

 

Grant me the strength to turn away from my selfish ways and to embrace with courage and patient endurance any challenge I may face—as I daily commit to follow You, wherever You may lead me.

 

I pray these things in Your Precious Name, Lord Jesus, Amen.

Lead Me, Lord!

 

 

May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

 

—2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NLT)

 

 

Heavenly Father,

 

Lead my heart that I would come into a full understanding of Your love and then be able to express that same love to others—with the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

 

Help me each day to come to understand Your love more—by granting me insights into its mysteries and ever deeper revelations of its wondrous and healing power.

 

Let my deepening understanding of Your unfailing love cause my heart to change toward others—so that I can fully express Your love to them, as my own.

 

Let Your love’s patient endurance live in me—a manifestation of Christ in my life—so that all will see You and give You the glory and honor that You are due.

 

Lead my heart that I would come into a full understanding of Your love and then be able to express that same love to others—with the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

The Life of Jesus

  

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,

 

Whenever I am pressed on every side by troubles, help me hold onto this Truth:  You never leave me, You never let go of my hand, and victory over this world is found in Christ—who is my strength and who has won for me eternal life.

 

In those times when it seems as if my world is falling in on me, remind me that, as hard as it is to endure, You will not allow me to be crushed—but will strengthen me through the struggle and deliver me safely through to the other side.

 

When I feel confused, perplexed, or at a loss as to how to find my way, remind me that I find my way in You—that You hold all wisdom and I don’t have to be driven to despair, because You will always show me what to do, when I ask in faith.

 

If I am ever pursued or persecuted for my beliefs, remind me that it is Your right hand that protects me and Your Spirit who tells me how to answer my accusers.

 

When I get my feet knocked out from under me, help me trust that You will pick me up and brush me off and set me on solid ground again—that in Christ, I will not be shaken and I cannot not be destroyed.

 

Remind me that in every situation I face, in every suffering I endure, 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.

 

Whenever I am pressed on every side by troubles, help me hold onto this Truth:  You never leave me, You never let go of my hand, and victory over this world is found in Christ—who is my strength and who has won for me eternal life.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

By Faith, By Love, By Hope!

 

 

 

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

—1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

 

 

 

My God and Father,

 

Make me ever mindful that a person’s best work is produced by faith, that a person’s most honest labor is prompted by love, and that a person’s strength to endure all things can only be inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Help me to remember to give thanks for those people that You have placed in my life whose best work is produced out of their absolute faith in You—for their example of steadfast faith, which challenges me to trust You more.

 

And to give thanks for those who emulate well Christ’s labor of love toward all those He died to save—whose example of Christ’s love in action, prompts me to love more deeply and express that love more completely.

 

And to give thanks for those whose endurance is made possible only by their hope in our Lord Jesus Christ—for their example of long-suffering, which inspires me to endure my struggles because of the hope that stands forever before me.

 

Let me always aspire to work by faith, labor in love, and endure through hope—as I make reflecting the Light of Jesus Christ my great obsession.

 

Make me ever mindful that a person’s best work is produced by faith, that a person’s most honest labor is prompted by love, and that a person’s strength to endure all things can only be inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

The LORD Watches Over Me!

 

I lay down and slept,

    yet I woke up in safety,

    for the LORD was watching over me.

 

—Psalm 3:5 (NLT)

 

Ever-watching LORD,

 

How blessed I am to be able to lie down and sleep—knowing that I am under Your ever-watchful care!

 

Thank You for the comforting truth that You never take Your eyes off me—that You are always there to keep me safe in every way.

 

Thank You that when the troubles and worries of this world try to steal my peace away from me, I need only cry out to You and You are there to hear me and to restore my peace—with the full assurance that You are in control of whatever circumstances that I may have to face.

 

Help me not to forget that—because I am Your very own—You will always use every circumstance I may have to endure for my good and will not withhold any good thing from me, if I walk uprightly before You.

 

How blessed I am to be able to lie down and sleep—knowing that I am under Your ever-watchful care!

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

To Take Up My Cross Daily

 

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.

 

—Luke 9:23 (NLT)

 

Heavenly Father,

 

Grant me the strength to turn away from my selfish ways and to embrace with courage and patient endurance any challenge I may face—as I daily commit to follow after Christ, wherever He may lead me.

 

Help me always remember that my life is found in Christ—that I belong to Him and that the life I am called to live serves Your plans and purposes and not my own.

 

Give me a heart that is willing to deny myself in order to accomplish the all that You have placed before me to do—and hands and feet that move quickly and willingly toward the work at hand.

 

Help me not to merely serve You with my mouth, but rather demonstrate my love for You, and my gratitude for all that You have done for me, by truly living my life—moment by moment—for Your glory, honor and praise.

 

Grant me the strength to turn away from my selfish ways and to embrace with courage and patient endurance any challenge I may face—as I daily commit to follow after Christ, wherever He may lead me.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

God Loves Us

 

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment.  For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

 —Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)

 

 

Loving Father,

 

Help me to choose to rejoice always, even in the face of any problems and trials I may face.  Let me look beyond them to see the working of Your plan—a plan to help me to endure all things, as I grow in strength of character, in hope of Your salvation, and in knowledge of Your love for me.

 

Help me to endure every hardship I face with complete faith and trust in You—knowing that You use life’s difficulties, and even the enemy’s attacks against me, to strengthen my character.

 

Then use my strengthened character to build my confident hope that You will always be faithful to save me in, or through, or out of every situation or circumstance that I may face—even death itself.

 

Remind me that as long as my hope is in You alone, I will never be disappointed, and help me to truly embrace how much You dearly love me—as Your Holy Spirit fills my heart with Your love.

 

Help me to choose to rejoice always, even in the face of any problems and trials I may face.  Let me look beyond them to see the working of Your plan—a plan to help me to endure all things, as I grow in strength of character, in hope of Your salvation, and in knowledge of Your love for me.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Lead My Heart

 

 

May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

 

—2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NLT)

 

Heavenly Father,

 

Lead my heart that I would come into a full understanding of Your love and then be able to express that same love to others—with the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

 

Help me each day to come to understand Your love more—by granting me insights into its mysteries and ever deeper revelations of its wondrous and healing power.

 

Let my deepening understanding of Your unfailing love cause my heart to change toward others—so that I can fully express Your love to them, as my own.

 

Let Your love’s patient endurance live in me—a manifestation of Christ in my life—so that all will see You and give You the glory and honor that You are due.

 

Lead my heart that I would come into a full understanding of Your love and then be able to express that same love to others—with the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

So That the Life of Jesus May Also be Seen

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,

   

Whenever I am pressed on every side by troubles, help me hold onto this Truth:  You never leave me, You never let go of my hand, and victory over this world is found in Christ—who is my strength and who has won for me eternal life.

In those times when it seems as if my world is falling in on me, remind me that, as hard as it is to endure, You will not allow me to be crushed—but will strengthen me through the struggle and deliver me safely through to the other side.

When I feel confused, perplexed, or at a loss as to how to find my way, remind me that I find my way in You—that You hold all wisdom and I don’t have to be driven to despair, because You will always show me what to do, when I ask in faith.

If I am ever pursued or persecuted for my beliefs, remind me that it is Your right hand that protects me and Your Spirit who tells me how to answer my accusers.

When I get my feet knocked out from under me, help me trust that You will pick me up and brush me off and set me on solid ground again—that in Christ, I will not be shaken and I cannot not be destroyed.

Remind me that in every situation I face, in every suffering I endure, 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.

Whenever I am pressed on every side by troubles, help me hold onto this Truth:  You never leave me, You never let go of my hand, and victory over this world is found in Christ—who is my strength and who has won for me eternal life.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Faith, Love, and Endurance

 

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

—1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

 

 

 

My God and Father,

Make me ever mindful that a person’s best work is produced by faith, that a person’s most honest labor is prompted by love, and that a person’s strength to endure all things can only be inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Help me to remember to give thanks for those people that You have placed in my life whose best work is produced out of their absolute faith in You—for their example of steadfast faith, which challenges me to trust You more.

And to give thanks for those who emulate well Christ’s labor of love toward all those He died to save—whose example of Christ’s love in action, prompts me to love more deeply and express that love more completely.

And to give thanks for those whose endurance is made possible only by their hope in our Lord Jesus Christ—for their example of long-suffering, which inspires me to endure my struggles because of the hope that stands forever before me.

Let me always aspire to work by faith, labor in love, and endure through hope—as I make reflecting the Light of Jesus Christ my great obsession.

Make me ever mindful that a person’s best work is produced by faith, that a person’s most honest labor is prompted by love, and that a person’s strength to endure all things can only be inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.