The Good Work Of Transformation

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

—Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for sending Christ to pay the penalty for the sin of all mankind!  Thank You, also, for the good work of transformation that You began within me on the day I first believed—and for always being faithful to finish what You start!

I know with certainty that it is You who began this work—by the power of Christ in me—and because it is You that began this work, it is a good work, indeed.

I believe that this good work that You began will work within me for the rest of my days—that You will be faithful to attentively continue it throughout my lifetime.

I am completely confident that, by Your Spirit, You are enabling me to become more like Christ every day—as I continue to grow and mature in Him, according to Your plan and purpose, into the perfected work of Your hand.

I am grateful that You will not leave undone the good work that You have begun in me—but will be faithful to bring this work of love and grace to final completion on that day when I finally see Christ Jesus face to face.

Thank You for sending Christ to pay the penalty for the sin of all mankind!  Thank You, also, for the good work of transformation that You began within me on the day I first believed—and for always being faithful to finish what You start!

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Heart Of A Child

Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them.  Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.  So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

—Matthew 18:2-4 (NLT)

Heavenly Father,

Help me daily turn away from all my childish ways—which so quickly take me down the path toward sin—and with faith, sincerity, humility and love, become childlike in my acknowledgement of my complete dependence on You.

Give me the courage to chase after the changes I need to make in myself, so that I might boldly walk with maturity the path You have called me to walk—setting aside any petty childishness hidden inside my heart.

Help me to guard against the lies of pride that would try to minimize within my heart the truth that—as Your child—I am totally dependent on Your strength, knowledge, wisdom and provision to make it through each day.

Keep me from the false humility of self-deprecation, but rather, help me to celebrate the gifts and talents with which You have blessed me, by humbly using them to the praise, glory and honor of Christ alone—acknowledging You are the giver of all good things.

Help me daily turn away from all my childish ways—which so quickly take me down the path toward sin—and with faith, sincerity, humility and love, become childlike in my acknowledgement of my complete dependence on You.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.