With Wisdom, Righteousness, and Devotion

 

And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.

—Titus 2:12-13 (NLT)

 

Heavenly Father,

Help me to live in this evil world in a way that brings glory to You—as I look forward with hope to that wonderful day when all of Christ’s glory will be revealed.

You have told me to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures, and yet I must still live in this world—which is full of godlessness and sin.

So, help me to stand against the temptations of the world—by granting me the wisdom I need to correctly discern good from evil, the strength I need to make right and pure choices, and the assurance of Your love and goodness that I need to live a life that is devoted to You.

Help me to live purposefully while I am here—as I use the gifts and talents that You have given me to be a part of building Your Kingdom here on earth.  And let me look forward with great hope and anticipation to the day when my battles with temptation will end—when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, comes again.

Help me to live in this evil world in a way that brings glory to You—as I look forward with hope to that wonderful day when all of Christ’s glory will be revealed.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Fuel for the Fires of Gossip

 

 

Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

—Proverbs 26:20 (NLT)

Heavenly Father,

Help me never allow myself—in any way—to be the wood that fuels fires of contention and strife by joining in with others in gossip.

May the thoughts, motives and intents of my heart be right and pure and holy, so that those things which fill my heart—and flow from my mouth—will produce the good fruit of one who loves by only speaking words of truth and grace.

Help me remember that it is not enough to refuse to start or repeat gossip—I must also refuse to listen to gossip—refuse to allow my ears to receive and my heart to be polluted by that which is garbage to my soul.

So, help me to be bold and loving enough to challenge anyone who chooses to gossip, to stop—in the hope that they might repent and that we all would benefit from the peace and unity that comes when gossip stops.

Help me never allow myself—in any way—to be the wood that fuels fires of contention and strife by joining in with others in gossip.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Miraculous Things

 

O LORD, You are my God;

I will exalt You, I will praise and give thanks to Your name;

For You have done miraculous things,

Plans formed long, long ago, [fulfilled] with perfect faithfulness.

—Isaiah 25:1 (AMP)

 

Sovereign and Faithful LORD,

You are—and forever will be—my God!

Let me always honor and praise You—exalting You with every area of my life and giving thanks to Your Name with every word of my testimony!

Help me to remember and to boldly declare all the wonderful things that You have done—those miraculous things that I have read about in Your Word as well as the wonderful, amazing and supernatural things that I have witnessed first-hand in my own life!

Thank You for showing forth Your sovereignty with perfect faithfulness—as You fulfill every plan that You formed long, long ago, according to Your specific timing and purpose, for Your upmost glory.

You are—and forever will be—my God!

In the name of Jesus, Amen.