Daily Devotion, Daily Wisdom

[baddison]

Sept. 9, 2011

Devotional:
Incline not my heart to [any] evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties. Psalm 141:4

How important is it for you to be pure? How important is it for you to be righteous? For David, who had experienced the elation of sharing an intimate holy relationship with God and the utter pain of miserably failing God, guarding his heart was of ultimate importance. He didn't want to have any part of evil. He didn't want to be attracted to it. He didn't want to be a part of those who committed vile deeds. He didn't even want to take part in the luxuries and feasts. What are we willing to ask God to withhold from us to keep us from evil?

PRAYER:
Father, don't let me be tempted by what is vile, hideous, or evil. Give me a holy revulsion for what is false and deceptive. Give me clarity of sight and purity of heart to be able to see evil and the things associated with it so that I can stay far away from the tempter's snare and the things that would soil your holy name. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. Proverbs 11:13 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 10, 2011

Devotional:
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10 (KJV)

Jesus came so that the last could be first, the sick could be healed, the sinners could be saved, and the lost could be found. That was his purpose: to fix that which was broken -- not just us, but our world, our humanity, and all that goes with it. So how can we wear the name of Jesus and not live with his passion and purpose toward what we see lost in our world?

PRAYER:
O loving Father and Almighty God, please stir a holy passion in your people, and especially in me, so that we may more nearly reflect Jesus' purpose in our lives, our families, and our churches. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: [but] he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. Proverbs 13:3 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 12, 2011

Devotional:
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do [it]. Proverbs 3:27 (KJV)

Rather than "looking out for" only "number 1," we are to look out for those deserving of good -- whether that be help, aide, praise, love, affection, attention -- and to act decisively to give them what they need and deserve. We are to be a people, as Paul tells us, who Jesus saved so we would be "eager to do good deeds" (Titus 2:14).

PRAYER:
Father, forgive me for my selfishness. I so often notice only my needs or what I think I deserve. There are so many good and deserving people you have placed in my life who have blessed me.
Use your Spirit to open my eyes and my heart to see those around me whom I can bless, and give me the courage to act in ways that glorify you and are a blessing to others. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.


Wisdom:
Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. Proverbs 16:19 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 13, 2011

Devotional:
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 1 John 3:17

I love the Bible because it is so gritty with the realities of real life. In the previous verse, John told these churches that they should be willing to lay down their lives for each other. That's pretty good in theory, especially when you don't think it will ever be necessary. But this verse makes the application of that principle an every day reality: If there is somebody in your church in need, then be moved to help them -- that's what laying down your life is all about!

PRAYER:
Use me, holy and righteous Father, to be your hands and heart in helping those around me. Give me the generosity and the patience it takes to be a blessing to those in need who are a part of my church family, and also those who have not yet come to know Jesus as Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth [is] heaviness. Proverbs 14:13 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 14, 2011

Devotional:
Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Philippians 1:4-5 (KJV)

Paul prayed with joy because the Philippians were partners with him, not just supporters. Through their financial help, prayers, and interest in his work, they truly shared in his ministry. They were partners! Let's get interested in our congregations' missions. Let's pray and contribute to missions and get to know our missionaries. Let's get to know our missionary partners all over the world!

PRAYER:
Father in heaven, I pray that your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Please bless and empower the spread of your Kingdom. Protect and strengthen those with whom our church is partnered wherever they may be. Bless them with greater resources, maturity, and character. Help me to recognize and to do the things that I can do to support and encourage them. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. Proverbs 3:34 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 15, 2011

Devotional:
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake. Psalm 79:9 (KJV)

I am sure at times that God gets disgusted with our behavior and our lack of seeking after him. I'm sure there are moments when he acts to bless us only because we are his people and we wear his name. But when we cry out, confessing our sins and shortcomings, he is still our Savior. Even when we are not what we should be, God can act out of compassion and preserve the glory of his name.

PRAYER:
Holy and righteous God, our Savior and Abba Father, please forgive us for our sins, rebellion, failures, and duplicity. Deliver us, not just from the consequences of our sin, but also from the mediocrity that permeates our commitment to you. Set fire to your holy zeal in us to seek your glory and the glory of your name. You alone, O God, are our Savior! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it [is] better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Proverbs 3:13-15 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 16, 2011

Devotional:
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 (KJV)

Sometimes the most profound truths are very simple. The power to reach the world for Christ involves God's might through the Holy Spirit, God's plan of beginning where we are and reaching out to the world, and our willingness to tell others what God has done for us in Jesus.

PRAYER:
Father of all people, fill us with your powerful Holy Spirit, enable us to be effective in sharing our faith, and motivate us to reach our city, our region, and our world with the Gospel. I still believe, Father, that you desire to do in our day what happened long ago. Make your Name great. Exalt your holiness in the eyes of all people. Use me and the rest of your people to accomplish your will of reaching all nations with the Gospel of grace. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 17, 2011

Devotional:
Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. Acts 28:31 (KJV)

So often, we give excuses why we can't do evangelism. Throughout his life, Paul shows us how lame our excuses really are! He is under house arrest and having to support himself, yet he still manages to get the Gospel out to the lost!

PRAYER:
Loving and Almighty God, forgive my excuses and my fear. Please make me bold to share your saving truth in the Gospel. May all who know me also come to know more about Jesus through me! In his precious name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
The beginning of strife [is as] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. Proverbs 17:14 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 19, 2011

Devotional:
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. Isaiah 42:3-4 (KJV)

God will not falter! In a world where justice so seldom prevails, God is our only real assurance that justice will ultimately triumph. The hope for all lands and all peoples is for Jesus to return and bring with him God's truth and justice. Maranatha, come O Lord!

PRAYER:
Righteous and merciful Father, I am sick of the corruption in our world and the injustice done to good, but powerless, people. Please send Jesus back soon and bring with him the righteous and just rule of your Kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
The highway of the upright [is] to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. Proverbs 16:17 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 20, 2011

Devotional:
Wherefore [is there] a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he hath] no heart [to it]? Proverbs 17:16 (KJV)

What do you value more, money or wisdom? Look closely at our verse. Money without wisdom is really worthless. It will not be put to good use and will soon evaporate in the hands of one who is foolish. Like Solomon, rather than pursuing riches or fame, let's pursue godly wisdom and the other things will take care of themselves.

PRAYER:
Eternal God and wise Father, please give me the wisdom to know what is most important for me to pursue with my time, efforts, and money. Please bless me with your holy wisdom, so that I may invest my life in what is truly meaningful and live to your glory. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.


Wisdom:
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness [shall be] a sure reward. Proverbs 11:18 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 21, 2011

Devotional:
O LORD, thou [art] my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful [things; thy] counsels of old [are] faithfulness [and] truth. Isaiah 25:1 (KJV)

While there are many things for which we can praise God, one of the most significant is his faithfulness to do what he has planned and promised. While many of us are big dreamers and schemers, only God can accomplish the marvelous plans that he alone can make!

PRAYER:
Amazing and awesome God, thank you for planning a world so full of variety and beauty. Thank you for your amazing and wonderful works. Thank you for having a plan of salvation for us even before the creation of the world. Please help me be more diligent and disciplined in the plans I make to honor you and bring you glory. In Jesus' name I praise you. Amen.


Wisdom:
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. Proverbs 28:26 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 22, 2011

Devotional:
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 (KJV)

How important is grace? Paul said that God's grace and telling others about that grace were more important than his own life! In fact, sharing God's grace with others no matter the cost was Paul's life!

PRAYER:
Almighty God, Holy Father, thank you for your lavish grace demonstrated and fully expressed in sending Jesus to die for me. As your child, and in thanks to your sacrificial gift, I pledge to you my life, my love, and my all. Through Jesus. Amen.


Wisdom:
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise [man] keepeth it in till afterwards. Proverbs 29:11 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 23, 2011

Devotional:
I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; Isaiah 42:6 (KJV)

God chose the Israelites to be his special nation. This wasn't because they were better or brighter than other nations. No, God chose them because of his love for Abraham and so he could bless all nations of the earth through his chosen people.

PRAYER:
Father, I know you have blessed me with your salvation because of your great mercy, grace, and kindness. In turn, please empower me as I try to share your great blessings with others. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but [he that is] perverse [in his] ways shall fall at once. Proverbs 28:18 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 24, 2011

Devotional:
And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy [place], for a memorial before the LORD continually. Exodus 28:29 (KJV)

In a symbolic way, the Priest had all the people of Israel "on his heart when he entered the Holy place." Jesus, our ultimate Priest, had our sins on his back and our forgiveness on his heart when he went to the Cross for us!

PRAYER:
Tender Shepherd, I know you love me because of the great price you paid to redeem me from my sins. Thank you for having me on your heart despite my sometimes rebellious and unfaithful ways. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. 1 Chronicles 28:9 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 26, 2011

Devotional:
Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:31 (KJV)

I'm not sure I can fully comprehend "unfailing love." To always do the loving thing, whether it's discipline or reward, fun or pain, I'm not sure I can fully understand it. But I can tell you this: I am eternally grateful for it! It's not hard to give thanks for a God like ours!

PRAYER:
Thank you Almighty God for revealing yourself as Abba Father! Thank you for loving me so much that you give me what I need, not what I want or deserve! Thank you for the very many kindnesses and loving deeds you have done for me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
Behold, happy [is] the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: Job 5:17 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 27, 2011

Devotional:
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation. Hebrews 13:7 (KJV)

What makes a great Christian leader? The Holy Spirit emphasizes three things in this passage: 1) they teach others the word of God; 2) they live as great examples for others; and 3) they have observable faith. God puts each of us in positions of influence with our children, our friends, our work acquaintances, and our neighbors. What kind of spiritual leadership are we showing them?

PRAYER:
God of all grace and Father of all compassion, please help me to be a better Christian leader to the people you have put in my sphere of influence. Empower me to have a life worth imitating. In Jesus' name I ask this. Amen.


Wisdom:
The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing]. Psalm 34:10 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 28, 2011

Devotional:
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (KJV)

In a world that falls for facades and seems to give more credit for intentions than actions, don't you find it refreshing that Paul expects that faith, hope, and love will naturally produce certain actions?

PRAYER:
Mighty God of deliverance, I want to honor you with a life of observable faith, hope, and love. Please revive and refresh me with your Holy Spirit so that my life will be full of the actions that your grace and character inspire. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Proverbs 1:8 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 29, 2011

Devotional:
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 1 Peter 1:13 (KJV)

The reward of delayed gratification! If there were ever a verse that did NOT match the whims of our "modern" society, this would have to be it! Prepare ... be self-controlled ... focus your hopes on the future ... none of those is an advertising slogan, but they all are the sustaining truths of the great souls who have gone before us!

PRAYER:
Eternal God, please help me have the patience and faithfulness to let you fully form in me the character and the wisdom that my world so much lacks and I so much need. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.


Wisdom:
Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD. Leviticus 19:18 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

Sept. 30, 2011

Devotional:
For wisdom [is] a defence, [and] money [is] a defence: but the excellency of knowledge [is, that] wisdom giveth life to them that have it. Ecclesiastes 7:12 (KJV)

We can try to insure our future through many things. Wisdom, however, is always a better investment than finances because it not only shelters us from our uncertain future, but Godly wisdom can also keep us out of the unnecessary consequences for dumb and ungodly behaviors. Most of all, God's wisdom teaches us that there's no solid future without our lives centered on God.

PRAYER:
O Lord God, I want to be wise in your ways and innocent in the ways of evil. Forgive my foolish and sometimes rebellious behaviors. Lead me with your Spirit in the ways of truth, justice, and righteousness. In the name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast [them] from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. Matthew 18:8 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

October 1, 2011

Devotional:
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Romans 10:14 (KJV)

Since "calling on the name of the Lord" is essential for salvation, then what is going to happen if we don't speak about Jesus with those who do not know him? We must share Jesus with everyone who will listen. That "someone preaching to them" must be us!

PRAYER:
Concerned and loving Father, I know the people in my life were put there by you. Please make me bolder in my witness to others about Jesus and his sacrifice. Please give me wisdom to know when to speak to them about the Gospel. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
Happy [art] thou, O Israel: who [is] like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who [is] the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places. Deuteronomy 33:29 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

October 3, 2011

Devotional:
Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of [this] calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of [his] goodness, and the work of faith with power:
2 Thessalonians 1:11 (KJV)

Paul prays for God to be active in the lives of these new Christians -- to maximize the good they intend to do as well as fully bless every good deed they do out of their commitment of faith. What new Christian do you need to pray this for?

PRAYER:
Strong and mighty Father, please bless several new Christians who are on my heart today. Help them recognize your presence in their lives. Please maximize the good in every effort they make and every intention they have to honor you and bless your people. Protect them from the evil one. In Jesus' name I ask this blessing. Amen.


Wisdom:
Know ye that the LORD he [is] God: [it is] he [that] hath made us, and not we ourselves; [we are] his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

October 4, 2011

Devotional:
Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever. Psalm 28:9 (KJV)

While most of us are familiar with the very personal declaration about God as shepherd in Psalm 23, this Psalm is a plea for God to actively shepherd all of his people today and into the far distant future. It is also a great reminder of how important it is for us to pray for God's presence in the lives of his children wherever, and "whenever" they are!

PRAYER:
Eternal Father, the great "I AM," please bless me as I seek to pass on faith to my children. Bless them and their generation, and lead them in your truth so that they may pass on a vibrant and passionate faith to their children. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience. James 1:2-3 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

October 5, 2011

Devotional:
So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands. Psalm 78:72 (KJV)

One of the greatest honors and responsibilities a Christian leader can have is to be designated a pastor or shepherd in God's family. While only a few truly qualify biblically to be recognized as shepherds over God's flock (see Acts 20, 1 Tim 3, & Titus 1), a shepherding concern for others is important for all of us. Let's demand that those who are selected as our Shepherds have integrity of heart and proven skill in caring for people. And when they lead, let's give them our support in effort, prayer, and ministry.

PRAYER:
O Great Shepherd, I fervently pray that you will raise up great leaders in your church who will shepherd your sheep with integrity and godly skill. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:14-16 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

October 6, 2011

Devotional:
The wicked is snared by the transgression of [his] lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. Proverbs 12:13 (KJV)

Our mouths can sure get us into trouble, can't they! This is especially true for someone whose heart is tainted by evil. Talk reveals so much about our interior life, and an evil person has a lot to hide! But that brings us to ourselves. What does our talk reveal about us? Does it help us escape trouble or does it reveal festering evil in our souls?

PRAYER:
O Lord God, may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pure and holy in your sight. Through your cleansing Spirit, purify my spirit, heart, and body so that I may serve you in honor and righteousness. Strengthen me so that when I do open my mouth, the words that come out clearly reveal that you are in charge of my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

October 7, 2011

Devotional:
For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Colossians 1:9 (KJV)

When we hear of Christians in other places, especially where circumstances and times are difficult, or they are new in the Faith, let's intentionally and purposefully pray this prayer for them!

PRAYER:
Loving Father please bless my brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. Strengthen those under attack and facing oppression. Mature those new to your family. Enlighten those who are facing doubt and uncertainty. Please bless your people today with peace. In Jesus' name I ask it. Amen.


Wisdom:
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

October 8, 2011

Devotional:
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10:11 (KJV)

The Bible uses the term "shepherd" for all kinds of good leaders. But only One is the quintessential Shepherd. He shows us that the heart of godly leadership is sacrifice not status, service not selfishness. We follow this Shepherd because we know he values us above his own life.

PRAYER:
Holy and sacrificial Father, I am humbled to silence by your plan to have Jesus be both Lord and Lamb, Shepherd and Sacrifice. Thank you for giving me life by his death and leadership by his example. I offer you my undying thanks in Jesus' name. Amen.


Wisdom:
Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

October 10, 2011

Devotional:
Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd. Numbers 27:16-17 (KJV)

Wow! For any city, county, or country electing new leadership, or church selecting elders or ministers, what greater prayer could there be?

PRAYER:
O Father, please forgive us for choosing leaders for the wrong reasons and with the wrong character. Please raise up leaders at every level of community that have integrity of character and a deep concern for people. In the name of the Savior, Jesus. Amen.


Wisdom:
Blessed [is] the man whose strength [is] in thee; in whose heart [are] the ways [of them]. Psalm 84:5 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

October 11, 2011

Devotional:
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13 (KJV)

How serious are we about sin? The Bible reminds us how seriously God views it. The power of sin to entice us, entrap us, and ultimately engulf us in its power can be offset by loving Christian friends who encourage each other daily.

PRAYER:
Father, I know sin's power is deceptive. Help me see those who need my encouragement today, so that together, we can help each other escape sin's traps. In the name of Jesus, who withstood all of Satan's tests, I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 1 John 1:5-6 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

October 12, 2011

Devotional:
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and [to] Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:21-22 (KJV)

Let's make a commitment to do better at helping our new brothers and sisters in Christ grow in Christ. The apostles didn't just lead people to Christ, they also encouraged and strengthened them in their faith.

PRAYER:
Holy and loving God, thank you for those precious people who nurtured me when I was a young Christian. Please use me to bless the new Christians in my church family. In the name of my brother and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.


Wisdom:
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Psalm 121:7-8 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

October 13, 2011

Devotional:
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21 (KJV)

A good shepherd equips his sheep to face the trials of life. But as Psalm 23 reminds us, no shepherd equips his sheep quite like the ultimate Shepherd. Let's unleash his power in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ by specifically praying for God to equip them with everything they need to do his good work!

PRAYER:
O Great Shepherd of the sheep, please release the power of your Spirit in your people and equip us to do great things in our day, like the first Christians did in their day. May it all be done to your glory, in the name of my hero, Jesus. Amen.


Wisdom:
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Isaiah 52:7 (KJV)