Category: living by faith

“What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,” says the LORD. “You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my Spirit, thus piling up your sins.” – Isaiah 30:1 NLT

In the time of Isaiah, God’s people were in a very difficult predicament politically and militarily. They saw making alliances with foreign governments their only hope for survival. Why is it that we, the people of God, so easily forget that God is our only hope for survival — not military might, not financial strength, not alliances with other people or other governments. The problem is that we don’t live directed by the Spirit. Galatians 5 reminds us that we are to “walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16), to be “led by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:18), and to “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). Eight centuries before Galatians was written, Isaiah was challenging God’s people to live this way, and they ignored him — and even more importantly, they ignored God — bringing disaster upon themselves. I wonder if we are listening to him today?

O Father, King of Glory, I surrender my heart to be influenced, led, and directed by the Spirit so that I can produce the fruit of the Spirit in my life as I walk in step with the Spirit’s will in my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

O land, land, land,
hear the word of the LORD.
Jeremiah 22:29 (NIV)

What is absolutely essential for our country and our people to experience revival? First, the Spirit or God must move in a mighty way. Second, the people must open their hearts to hear and respond to the Word of the Lord. So let’s commit to pray together, all over the world, that our people will open their hearts to the Spirit and the Word of God. May our confessions of faith endure in Christ.

Holy and Almighty God, please move powerfully in our day to bring revival. Open the hearts of the peoples to your truth and enable those who proclaim your Word to speak your truth with power. Please use me to help make a difference in the lives of those around me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

By the grace given me I say to everyone of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. – Romans 12:3

Pride does go before a fall! Try balancing these two truths: “I must not be prideful, but I must understand just how much God values me.” It’s not easy. Satan can use our self denigration, what I call the worthless worm syndrome, to discourage us and keep us from using our gifts and knowing our value to God for Kingdom work. On the other hand, pride takes God out of the picture and attributes any contribution to God’s Kingdom to us and not to God. To be both bearer of the image of God and part of fallen humanity is more than a theological issue; it is the daily struggle of being a disciples. But we maintain the proper balance by praising the One who made us his child and adopted us into his family.

Holy Father, as your child, redeemed at the cost of Jesus’ life, I know I am loved and valuable to you. I know you have given me abilities and gifts to use for your glory and to bless your church. But Father, I do not want to ever think that my abilities are somehow tied to my superiority or work. I know you have given me the gifts, abilities, and experiences that have shaped me, so please empower me to your glory. But Father, I never want the glory that is achieved from your gifts to puff me up or rob from me the realization that I am what I am, I have what I have, and I do what I do, because of your grace and your generous gifts. May I ever be your humble but valuable child at work in your Kingdom. I pray in the name of Jesus, my older brother and your Son. Amen.

Choose you this day
whom ye will serve . . .
as for me and my house,
we will serve the LORD.
– Joshua 24:15

In America, every year July 4th brings with it fun, food, family and friends, and fireworks—all as a celebration of national freedom.  But even with all the celebrating and fun, many Americans are still caught in the web of bondage on a mental, emotional, relational, financial, vocational or spiritual level.  Most often, we ourselves create the chains that bind us by making poor or sinful choices. The longer I live, the more convinced I am that life is a series of choices, each choice has a consequence, and we must live with the consequences of our choices.  In order to have true freedom in your life, then, you must make wise choices.

Father God, you are the one who gives us freedom to make choices and pursue actions that can either be good or harmful to ourselves and others. On this sacred day of freedom, we thank you for the opportunity to live in a great nation that has all of the resources to help a hurting world. Help us to choose the people and nations with whom we will share our blessings. Freedom in Christ does indeed set us free! In his name, amen.

Sovereign God, help me discern today what my life is intended to fulfill in your plan. Thank you for loving me and promising to walk beside me every step of my life. I live trusting that you will never forsake me and committed to never forsaking you. In the name of your faithful Son, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
– 2 Peter 3:9

Maranatha — O Lord come! This cry of the early church, especially during times of trial, persecution, and difficulty must be tempered with the reminder that there is a lost world around us — many of whom are dear friends and family. Our passion for the Lord’s coming must be equaled by our passion to share his grace with those who have not “come to repentance” and have not changed their lives to serve the Lord who died to bring them life. Until he comes, let’s commit to do his work of bringing others to repentance and salvation in him.

O great and patient God, please use all of your power and grace to bring my loved ones and dear friends to repentance so that when Jesus appears they can share in my joy and your salvation. In the name of Jesus the only Savior I pray. Amen.

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace.
Micah 5:4-5 (NIV)

When Jesus proclaims that he is the ”Good Shepherd,” he means that he will lay down his life for us! For us, however, it means all that Micah promised — strength, majesty, security and peace.

Loving and eternal God, thank you so very much for sending Jesus to be my sacrificial Shepherd. In a world gone crazy, his strength sustains me, his majesty overwhelms me, and in him I find my security and peace as I face the future. In the name of Jesus I thank you. Amen.

Correct me, LORD,
but only with justice —
not in your anger,
lest you reduce me to nothing.
Jeremiah 10:24 (NIV)

God is love! God is also holy and righteous! If he did not lovingly and tenderly correct us, none of us could survive before his awesome perfection. Yet our God has chosen to give us his undeserved mercy and kindness as he corrects us and molds us to be more like him.

Holy and righteous Father, I truly do want to become more like you in my daily character; but please, dear Father, humble and correct me gently for you know how small I am compared to you. In the name of my Savior, your Son Jesus, I pray. Amen.

And when the Chief Shepherd appears,
you will receive the crown of glory
that will never fade away.
1 Peter 5:4 (NIV)

Everyone needs direction in life and God provides the very wisest and most trustworthy people to guide our path. What a wonderful blessing it is to be led by godly, loving shepherds. But as much as we love them and show them respect, they will receive even greater appreciation in heaven!

Glorious God, please bless every faithful and concerned leader in your Church with a clear sense of your blessing and appreciation. Please use me to show this love to your faithful servants as well. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.