Tag Archives: Bible

What We Hope For

17 Thursday Aug 2017

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Good morning! We are starting Hebrews chapter 11-Faith. “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.” Hebrews 11:1-3NLT

Faith in humankind may disappoint us. Believing someone at their word may disappoint us. However, the truth of God’s word and his promises do not. While things may not occur in our time, the God we serve is God all by himself and he knows how to take care of us. We can trust the One who formed the entire world to transform us into faithful followers of Christ.

I spoke to my aunt on Sunday and she was sharing a story with me. She had asked someone the question: What are you believing God for today?

Today I challenge you with the same question: What are you believing God for today? ________

Father God, thank you for being faithful. Thank you for your promises and for proving over and over again that you can be trusted. Lord, as we put our faith in you, develop our thoughts, help us to recognize your voice and direct our feet to follow your path for our lives. As we go through Hebrews chapter 11, equip us with the knowledge and the will to walk by faith each day of our lives. Help us to see you at work in this chapter and in our lives. Continue to strengthen our faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Keep seeking! Keep trusting! Keep praying!

We would love to stand with you in prayer. Feel free to send your prayer request to: maryewhite20@gmail.com

Better Things Waiting

15 Tuesday Aug 2017

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Good morning! “Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!” Hebrews 10:32-35 NLT

Do you remember the day you accepted Christ into your life? Do you remember how full your heart was on that day?

Continue to put your trust in the Lord, especially when things don’t make sense or are painful. Allow the Lord to comfort you and bring you peace. Stand firm, remembering the day you accepted Christ into your life and the reason you decided to follow Christ.

Dear Lord, we love you and thank you for giving us an opportunity to accept you into our hearts and minds. We are grateful that you are willing to guide our path and direct our steps. Lord, we ask that you reignite our passion for you and light a fire in our steps to walk with you in obedience to your word. May we be bold and courageous in every area of our lives. Keep us near you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Keep seeking! Keep trusting! Keep praying!

Hold Tight

11 Friday Aug 2017

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Happy Friday! “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:23-25 NLT.

Have you ever been on a rollercoaster ride? Have you struggled with getting on the ride and eventually someone convinces you to go along for the ride? If so, you are probably familiar with the instructions – lift your hands up so that we may secure the lap rest. Then, if you are like me, you double-check to make sure the lap rest is secure.

It’s amazing how we trust man-made equipment (rollercoaster rides) to shield us from injury or protect our lives. We go through the turns, twist and sometimes loops (upside down) giving complete control to a standard machine operator who may not have gone to engineering school. Yet, we have a hard time trusting the maker of the universe, the one who formed us in our mother’s womb and knows are beginning and end.

My advice today is to hold tight, God is in control, don’t waver, he can be trusted beyond a 30 second ride, he can be trusted with your entire life. Through all the ups and downs, tight curves, steep drops and eager anticipation of what’s next – he can be trusted!

What will you give God complete control over? Will it be your entire life? Who will you encourage to do the same?

Dear Lord, thank you for another glorious Friday that we have no control over. Lord, we trust you as we get up, as we travel, as we go to school or work. We trust your promises and ask that you help us to relinquish control to you. Be with us this weekend as we live to serve you. Help us to stand firm in our faith and encourage others to do the same. Allow others to see Christ in us. In Jesus name, Amen!

Keep seeking! Keep trusting! Keep praying!

Enjoy your weekend.

 

 

Sealed and Secure

10 Thursday Aug 2017

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Good morning! “And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:19-22 NLT. 

This is reassurance for those who believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, arose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. Because of Christ our sins are forgiven and we are free to enter into heaven, we only need to ask him into our hearts.

The book of Romans states, “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 NLT

Father God,  thank you for your provision. There is no one greater than you. There is no chant or piece of worship jewelry that can override the power of your words or your promises. You sealed us with a secure faith and an eternal promise. Thank you Lord, that we don’t need to fear unbelievers,  however you have challenged us to pray for the lost, least and last. Lord may our prayers be toward them so that they may turn away from their wickedness and/or disbelief to follow you completely. Continue to equip us for this journey to reach the lost. Instill in us courage, humble boldness, and compassion toward others. Lord, cover us today, give us peace in the midst of storms and guide us in all our ways. In the name that’s above all names, Jesus Christ, Amen!

Keep seeking God’s truth! Keep trusting God’s word! Keep praying!

If you need prayer or have a prayer request, we have a team ready to pray for you and/or with you.  Send your prayer request to Maryewhite20@gmail.com or submit it through the comment section of our prayer request page.

Hearts and Minds

09 Wednesday Aug 2017

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Good morning! “And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says, “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” Then he says, “I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.” And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.” Hebrews 10:15-18 NLT

Praise God for His covenant promise. Jesus’s sacrifice was sufficient to cover all sins.

Dear Lord, thank you for putting the laws in our hearts and for writing them on our minds. Lord help us to recall your promises each day. Help us to stand firm on your truth. Guide us in our daily lives to be all that you have called us to be. In Jesus name, Amen!

Keep seeking God’s truth! Keep trusting God’s word! Keep praying!

Forever Made Perfect

08 Tuesday Aug 2017

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Good morning! “Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.” Hebrews 10:11-14 NLT.

Generally, a process  of making something takes time, it may require special handling, various ingredients,  tools and heat. Transformation may occur immediately, within the hour or even years. However, being made is a process. It may not happen overnight, but trust the process. He is making ways in the darkest valleys. He’s restoring faith and rejuvenating souls. He’s setting the captives free. The Lord is making us holy.

Dear Lord, thank for this reminder. Thank you for your love for us. Your word tells us to “be still and know that I am God”. While we may not want to sit still as you sculpt us into a beautiful masterpiece, we thank you for your sacrifice and for never giving up on us. Lord, continue your work in and through us. We surrender our lives to you. Use every disappointment, moment of joy or sorrow to equip us, transform us and make us holy. In Jesus name, Amen.

Keep seeking! Keep praying! Keep trusting!

Readers, I have one special prayer request. If you find time today, please keep my family in prayer as we prepare for my mother’s funeral service today. These chapters in Hebrews have given me precious reminders and secured footing knowing all her sins have been forgiven, her work here is done and she is finally home with the Lord.

To Be Made Holy

07 Monday Aug 2017

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Happy Monday! “First, Christ said, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them” (though they are required by the law of Moses). Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.” Hebrews 10:8-10 NLT 

God is loving and merciful. He sat aside the first covenant sacrifices that were not pleasing to Him and Christ became the ultimate sacrifice. I love the fact that He loves us so much that He sacrificed his Son to make away for our sins to be forgiven. God’s ways are greater than our own. His will is perfect in all its ways. As a loving Father he made a way for us to be holy.

Thank you Father, for your everlasting love.  Lord be our strength and comfort today. Guide our actions, control our thoughts and our tongues. May every word that is spoken from our mouths be said in truth, gentleness and in love. Equip us with the knowledge and the will to do what is pleasing to you. Come alongside us and lead us in all our ways. Be with us at work, school, doctor appointments,etc. Allow us to be lights in this broken world. Help others to see you in us. Lord when we are overwhelmed/weak – make us strong in you. Don’t allow the enemy to steal our joy. In Jesus name, Amen.

Keep seeking! Keep trusting! Keep praying!

To Do Your Will

04 Friday Aug 2017

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Good morning! “For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin. Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God— as is written about me in the Scriptures (Psalms 40:6-8).’” Hebrews 10:4-7NLT

What’s holding you back from following God’s will for your life?

What will you do today or this weekend to follow God’s will for your life?

Lord thank you for doing the will of the Father. Thank you for standing in the gap for us. Lord, give us a steadfast heart and mind to do your will. Equip us for the battle ahead and the trials we must overcome. Shield and protect us from the plots of our enemies. Help us to stand strong on your word. Direct our path and be with us as your word promises, so that in the midst of storms we will continue to stand in alignment with your will. In Jesus name, Amen.

Keep seeking! Keep trusting! Keep praying!

Year After Year

03 Thursday Aug 2017

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Good morning! “The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship. If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshipers would have been purified once for all time, and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared. But instead, those sacrifices actually reminded them of their sins year after year.” Hebrews 10:1-3 NLT.

Do you recall periods of time when you did something wrong and you couldn’t get it off your mind? Then for a few weeks, months or years later you recall the situation again and it stirs up an uneasy feeling.

The old system was similar.  Annually, you recall your sins, you sacrifice an animal according to the Law, but it was never enough to perfect the worshippers or forgive sin.

Through Christ Jesus, if we repent of our sins, we are able to be forgiven of our sins once and for all. The beauty about Christ Jesus is that even when we recall our sin, He remembers our sins no more.

Father God, we thank you for your once and for all sacrifice for our sins. Lord, we ask you to forgive us of our sins today. We ask that you help us to turn away from the things that are causing us to sin and to purify our hearts and return to you. Lord continue to draw us closer to you. Help us to see you at work in our lives daily. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

Keep seeking. Keep trusting. Keep praying.

Eagerly Waiting

02 Wednesday Aug 2017

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Good morning! “And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:27-28 NLT

Waiting can be a bit annoying, for instance, waiting in line, waiting for a video to load, waiting to get cellphone reception, waiting for an email that someone sent, waiting for a fax, waiting for water to heat up and waiting for me to send out these daily messages.

However, don’t be annoyed by the wait for Christ to return. Embrace the Lord’s direction and live life as though the Lord was coming today. As Hebrews 3:14-15 reminds us “You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. ”

Dear Lord, we thank you for the gift of time. The time to live our lives for you and to reach unbelievers so that they will not miss out on your promises. Lord continue to equip us for this journey to reach the least, last and lost. Help us to be faithful in what we believe until the day you come or call us home. Lord send your Holy Spirit to comfort the broken-hearted, to bring peace in the midst of storms and to minister to those who are seeking after you. May you dwell in our households, on our jobs, and give us favor in all that we do. Sharpen our gifts, give us wisdom, discernment and clarity about how to use those gifts, and make us bold while humble to use our gifts to glorify you. In Jesus name,  Amen.

Keep seeking! Keep trusting! Keep praying!