Proverbs 28:13 NLT, “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”
The temptation to hide sin or make excuses for sin can sometimes arise. But God knows all. Unconfessed sin will surely hinder our progress in our walk with God. He understands our weaknesses, and is willing to forgive us when we confess. There is freedom in our repentance.
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Recognizing there is a problem, giving it to God in prayer, and then asking for His help to do better, frees us up to live boldly for Jesus. Confess all your sins and struggles to the Master, open your heart right now to receive His mercy in exchange for you confession. He will never stop loving you and will help you to do better.
Exodus 33:14 NIV, “And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
As we start each day, we can find comfort in the fact that God’s presence is with us. No matter what tasks we must complete or what situations we may have to face, God is with us and will help us. I pray that as you go through your day, you will sense God’s presence and walk in His peace.
Proverbs 20:3 NIV, “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
It is honorable in God’s sight to avoid strife and strive for peace; as God’s Word says, “blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). Taking time to pray and think before we speak and act will help us to avoid strife. We can not control the actions of others, but with God’s help we can learn to do what is right in His sight.
Allowing ourselves to get involved in foolish arguments and conversations can steal the peace and joy that the Lord wants us to have. It will also destroy our witness for Jesus. When we are faced with conflict and the opportunity to get involved in foolish quarrels, choosing God’s way will lead us to the best outcome.
A Prayer for March
Today, Lord, let my life be a prayer, let me be so close to You that You become part of my every conversation. Let me be open to Your presence, so that I sense Your power at work in the world You created. Let me be so filled with Your love, it flows out to others. Today, Lord, today, let my life be a prayer. -Anonymous
I pray that you are all settled into the new year, and that everything is going well for you. It has been busy for me between school and work, but I am thankful for all God has done and is doing.
One of the greatest blessings that God has given to us is Himself. His presence with us is everything. Knowing that the Creator cares enough to come and live within the hearts of mankind, your heart and my heart included, is beyond my understanding.
God’s plans are perfect, so we can rest in His goodness as we embark upon this new year. There is no fear in perfect love (1 John 4:18), and His love is certainly perfect. Therefore, we have no reason to fear. Another one of God’s great blessings to us is prayer. Pray allows us to draw closer to Him, and know Him more.
Matthew 6:6 NLT, “But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
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Time alone with the Lord in prayer is vital for us as Christians. Through prayer, we not only draw closer to the Lord but we also receive knowledge, direction, and wisdom for the road ahead. He delights in answering our prayers as we seek Him and acknowledge Him in all of our ways.
I pray our desire for Jesus would remain our greatest desire, and lead to a purposeful 2021 as we continue to love and serve Him! I am thankful that we are always secure in Jesus.
Matthew 18:20 NIV, For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
When we come together in Christ name, rather physically, virtually, or on the phone, (thank God for technology, especially during the pandemic) He promises to be in our midst. There is strength that comes from joining together in His name. We can pray together, share His Word together, and encourage one another as we persevere in our faith. The Christian lifestyle is not meant to be a solo journey, and it is a blessing to be part of a family of believers that we can walk side by side with. As Proverbs 27:17 tells us, iron sharpens iron.
Right relationships are a vital part of our walk with the Lord. The Lord will send the right people into our lives when we ask. We can trust Him to guide us to relationships that will propel us forward in our faith in Jesus.
Ecclesiastes 5:1-2,“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Better to approach in obedience than to offer the sacrifice as fools do, for they ignorantly do wrong. Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”
This verse is a reminder to show reverence to God when we enter the church building. Although church is a time of fellowship, even more importantly it is a time to worship the Lord, pray, and hear what He wants to say to us. When we are in God’s house, we should speak less and listen more. He speaks to us corporately through the sermons we hear, but He also speaks to us individually.
Photo by: Rene Asmussen of Denmark 🇩🇰
When we are in church, we should have a praying spirit and be ready to hear and receive whatever it is God wants to tell us. There is a lot going on in churches, and there are various forms of activities and entertainment. However, let us not forget our main purpose for being there. We serve a God who has a great work for us to do, and we need to hear His voice so we can be ready to execute.
I remember a couple of years ago walking into the church trying to get to the sanctuary, but first I had to make my way through the donut section, with the big screen T.V. This area of course, was filled with people who were talking, eating donuts, and watching the worship service on the big screen T.V, the same worship service that was going on live in the sanctuary. I clearly heard the Lord’s voice say, “These people need to pray.”
That is a moment I’ll never forget.
I don’t think the Lord is against donuts, but I do believe He was saying that day and now in the present, we need to be reverent of Him, aware of His presence, and keep His perspective at all times. When we lose sight of what He desires, it’s detrimental to our relationship with Him, and the purpose He has for the church of Jesus Christ.
Let us pray that “thy will be done” in our churches, and that we would follow God’s command to pray.
Drawing Closer to Christ 