A concise daily devotional developed to
encourage reading and understanding of God's Word.


"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better." Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)

*In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C., Section 107, any copyrighted images in these messages are distributed under The Fair Use Act without profit or payment to those who have expressed an interest in receiving the information and are for non-profit research and are for non-profit research and education. No copyright infringement intended.


Friday, December 31, 2010

HIDDEN WITH CHRIST IN GOD


Colossians 3:3


"For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ
in God." NIV


"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."
KJV


So many people spend time searching and questioning
"Who am I? I need to find myself." They can search until
they take their last breath, but they will never find the
answer unless they give their hearts and lives to Jesus
Christ. As Christians, we know who we are. We are God's
children and we are surrounded by the righteousness of
Christ so that we can bear fruit for His kingdom. If we
want to find ourselves, seek God. God said if we seek Him
we will find Him. We will also find ourselves there hidden
with Christ.


Heavenly Father, please forgive us for forgetting that we
are safely hidden with our Lord in You. There is no reason
for us to question who we are or worry about what is
happening to us. We are totally safe and secure in You.
Help us to keep this in the front of our minds. We pray in
Jesus' name, Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Thursday, December 30, 2010

ONE ACT OF SIN, ONE ACT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS


Roman 5:18

"Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was
condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act
of righteousness was justification that brings life for
all men." NIV

"Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon
all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness
of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification
of life." KJV

When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, the penalty was
the curse of being condemned to eternal death for all
humans throughout time. We enter this sinful state by
being physically born into it as babies. When Christ lived
a sinless life and became the sacrifice on the cross, the
result was justification and eternal life for all who will
accept His sacrifice. We are born into eternal life by our
own choice to accept His sacrifice.

Heavenly Father, we just praise and worship you for
providing a way to destroy the condemnation for sin
through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Help us to have hearts of praise and thanksgiving for
your great love. In Jesus' name. Amen

     
©2010

Daily Grace

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

A GIFT IS NOT EARNED


Romans 4:4

"Now when a man works his wages are not credited
to him as a gift, but as an obligation." NIV


"Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned
of grace, but of debt." KJV


Our God loves us so much that He gave......He gave the
most precious gift, salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.
We cannot receive a gift by working for it. For then it would
not be a gift, but an earned reward for our efforts. God did
not love us so much that he decided to pay us with eternal
life in exchange for our good works. We cannot work for or
deserve this precious gift. We can only receive it by
recognizing our need for it, by repenting, and by accepting
His free gift of salvation.


Heavenly Father, may we always remember that your
precious love, grace, and mercy is the reason we are
no longer held responsible for our sinful nature, and
that it was nothing we did. Your love for us resulted in
the horrible death of your only son and we get the free
gift of eternal life. We can never repay you for this free
gift, but to give you all we have, our lives. In Jesus'
name we pray, Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

LOVE EACH OTHER


John 15:17


"This is my commandment: Love each other." NIV


"These things I command you, that ye love one
another." KJV


A commandment is an order given by someone in
authority. There is no argument here that God is the
ultimate authority. He has given us an order, something
we are to carry out and complete. It sounds simple to
love each other. It is the most difficult thing to do. But
if we do not maintain love with each other, we will weaken
the bride of Christ by causing divisions, factions, and
confusion. Loving each other will bring unity and harmony
that draws a lost world to the Lord.


Heavenly Father, we ask you to forgive us for not loving
each other as we should. Help us to put aside the things
that interfere with love and to make love our priority.
You have given us the command to love and we have all
we need to carry out that command. Help your love to
flow through us, we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Monday, December 27, 2010

FIRST MUST BE LAST


Mark 9:35b


"If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last,
and the servant of all." NIV


"If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last
of all, and servant of all." KJV


Wouldn't is be correct to say that we would all like to
be the best in God's kingdom? If that is what we truly
desire, we will deliberately make ourselves lower than
all others and serve them with a pure heart. It is this
kind of living that God honors by giving it first place.


Heavenly Father, please help us to take charge of our
selfish wants and to recognize that the only way you
recognize honorable living is when we are serving
others. Give us the heart of a servant like that which
was in the heart of Jesus. In His name we pray, Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Sunday, December 26, 2010

THE NAME OF THE LORD


Proverbs 18:10


"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous
run into it and are safe." NIV


"The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous
runneth into it, and is safe." KJV


God has made himself known to us through His names,
from "I AM" to "Alpha and Omega." The realm of His
names is all we need to keep us safe and secure, like
an indestructible tower. When danger lurks near by, we
can rest in the name of our God who is all powerful, all
present, and all knowing.


Heavenly Father, your name is great. And we can call on
you at any hour and you are there to hear us and answer
us. You have given us the greatest name to stand on when
we pray, the name that gives us the ability to come directly
to your throne. It is the precious name of Jesus. Help us
Lord to always reverence your names and to give you the
praise and honor that already belong to you, in Jesus'
name, Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Saturday, December 25, 2010

THE SAME POWER


1 Corinthians 6:14


"By his power God raised the Lord from the dead,
and he will raise us also." NIV


"And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also
raise up us by his own power." KJV


What an honor to our bodies that God will use His same
mighty power to bring us alive from the dead just as He
did Jesus Christ. Knowing this, how could we ever do
anything to dishonor our bodies that God cherishes as
much as He cherishes His Son?


Heavenly Father, we give you thanks and praise for
this promise of your mighty power raising us from
the dead, just as you did our Lord. What hope that
gives us and what a loving God you are. In Jesus'
name, Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Friday, December 24, 2010

HEARING AND SEEING


Acts 28:26


"Go to this people and say, 'You will be ever hearing
but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but
never perceiving.'" NIV


"Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall
hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see,
and not perceive." KJV


God is always speaking, whether it is through people,
circumstances, or our thoughts. Those who are alive
spiritually will hear Him and see Him. But there are
those who believe they are 'religious' and that they
can hear and perceive God. But they do not know God
at all and they do not hear Him nor perceive Him. They
miss the marvelous move of God because they are
hardened in heart and refuse to believe the Truth.


Heavenly Father, we ask you to help us always be able
to see and hear Your voice through the Holy Spirit who
leads us into all Truth. Give us discernment to know when
we have come across those who claim to know you, but
they are followers of their own natures. We ask this in
Jesus' name, Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Thursday, December 23, 2010

WORRYING


Matthew 6:27


"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his
life?" NIV


"Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto
his stature?" KJV


What are those things that keep replaying in our minds,
keeping us worried and concerned? Each of us likely has
something on our minds. Jesus tells us in the Gospels to
'worry not.' The apostles repeat it again in the letters to
'be anxious for nothing.' Why, then, do we continue to
worry? We have not taken those things that stress and
worry us to the throne of God and we have not left them
there. If we do this now, leave our worries with Him, we
will have relief from the stress and anxiety. Worry is a
sidetrack, a distraction, from hearing and seeing God
working in and around us.


Heavenly Father, forgive us for taking the things of this
world that trouble us and allowing them to get us stressed
and worried. Forgive us for not leaving these these in your
hands, for we know that you can take care of them much
better than we can. Help us, Lord, to leave our worries
and concerns with You, so that we will be alert and ready
to stand firm against the evil one and to lead other to You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

DON'T KEEP BAD COMPANY


1 Corinthians 15:33


"Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'"
NIV


"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good
manners." KJV


Unfortunately, the Apostle was not speaking here of sinners
out in the world, but of people with low morals and false
teaching that are in the church. We are to stay away from
them. How do we recognize them? Listen to the voice of the
Holy Spirit and pray for discernment. If we spend time with
these people, their ways, deception, and false beliefs will
filter into our lives and corrupt our walk with God.


Heavenly Father, we know that the world is full of those
who are wolves in sheep's clothing. They would like for
us to believe they are Godly, but they are far from it.
Give us discernment and protect us with the Holy
Spirit so that we will not be corrupted and jeopardize
our walk with You. In Jesus' name. Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

LOVE NOT THE WORLD


1 John 2:15


"Do not love the world or anything in the world.
If any one loves the world, the love of the Father
is not in him." NIV


"Love not the world, neither the things that are in
the world. If any man love the world, the love of the
Father is not in him." KJV


We are not being told to hate people that are in the
world. We are to detest the ungodly influence of the
world. The world is very seductive and taunts the
Christian to become another follower of it's ways.
The ways of the world are in total contradiction
to the ways of God. If we dabble in the things of
this world and become influenced by this world,
we have allowed the world to become our god, our
religion. Our God is a jealous God. He will not dwell
where there are things more revered and loved than
He. If we love God and cling to Him and His ways,
we will have God with us and His love in us.


Heavenly Father, we earnestly pray that You will
give us the strength and discernment to keep from
falling into the ways of the world. Help us to stay
a people separated for your use and your glory.
We ask for the Holy Spirit's prompting to keep on
the whole armor of God so that we will not fall
into the influence of the world. We ask in Jesus'
name, Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Monday, December 20, 2010

WOE TO THE UNJUST


Habakkuk 2:9


"Woe to him who builds his realm by unjust gain to set
his nest on high, to escape the clutches of ruin!" NIV


"Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his
house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be
delivered from the power of evil!" KJV


There are people in this world, some of which are well
known business, political, sport, and evangelistic leaders
who build their empire in ways that are far from Spirit led.
They aspire to be known and live in an exalted manner
above the common man. These people believe they are
above danger or ruin. They feel secure in their man made
kingdoms. But, they will be exposed for what they are.
Ruin and devastation will come on them unexpectedly
and it will be indescribable tragedy.


Heavenly Father, we pray that we will not be among
those who build their live in this way. Keep us from
that kind of worldly and dangerous living. Help us
to have a heart of compassion for these people so
that we might pray for them and be a witness to them
of the true kingdom of God. Then they will be saved
from the devastation that otherwise awaits them.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Sunday, December 19, 2010

HIS STRENGTH AND POWER


Isaiah 40:29


"He gives strength to the weary and increases the
power of the weak." NIV


"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have
no might he increaseth strength." KJV


Struggling in this life is a common thing for everyone.
We all experience times when we are weary and weak.
We want to do more and be fruitful for His kingdom, but
we just can't seem to muster what we need to do it. That
is when God takes over and renews us with rest and energy.
Then we will see Him work in mighty ways. We won't be
able to take the glory for it though, because we could not
do it without His grace and power.


Heavenly Father, You know our human weaknesses and
we humbly come before you to ask that you take over
in our lives when we have gone as far as we can go in
our own human strength. Without you, we can do nothing.
All the glory, honor, and praise belong to you in all that
we do because you have given us the strength and power
to do it. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Saturday, December 18, 2010

NEVER PUT TO SHAME


Romans 10:11


"As the Scripture says, 'Anyone who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.'" NIV


"For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on
him shall not be ashamed." KJV


The Word of God is sure. His gift of salvation is for
all individuals who believe in Jesus Christ. All who
remain in sin will be judged. All who believe will be
richly blessed. There will be NO person on this earth
who puts his faith in Jesus Christ and at the end of
his life hears the Lord say, "Sorry, but you just aren't
meant for heaven." No true believer will be disappointed.


Heavenly Father, please forgive us when we have
feelings of inadequacy or that we have not been
good enough. Give us the assurance that we are
your children and we will spend eternity with you, if
we put our faith in Jesus Christ. And help us to let
others know this wonderful truth. In Jesus' name.
Amen


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Friday, December 17, 2010

ROYAL LAW


James 2:8


"If you really keep the Royal law found in Scripture,
'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right."
NIV


"If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture,
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well."
KJV


Loving our neighbors as ourselves is a royal law because
it was given to us by God Almighty and by our Lord, the
King of kings. We know who our neighbors are because
Jesus told us in the parable of the Good Samaritan. If we
obey this law, our world will become a much better place,
and we will be more like Christ.


Heavenly Father, we give you thanks and praise for the
royal law that leads us on the path to becoming more
like Christ and to better relationships here on earth.
Help us to always obey the royal law in honor of your
grace and love toward us. In Jesus' name. Amen


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Thursday, December 16, 2010

MASTERED


2 Peter 2:19b


". . .for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered
him." NIV


". . .for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he
brought in bondage." KJV


This is not about our jobs, relationships, or positions
in life. We can't all be kings, CEOs, and leaders. This
is about our attitudes and thinking that we become
slaves. We come under control of a philosophy, an
approach to life, a desire for the truth. According to
the Word of God, we are mastered by one of two
masters: the Lord our God or our own fallen human
natures. The former leads to eternal life. The latter
leads to eternal darkness. The good news is that we
can choose which will be master over us.


Heavenly Father, we praise you and glorify your name
that you have given us the gift of choice. We thank
you that you have given us the way to eternal life through
the Lordship of Jesus Christ, who is our Master. Give us
hearts of gratitude and praise at this Good News. In Jesus'
name we pray, Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

OUR HIGH PRIEST


Hebrews 4:15


"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to
sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one
who has been tempted in every way, just as we are
--yet without sin." NIV


"For we have not an high priest which cannot be
touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was
in all points tempted like as we are, yet without
sin." KJV


Do we really understand the trials and temptations
our Lord experienced when He lived on this earth?
Many times, we get caught up in our troubles and, if
we're honest, we either ask God why or beg Him to
relieve us. If this world was unjust and difficult for our
Lord, why would we think we would escape difficulty?
Jesus Christ showed us how to endure the things of
this world without sinning. Then he said, "Follow me."


Heavenly Father, so often we forget that our Lord
went through far more than we will ever have to in
this world. We expect a special, more easy journey
in this life because we are Christians, but, Lord, that
is not the right attitude, for this is not our home. Help
us to follow the steps of Jesus Christ as we encounter
trials here on earth, in His name we pray, Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

CITIZENS OF ANOTHER PLACE


Philippians 3:20


"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly
await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
NIV


"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also
we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." KJV


Yes we live in a different world. And sometimes we
forget that this world is neither our home nor our
destination. We are waiting here for our Lord. It is
what we do here while we wait and what our attitude
is that makes the difference between a joyful heart or
a defeated, heavy heart.


Heavenly Father, forgive us when we get caught up
in the things going on around us in this world. Help
us to remember and be thankful that we are not
citizens of this world, but citizens of your kingdom.
We ask in Jesus' name, Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Monday, December 13, 2010

LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE


Revelation 13:8


"All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast--
all whose names have not been written in the book
of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the
creation of the world." NIV


"And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him,
whose names are not written in the book of life of the
Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." KJV


There is a philosophy, a belief system that is
established by the world, taught by the world, and
followed by the world. This philosophy omits the
reality of Jesus Christ and the Gospel. This world
philosophy seems to make sense, to be comfortable,
and to help everyone feel they "fit in." This philosophy
is a deception, a lie. Those who follow it are lost and
deceived. Only those whose names are written in the
Book of Life know and believe the Truth.


Heavenly Father, we thank you that you have allowed us
to hear the Gospel and accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour.
We ask that you help us to spread this saving message to
the world that continues to be deceived and lost. We pray
for all those who need the Lord Jesus, that you will prepare
their hearts to receive the message. In Jesus' name, Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Sunday, December 12, 2010

PERMANENT JOY


1 Thessalonians 5:16


"Be joyful always." NIV


"Rejoice evermore." KJV


How can we be joyful all the time, especially in this
world with such trials and stresses? For the natural
man it is impossible. For the born again child of God,
joy is ongoing. We have this joy because we know the
things of this world are temporary and what is waiting
for us is eternal life and perfect fellowship with our
Saviour.


Heavenly Father, so many times we let the things of
this world rob us of our joy. Help us Lord, to always
remember who we are and what we have waiting for
us, so that our joy will remain forever. In Jesus' name.
Amen


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Saturday, December 11, 2010

ATTITUDE CHECK


Philippians 2:5


"Your attitude should be the same as that of
Christ Jesus." NIV


"Let this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus." KJV


We often need an attitude check. Just what was
Jesus' attitude when He walked on this earth? He
lowered himself to serve others, all others, even
though he was God. He did every thing the Father
told him to do, even dying a horrible death on the
cross. The Father exalted him above all for his
attitude to serve and obey. Now, let's check our
attitude.


Heavenly Father, we ask for your forgiveness for
not having the right attitude at times. Help us to
not get caught up in the things of the world and
to not take on the world's attitude. Give us the attitude
that was in Jesus. In His name we pray, Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Friday, December 10, 2010

APPROACHING GOD


Ephesians 3:12


"In him and through faith in him we may approach God
with freedom and confidence." NIV


"In whom we have boldness and access with confidence
by the faith of him." KJV


There was a time when only the high priest could go into
the Holy of Holies, where God dwelt. Jesus Christ's
sacrifice, death, and resurrection changed that forever.
Each one of us can go directly to God, feeling confident
that He will accept us and hear our prayers and petitions.
Do we realize what a privilege and honor Jesus paid for
us to have?


Heavenly Father, what an amazing act of love our Lord
gave so that we can come directly to you anytime we
want or need. The curtain has been torn down and we
can come boldly to your throne. We thank you and praise
you in Jesus' name. Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Thursday, December 9, 2010

WE HAVE SOMETHING THE WORLD DOESN'T


1 Corinthians 2:12


"We have not received the spirit of the world but the
Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what
God has freely given us." NIV


"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but
the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things
that are freely given to us of God." KJV


It isn't in our natures to know and understand salvation
and the other great gifts and blessing of God. We can know
them only by the Holy Spirit. The spirit of the world can
only reveal that which can be experienced through the
senses. As Christians, we have a full knowledge of the
things of God that the world cannot understand. What's
more, the world thinks we're foolish. They need Christ.


Heavenly Father, what an awesome God you are to make
a way for us to receive knowledge and understanding of
what you have done for us. We thank you and praise you
for your Holy Spirit who guides into all truth. Help us,
Lord, to understand the world that does not have spiritual
eyes to know, that we might pray for them to receive
your Son, Jesus Christ and the precious Holy Spirit to
reveal your truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

YET I WILL REJOICE


Habakkuk 3:18


"yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God
my saviour." NIV


"Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of
my salvation." KJV


In spite of heartache; in spite of ill health or pain; in
spite of financial problems; in spite of injustice or any
trial that comes our way, we can rejoice that our
names are written in the Book of Life. We are free to
enjoy our relationship with God no matter what is
happening to us now. We know that in His time, we will
be in His presence with no heartache, pain, poverty, or
injustice. Let's rejoice in Him now for all He has done.


Heavenly Father, we rejoice that we are righteous in
your eyes because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We
take joy in walking in your ways and knowing you are
in control of our lives. Help us to keep from getting robbed
of our joy by the things that happen in this world. We ask
in Jesus' name. Amen.




     
©2010

Daily Grace

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

LIKE PHARISEES


Proverbs 30:12


"..those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not
cleansed of their filth." NIV


"There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes,
and yet are not washed from their filthiness." KJV


Just like the Pharisees during Jesus' time on earth,
there are now people who believe they are pure and
holy, that their lives are a witness to God, and that
they are being blessed by God. They have never taken
the time or effort, nor do they have the humility, to
examine their lives and get close enough to the light
of Jesus Christ to see that they are covered inside
with excrement. If we continually seek the Lord,
accept His discipline, and keep ourselves from the
filth of the world, we will not be deceived, and full of
pride. We will be humble and know our true state
in the presence of the Lord.


Heavenly Father, please forgive us when we begin
to think we have achieved the holiness and greatness
of being your children. Help us to see and to know that
our walk here on earth is ongoing and we need you to
help us keep the filth of the world out of our lives at all
times. Give us pure hearts of humility and love for you
and the desire to be like you. We pray this in Jesus'
name. Amen


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Monday, December 6, 2010

IF YOU THINK IT'S BAD NOW


Luke 23:31


"For if men do these things when the tree is green,
what will happen when it is dry?" NIV


"For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall
be done in the dry?" KJV


The human race humiliated, tortured and murdered the
Son of God in the height of His ministry. In today's time
of grace, when the Gospel abounds, the call to repent
is loud and clear, and we are free to witness and live
the truth of Jesus Christ, men and women still choose
to cling to their own ways and evil flourishes. What will
it be like when the Holy Spirit and the Church are taken
out of the way? It is a critical emergency now that we
share the Gospel message wherever we are, at all times,
while the world is still under God's time of grace. It will
soon be gone.


Heavenly Father, we earnestly seek your wisdom and
the fullness of the Spirit so that we will take advantage
of this time while the tree is still green. Help us to
understand that the time of your grace is short and we
are to be about your business of spreading the Gospel
at all times. Help us we pray, in Jesus' name. Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Sunday, December 5, 2010

NO OTHER GOD


1 John 5:21


"Dear Children, keep yourselves from idols." NIV


"Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." KJV


When we think of idols, we tend to envision statues, big
and small, made of precious stones or metals that are
believed to have spiritual powers. How many of us have
that kind of idol to pull us away from the true and living
God? An idol can be anything, any person, any place, any
spiritual philosophy that captures our affection and our
trust, putting God the Creator in any place other than
first. How many of us have that kind of idol?


Heavenly Father, please help us to have spiritual eyes
to see if there are any idols in our lives that keep you
from being first and foremost in our lives. Forgive us
if we have allowed other things to become our god, we
repent of that sin, and give you our whole hearts. In
Jesus' name. Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Saturday, December 4, 2010

HIDDEN TREASURE


Colossians 2:3


"in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and
knowledge." NIV


"In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and
knowledge." KJV


Aren't we all intrigued by the mysteries of God? Don't
we study, read, and pray that these mysteries will be
revealed to us? They have been. The mysteries of God
are all contained in Jesus Christ. God has placed ALL
His wisdom and knowledge in His Son. If we seek Christ,
we will find Him and He will reveal these wonderful
treasures to us as we walk along with Him. What an
awesome God.


Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that you have
made the way for us to know the fullness of your
wisdom and knowledge through your Son, Jesus
Christ. Help us to seek him with our whole hearts
so that we may know Him and the treasures of
your wisdom and knowledge that are hidden in Him.
In Jesus name, Amen


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Friday, December 3, 2010

REJOICE IN SUFFERING


Romans 5:3


"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because
we know that suffering produces perseverance." NIV


"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing
that tribulation worketh patience." KJV


It is so easy to be joyful when we are blessed with good
things. We are to rejoice in the blessings of God. But, it
is another thing to rejoice when we are suffering. If we
will allow ourselves to rejoice during times of suffering,
we will gain spiritual strength and stamina. After all, we
will all have tribulation in this world and we are to rejoice
always. We don't rejoice that we are suffering, we rejoice
in spite of our suffering.


Heavenly Father, we rejoice that you have counted us
worthy although we have done nothing to deserve such
great mercy. Help us to rejoice in our suffering and remind
us that this will bring greater spiritual power and strength.
We ask in Jesus' name. Amen


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Thursday, December 2, 2010

THE SPIRIT BRINGS FREEDOM


2 Corinthians 3:17


"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the
Lord is, there is freedom." (NIV)


"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the
Lord is, there is liberty." (KJV)


If the Spirit of the Lord is living in our hearts, we are not
bound to observing laws and rules that only become
impossible to keep. With the Spirit of the Lord, we are
free to walk as the Spirit leads us, and we will never have
to worry about breaking rules and laws. We will be living
above them, living more rightly than they could ever let
us do.


Heavenly Father, we praise you for the gift of your Holy
Spirit, who guides us into Truth and who shows us the
narrow path that leads to you. We thank you that we don't
have to rely on written laws and rules to get to you. Help
us to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and to live in the
freedom that comes with His presence. In Jesus' name.
Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

OUR HEART IS WITH OUR TREASURE


Matthew 6:21


"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be
also." (NIV)


"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be
also." (KJV)


If we find a treasure, we do all we can to protect it, to
guard it, and to preserve it. Our thoughts will return to
our treasure and we will want to check on it and make
sure it is safe and secure. The question is: Where is our
treasure? Is it contained here as a part of this world, or
is it in the eternal place where our God dwells? What
does our mind think about the most? That is where our
treasure is.


Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that you have
provided the greatest treasure for us and that you
keep it and guard it so that we may enjoy it for eternity.
Help us, Lord, to enjoy the things here that you have
given to us to enjoy, but to always keep in mind that
this is all temporary. Our treasure is in heaven with You.
We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

NO VICTORY WITHOUT THE LORD


Proverbs 21:31


"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but
victory rests with the Lord." (NIV)


"The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but
safety is of the LORD." (KJV)


It is right for us to do all we can to resist and defeat
the enemy. The Lord commands us to be prepared,
alert, and ready. But we are only successful in
defeating the enemy through the mighty power of
God with us. After all, the battle is His.


Heavenly Father, please help us to be ready and
prepared to face the trials and attacks that will
surely occur in this life. Help us to always be
aware that the battle is yours, and we cannot
be victorious without you going before us.
We pray in Jesus name. Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Monday, November 29, 2010

WHAT PLEASES THE LORD


Ephesians 5:10

"And find out what pleases the Lord." (NIV)


"Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord." (KJV)


We are children of the Light. Our very lives, in speaking
and behaving, will be showing what is pleasing to the Lord.
If we continue to walk in His Spirit, study His Word, and
use discernment, we will know what pleases Him and we
will share it with this lost world.


Heavenly Father, we ask for mercy in our failure to be
seeking out those things that please you. Help us, we
pray, to lives our lives as a quest to be finding those
things that are pleasing to you. Give us the desire to
pray, study Your Word, and use the gifts you have so
freely given us. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Sunday, November 28, 2010

ENCOURAGING OTHERS


Hebrews 10:24


"And let us consider how we may spur one another
on toward love and good deeds." (NIV)


"And let us consider one another to provoke unto
love and to good works." (KJV)


To consider something is to focus in thought about it.
We are encouraged to really think about our brothers
and sisters in Christ and how we might get them
motivated to be Christlike. In the same way, we are to
think seriously about our fellow Christians and the
needs they have, so that we can demonstrate love and
good works to them. We have a lot of considering to do.


Heavenly Father, we ask your forgiveness for not
taking the time to consider our brothers and sisters
in Christ and for not getting them motivated to do
more acts of love and good works. Forgive us for
being selfish and leaving your work undone. Help us
to consider these things. In Jesus' name. Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Saturday, November 27, 2010

SUFFERING


1 Peter 4:16


"If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed,
but praise God that you bear that name." (NIV)


"Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be
ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf."
(KJV)

Suffering is a human reality that no one on earth
escapes. The problem is, most of the time we
suffer because of something we've done or we
get in the crossfire of natural consequences. But,
how often do we suffer because we are children of
God, Christians, doing His will? If we suffer for that,
we can rejoice and give praise to the Lord, for He
will honor us and bless us for suffering for His sake.

Heavenly Father, please forgive us when we complain
about suffering, when it is our own doing or we are merely
experiencing a part of being in this world. Bad things will
happen to everyone. Help us Lord, to rejoice if we suffer
because we are living for You and we are doing Your will.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

     
©2010

Daily Grace

Friday, November 26, 2010

GOD'S ARM AND EARS


Isaiah 59:1


Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save,
nor His ear too dull to hear."(NIV)


"Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it
cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot
hear." (KJV)


There are those who believe that their lives are so far
gone that the Lord would never save them. As children
of God, we know that there is no sin that the blood of
Christ cannot cleanse. His hand will reach out to the
vilest of sinners. For those who feel that God does not
hear nor answer their prayers, we can assure them that
God hears all prayers and answers each one. The answer
may not be what was expected but it will surely come.
His ears are never closed or deficient in hearing us.


Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that you are able
and willing to cleanse us from all sins by your great hand.
We praise you that you are always listening to our prayers
and the answers are on the way. Help us to encourage
others with these truths and let us be comforted by your
Holy Spirit when our faith becomes weak. In Jesus' name.
Amen


     
©2010

Daily Grace


Thursday, November 25, 2010

SERVICE IS THE HIGHEST POSITION


Matthew 23:11


"The greatest among you will be your servant." (NIV)


"But he that is greatest among you shall be your
servant." (KJV)


The definition of a servant is a person in the service
of another. We seldom think of a chief executive officer
or a pastor or a government leader as being a servant.
We think of those people as ones to whom we make our
services available. But this is the world's idea of a servant.
In God's kingdom, He says that the greatest among us are
our servants. If we are freely serving others in the love
of God, we are greatest in His kingdom.


Heavenly Father, how we praise you that your Son, Jesus
Christ was the greatest servant of all. Please help us to
follow Him and serve anywhere, anytime, with anyone we
can. Thank you Lord, for when we serve others in love, we
are serving you. In Jesus' name, Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

FREE IN GOD, SERVANT TO OTHERS


1 Corinthians 9:19


"Though I am free and belong to no man, I make
myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as
possible." (NIV)


"For though I be free from all men, yet have I made
myself servant unto all, that I might gain the
more." (KJV)


If we have the key that unlocks the prison door and
takes us to blessed freedom, why would we not want
to pass that key on to others, so that they will be free
and be able to pass the key on to others? That's just
what happens when we accept Jesus Christ as our
Saviour. We are set free. To take the time, energy, and
effort to share the gospel message with others, is to
make ourselves servants to those who need the Word.


Heavenly Father, we ask your forgiveness for being
selfish with out time, talents, money, and energy. At
times we get our focus off of why we are here. Help
us to remember that someone took the time to share
the gospel with us. Help us to be servants to those who
need to hear the good news. We pray in Jesus' name.
Amen.


     
©2010

Daily Grace

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

FREE TO BE LIKE GOD


Galatians 5:13


"You my brothers were called to be free. But do not
use your freedom to indulge in the sinful nature;
rather serve one another in love." (NIV)


"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty;
only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh,
but by love serve one another." (KJV)


Oh, the thought of being free is such a wonderful
thing. Do we give thought to how we became free
and from what we were freed? We were made free
by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary.
We are free from the chains and binding ropes of
sin and our own selfish wills. We no longer have to
give in to those things we know we should not do.
We are free to live so that we become more and more
like Christ. We are free to live as servants of the Most
High God and to serve one another in love.


Heavenly Father, how can we ever thank you enough
for setting us free. Free to love and serve one another
as you love us. Help us Lord to use our freedom solely
for Your kingdom, we pray in Jesus' name. Amen


     
©2010

Daily Grace
type='©2008-2014 Daily Grace Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only,