BE SEPARATE

The Lord has commanded us to be separate people. He did not

tell us to segregate ourselves into isolated communities and

stay there. He wants us separated by our beliefs and lifestyle.

We cannot live in this world and be insulated from its influence.

But if we refuse to a part of the world's beliefs and lifestyles, God will protect us as our Heavenly Father.

Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that You are faithful to us

as we keep ourselves unstained by the ways of the world. We ask

that you help us to stay a separate people that You would be

glorified. In Jesus' name.

Read 2 Corinthians 6:17

"Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.

Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." (NIV)

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." (KJV)

     

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GODLY VS WORLDLY SORROW

There is a difference between Godly sorrow and worldly

sorrow. Godly sorrow occurs as a result of knowing one

has sinned against God and this sin must be dealt with

quickly, so that restoration can be made with God. Worldly

sorrow occurs as a result of being caught, being found out,

with no thought of what this sin has done to the relationship

with God. The first leads to repentance and life, the latter

leads to spiritual death.

Heavenly Father, we stand humbly before you and ask that You

will keep us spiritually sensitive to the sins we commit against

You. We ask for that Godly sorrow that leads to repentance so

that You can put all our sins under the blood of Jesus Christ. In

Jesus' name.

Read 2 Corinthians 7:10

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." (NIV)

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." (KJV)

     

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GUARANTEED PERSECUTION

If Jesus was persecuted for being about His father's business, why would

we think we would escape persecution for being like Christ? There is little

or no persecution of Christians in America. Are we not living as godly as we

should? These days it seems many Christians hide their testimony to keep

from offending others or to keep from being ridiculed. If we suffer for being

like Christ, we are blessed. And who knows but that someone's heart was

ready at that moment to receive the words we failed to speak.

Heavenly Father, we ask that you would give us boldness and courage

to live and speak your words of truth and do the deeds that show we

belong to you, no matter what the cost is to us. In Jesus' name.

Read 2 Itmothy 3:12

"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will

be persecuted." (NIV)

"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer

persecution." (KJV)

"A Christian is someone who shares the sufferings

of God in the world." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

     

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PERSEVERENCE

Trials and tribulations test and strengthen our faith. The measure of our faith determines how much patience we have, how much we can persevere. If we are able to persevere through all trials and tribulations, we will be mature and complete in Christ.

Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that you give each of us

a measure of faith. We pray you will help of persevere through

the trials and tribulations we face in this world so that we may

be complete in Christ. In Jesus' name.

Read James 1:4

"Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature

and complete, not lacking anything." (NIV)

"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect

and entire, wanting nothing." (KJV)

     

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WORK OUT

How do we "work out" our salvation? It is much like cleaning

house, getting rid of the dirt. Or it is like heating metal to get

the impurities out. We have to put ourselves through difficult,

uncomfortable, and frightening things to work out the worldliness in ourselves. We work out the sinful worldliness, God works in the holiness and purity befitting a child of God.

Heavenly Father, we pray that you would help us to work out our salvation, so that we will be pure and holy as your children. In Jesus' name.

Read Philippians 2:12

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not

only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--

continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling." (NIV)

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my

presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your

own salvation with fear and trembling." (KJV)

     

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BELIEVE

Jesus spoke the words that the Father gave Him to speak.

If we believe the words, we believe the Father. If we truly

believe, we will obey and we will have eternal life with Him.

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to speak

the words of life to us. Help us to listen and obey. In Jesus'

name.

Read John 5:24

"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him

who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has

crossed over from death to life." (NIV)

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and

believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall

not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (KJV)

     

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HATE EVIL

Sincerity is being genuine, pure, free of any deceit or falseness.

On the other hand, we are to hate evil. Hate is intense, extreme

aversion for something. We are to destroy evil that comes near us with the help of the Lord and then stay close to those things that are good.

Heavenly Father, we ask that you help us to love with sincere hearts and to stand ready to defeat the evil that runs rampant in our world. Help us to cling to all that is good, in Jesus' name.

Read Romans 12:9

"Love must be sincere. Hate what Is evil; cling to what is good." (NIV)

"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." (KJV)

     

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PURITY IN MARRIAGE

God holds marriage in such high esteem that He patterned His Son as the groom and the Church as His Bride. How much more should we regard marriage with the highest honor and respect. Keeping the marriage bed pure includes being faithful

to our spouses with our thoughts, our emotions, and our actions.

Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for our marriages and ask for your help in always keeping our marital commitment pure and holy. In Jesus' name.

Read Hebrews 13:4

"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." (NIV)

"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." (KJV)

     

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GO TO THE THRONE

Jesus Christ lived on the earth as a man and faced the same trials and tribulations we face. Unlike us, He did it without ever sinning. Because He did that, we can go directly to the throne of the Father with confidence, not fearing. We can ask for and receive mercy and grace whenever we need it.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Son, who knows what it is like to live in this world and did so without sin. We praise you for our being able to come to you with full confidence and freedom to receive your grace and mercy. In Jesus' name.

Read Hebrews 4:16

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (NIV)

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (KJV)

     

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ALL SCRIPTURE

The words in the Bible came from the very breathe of God. They are God, Himself, speaking to us. From His words we learn what we are to believe, to know what is the truth, to correct things in our lives that are not God's will, and to teach others about God. The Holy Bible is our life manual.

Heavenly Father, we praise you and thank you for giving us your Word, so that we can have a guidebook to help ourselves and others to live our lives here on earth. In Jesus' name.

Read 2 Itmothy 3:16

"All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." (NIV)

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (KJV)

     

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POWERFUL PRAYER

We often take the precious gift of prayer for granted. Or, we

use prayer as a time to give God the list of our needs. Prayer

is a powerful tool that allows us to praise and communicate with our God. It is our avenue to healing and forgiveness. If we are living right before God, our prayers are very powerful.

Heavenly Father, you have directed us in your word to pray. We thank you that you have given great power to the prayers of those who live righteously. In Jesus' name.

Read James 5:16

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (NIV)

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (KJV)

     

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THINK DIFFERENTLY

We are not to allow ourselves to become like the world. We

are to become more like Christ. The Bible tells us to do this

by changing our old way of thinking and getting our minds

focused on the things of God. Then we will come to know God

and His perfect will.

Heavenly Father, help us, we pray, to get rid of our old thinking that hinders our growing in Christ, and to stay focused on Godly things. In Jesus' name.

Read Romans 12:2

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be

transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing, and perfect will." (NIV)

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by

the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (KJV)

     

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FIRST HAND ACCOUNT

The Apostles, writers of the New Testament letters and Gospels were not writing from hearsay or from other writings. They lived with Jesus, they talked with Him, they walked with Him, they sat at His feet listening to the Words He spoke, and

they saw Him as He ascended up to heaven. We can take the words we read as truth, first hand accounts of our Lord.

Heavenly Father, we thank you and praise you that you have given us your words of truth that will last forever and that will lead us to you. In Jesus' name.

Read 2 Peter 1:16

"We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." (NIV)

"For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his

majesty." (KJV)

     

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LIKENESS OF CHRIST

God's plan from the beginning was to have a group of people who, together, would be called His Church. He designed His plan so that these people (His Church) would become more and more like Christ, His firstborn. The people of His church are brothers and sisters of Christ. Someday, soon, His Church

will be the Bride of Christ. What a comfort this is!

Heavenly Father, we thank you that you designed a plan that results in our being like Christ and being with you forever. In Jesus' name.

Read Romans 8:29

"For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." (NIV)

"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." (KJV)

     

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ONLY ONE JUDGE

We all find ourselves eager and ready to give our opinion about others. However, more often we are making a judgment about someone rather than giving an opinion. God alone, is the only Judge. If we casually make a judgment about someone, we are making ourselves out to be equal to God. That's the very mistake Satan made.

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge you as the only Lawgiver and Judge. We ask for a pure heart and discerning spirit so we do not sin by judging others. In Jesus' name.

Read James 4:12

"There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor?" (NIV)

"There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?" (KJV)

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INTEGRITY

A clean conscience brings with it total freedom, as there is

nothing to hide. Just like Adam and Eve covered themselves

and hid in the garden, so it is for those who are doing things

displeasing to God, things ungodly and wrong. There is always

a trail to be covered, something to hide. There is no freedom

there.

Heavenly Father, we pray for the desire, courage, and strength

to live on the path of righteousness and to know true freedom.

In Jesus' name.

Read Proverbs 10:9

"The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked

paths will be found out." (NIV)

"He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known." (KJV)

     

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HUMBLE YOURSELF

Being humble is not an action, it is a constant state of being.

It is always being aware of our place, our status in light of

the life Christ lived. Since we have been bought by Christ with

His blood, we are His and we are always in His presence. Our

responsibility is to keep ourselves humble. God is the one that

will shine His light on us when He chooses to do so.

Heavenly Father, we are in need of your help in keeping ourselves humble. We pray for openness to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to let us know when we fall short. In Jesus' name.

Read James 4:10

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." (NIV)

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." (KJV)

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GOD'S GIFTS TO US

God's Word says that we all have been given gifts. His Word also says that His gifts and calling cannot be recalled, taken back. Our gifts are given in many different ways and our gifts vary according to what God chose for us. The important thing is not leaving our gifts idle, but using and nurturing them so that we may be fruitful for the Kingdom of God.

Heavenly Father, we thank you that you give gifts to all of us to use for you. Help us to know our gifts, to use them with reverence, and to never let them be left idle. In Jesus' name.

Read 1 Itmothy 4:14

"Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you." (NIV)

"Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by

prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." (KJV)

 

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ENLIGHTENED HEARTS

Do we really understand that our hearts are still not grasping the magnitude of God's glory? Our prayer should daily be that our hearts are opened to receive the knowledge and understanding of Him and what He has prepared for us. What God has waiting for us is totally sharing in His power and glory! It surpasses what Adam and Eve knew in the garden. Perhaps it would help if we think about and

understand what was lost when sin entered the world.

Heavenly Father, we pray for open hearts to know you more and to understand more fully what you have made ready for us. In Jesus' name.

Read Ephesians 1:18

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints." (NIV)

"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints." (KJV)

     

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COMFORT FOR THE DOWNCAST

The thought that the Creator of all that is and ever will be, cares about those who are sad and discouraged. He perfectly plans the giving of comfort and encouragement to them. Just as amazing is the way He does it. He uses the seeds of comfort from one who has has received seeds of comfort from others. God gives the comfort. The comforted one takes seeds of that comfort and plants them in one who needs comforting, who now becomes the comforted one. It keeps going. God's love cannot be stopped.

Read 2 Corinthians 7:6,7

"But God who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him...." (NIV)

"Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you..." (KJV)

     

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TALKING TO A FOOL

A fool is a person who lacks good judgment and has no common

sense. Arguing with a fool only brings us down to his level of

ignorance. We are wise to say nothing and just walk away. A

fool will not listen, therefore, let's save our energy for good use.

The fool will remain a fool.

Heavenly Father, we pray for wisdom to know when to speak and when to walk away. In Jesus' name.

Read Proverbs 26:4

"Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself." (NIV)

"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him." (KJV)

     

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WHO IS IN CONTROL

We all like being in control, especially of our own lives. There is

a lot of comfort in being able to plan out our comings and goings.

But, it is easy to forget that we are not our own masters. We belong

to Christ or we belong to sin. As Christians, we were bought by

Christ with His blood. He is in control of our comings and goings.

Heavenly Father, it is comforting to know that you are in control of

our lives. We know you are leading us to yourself. That is where we

long to be. Help us to keep hearing your voice and following in your

steps. In Jesus' name.

Read Jeremiah 10:23

"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to

direct his steps." (NIV)

"O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man

     

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GOD COMFORTS THROUGH ME

Any trial or suffering we experience is not in vain. God will put us

in a place where we will find someone dealing with that same thing.

God gave us the comfort we needed and the ability to pass that comfort

on to the one who needs it.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the comfort you gave us when we

needed it. We thank you that you give us opportunities to pass that

comfort along to others. In Jesus' name.

Read 2 Corinthians 1:3,4

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of

compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles,

so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves

have received from God." (NIV)

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father

of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our

tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any

trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of

God." (KJV)

     

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ATTACHMENTS

Why do we as humans get so attached to the things in this world?
Why not rather get attached to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
after all, He will be with us here and in eternity. The things of this
world are here today and gone tomorrow.

Heavenly Father, we ask that you would help us to keep our eyes on
that which is eternal and not get distracted by temporary, worldly
things. In Jesus' name.

Read 1 Itmoth 6:6,7

"But Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought
nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." (NIV)

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought
nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." (KJV)
    
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BEING PATIENT

We can rest with acceptance and satisfaction in all that God is
doing. He has planned everything and is working it out in His own
time and His own way. Wait and see! He will be glorified and all
things will turn out for our good. We don't need to get uneasy or
upset by the success of ungodly people, for they will reap what
they sow.

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that Your ways are right and
just. Help us to be quiet and confident that You will be glorified
and we will be able to share in Your glory if we hold fast to our
faith in You. In Jesus' name.

Read Psalm 37:7

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret
when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their
wicked schemes." (NIV)

"Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself
because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man
who bringeth wicked devices to pass." (KJV)

    
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SPIRITUAL FERVOR

As Christians, we do not have a lack of work to do or a lot of time to
waste. With the enormous harvest waiting, so few who are willing
to work, and so little time, we cannot allow ourselves to be lazy, or
complacent, or distracted by the things of this world. We are to be
fervently going about our Father's business.

Heavenly Father, we can only maintain our spiritual fervor by your
grace and mercy. Help us Lord to stay fervent and focused on the
work at hand that is set before us. In Jesus' name.

Read Romans 12:11

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the
Lord." (NIV)

"Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." (KJV)

   
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He did it! He lived a life without sin. He showed us the way
to the Father. He fulfilled the purpose He came to do. He gave
His life by dying in the most terrible and degrading way. He gave
it all. And He conquered it! It is done. It is finished. He is alive
and we are set free from sin. Hallejuah!

Read Matthew 28: 5,6

"The angel said to the woman, 'Do not be afraid for I know that
you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He
has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where he lay."
(NIV)

"And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye:
for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here:
for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."
(KJV)
     
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GOD'S GRACE

To have the shield of God's divine protection, His salvation,
is to be safe in His care through all trials and tribulations.
Our God gives us power and courage to stand strong in the
face of danger. There is nothing we have done to deserve
this kind and generous favor of God in our lives. It is only
because of His great love and grace toward us.

Heavenly Father, we can never earn or deserve the favor You
lavish on us. We can only offer our lives to you as witnesses
of your mercy and grace. In Jesus' name.

Read Psalm 18:35

"You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains
me; you stoop down to make me great." (NIV)

"Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right
hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great."
(KJV)
    
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GOD'S GRACE FOR EVERYONE

Jesus Christ is the Divine Favor (Grace) of God sent to provide
salvation for everyone, everywhere, at all times. No one is excluded
except those who choose not to receive His free gift. Those who
receive the gracious free give of salvation are freed to be able to
turn away from all impurity, immorality, and ungodliness.

Heavenly Father, we praise You and thank You for Your grace that
gives us eternal life and the freedom to live Godly lives. In Jesus' name.

Read Titus 2:11,12

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
It teaches us to say 'no' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to
live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age." (NIV)

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should
live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." (KJV)

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