Tag: glorify God
The Lord’s compassion
Scripture reading for March 21st: Deuteronomy 6-9, Luke 7
Luke 7:12-16 “As He drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then He came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited His people!”
The reason behind the provisions of the abundant life flowing to us is the Lord’s compassion and mercy. In the story of the raising of the dead son of the widow, we see Jesus’ having compassion on this widow who had lost her only son and the source of her care. Jesus was moved to confront death and brought comfort to the woman by raising the dead son to life with a Word! This miracle caused people to fear God and declare God visiting them. When Jesus forgave the sinful woman who was anointing His feet with her tears, Jesus’ compassion again was evident towards all sinners. Jesus here indicated that this woman’s faith in His compassion and ability to forgive sins had brought salvation and an abundant grace!
Luke 7:48-50 “And He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at table with Him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, Who even forgives sins?” And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you.””
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your great compassion! Your love towards sinners and the suffering moves me to seek more of Your compassion in me. I offer myself to You to allow Your compassion that will bring people to honor You and believe Your Word and experience salvation through faith by grace.
Deuteronomy 9:6 “Know, therefore, that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stubborn people.”
Living in harmony!
Scripture reading for March 1st: Romans 15
Key Scriptures: Romans 15:3-7 “For Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” For whatever was written former days was written for our instruction, that through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragements grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
Life isn’t supposed to be about me or centered on my will. Jesus demonstrated His own life lived out to please God and serve others in perfect submission and obedience. This took patience and endurance and for Jesus, the ultimate in suffering and sacrifice. Paul encourages the Roman Christians to follow Jesus’ example and gain encouragement from Scripture of the blessed hope that is ours in Christ. Paul prays that the “God of endurance and encouragements” would empower and make the way for harmony and unity among God’s people, that they may glorify God the Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. He asked that they would speak and live the Gospel of God’s love with “one voice,” welcoming others in the unity of Christ’s body. As Christ suffered to bring us into God’s unified Body, we may also have to endure suffering for others.
Psalm 69:9 “For zeal for Your house has consumed Me, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on Me.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word and Holy Spirit that gives me endurance and encouragement today. Help me to live in perfect harmony with my brothers and sisters in the church. Use me to build Your Church and welcome others into fellowship and harmony.
Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.
Praying for the Church
aScripture reading for September 19th: Ecclesiastes 5-8; 2nd Thessalonians 1
Key Scriptures: 2nd Thessalonians 1:11-12 “To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, so that the Name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul’s pastoral prayer for the believers was that God would fulfill His purposes and good works through them. The result of all their effort and faithfulness would be for God’s glory and their glorification in Christ at His return. This would be a result of grace and faith working by love.
Ecclesiastes 5:19 “Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil–this is the gift of God.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for gifts and power through faith. May I use them for Your glory and pray effectively for Your church. Amen.