Tag: Wesleyan

Verse of the – Romans 8:31

“What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”

Romans 8:31 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: In this passage, vs 28 says, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” The apostle Paul is writing to the church in Rome and trying to unify the church (both Jewish Christians and Gentiles). That brings up a question. Who is called to God’s purposes? All of humankind. He created us all and Jesus died for all with the hope that we would choose Him back. To me, this creates an abundance of hope because even while we were sinners, Jesus died for our sins. God is truly for us. 

Prayer for today: I pray that we would find our hope and our identity in Him who has created us in His own image. That we would daily choose to serve God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. I pray that we would be able to see the good that God has done in and through us and that we would boldly share with others those things He has done.  

If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.

God is for you and is with you…

Verse of the Day – Ephesians 6:12

“For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: The apostle Paul was writing to the church in Ephesus, encouraging us to put on the full armor of God so we are able to stand the battle we constantly face. We all know that we are constantly under attack and the side of evil is looking for any weakness we may have to gain a foothold in our lives, whether it is in our minds/thoughts, hearts/emotions, or in any other way possible. Thankfully, God is our strength and our protector. That said, we must do all that we can to be prepared for battle through prayer and relationship with our source of strength. Standing firm, shoulder-to-shoulder with our fellow Christians, God will lead us into battle and He will be victorious. 

Prayer for today: I pray that we would ready ourselves daily for what we might face. That we would solely depend on our God and Savior for the wisdom and protection we need to face our enemies. But also that we would have the love and compassion to pray for those who wish us harm.
If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.

God’s grace on you…

Wesley’s Covenant Prayer

I am no longer my own, but Yours. Put me to what You will, rank me with whom You will. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed by You or laid aside for You. Exalted for You or brought low for You. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and whole-heartedly yeild all things to Your pleasure and disposal.

And now, O Glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, You are mine and I am Yours. So be it! And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.

Amen!

Verse of the Day – Romans 3:22-23

“the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;”

Romans 3:22-23 (NRSV)
Prodigal Thoughts: I used to hear this verse “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” and I wondered how I would ever be good enough for God. All I could think of was that I would never be as good as God ever wanted me to be. I mean, I am one messed up bag of dirt with hangups and human nature tendencies. Even if I tried harder, I would still fail. Oh, but I didn’t understand what was being said here. You see, God understands our struggles and our weaknesses. He knows that if we try to be or act better of our own strength and wisdom, we will surely fail. That’s because we absolutely need Christ. We are on a journey of being made new. Yes, there is a moment when we take that submissive step and invite Christ into our lives, but it doesn’t stop there, at least, it shouldn’t. It isn’t about the eternal benefit of being a follower of Christ. There is SO MUCH more life to live between now and when we draw our last breaths. Each day, as we lay down our own lives and pick up the cross of Christ, we are taking steps to being made whole in Him. We are daily being sanctified (set apart and being made holy) through our relationship with God and our life-example of Christlikeness. So, you see, it IS possible. God wouldn’t set us up for failure. What kind of sick twisted parent would do that to a beloved child? No, He just knows that we need His leadership and guidance. His empowerment through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. THIS!!…is THE Good News!
Prayer for today: I pray that we would be comforted in our weakness, knowing that we are desperately relying on God, the Father Almighty. But through our obedience and surrender to His will, He will make us holy and redeem our lives, just as He did for His son, Jesus.
If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.
May God’s grace rest on you…

Verse of the Day – Luke 6:36


“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Luke 6:36 (NRSV)

Prodigal Thoughts: Merriam-Webster defines mercy as: Compassion shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one’s power OR Compassionate treatment of those in distress. Are we slow to pass judgement on those who offend us? For the most part, social media answers that question with an emphatic NO!!! Do we offer compassion to those who have no way of paying us back? This isn’t just a matter of somewhat overlooking offenses. This is showing kindness when the rest of the world would “go for the jugular.” Are we so caught up in our hurried lives that we don’t see others around us that could use some kindness? Here are some thoughts. Invite and pay for a meal for someone that couldn’t pay you back for no other reason than to get to know them more. When you pass by someone in military/law enforcement/first responder in uniform, thank them for what they do. When you see someone at the gas pump next to you and their windshield is dirty, offer to clean it for them. It doesn’t have to cost us money to show mercy. It may be our time or talents that we share, but show mercy to others. When/If they ask why you would want to do these things, just let them know that you wanted to serve them as Christ does. If you know how it feels to be in their position, let them know that. That one small gesture might just be the only time that day that is full of hope and kindness.

Prayer for today: I pray that we would slow down and pray that God would use you to serve others. Take the time to notice those around you to see if there is a way you can serve them through Christ. I pray that the heart of God would be warmed by our kindness and acknowledgement of others for His sake.

If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.

God’s grace on you..