Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:6-10.

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

God calls us to share what we have been given generously with all His children. He blesses us to be a blessing to others. This helps the world see our faith in action, that God’s love is there for everyone. 

Scripture speaks often about generosity and sharing what we have with others. Proverbs 19:17 tells us “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you!” John the Baptist said “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry” (Luke 3:11). Jesus teaches us that what we have is a gift from God, and we are expected to use it for the good of all.

Sometimes we are concerned that the gift might be misused. That is between the receiver and God. While we are called to be good stewards of the resources we receive, God blesses every gift given honestly in His name. When we give generously and with gladness, we are caring for our brothers and sisters as God intends.

Loving Lord, we are grateful for what we receive from You. Help us to be generous in our giving, helping others to know the wonder of Your love poured out to all of us. Amen. 

Our scripture this morning is 2 Corinthians 6:14‭-‬18. 

Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

Paul has some strong words for us about the ways of the world, warning that accepting its sin can lead us into sin as well. He cautions against being “a partner with evil” (v. 15). Sadly, it seems some things haven’t changed in our human condition over two thousand years.

We are called to be in the world but not of the world. Paul explains we are not to “be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:2). The evil that is all around us may be strong, but God’s power and love is stronger still. All we have to do is choose His way over the ways of the world.

This can be difficult, but we must remember that “we are the temple of the living God” (v. 16). This awesome gift of God with us reminds us that we were created in His image, beloved children, meant for good, not evil. It is up to us to believe His promise of salvation and eternal life, and live in the light of His love.

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we let evil into our lives and ignore Your word and Your blessing. Help us to be strong in faith, standing with our brothers and sisters to bring Your love to all the world. Amen. 

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:11-15.

Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

Paul sometimes takes a roundabout way of explaining things. While he is speaking of himself and his ministry companions in his opening, he is indicating that we all have a call and a responsibility to share the Good News. Jesus came to show us God’s love and it is up to us to pass it on.

He tells us that “Christ’s love controls us” (v. 14), meaning that our outreach is directed by Christ Himself. UK pastor Nicky Gumbel writes that “love is the motive, the message and the means” behind our salvation. Love is the driving force, the subject and the way to show the world how to reconnect with God.

Paul sums up this lesson, saying “Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life” (v. 15). We are made new, reconciled with our Heavenly Father, and sent to tell the story of His love everywhere. We are blessed to be part of God’s plan, His workers here on earth.

Loving Lord, we are grateful to be called in the service of love. Help us to show others the peace and joy we have found in You. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:1-5‬.

For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.

There is probably nothing we are more attached to here on earth than our physical bodies. We live “in” them; they are always with us. As wonderful as they are, they wear out as does any earthly thing.

Paul compares the earthly bodies in which we exist and the heavenly body we will receive when we go to be with God eternally. We can’t know the details, yet we have faith that our Creator has a plan for us more marvelous than we can imagine. This agrees with what Paul has written earlier “Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: Death is swallowed up in victory” (‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:54‬).

We must realize that our bodies are not really “us”, merely a vessel for our souls while we are here. We are much more than just flesh and blood and we must treat each other as such. Christian writer C. S. Lewis says “you have never met a mere mortal”. When we see each other as God’s beloved children and ignore the frailty and failings of our human bodies, we begin to love each other as God intended.

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for our bodies to be able to accomplish Your will for us here. Help us to be ready for our eternal form, to live with You forever. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Mark‬ ‭13:26-33‬.

“Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!”

Jesus speaks of the last days in this chapter. He reminds us that we must be prepared, and although we won’t know the exact day or time, we can see the signs that the Day of the Lord is coming. By continuing in faith on the path He has shown us, we can be ready.

Jesus speaks of the things we hear in Revelation, that Heaven and earth will disappear (v. 31). He also gives us confidence that even though these things will happen His words will never disappear. Jesus is the Word (John 1:1) and His love for us will always be there.

We must be ready for His coming at any time, and that means prayerfully asking for guidance, searching the scriptures and living in the love He showed us. There is no time to waste! It is up to us to share the Good News with everyone, that all might come to know Him as our savior.

Gracious God, in Your mercy You sent Jesus to bring us back to You. Help us to live in the love He brought us, going in Your name to all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Mark‬ ‭12:41-44.

Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

How much are we giving for the work of the Lord? This story talks about a poor widow’s contribution, but Jesus asks for more than our money. The coming of the kingdom isn’t based on any man made thing, least of all things money.

I believe this lesson begins with money as something people understand, however there is much more to following Him. Our monetary contribution is important – caring for those in need, supporting missionary work and such – but it’s not the only thing we need to give. We have been given gifts we are called to employ in reaching all people for Christ.

One denomination uses the phrase “prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness” as a reminder of what is required of us. Jesus wants us to be complete in our love of God and each other. When we use what we have been given in loving service, we are giving more than just our surplus, we are living for Him.

Heavenly Father, we are thankful for all You have given us. Help us to use all our gifts wisely for the good of Your children. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Mark‬ ‭3:31-35‬.

Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.” Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

This can be a confusing passage in some ways. This is certainly not about Jesus rejecting His family. Family was extremely important in their society, perhaps even more so than today. Jesus is telling us how important family is by extending the definition of family.

He teaches us to see the relationship between God and us, as well as with all God’s children. He wants us to realize we are all connected and to treat each other with His love and care. Even those who have a difficult family relationship can find rest and comfort in God.

Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving each other, saying “Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother” (v. 35). We are all connected to and through our Savior and our Heavenly Father, who want us to see everyone as part of our family. This love will bind us together as one in eternity when Jesus returns to bring all His brothers and sisters home.

Loving Lord, we are grateful to be numbered among Your children. Help us to go in Your love to find all our brothers and sisters and live together until the day of Your coming. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭20:25-28.

But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world Lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus teaches that those who wish to be leaders in the kingdom must also be servants of their brothers and sisters. This is a much different thing than the world teaches us. Earthly leaders don’t tend to behave this way, preferring that others do the work. 

At the Last Supper, Jesus showed His followers this servant attitude by washing their feet. This was a task normally performed by the lowliest servant in the house, but Jesus sets the example for all of us. People’s needs are more important than our dignity or position.

How are we serving in the kingdom? We must be ready to use the gifts we have been given when the situation arises. Jesus didn’t say “serve where you’re comfortable or when you feel like it”, He told us “even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (v. 28). If Jesus was willing to do so Himself, we can do no less.

Loving Lord, You taught and showed that the way will not always be easy, but we are called to follow You no matter what. Help us to go in Your name, loving all people as You first loved us. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16:24-28.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”

Jesus taught that our way, the way of the world, is a dead end. He told us “if you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it” (v. 25). This is hard for us to hear but He wants us to know that human things are only temporary, and that God has something much greater planned.

He says plainly that we will be judged for our actions here and that we can only be saved by giving up our selfish ways. He came to offer forgiveness and the promise of eternal life to those who choose Him over the earthly things we think are important. Only by repenting of our wrongdoing and following Him can we escape the cycle of sin.

God has had a plan for our redemption all along and Jesus came to show us our role in this. Not only can we be saved but we are called to be part of the kingdom work, sharing God’s love and mercy with everyone. We are all called to participate in His creation, spreading the Good News of salvation to all our brothers and sisters.

Loving Lord, we are grateful for Your grace given to us through our savior, Jesus Christ. Help us to turn from sin, take up our own cross and follow in faith. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭15:1-11.

Some Pharisees and teachers of religious law now arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They asked him, “Why do your disciples disobey our age-old tradition? For they ignore our tradition of ceremonial hand washing before they eat.” Jesus replied, “And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God? For instance, God says, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’ In this way, you say they don’t need to honor their parents. And so you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’ ” Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “Listen,” he said, “and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”

Jesus talks to the assembled religious leaders about traditions and commandments. He teaches that some of their traditions contradict God’s law and they must consider what is important to Him before they concern themselves with human issues. We still deal with this disparity in our lives today.

It is a sad truth, that like the people then, we too “teach man-made ideas as commands from God” (v. 9). We must be mindful of all God asks of us and our obedience to Him first and foremost. Jesus also warned us against being hypocrites who honor God with words but not with our hearts and actions.

We are complete beings, hearts and bodies and minds intertwined, made in God’s image, and our faith must drive all we say and do. When our thoughts and words aren’t matched by our behavior, we aren’t living in the light of God’s love. When we truly believe, everything we think and say and do will align us with Him.

Gracious God, thank You for making us in such a unique way. Help us to choose the path Christ has taught us, sharing the Good News with all the world. Amen.