Jesus, some recoil from the notion that blood must be shed for the forgiveness of sin. Help us learn what You have taught us, many times. Sin is deserving of death or at the very least, it prevents entry into the presence of our Holy Father. Sacrifices of animals, to cover the sins of a believer, were a very serious way of allowing a substitute to [...]

We know that “flattery” is wrong so help us not offer insincere compliments. Peter says we should speak using the very words of God, words of assurance and comfort. Help us today to lift the spirit of another person by using Your word as a key element of our praise.

Father, it is sometimes difficult to admit it, but we were all once strangers and foreigners to You. That was our condition before we learned of Your grace to us and of salvation from Jesus. But now we are citizens of heaven with all of the other saints, we are members of Your household. We are family!

Your word says blessed is the man who trusts You and does not look to other persons here for the kind of leadership and comfort that only You can give. Help us today to seek You in all things, at all times. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen.

If we yield the fruits of the Holy Spirit, we will be as "sanctified", a posture we seek but which eludes us too often. Father, we need to be more consistent. We know, Jesus, that being like You, in our relationships, is Your desire for us. You equip us to do so when we ask. For Your forgiveness and empowerment, we are grateful.

While it was a mission of total victory for every man and woman, it was at the same time an act of passion and suffering. Jesus submitted to Your will, to go to the cross that enabling us to enter into Your presence, cleansed by the sacrificial body and blood of Jesus.

Father, at times we behave as though we have the heart of an unbeliever. Is Satan allowed to test our resolve, our level of committment? Since every true believer is saved forever, we need Your help in seeking Your perfect will in every situation.

Father, teach us the truth and help us not to be drawn into schemes or ideas that are contrary to Your word and Your revealed will. Help us turn to You for counsel being aware that the Holy Spirit utters prayers on our behalf of which we are unaware.

Father, You have told us that you have reserved a place for us in heaven. We do not know a lot about heaven, but this we know. It will be a place of perfection, in You, reserved for us because of Your grace and mercy and the enabling atonement of Jesus.