THANKFUL

Monday, September 30, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

The stories in the Bible about the birth of the first century church, how your first generation of believers changed their world, are truly amazing, yet involved great costs. Countless believers were arrested, many beheaded, burned alive, some even became lion fodder, just for sharing their faith. What gave these humble believers such boldness to speak your truths despite persecutions? They didn’t have theological answers to every question thrown at them. Although they may have lacked a deep knowledge of the Scriptures, they refused to remain quiet. Though ridiculed by the “educated” religious leaders because of their lack of religious training, nothing stopped their message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Their boldness to tell their story, how you changed their hearts and lives, came from your Spirit living within them.

We may never be arrested for sharing your message of forgiveness and grace, but if we are, we pray there is enough evidence to convict us of being Christ-followers. May that same Spirit that emboldened the first believers embolden us to share our stories of how you changed our lives, made us new people, and gave us meaning and hope. It wasn’t us “turning over a new leaf” or keeping New Year’s resolutions. Neither did changing our outward behaviors change our rebellious hearts. It is only your grace and mercy, which we didn’t deserve, are we adopted into the family of God. Our prayer is that people will see you, Jesus, in our renewed lives. May your Spirit enable us to voice your clear and simple message how you, Jesus, changed our hearts. Like it was evident with early believers, may it be evident to all that we have been with you Jesus (Acts 4:12).

Bless our dear friends and family who look to you for strength and comfort despite illness and affliction. Flood the chemo centers with your presence. Give peace when those facing surgery are wheeled into the operating room. Strengthen those whose physical afflictions create struggles for everyday normal activities. Show grace to those who battle depression. Bring healing to the mentally ill and may they receive godly counsel. Calm any fears with your overwhelming peace and presence.

Forgive our sins, change our hearts, help us forgive as you forgive, love as you love.

Telling all who will listen, Jesus. Amen.