Sat, Jul 12th - 8:48PM

Prayer is necessary

Paul says in the New Testament that it was not until he heard the Law that he was conscious of sin. How true! It is not until you know the truth that the truth can set you free (John 8:32). The returning Jews experience this truth in a dramatic way. Upon hearing the Law, Israel repents of her sins and rededicates herself to serving the Lord. This repentance clears her conscience, results in rich worship, and makes her eligible for the blessings of the Lord. It sets her free! Repentance will do the same for you.

PRAYER

Because the Lord preserves us through spiritual battles, offer your praises as you read this psalm:
It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night . . .
You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work;
I will triumph in the works of Your hands (Psalm 92:1-2, 4).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

As you seek to keep your life free from sin, pray this confession to the Lord:
O Lord, God of my salvation,
I have cried out day and night before You.
Let my prayer come before You;
Incline Your ear to my cry.
For my soul is full of troubles,
And my life draws near to the grave
(Psalm 88:1-3).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
I delight to do Your will, O my God,
And Your law is within my heart (Psalm 40:8).

I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions,
And like a cloud, your sins.
Return to Me, for I have redeemed you (Isaiah 44:22).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
-- Greater insight into God's Word
-- The homeless in your country and around the world

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17). 

Sat, Jul 12th - 8:43PM

How to Serve God

God doesn't need the help of any man or woman to accomplish His purposes. However, He has chosen to spread the gospel by means of His children. As one person tells another the good news of Jesus Christ, the story of hope and love spreads around the globe.

Consider each modern Christian is a spiritual descendant of the original disciples. Those men spent several years with Jesus. After His ascension, they preached what they'd learned from Him to anyone who'd listen. They also offered a helping hand where needed.

The grace and mercy demonstrated in word and action had a ripple effect. It spread outward from those first followers of Christ. It went across distance and time to hundreds, then thousands and even billions of individuals around the world.

But some people still have never heard Jesus loves them and died for their sins. This is why we're called to serve family, friends, and neighbors. Loved ones see God's grace lived out when we offer a helping hand, share the gospel, or lift them up in prayer.

To deny this call is to sin against the Lord. Our purpose is to serve God. The primary way we do that is by caring for those around us.

We can offer God many reasons for not serving Him such as weakness, inadequacy, and fear. But no excuse changes the mandate of Scripture. We are the Lord's feet, hands, and voice on earth. We go where He wills. We help those in need. We tell all about the love of Jesus.