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We will not be judged for our sins, our sin was judged at the Cross. Christ took the punishment for our sins so that by grace through faith in Him, we might be forgiven of our sins. The punishment that we deserve was poured out on the Lord Jesus, in our stead. Jesus paid the full price for our sin and for the sins of the whole world so that whosoever believes in Him might not perish, but have everlasting life. We will be judged, but not for our sins but How We Lived Our Lives. Each of us is to receive recompense for the good deeds we carried out, during our time on earth. Good works; works of righteousness which are carried out by our 'new-person in Christ' in submission to the Spirit of God, we will be rewarded. However, bad deeds; works of unrighteousness that were undertaken by the old sin nature, will suffer a loss of reward. We will not be asked to give evidence for one another, but we will be required to stand alone and give an account of how we lived our Christian life; whether for good or ill. We rejoice that our citizenship is in heaven and that our eternal future is secure in Christ! Nevertheless, God expects all His children to live godly in Christ Jesus so that the deeds we carry out in the body during our time on earth, will glorify our Father Who is in heaven. Let us keep our eyes on the goal of our calling, and may the life we live in the flesh be lived by faith in the Son of God so that in all things we will be well pleasing in His sight. 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.  Our United Prayer:
Lord, I thank You that we are Your children and that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, but Lord we know that there are many deeds in our lives which will have to be judged as bad deeds. We pray Lord that from this day forward we may live our lives as unto You. In Jesus' name we Pray, AMEN.
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Timothy was told to preach the Word, in season and out of season. He was also instructed to reprove, rebuke, exhort, and encourage the flock of Christ in two particular ways: with all long-suffering, and with sound doctrine. Here, we find Titus having the same instruction and being reminded of the critical importance of healthy teaching and sound doctrine. The more grounded a man or woman is in the Word of God, the less likely they will be enticed away by ear-tickling teachings or tempted to buy into any demonic doctrines. The more we read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the Word, the more we will grow in grace and the easier it will be to recognize when a teaching has strayed into falsehood. The more we look at Scripture in its correct historical context and pay attention to its literal and grammatical meaning, the easier it will become to both speak sound doctrine to others and become cognizant of false doctrines bring dished out by a false teacher. And today, false teachers are multiplying in unprecedented numbers, but rather than trying to explain the multiplicity of false doctrines that a believer might encounter so that they do not go astray, how much better if teachers and ministers would preach the whole council of God, in season and out of season, and: "Speak those things which are fitting for Sound Doctrine." Let us study to be show ourselves approved unto God, and handle the Word of truth both accurately and sensitively, so that we are not tossed about by every wind of doctrine, but stand firm of the truth of God's Word, to His praise and glory. Titus 2:1 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.  Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we praise and thank You that You have given us Your Word and that in it we have all we need for life and godliness. Give us discernment to recognize and renounce false teachers and unbiblical doctrines, and help us to hold fast to that which is good and wholesome and which is consistent with sound doctrine. This we ask in Jesus' name, AMEN. As the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, We Worship Our Great Creator. He loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son as the sacrifice for sin so that whosoever believes on Him would not perish, but have everlasting life. Those who believe become children of God, and are made a new creation in Him. As the God and Father of mercies, we worship before His throne of grace, acknowledging that without the spilt blood of Christ alone we would be eternally separated from our God and Savior. But God in His mercy and love looked down in pity on a rebellious race of prideful people, and purposed in His heart that by His grace and mercy, through faith in Christ, He would redeem this lost and dying race He is the God of all comforts Who comforts us in all our troubles. We in turn can comfort others that are in trouble, with the same comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,  Our United Prayer:
Thank You, Father, for Your great grace and mercy. Thank You, Lord, for all the comfort and grace that You have bestowed on us without measure. Bless the Lord of our souls and all that is within us bless His holy name. In Jesus' name we Pray, AMEN. Let us never forget that we are a new creation in Christ, having been given His new, resurrected life when we were justified by faith. By faith, we have received a glorious inheritance in Him that is kept for us in heaven. How important, therefore, to lay aside the old Adamic life where we were dead in sins and enslaved to the evil one. How vital that we clothe ourselves in Christ and live for Him alone, this is well-pleasing in His sight. Children have the right to be treated with love and respect, but they also have the responsibility to be obedient to their parents. Sadly, when parents are not under the authority of God, they are ill-equipped to discipline their own children, and this can have a detrimental effect in the home and in society at large. But having non-Christian parents does not exempt a child from this command, to "be obedient to your parents in all things, this is well-pleasing to the Lord," He has promised to give His sufficient grace to all who trust in Him. May we recognize the importance of family roles, biblical responsibility, godly discipline, and child training, as well as Our Accountability Towards God. May we as children of our Heavenly Father, be obedient to Him in all things, this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.  Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for ordaining that we are placed in families and for guiding us in the biblical roles and responsibilities we have towards one another. Help us to be obedient to You in thought, word, and deed, and help us to be examples of godly lives in our own families and to those in the wider community with whom we come in contact. Thank You for our own parents and thank You that we are Your children. May we live and work to Your praise and glory. In Jesus' name we Pray, AMEN. Hebrews, is not a book that is written to unbelievers. Hebrews is an epistle that targets maturing believers, and its clarion call is to live godly lives in Christ Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. While Hebrews 13 presents many ethical directives to Christians, this particular verse deals with spiritual virtue and sexual purity within marriage. There is no cutting of corners or mincing of words in this short sharp injunction on sexual purity within marriage. This verse is very forthright in its instruction on biblical Christian marriage, and gives a serious warnings against committing fornication or adultery. Marriage Is An Honorable Estate, which was instituted by God in the beginning. We read that a man should leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and become one with her. The marriage of one man with one woman was established by God before man sinned, and it was pronounced to be holy by Him. Here in Hebrews, the God-honoring intimacy in marriage is taken into the very private quarters of the marriage bed. Not only is marriage to be held in high honor among all, but also, "the marriage bed is to be undefiled," and we are given a serious warning that, "fornicators and adulterers will be judged by the Lord." Hebrews 13:4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.  Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the institution of marriage and the loving intimacy that we gain from this special relationship, which was instituted by You, in the beginning. Keep us free from sin and pure in thought, word, body, and deed. We pray for all Christian marriages, that You would guard them against the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil - and purify Your Bride we pray, as together we watch expectantly for Your return as our Heavenly Bridegroom. This we ask in Jesus' name, AMEN. God in His goodness and grace, gave us ways and means to discover much about Who He is: His character; His Tri-unity; His Person; His ultimate plans; and His wonderful purposes for the redemption of mankind. His plans and purposes give us hope: an assured hope; a glorious hope; a blessed hope in Christ Jesus our Lord. It is the witness of the written Word which unveils God's amazing grace, His great mercy, His unconditional love, and His never-failing faithfulness to the children of men. It is the Bible, the Word of the Lord, which encourages us to hope in Him, and provides the only means to salvation. It is Scripture that gives us the encouragement to press on for the upward call of God in Christ Jesus our Lord so that through patient endurance we might have hope in Him, Jesus is our blessed Hope; Jesus is our only hope for today and for the future. It is Jesus upon Whom our hope is founded, and God's precious promises are all 'yes' and 'amen' in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Word Of Truth, whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction and our encouragement so that we might have a hope in the Lord. We live in a fallen world where we will always be faced with trials, temptations, difficulties, and dangers, but we patiently endure in the knowledge that Christ died and rose again so that we might be made a new creation in Christ. We have a hope that is founded on nothing less than Jesus Christ and His perfect righteousness, praise His holy name. Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.  Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we praise and thank You for the Word of God and the wonderful truths it contains. As we read the pages of Scripture, You unveil Your gracious character and eternal goodness to us, and You teach us how to live. Help us all to live in this fallen world with patient endurance, as we look to Jesus and the glorious hope we have in Him. Praise His holy name, for it is in Him alone that we have such blessed hope. AMEN. During His earthly ministry, Christ taught the multitudes that He was the promised Messiah. He authenticated His claims through many signs and wonders, such as the feeding of the 5000. The supply of bread and fish satisfied the crowd's physical hunger and excited their carnal cravings, but they neglected to understand the deeper meaning of this miracle of Jesus. Knowing that the Lord had crossed to the other side of the Galilee caused the people to pursue after Him, in the hopes that they would get more free food! But Jesus knew that they were following Him for the wrong reason. They were not seeking Him because they understood the sign, but because they ate of the loaves and were filled. They were not following Him because their soul was hungry for forgiveness, but to satisfy their physical appetite. Jesus announced the most earth-shattering truth to these people, and they misunderstood, through unbelief. He did not say he HAD the bread of life but He WAS the Bread of Life. In Him was eternal life and the one who comes to Him will never hunger nor thirst. Christ could satisfy their spiritual hunger and spiritual thirst because He is the Living Water and the Bread of Life from heaven, and these people missed it. We are all invited to feast at the banquet table, to feed on Christ our Living Bread Who came down from heaven from the Father of mercies. All who feast upon the Lord are promised the eternal benefits of this life, that true Bread Who satisfies the hungry heart with all good things. May we all, daily, feed on The Bread Of Life, by faith with thanksgiving as we journey through life. He alone is our life-sustainer, in Him are the words of eternal life. John 6:35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.  Our United Prayer:
Loving Father, Your Word is food for our souls and refreshment for our hearts. Thank You for sending Your precious Son into the world to be the Bread that came down from heaven to feed our hungry souls and give life to those that are dead in their sin. In Jesus' name, AMEN. Second Timothy was the last epistle written by the great apostle Paul to his son in the faith, for our learning, shortly before his impending death. Paul wrote his letter when incarcerated in a Roman prison, and knew without a shadow of a doubt, that he was already being poured out as a sacrificial offering to the Lord. Paul knew that he was soon to be removed from this earth under the 'axe' of the executioner, but his letter to Timothy was to become the greatest encouragement to the young pastor - and to us as well, to fight the good fight of faith, to run the race that is set before us, and to honor the Lord in all we say and do, by keeping the faith and enduring to the end. Paul had learned that living a spiritual life and maturing in the Christian faith, did not depend on his own ability, wisdom, intelligence, or efforts, but in The Power Of The Holy Spirit, working in him and living through him. It was his passion for his Lord that caused Paul to press on for the upward call in Christ Jesus. Let us follow in Paul's footsteps and fight the good fight of faith, so that we may say, with Paul: 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us to preach the Word of truth. Enable us to exhort and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ, with the same godly passion for the good news of the gospel of Christ that was demonstrated in the life of the apostle Paul. We pray that in due time we may also say, we have finished the work that You have given us to do - We have fought the good fight, We have finished the course, We have kept the faith, to Your praise and glory. This we ask in Jesus' name, AMEN. Spiritual Growth is an ongoing process of becoming more like the Lord Jesus. As more grace is added to the grace we have already received, the more we mature in the faith and change into the beautiful image and likeness of the Lord Jesus. Just as we need physical exercise and nourishing food for our bodies to grow and develop, we also need spiritual exercise to mature in the faith. We need the milk and meat of the Word to become strong in the Lord and carry out the work that God has prepared for us to do. We are to: "Grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." This must be the pinnacle of God's grace, that we increase in our knowing HIM. We are to take hold of the eternal life to which we have been called. We are to pursue with a passion, the intimate and personal relationship to which we have privileged access, as we confess our faults to our Father and keep our eyes on our God and Savior Jesus Christ. Christ should be the center of our worship and praise, for all the things that He has done for us during our brief time on earth. Should we not delight to worship Him in this world and rejoice that in the world to come we will show forth the immeasurable riches of His grace, in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. May we ALL grow in grace and in a knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, By grace we are saved through faith, by grace we are to live our lives through faith, and one day by God's grace, we will pass into His wonderful presence, when we shall see Him as He is. 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.  Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we pray that we may know Jesus more and more with every passing day. We thank You for the amazing grace You have poured out on us and pray that we may grow in grace, day after day, for Your honor and glory. Thank You for Your Word that opens up the glorious truth that Christ died for us, was buried, and rose again so that all who believe on Him might not perish but have everlasting life. We pray that we may grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to Whom be all honor and glory both now and into the day of eternity. This we Pray in Jesus' precious name, AMEN. It was not only Jesus Who explained that the Christian life would entail much suffering but also Peter, James, and the apostle Paul. Suffering for Christ's sake and enduring many trials and tribulations on His account is part of The Worthy Walk Of The Normal Christian Life. We have not only been given the wonderful advantages of trusting in Christ for salvation, but also the holy privilege of suffering for Him. The normal human reaction to the influx of persecutions and pain is an immediate desire to escape the advancing difficulties and dangers. In reality, we should embrace them with a thankful heart, confidently expecting our Heavenly Father to use them for our spiritual benefit and for His eternal glory. James considers the various trials that come our way to be 'all joy' and calls us to 'rejoice in our sufferings' knowing that through them our faith will be tested. This will produce in us patient endurance and a chance to grow so that we may become mature in the faith, and be made perfect and complete in all things. Paul considers that the sufferings, sadness, trials, and tribulations of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us. It has been granted to us on behalf of our Savior, Jesus Christ, not only to believe in Him for salvation but also to suffer for Him as we journey through life in a Christ-rejecting sinful world that is lost in their trespasses and sins and is at enmity with our Heavenly Father. Philippians 1:29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,  Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, how we praise and thank You that we have been called out of darkness into Your glorious light, by faith in Christ's finished work at Calvary which alone paid for our sins. We also thank You that as part of Christ's Body, we are given the privilege of suffering for His sake. As we travel through a world that is hostile to Your grace and shows contempt for the precious sacrifice of Your dearly beloved Son and our Savior, we pray You would draw us ever closer to Christ. May we rejoice in the trials we are called upon to face in this life, knowing that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be one day be revealed in us. Praise His holy name, AMEN. For many decades, the west has been spared much of the persecution that has been the norm throughout almost 2000 years of Church history. The 'normal Christian life' of recent years, is far more accurately labelled the 'abnormal' Christian life. Down through centuries of time, Bible-believing Christians have been hunted down, brutally persecuted, frequently killed, as Charlie Kirk was, and treated abominably, for righteousness sake. We Have A Firm Hope In Christ and the expectation of His return to take us to be with Himself, and so in this verse, we find Peter offering comfort, encouragement, courage, and instruction, to all who endure suffering for the sake of Christ. The inevitable consequences of the responsibility we bear, as sons and daughters of God, is animosity from those that are dead in their sins. Just as they hated Christ without a cause, so the unsaved will hate us too. without a cause. However, it is by doing right that we may silence the ignorance of foolish men and women, and suffering according to the will of God, will bring honor to His name. Let us recognize that the normal Christian life in this fallen world, will inevitably result in persecution and pain. Jesus Himself warned that in this world we will have trials and tribulation, but we are not to be fearful, for He has overcome the world and we are victorious in Him. Let us, therefore, entrust our souls to our faithful Creator, by doing what is right. This will bring glory to His name and may contribute to a lost sinner being snatched from the jaws of hell. 1 Peter 4:19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.  Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You that by faith, we have been identified with the Lord Jesus Christ, and have become Your children. Father, we entrust our lives into Your hands, knowing that for Christ's sake, we will be hated. Thank You that You sent Christ into the world to go to the Cross, and to suffer on our account. Give us the grace to endure suffering for His name's sake, and may our lives be witnesses to Your goodness and grace, in a world that is lying in the grasp of evil. Into Your hands we commit our souls, and thank You, Father, that our citizenship is in heaven. But while we are on earth, may we walk in spirit and truth, and live lives that are pleasing to You. In Jesus' name we Pray, AMEN. There were things that were good in the church at Thyatira and there were men who were faithful to the Lord... but there was much that was unbiblical and many of their members entered into immorality and idolatry having a form of godliness and yet denying the Lord Who bought them. When a body of believers or denomination chooses to compromise the truth of the glorious gospel of grace, we identify a church that corrupts its members and cannot maintain the truth. So, despite some good works, love, service, and faith, the gross participation in pagan practices that persisted in this church at Thyatira continues to this present day. They were warned that they would be thrown into a bed of great tribulation if they did not repent of their sins. They were warned that they should harken to this admonition. Thyatira (which means continuous sacrifice), had apparently abandoned the truth that Christ was offered, once and for all, upon the Cross. Even to this day, certain denominations deny that the full and final payment for sin was made on Calvary's Cross. The Thyatira church had adopted a false religious system, with secret doctrines, legalist rites, priestly absolution, and suffocating indulgencies, which placed its members in bondage to this corrupt and ungodly system of religion. Sadly, this practice continues to this day. Praise God that in every area of Christendom, there are those that Hold Fast To Biblical Truth and reject the extra-biblical mysteries and philosophies, that too often captivate the minds of those that are not strong in the faith. Revelation 2:26 To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations  Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the true gospel in Your Word. We pray for those who are enslaved to the false doctrines of Thyatira with their secret teachings, legalist rites, priestly absolution, suffocating indulgencies, and other unbiblical practices. Expose those that teach falsely and open the eyes of those that have been subjected to their suffocating effects. We pray that as we wait for Christ's return, we will hold fast to the faith, until His appearing. In His name we Pray, AMEN. We have been eternally saved by grace through faith in the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are also kept by grace, through the power of the Most High God and are eternally secure. There is no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus. The world hated the Lord Jesus without a cause, and that same hatred of Christ for His followers continues to this day. Paul reminds us that All Who Live Godly Will Suffer Persecution, while Jesus Himself told us that in this world we would be hated, mistreated, and killed by sinful people. But the apostle Peter gives us encouragement in this verse, by reminding us: "If anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name." Peter points out that there is nothing shameful in trusting in Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. There is no disgrace in being a Christian, even though we may be despised by others for our faith, shunned by the world, deserted by carnally minded friends, shunned by family, abused by ungodly laws, or mocked by co-workers. Never forget that when we suffer as a Christian, it is for Christ's sake that we suffer. May we never be ashamed of our great God and Savior but rejoice that our suffering glorifies His holy name. 1 Peter 4:16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.  Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the Lord Jesus Christ and all that He has done for us. Thank You that in Him, we have eternal life and are secure in Your hands, no matter what we may have to suffer in this life. Thank You that by His blood, we have been fully and finally redeemed and forgiven of our sins. We pray that those who abuse us and cause us to suffer because of our faith in Jesus, may be convicted of their sins and come to a saving faith in Christ. Thank You that Your grace is sufficient for everything we may have to face. May our lives bring honor to You. In Jesus' name we Pray, AMEN. There are certain threats that are common to all Christian churches that are identified at Philippi. One is the infiltration of false teachers whose outward appearance is that of a gentle lamb but inwardly are ravening wolves seeking to shed blood, destroy souls, and accumulate dishonest gain. We are instructed to identify such teachers by their bitter fruit. Another problem is internal division which endangers the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and love between believers. Paul's antidote to most of the difficulties in Christian communion is to be like-minded, having the same love, and being one in spirit. It means doing nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but rather, in humility of heart, valuing each other above ourselves. Humility of spirit, gentleness of disposition, love for each other, and joy in the Lord, are all fruits of the Spirit which burst forth in A Life That Is Centered In Christ as Charlie Kirk demonstrated in his life. Let us love one another, for love is of God. He who loves as Christ loved us, is born of God and knows Him. Paul's earnest cry at the end of His life was: "That I may know Christ." Let this be our earnest desire today and for the rest of our lives. As we know Christ more intimately, may we love others more deeply and, with humility of heart, value others above ourselves. Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, it is our desire to do nothing out of selfish motives or ungodly incentives. Instead, with humble hearts, we pray we would truly value others above ourselves. May all we do in our lives be always to Your praise and glory. In Jesus' name we Pray, AMEN. Human nature generally indicates that we are able to love the people who love us. Unsaved men and women prove this to be true. Loving those that love us comes naturally, and although there may well be a selfish motive underlying human love, Jesus tells us that if you only love those that love you, there is no credit connected with this in God's divine administration. Loving, lending, and giving to others, too often has an ulterior motive. Financial institutions, for example, only lend to those they are confident will repay. But, whether it's a friendly bank or a kindly person lending to others, there is generally an expectation that they will be receiving some sort of remuneration. This may be the way of the world, but Jesus introduced a heavenly standard that can only be implemented in a redeemed life, as empowered from above. The distinctive behavior and divine love that is described in this verse, can only manifest in the one that has been born from above, as the life and nature of Christ is manifested in them. Only those that are saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus can display these divine characteristics of our holy and loving God and Father. May the love and grace of Christ fill our hearts so much, that we manifest The Divine Love Of God to others, in word and in deed, and become a beautiful reflection of Christ Jesus our Savior and bring honor and glory to His holy name. Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.  Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, our own, human love is found wanting and without the love of Christ flowing through us, we are incapable of living as You would have us to live. Fill us, day by day, with the love of Christ so that we may love our enemies, pray for those that despitefully use us, and show goodness and grace to others in need. Help us to reflect the godly characteristics of Christ in our everyday lives, to His praise and glory. This we ask in His precious name, AMEN. |
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We are a growing group of people praying daily for and with others. We were led to start an online ministry to deliver what is needed more now than ever, a place where you can go to easily to submit a prayer request or requests involving others to pray for your needs. The Power of Prayer. Matthew 18:20- For where two or more come together in my name, there I am among them. You are never alone in prayer. The Power Of Numbers Praying.
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