And when you stand praying, if you hold ANYTHING against ANYONE, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. (Mark 11:25)
Lord, I come humbly before You asking You to search my heart. Please show me where I have been unforgiving towards others. Please show me where I have been holding a hurt and where resentment has built up in my heart.
Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (John 10:10, AMP)
Lord, please help me to remember that my enemy is out to destroy me. He is looking for opportunities today to steal, kill, and destroy me. May I not forget that my enemy roams around like a roaring lion.
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” ~1 Peter 5:8-9
Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”
~Matthew 5:13-16 (MSG)
I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirst for you like a parched land.
Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails.