Watch And Pray

Watch And Pray

Matthew 26:41 (BSB)

“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

What a timely reminder from our Lord Jesus! A good soldier of Christ is watchful, always on guard, and prayerful, seeking to avoid the temptations that would draw us away from following Jesus.

We see a biblical example of this in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus asked His disciples to watch and pray, but they fell asleep. Jesus knew their hearts, yet He also knew their weakness. He warned them to pray so they would not enter into temptation.

Let's watch! Keep our eyes on Jesus. Let's be alert to the things that might draw our hearts away from Him. And let's pray! What a wonderful privilege it is to enjoy the presence of our Lord Jesus and talk with Him throughout the day.

We know our flesh is weak, but thank God we are not left to depend upon our own strength. Jesus is our help. When temptation comes, we can call upon Him. He is faithful to strengthen us as we seek to follow Him.

Let's watch and pray, keeping our eyes on Jesus!

Crushed in Spirit

Crushed in Spirit

Psalm 34:18 NIV

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Have you ever experienced a time in your life when your spirit was crushed? Perhaps it was the loss of someone you loved, a painful disappointment, rejection, or a burden you felt you could no longer carry.

Sometimes the hurt is so deep that we find it difficult to put into words. Others may not even know what we are going through.

But what a wonderful reminder from God's Word: The Lord is near to the brokenhearted!

We see an example of this in the life of Hannah. In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah was deeply distressed and poured out her heart to the Lord in prayer. She was hurting, but she brought her sorrow before God. And after praying, she went on her way, and her face was no longer downcast.

What a reminder for us! We can bring our deepest hurts and disappointments to our Heavenly Father.

The Bible also tells us in 1 Peter 5:7:

"Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."

Fellow follower of Jesus, whatever may be weighing on your heart today, don't carry it alone. Bring it to Jesus in prayer. He knows your heart, He understands your sorrow, and He cares for you.

Calling Sinners

Calling Sinners

Matthew 9:13 BSB
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Let’s not sugarcoat it: The Bible reveals that we are sinners in rebellion against God. But Jesus invites all sinners right now. Matthew 11:28 says, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

God's love is so intense He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth to be the sacrifice and take the punishment for all our sins. In these last days before God's final judgment on rebellious, sinful mankind, He is calling us to repent. Turn from our rebellion and place our faith in Jesus. 

If you have not found that forgiveness, then I invite you to repent of your sins and come to Jesus in prayer. He took the punishment for our sins; He is ready to forgive.

Be assured of what Jesus is telling you: 

"All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out."

John 6:37

They called to the Lord, and He answered

They called to the Lord, and He answered.

Psalm 99:6-7 (BSB)  "Moses and Aaron were among His priests; Samuel was among those who called on His name. They called to the LORD and He answered.

He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept His decrees and the statutes He gave them."

Reflect on that. Moses, Aaron, and Samuel knew the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God who sent Messiah Jesus. You and I have this same access to our Heavenly Father this day and this night. We have access to God because of His mercy and kindness, as He opened up a way for us to approach Him through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. We enjoy the same comforts, guidance, instruction, promises, and victories. As it reads in Hebrews 4:14-16: "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Thank God for this incredible blessing. Find comfort in your walk with your God today who loves you that much.

If you do not know the forgiveness of the Lord, then repent and seek His forgiveness now and receive the blessing of knowing God. Acts 3:19: "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away."