Romans 5:10 (NIV)
For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
Reconciliation is God’s doing, not mine.
Good morning, Lord. I am reconciled with You, not by my good deeds, but through Christ’s death on the cross. Any good deeds I do are my way of saying “thank You.” Fill me, O God, with gratitude; grant me countless opportunities to show my appreciation.
“[God’s] glorious wisdom has devised a plan whereby, without violating His justice as the Judge of all the earth, and without tarnishing His perfect holiness, He can meet man upon the ground of mercy, and man can again become the friend of God.”
Charles Spurgeon, 1877
The Ministry of Reconciliation
We are “friends of God.“ How amazing is that?
Good morning, Lord. I can sing, “What a friend we have in Jesus” and know it is true. I am counted as a friend of God, not because I am worthy, but because You are merciful. Your love is beyond amazing, and I am grateful.
I’ll never fully understand Scripture on my own.
Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
God provides the revelation and the Spirit of wisdom to help me understand.
Good morning, Lord. Thank You for Your Word and the wisdom it reveals. As I read it, Holy Spirit, enlighten my mind — embed the words into my thoughts, my decisions and my actions. Teach me to study it, not just as information and interesting stories, but also as a lifestyle. Transform me.
1 Corinthians 2:7 (NLT)
… the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began.
God didn’t keep His plans hidden. It’s there, recorded for our hearing and reading. Let’s give it the attention it deserves.
Good morning, Lord. Open my mind and heart to the mysteries recorded in Your Word — the mystery of Your love for us, the mystery of prayer, the mystery of Your coming kingdom. I don’t understand it all, but I understand enough to bow in aue before Your glorious presence.
Hebrews 1:1-2 (NIV)
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
Old Testament prophets looked forward to the New Testament and the coming Messiah. We have the benefit of both. Let’s not waste it.
Good morning, Lord. Thank You for the whole Bible, even the parts I don’t quite understand. As I read, show me the lessons You have for me here and now. Reveal Jesus and His love, as written so long ago yet still relevant to my place and time. Teach me something new every day.
The Bible is God’s big, beautiful love story. Read it for yourself.
John 20:31 (NIV)
These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Good morning, Lord. Thank You for loving the world so much that You sacrificed Your life for our salvation. Thank You for loving me so much that You sacrificed Your life for my salvation. I owe all that I am and ever will be to You.
“The more you read the Bible;
and the more you meditate on it,
the more you will be astonished with it.”
Charles Spurgeon, 1832-1892
The more you read the Bible, the more God will reveal. Prepare to be astonished.
Good morning, Lord. Forgive me for neglecting Your Word, for coasting along on old insights. Grant me the discipline to study the Bible on my own and with others. Reveal Yourself to me, day by day, page by page, verse by verse — in Jesus’ name, amen.
Proverbs 28:13 (NLT}
People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
Repent from your sins and prosper … maybe not financially, but spiritually? Absolutely!
Good morning, Lord. Repentance is good for my soul. It frees me from the hard work of pretending I’m better than I am. Sin may be fun or profitable for a time, but honest reflection leads me into the joy of Your presence. Nothing else offers me the hope of heaven. Thank You for Your mercy and grace.
Repentance … what’s the point?
Change.
Acts 3:19 (EXB)
So you must change your hearts and lives [repent]! Come back [Return; Turn back] to God, and he will forgive [wipe out; erase] your sins. Then the time [ times; seasons] of rest [refreshment; comfort; the messianic age] will come from [the presence of] the Lord.
Change of mind. Change of heart. Change of life. Change for eternity.
Good morning, Lord. I have sinned — forgive me. Change my heart, make me fully devoted to You. Change my mind, I want to focus on Your truth and not the whims of my culture. Change my will, keep my feet on the path of righteousness. I want to dwell in Your presence, today and forever. Amen.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
… if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Repentance starts when I tell God He’s right and I’m wrong.
Good morning, Lord. Repentance begins with humility … I was mistaken, I didn’t think, I was wrong. I’d like to think I’m always right — truth is, only You are always right. Be merciful to me, O God, for I have sinned.
