One thing that I have found helpful is to add Bible verses to your prayers. This helps to build your faith and trust in God as you pray.

Here are some examples. You can hover over the references to read the verses if you are reading on my website.

1. If you need wisdom about something – James 1:5

2. If you are praying for blessing and protection – Numbers 6:24-26

3. If you need healing and strength- Psalm 103:1-5

4. If you are praying for provision from God – Matthew 6:31-34

5. If you praying for spiritual growth – Colossians 2:6-7

6. If you are asking God for forgiveness – 1 John 1:9

I first saw this on the movie War Room. A lady in the film had a prayer closet. She had all her prayers stuck on the wall and under each prayer were Bible passages.

For me this idea really helps. I often pray my prayer and then read the Bible verses attached to it.

Why not give it a try?

Blessings,
Dave

On Good Friday we sung an amazing song in church. I have probably sung it before, but this day it really touched me.

The words were perfect to remind us of what Christ had done for us. And it was one of those songs that the whole congregation knew and loved. It was so great to be there.

Today I thought I would share the lyrics.

VERSE 1
See Him in Jerusalem
Walking where the crowds are
Once these streets had sung to Him
Now they cry for murder

Such a frail and lonely Man
Holding up the heavy cross
See Him walking in Jerusalem
On the road to save us

VERSE 2
See Him there upon the hill
Hear the scorn and laughter
Silent as a lamb He waits
Praying to the Father

See the King who made the sun
And the moon and shining stars
Let the soldiers hold and nail Him down
So that He could save them

VERSE 3
See Him there upon the cross
Now no longer breathing
Dust that formed the watching crowds
Takes the blood of Jesus

Feel the earth is shaking now
See the veil is split in two
And He stood before the wrath of God
Shielding sinners with His blood

VERSE 4
See the empty tomb today
Death could not contain Him
Once the Servant of the world
Now in vict’ry reigning

Lift your voices to the One
Who is seated on the throne
See Him in the New Jerusalem
Praise the One who saved us
Praise the One who saved us!

Today I just want to share the passage I read for my devotions. This passage and others like it are why I have the hope in Christ that I do…

Matthew 28:1-7 NLT
[1] Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. [2] Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. [3] His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. [4] The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. [5] Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. [6] He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. [7] And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”

For my devotions today I read 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 NLT. It says…

[6] So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. [7] For we live by believing and not by seeing. [8] Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. [9] So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. [10] For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

Five things jumped out at me today.

1. While we are here on earth we are not at home with the Lord in heaven.

2. Because of our eternal hope we would rather be away from our earthly bodies and be with Jesus.

3. Regardless of where we are, our ultimate goal is to live in a way that pleases Him.

4. As Christians we know one day we will stay before Him and give account for our lives.

5. We will receive what we deserve for the good and bad things we have done.

As Christians we have a great hope of heaven. Like the Apostle Paul we sometimes long to be away and our bodies and be present with Christ. Which as Paul says is better by far.

While we are here we have work to do on earth. And we also know that one day we will have to stand before Jesus and give account for the things we have done.

For some people judgement day is a scary day, but for others it is a day when they will see Jesus face to face and receive their eternal rewards.

For me personally I use these thoughts to motivate to be about God’s work while I am here. My goal is to please Him. How about you?

Blessings,
Dave

I just watched this short video on GotQuestions.org. I thought it was really helpful. Please enjoy…