Father, in faith, we look to You for strength today and bright hope for tomorrow. Just as Stephen, as written in the book of Acts, had a glimpse of Your glory in heaven and Jesus standing at Your right hand he was filled with confidence to remain true to his convictions and calling though painful death was imminent. Help us to turn our hearts toward heaven so that we seek Your approval and blessing above the temporal thrills this world has to offer. May we perish every fond ambition, all we’ve sought, and hoped and known in exchange for the glories of heaven where we will reign with You forevermore. Amen.

Father, our journey on earth is to be marked by gentleness and humility. There is no example greater than Jesus who left the glory and splendor of heaven to reside among sinful humankind. Though He was King of kings and Lord of lords He walked the lowly path of humility and laid aside His crown for a pauper’s life. He did not assume His rightful place but humbly rode on the back of a donkey’s colt. We’re so thankful that Jesus didn’t leave us before His mission was accomplished when the jubilant crowd turned into a jeering mob only days later. We long for the soon coming day when our faithful and true Savior who once rode on a donkey’s colt will appear in the heavens riding on a white charger leading the army of saints into their home eternal. What a day, glorious day, that will be! Amen.

Father, we’re reminded by the words of Paul that we are to remain firm when the deluge of deceitful tactics from the enemy comes against us – through the media, books, false prophets and even well-meaning but confused individuals. Your Word is the stabilizing and authoritative manual for all that we need for life and godliness. You promise to bring maturity into our Christian walk as we firmly plant ourselves into the solid teaching of Your Holy Word. We apply Your teaching so that we will attain to the fullness of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone. Help us to be wise, studied, and firmly planted in Christ so that we will not be like children tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Father, thank You for Jesus who came that we might have life and have it in abundance. We’re grateful for Your grace that teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. We’re thankful that Jesus gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own. We realize that the one who sows to please the sinful nature from that nature reaps destruction, therefore we choose to sow to please the spiritual nature and from that nature reap eternal life. Keep us faithful in doing so. Amen.

Father, we read the accounts in Scripture about our Lord’s death and His resurrection three days later. He appeared bodily to many eyewitnesses in His divine, immortal body for forty days before He ascended to heaven. It was written long ago and in a culture foreign to us in our modern world. But Your Spirit quickens this essential truth to our hearts and it is imperative to our Christian belief that Jesus rose from the dead and is very much alive today. We accept it by faith and receive it into our hearts. And one day, like the disciples, we too will see our Savior face to face.