Father, we thank You for sending Jesus who came as God in the flesh, revealing to us Your character and personhood. You created all things and sustain them by Your powerful hand. That includes us, Your human creation. All that You created You also test. The plant life has tests of stress and endurance in the harsh elements and we, Your human creation, must endure the tests of endurance common to the flesh; whether it is relational, physical, spiritual, emotional or financial. We will endure these tests and turn them into a testimony as we rely on You, for “You will accomplish what concerns me; for You are my sustainer”. You existed before anything else and You hold all creation together. We are immensely grateful. Amen

Father, we’re tempted way too often to behave badly, in big ways and little ways. Grant us a firm resolve to do good whatever the cost. Above all, remind us through Your Holy Spirit, that we choose to do good because it pleases You. May the fulfillment of pleasing You be of much greater importance than pleasing or impressing those among us. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Father, as I seek You in the morning through prayer and Scripture reading I hear Your personal calling to me through the words of Christ Jesus, “Come, follow me.” Jesus suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow in His steps and walk blamelessly, according to the law of the Lord. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed so we do well to walk in all Your ways and honor You in the way we live our Christian lives. May we be a sweet smelling fragrance to you as we offer up our lives. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Father, we’re reminded of Your absolute faithfulness as we reflect upon the Israelites journeying in the wilderness. Even when they were unfaithful and rebellious, in Your compassionate faithfulness, You provided for their daily needs. Your steadfast love never ceased and Your mercies never came to an end, for they were renewed everyday and are this day as well. All we have need of Your hand provides. We want to do our part in receiving it with thanksgiving and being careful not to waste, but to share with those in genuine need. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Father, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is salvation to all of us who believe upon Jesus as the Son of God. It’s natural and inviting to join in with a crowd of believers and declare with exuberance our privilege and joy to be a Christian. But when we stand alone against a defiant crowd or are confronted by those who declare evil against the Christian believer it becomes not only a privilege but a grave responsibility and conviction to honor Christ by proclaiming our allegiance in a hostile setting. We pray for those confronted with that choice this very day. We also pray for families and friends who grieve the loss of their loved ones who took a Christian stand by staying true to their Christian faith though it cost them their earthly lives. May these families, all over the world, be consoled by the Scripture in Revelation 2:11 declaring that those faithful unto death will be given “the crown of life”. That is our prayer today that we be found faithful in life and faithful unto death, however that comes to us. In the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior we pray. Amen.