December 07

Acts 2:38-39  Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 

Titus 3:3  At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 

Titus 3:4-6  But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 

Titus 3:7  so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 

Ephesians 5:15-16  Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 

Hebrews 13:20-21  Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

May you press on, striving to know the Lord, Whose promise to come and rescue you is as certain and reliable as the appearance of the dawn, and as certain and beneficial as the rain in its season, for though, in His mercy, He has wounded you to heal you, as a physician lances a boil or cuts out a malignancy, He will bind up your wounds where He has injured you, reviving and restoring you that you may live in His presence. Hosea 6

May you offer mercy to those around you rather than sacrifice in the congregation, and may you rightfully acknowledge God to those who hunger to know Him rather than offer burnt offerings without a contrite heart, so that your love for God may deepen and broaden, enduring beyond the rising of the sun, which burns away the morning mist, and refreshing weary travelers in the heat of the day. Hosea 6

May you cry out to the Lord from your heart for He longs to redeem you from destruction. Hosea 7

May you turn to God in love, desiring to serve Him in gratitude and proclaim Him in truth, for then He will extend His protection over you. Hosea 8

May your love and worship of God be pure and from the heart, undefiled and obedient, in humble fear and reverent awe of your majestic Creator and loving Redeemer, for those who give lip-service only, seeking empty forms to follow, without personal cost or involvement, corrupt the worship of God and turn the altar of sin offerings into an altar for sinning. Hosea 8

May you be faithful to God in your devotion, giving Him the first-fruits of your strength, meeting Him at the start of the day, keeping Him first in your thoughts throughout your work, for mere labor will not feed you, nor will business strategy clothe you, and dedicated effort to achieve your goals, without acknowledging God in all your ways, will become idolatry and lead to desolation. Hosea 9

   I see more in you, My child, than you are aware of having. I know the seed of life that I planted in your heart, My dear one, when you turned to me in repentance and forsook your own ways, yielding to My grace and love. 
   I rejoice in the potential that I am growing you into, My precious one, as you humble yourself under My hand and align yourself with My word. Therefore I continue working with you, My willing one, coaxing you, encouraging you, exhorting you, disciplining you, patiently cultivating My nature in you. 
   Do not ever believe that at any time I become impatient with you or act out of frustration toward you; My compassion for you is without limit and My loving kindness will never run out. 
   Turn to Me in every situation – I always welcome you. Seek Me for every answer – I will never rebuke you for disturbing Me. Obey Me in the small things – I will reward you lavishly. 
   You are the apple of My eye – I will cover and protect you. You are the delight of My heart – I will abide with you and never abandon or forsake you. Test Me, and trust Me, for I never change, and I am sufficient to see you through all that I guide you into.

May you enjoy good health and may all go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John

May you show hospitality to those who go out for the sake of the Name of God, sending them forth in a manner worthy of God, that they need receive no help from unbelievers. 3 John

May your heart be filled with wonder, your mouth filled with laughter and your tongue sing songs of joy when you receive freedom from the Lord, Who does great things for you. Psalm 126

May you go forth, weeping, carrying seed to sow in tears, for you will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves of grain with you when the Lord restores your fortune like streams in the desert. Psalm 126