Hallelujah! Jesus Lives!

I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. Revelation 1:17-18

Hallelujah! Jesus Lives! This is the cry of all creation on this glorious morn! Our Savior, who went to the cross to pay for our sin, has conquered death once and for all through His victorious resurrection. Hallelujah!

He is now the Living One. He was crucified, but He has risen.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.” Matthew 28:5-7

Jesus escaped the gloomy halls of death to become our Conqueror. And He has gone ahead of us, as the forerunner of resurrection. Because of His resurrection, we can look forward to rising also.

Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. I Corinthians 15:51-52

Jesus IS the resurrection and the life and has given us the promise that we will live eternally even when we die physically.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

Jesus posed a question to Martha: do you believe this? And I pose this question to you as well. As we celebrate Jesus for His sacrifice on the cross and His victory over death, do you believe? Have you put your faith in the One who died to save you?

Join me in praising our resurrected Savior, and come back over the next few weeks as we learn more about Him through this wonderful hymn.

For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection. Romans 6:5

Hallelujah! Jesus Lives!
Words by Carl Garve

Hallelujah! Jesus lives!
He is now the Living One;
From the gloomy halls of death
Christ, the conqueror, has gone,
Bright forerunner to the skies
Of His people, yet to rise.

Jesus lives! Why do you weep?
Why that sad and mournful sigh?
He who died our Brother here
Lives our Brother still on high.
Lives forever to bestow
Blessings on His church below.

Jesus lives! And thus, my soul,
Life eternal waits for you;
Joined to Him, your living head,
Where He is, you shall be, too;
With the Lord, at His right hand,
As a victor you shall stand.

Jesus lives! Let all rejoice.
Praise Him, ransomed of the earth.
Praise Him in a nobler song,
Cherubim of heavenly birth.
Praise the victor King, whose sway
Sin and death and hell obey.

Jesus lives! To Him my heart
Draws with ever new delight.
Earthly vanities, depart,
Hinder not my heavenward flight.
Let this spirit ever rise
To its Magnet in the skies.

Hallelujah! Angels, sing!
Join with us in hymns of praise.
Let your chorus swell the strain
Which our feebler voices raise;
Glory to our God above
And on earth His peace and love!

40 Days of Prayer: Day 40

Now on the next day, the day after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, and said, “Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.’ Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, otherwise His disciples may come and steal Him away and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.” And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone. Matthew 27:62-66

Dear Lord,

It is hard to believe that the people were against You even after You had died. Surely, they had an inkling of Your power because they wanted to do everything physically possible to prevent You from escaping the tomb. Lord, I thank You that we know what happens next, and that we can look forward to Resurrection Day. Thank You that even though the grave was made secure, and even though there was a guard, and a seal on the stone, it didn't stop You from breaking the bonds of death. Lord, as we await Your resurrection, let us not lose sight of Your suffering and death on our behalf. Keep me humble, Lord, as I celebrate You this weekend.

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 39

They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written, “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” John 19:17-19

Dear Jesus,

Today is a dark day as we think about You, our precious Savior, being beaten and crucified. But it is also a bright day, as we meditate on Your humble obedience to Your Father and Your love for us that took You to the cross. For it is by Your wounds that we are healed. And it is because of Your death on the cross that we can die to sin and live to You! Thank You for this incredible gift. Lord, I do not have the words to say what Your substitutionary death means to me, but I bow my knees in thankfulness and praise. Because of your death, I live.

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 38

Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. So He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, “Not all of you are clean.” So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them." John 13:5-17

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the example You gave to us on this Maundy Thursday. Thank You for Your life of humble service, that You would wash the feet of Your disciples to teach us how we are to serve one another. Lord, make me quick to serve. Let me have the attitude that You have - that a slave is not greater than his master, nor is the one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. Lord, thank You for the promise that we will be blessed if we follow Your instruction, and give me grace and strength to think of others before myself.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 37

Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?” And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him. From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus. Matthew 24:14-16

Dear Lord,

I am a sinner just like Judas Iscariot. Forgive me for not being completely sold out to You, for not following You closely enough, for not representing You well enough. Thank You for Your grace that covers me, even when I stumble. Lord, may I never be Judas! May I never look for an opportunity to betray You! I do not want to trade my love for You and my following of You for thirty pieces of silver or any other earthly thing, even if it is my life. Draw me to Yourself, Lord, that I would be completely satisfied in You, and not tempted by the silver pieces of this world - that my allegiance would not be sold, but instead that my allegiance would draw others to Your redeeming love.

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 36

Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

Dear Lord,

How we look forward to this day! We wait with great anticipation for the the kingdom of the world to become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. You WILL reign forever and ever, and You have promised that we will reign with you. Hallelujah! Lord, we wait for every knee to bow and proclaim Jesus as Lord (Philippians 2:10). We wait for the earth to be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Habukkuk 2:14). As we spend our time on this futile planet, Lord, we long for Your return and Your healing. We long to see the end of sin and the new heaven and earth that you have promised (II Peter 3:13). Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Clinging to Your promises,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 35

And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” Revelation 4:9-11

Dear God,

You are worthy! You are worthy to be worshiped forever and ever. You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power. I praise You because You created all things and because of Your will they exist and were created. Lord, I long to see this scene for myself: all the living creatures giving glory and honor and thanks to You who sits in the throne. I long to cast my crown before you and sing "Worthy!" Thank You for this small glimpse of my future with You, the Creator of all things, the Only One who is Worthy.

In Your Great Name,
Amen.

Behold, the Lord to Zion Rides

Today is Palm Sunday, the day we remember Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Jesus was the King, but His arrival here was a bit different than other royal processions.

When they had approached Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to Me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

“Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold your King is coming to you,
Gentle, and mounted on a donkey,
Even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” Matthew 21:1-5

You see, God had been using the prophets to predict everything about Jesus for many many years. It was Zechariah who told God's people that their King would come on a colt - not riding in a royal carriage but on a humble donkey.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

The disciples obeyed Jesus and put their coats on the colt. The crowds who had gathered did the same, and they also spread tree branches in the road, laying a "red carpet" of sorts.

The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their coats on them; and He sat on the coats. Most of the crowd spread their coats in the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in the road. Matthew 21:6-8

Jesus received a warm welcome, and the praises due to Him, from the crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed.

The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest!” Matthew 21:9

But those who did not know about Him wondered about who He was. Even though He was among His own people, they were blind with earthly pride. They couldn't imagine that this was the Christ whom sage and seer from age to age had foretold.

When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:10-11

Jesus came as a King, but not a King to reign by power of earthly might. Indeed, the glory of His royal state was hidden from those who did not know Him.

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. John 1:10-11

Even though this King was the Creator of the World, those in darkness could not see His light.

The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:5

This King was coming to Zion to give up His life as a ransom for many. He came into Jerusalem that day knowing that the end was near; that He would obey His Father and fulfill God's plan from the beginning of the ages to go to the cross to pay for the sin of man.

When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples, “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion.” Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, named Caiaphas; and they plotted together to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him. Matthew 26:1-4

Jesus came as a King to reign, not over subjects like earthly kings, but in the hearts of His people. His is a kingdom that knows no bounds, and is made up of the souls of men who have been won over from the thrall of darkness.

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. Isaiah 9:2

God was speaking of Jesus through the prophet Isaiah when He told of how Jesus would bring prisoners out of darkness and into His light.

I will appoint You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations, to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon and those who dwell in darkness from the prison. Isaiah 42:6-7

Because of Jesus' triumphal entry that we remember today, and His blood-bought sacrifice that followed a few days later, we can rise from the power of bondage!

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

Thank You, Jesus, for Your loving sacrifice on my behalf. May I tune my heart to You this week as I remember what You have done for me.

Behold, the Lord to Zion Rides
Words by John Brownlie

Behold, the Lord to Zion rides,
And crowds hosannas sing;
They spread their garments in the way,
And hail Him as a king.

O Zion, blind with earthly pride,
Why couldst thou not behold
The Christ of God, whom sage and seer
From age to age foretold?

A king indeed, but not to reign
By power of earthly might;
The glory of whose royal state
Is hid from carnal sight.

Whose subjects are the souls of men
From thrall of darkness won;
Whose kingdom knows no bounds, within
The dawn and setting sun.

Behold thy king to Zion rides
Where He the cross shall bear;
And on that throne with blood bedecked,
His robe of purple wear;

Where slaves to sin His love shall view,
And from their bondage rise
To noble fealty, by the power
Of loving sacrifice.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 34

Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?” I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:13-17

Dear God,

What wonders we who believe have to look forward to! I thank You that You will bring us out of the great tribulation, and our robes will be washed and made white through the blood of the Lamb. I thank You for the promises in this text - that we will hunger and thirst no longer, and that the Lamb in the center of the throne will be our shepherd. Thank You that He will guide us to the springs of the water of life. Thank You that You will wipe every tear from our eyes. Thank You that we will serve You day and night in Your temple and that You will spread Your tabernacle over us. Surely, Lord, the trials of this life are nothing in comparison to the glories that await us. Thank You that You keep Your promises, God, and that we can be sure of this wonderful future.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 33

The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21

Dear Lord,

I am thankful for the Law, for through it, I see how desperate I am. I cannot possibly keep the Law on my own merit. I cannot possibly live up to Your holy standard. The Law came so that the transgression would increase - for the Law shows me what a sinner I am. But that's not the end of the story! Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life! Just as the Law shows me what a sinner I am, Your grace shows me how fully saved I am! I am so thankful for Your amazing grace, that covers my sin, calls me righteous, and gives me eternal life with my Savior! Thank You for abounding grace. Thank You for Jesus.

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 32

So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:18-19

Lord,

I continue to be in awe of Your power and Your plan. And Jesus, I praise You that You were obedient to Your Father. Just as Adam was disobedient and caused many to become sinners, You were obedient and so many will be made righteous. It's awesome, God, and hard to understand that my sins are covered by Jesus' obedience. Thank you. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, only justification of life. For this I praise You!

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 31

But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:15-17

Oh Lord,

How I thank You that the free gift is NOT like the transgression! How I thank You that even though death spread to all by the transgression of one, much more did the grace of One, our Lord Jesus, abound to many. Lord, it's amazing to think of Your plan, that even though one transgression resulted in condemnation for all, Your free gift of Jesus arose from many transgressions. It only took ONE Man, the perfect Christ, to pay for all that sin - the sin of the world. Thank You for the power of the cross. Thank You that through Jesus, those who receive the abundance of grace and righteousness will reign in life through Him, our precious Savior and Redeemer.

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 30

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned—for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. Romans 5:12-14

Lord,

These verses show a pretty depressing picture of the state of fallible humans. Sin entered the world through one man, Adam, and that's what separates man from You. Sin brings about death. Because Adam sinned, death reigned in the world. This would be so discouraging, Lord, but we know what verses come next. We know that You had a plan, from Genesis 3:15, to redeem Your people and bring Hope into the world. Even as sin reigns in our world today, Lord, I am thankful that there is Hope - You offer forgiveness through Your Son for those who believe. Thank You.

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 29

Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:9-11

Lord,

I want to thank You for saving me from God's wrath. I don't think everyone understands the gravity and seriousness of this gift - because of Jesus' saving work on the cross, I will be spared God's wrath. Jesus saved me from it. I do not have to face God on my own power - because I am justified by Jesus' sacrifice, God now looks at me and sees Jesus.

As a sinner, I was far away from You, God. But Jesus, through Your blood I am brought near. I have been reconciled to God, and saved! And I can now exult in God through Jesus, as it is He who brings me reconciliation. I was Your enemy and instead of casting me away, You brought me near through Jesus. Thank You God, for your incredible plan that reconciles enemies to Yourself. Thank You for choosing me. Thank You for saving me.

In Your Name,
Amen.

When O'er My Sins I Sorrow {verse 4}

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” Revelation 5:12

So what is our response to the suffering of Jesus on our behalf? What should we do to show Him our gratefulness for His guiltless death?

This hymn has the answer: I will forever give glory unto Thee, O Jesus, loving Savior, for what Thou didst for me.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36

I will spend my breath in songs of thanks!

In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18

For nothing of this world can compare to what Jesus did for me.

Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15

I will make His name known, and make His name great, among the people so that He will receive the glory and thanks for saving me. And I will look forward to the day when every knee will bow and confess Him as Lord!

So that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11



When O’er My Sins I Sorrow
Words by Jus­tus Ge­sen­i­us

When o’er my sins I sorrow,
Lord, I will look to Thee
And hence my comfort borrow
That Thou wast slain for me;
Yea, Lord, Thy precious blood was spilt
For me, O most unworthy,
To take away my guilt.

Oh, what a marvelous offering!
Behold, the Master spares
His servants, and their suffering
And grief for them He bears.
God stoopeth from His throne on high;
For me, His guilty creature,
He deigns as man to die.

My manifold transgression
Henceforth can harm me none
Since Jesus’ bloody passion
For me God’s grace hath won.
His precious blood my debts hath paid;
Of hell and all its torments
I am no more afraid.

Therefore I will forever
Give glory unto Thee,
O Jesus, loving Savior,
For what Thou didst for me.
I’ll spend my breath in songs of thanks
For Thy sad cry, Thy sufferings,
Thy wrongs, Thy guiltless death.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 28

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8

Dear Lord,

I was helpless and You died for me, the ungodly. This is love. You didn't wait for me to become better, to get over my sin, to improve. You didn't wait for me to become righteous because You knew I could not. Apart from You, there was no hope for me. While I was yet a sinner, Christ died for me. What an awesome demonstration of Your love for me! I cannot repay, nor could I try. Thank You for Jesus. Thank You for not waiting to save me.

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 27

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the promise of these verses. For as I exult in the hope of Your glory, I know that I can also exult in tribulations. Lord, this is not a popular idea in today's culture - to exult in trials. But I thank You for what You promise through them - my growth and shaping to be more like Jesus. Through trials I learn perseverance which develops proven character, and then hope. I thank You that hope doesn't disappoint - because You have given me Your spirit who pours Your love into me. Thank You that because of that, I CAN exult in tribulations.

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 26

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2

Dear God,

I am so thankful for the result of justification: peace with You through Jesus Christ. I thank You that I do not need to fear Your wrath for Jesus has paid the price to save me from it. Thank You, Jesus, that through faith in You I have grace in which to stand. Thank You that Your grace covers me. Thank You that through You, Jesus, I can exult in hope of the glory of God. Your plan of salvation included me, and I am so grateful.

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 25

“You are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, "and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, and there will be none after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and there is no savior besides Me. It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed, and there was no strange god among you; so you are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, "And I am God. Even from eternity I am He, and there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?” Isaiah 43:10-13

Dear God,

There is none besides You. There is no other savior, there was none before You, there will be none after You. You are the Lord. You act and it cannot be reversed, there is no one who can deliver out of Your hand. Thank You, Lord, that You are. Your sovereignty and power are on display in our world and point to the irrefutable fact that from eternity, You are God. Your Name (I AM) declares that You are, and may I reverence You and Your name for You are worthy. Lord, I want to be Your witness that You are God. May people know that You are through my humble obedience and surrender to You.

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 24

But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:21-24

Dear God,

Thank You that Your righteousness was manifested apart from the Law. The law convicts me of my sin, and there is no way I can ever live up to what the law requires. But Your righteousness comes to me through faith in Jesus Christ because I believe. For just like everyone else, I have sinned and I fall short of the glory of God. But You justify me as a gift by Your grace through Jesus' redemption! What can I do but bow in humble submission to Your plan for my life and Your incredible gift? I will thank You with my heart, mind and soul and proclaim Your goodness to those around me, that they too might know Your righteousness.

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 23

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16

Dear God,

I want to be bold in my proclamation of the gospel. I am not ashamed, for it IS Your power for salvation to everyone who believes. Lord, may everyone I come in contact with today see that I am a proud proclaimer of the gospel, through my actions and through my words. Thank You that You revealed Yourself to me and opened my heart to the gospel that I would be one who believes. Thank You for Your word which teaches us the gospel and is readily available to us. Thank You for Your salvation, given through Jesus Christ; thank You that You have the power to save.

In Your Name,
Amen.

When O'er My Sins I Sorrow {verse 3}

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

When over my sins I sorrow, I think about Jesus and how He died on the cross to take away my fear of death. I am a sinner. And because of that, I deserve to die. James tells us that sin leads to death.

Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. James 1:15

But because of my faith in what Jesus did for me on the cross, I know that my many, many sins can no longer harm me. Paul reminds us that sin, leading to death, loses its sting for the believer, whose victory is in Jesus.

"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:55-57

It took a perfect Savior, fully man and fully God, the just for the unjust to die for sins once for all.

For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit. I Peter 3:18

I was dead in my sins.

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8

Jesus nailed those sins to the cross, canceled out my debts, and made me alive together with Him!

When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14

My manifold transgressions henceforth can harm me none! Jesus' bloody passion for me God's grace hath won.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:7

He paid my debts, canceling out the certificate of debt as we saw in Paul's letter to the Colossians. And because of that, I do not have to fear death - for I am no longer separated from God. I will not face God's wrath, because of the righteousness of Christ appropriated to me.

Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:9-11

Because of my faith in what Jesus did for me, I do not have to be afraid of hell. Jesus told His followers while He was here on earth that those who believe and obey Him will have eternal life, but those who don't will face the wrath of God.

"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36

I give glory to God that He has saved me from His wrath and the eternal fires of hell in order to give me eternal life with Him in heaven!

For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. I Thessalonians 5:8-10

When O’er My Sins I Sorrow
Words by Jus­tus Ge­sen­i­us

When o’er my sins I sorrow,
Lord, I will look to Thee
And hence my comfort borrow
That Thou wast slain for me;
Yea, Lord, Thy precious blood was spilt
For me, O most unworthy,
To take away my guilt.

Oh, what a marvelous offering!
Behold, the Master spares
His servants, and their suffering
And grief for them He bears.
God stoopeth from His throne on high;
For me, His guilty creature,
He deigns as man to die.

My manifold transgression
Henceforth can harm me none
Since Jesus’ bloody passion
For me God’s grace hath won.
His precious blood my debts hath paid;
Of hell and all its torments
I am no more afraid.

Therefore I will forever
Give glory unto Thee,
O Jesus, loving Savior,
For what Thou didst for me.
I’ll spend my breath in songs of thanks
For Thy sad cry, Thy sufferings,
Thy wrongs, Thy guiltless death.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 22

Thus says God the Lord, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread out the earth and its offspring, Who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it, “I am the Lord, I have called You in righteousness, I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You, and I will appoint You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations, to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon and those who dwell in darkness from the prison. I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, nor My praise to graven images. Behold, the former things have come to pass,
now I declare new things; before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.” Isaiah 42:5-9

Dear Lord,

Reading this Scripture just excites me so much - because I know how the story turns out! Thank You, Lord, that You were faithful in Your plan to provide a Redeemer - one who You would call in righteousness, one who You would hold by the hand and watch over, and give as a covenant to Your people, a light to the nations. Thank You, Lord, that You sent Jesus to open blind eyes and bring our prisoners from the dungeon. Thank You, Lord, for declaring a new thing - a new way, through the torn flesh of Your Son, to redeem Your people forever, once and for all. Thank You for Jesus!

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 21

He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40:29-31

Lord,
On the heels of praising You for not growing tired or weary, I praise You that You also give strength to those who are weary! I praise You that when I lack might, You increase my power! Thank You for the promise that those who wait for You will gain new strength - strength so powerful that they can run and not get tired! That is something that is hard to comprehend, but God, I know your understanding is inscrutable! Thank You, Lord, that as a result of Your power, I can do all things through Your strength, and for Your glory.

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 20

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. Isaiah 40:28

Dear God,

What glorious reassurance this verse brings us! You, the Everlasting God, who created the ends of the earth do not become weary or tired. How often, Lord, do I become weary and tired - yet, You do not. Thank You, Lord, that You do not. I am so often weary, contemplating the sinfulness of this world, sorrowing over the people who have neglected You and Your Word. I know that You have a plan and that in Your faithfulness You will work it out. And so, I come before You, acknowledging that indeed, Your understanding is inscrutable. You are God, and I am not.

Humbly,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 19

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord! Yet He also is wise and will bring disaster and does not retract His words, but will arise against the house of evildoers and against the help of the workers of iniquity. Now the Egyptians are men and not God, and their horses are flesh and not spirit;
so the Lord will stretch out His hand, and he who helps will stumble and he who is helped will fall, and all of them will come to an end together. Isaiah 31:1-3

Dear God,

Your Word is clear. There are consequences for trusting and relying on men rather than on You. You will arise against the house of evildoers and the workers of iniquity - for men are men, and are not God. Lord, I know that my only hope is You. Help me not be deceived by the perceived strength of a modern-day version of horsemen and chariots -- let me rely on You to fight my battles because You are the True Victor. Let me seek You first when I require help, and let me not "go down to Egypt" when I should turn to You. Thank You that I can turn to You and rely on You - thank You that You are God and my Savior!

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 18

O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; for You have worked wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. Isaiah 25:1

Dear Lord,

How thankful I am for the wonders You have worked. When I read in the Scripture the stories from thousands of years ago, I can see Your plans formed long ago and how You executed them with perfect faithfulness. You are a Covenant God, and I praise You! I thank You that from the beginning of creation, You had a plan to redeem us, and I am grateful that You carried out Your plan in faithfulness even when Your people were anything but faithful. I exalt You today for Your faithfulness in history, and in current generations, especially in my own life. May others see and hear me tell of Your faithfulness that they might come to know You and experience it for themselves.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 17

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Dear Jesus,

Thank You that You came to Earth to dwell among Your creation. It is hard to wrap my feeble brain around the fact that You, the God of the Universe, the Word, became flesh. But You did. And You did it to save sinners. Lord, thank You for the record in the Scripture about those who saw You and beheld Your glory. Thank You for who You are and what You are: full of grace and truth. Jesus, today I marvel at You and Your love for me; love that traded a heavenly throne for an earthly life - You coming to be light, and the darkness not understanding. May I be light today, after You, because of You.

Amen.

When O'er My Sins I Sorrow {verse 2}

How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! Psalm 32:1

When over my sins I sorrow, I think about the incredible gift of substitution. It is, indeed, a marvelous offering. Jesus, our Master, spares me and instead bears my suffering and grief upon Himself. God took His sinless Son and delivered Him for us all. Jesus should have been spared, not me! But God did not spare Him.

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?
Romans 8:32

Instead, Jesus went to the cross in MY place.

Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Isaiah 53:4

God left His throne in heaven to come to earth as a man. Jesus, fully God and fully man, came to save the guilty. He took Himself to the cross and died, for me, who had already been counted guilty. He tasted death for everyone, so that I don't have to.

But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 2:9

Jesus died the death that was mine to die. My response is thanksgiving - I will praise the One who took my place! And I will endeavor to be conformed to His death so that I may know Him and His sufferings, and the power of His resurrection.

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11

When O’er My Sins I Sorrow
Words by Jus­tus Ge­sen­i­us

When o’er my sins I sorrow,
Lord, I will look to Thee
And hence my comfort borrow
That Thou wast slain for me;
Yea, Lord, Thy precious blood was spilt
For me, O most unworthy,
To take away my guilt.

Oh, what a marvelous offering!
Behold, the Master spares
His servants, and their suffering
And grief for them He bears.
God stoopeth from His throne on high;
For me, His guilty creature,
He deigns as man to die.

My manifold transgression
Henceforth can harm me none
Since Jesus’ bloody passion
For me God’s grace hath won.
His precious blood my debts hath paid;
Of hell and all its torments
I am no more afraid.

Therefore I will forever
Give glory unto Thee,
O Jesus, loving Savior,
For what Thou didst for me.
I’ll spend my breath in songs of thanks
For Thy sad cry, Thy sufferings,
Thy wrongs, Thy guiltless death.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 16

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10

Dear Lord,

This is my prayer today - You are my God, so teach me to do Thy will. Show me when I am wandering away from it, and put my back on the level ground. Thank You, Lord, that you are a gentle leader - leading me beside still waters and into green pastures. Teach me Your will so that I walk in it continually and may I acknowledge Your direction and guidance.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 15

Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26

Dear Lord,

These verses are such reassuring truth to hold on to and to cling to. My flesh and my heart may fail, but YOU are the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Lord, I do not want to desire anything on earth except You. Keep me from loving the things of this earth, and protect me from their sway. Keep my in Your word and in communion with You so that everything else fades into the background. Thank You that You are the strength of my heart, even when I don't have the strength in myself. You are enough for me, God, and I praise You.

Amen.