Colossians 3:16-17
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. And everything you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You know on my own, I can do nothing, except through the words of Christ, who gives me strength. Let His word work in my heart today. Throughout my life, both day and night, sin works to build this stony exterior around my soul to keep you out. Lord, I pray that you would pulverize that exterior today and every day until my days on this earth are done. Without Christ in me, my end would be worse than all the time I spent on this earth, suffering the anguish of the rest of eternity in hell. No green pastures, no rest, only darkness separated from you forever. All the good that you have given to me in this life, gone! Without Jesus, there is no relief; you hold all who do not believe in you accountable for what they have done in this life. With the expectation that they should have lived this life perfectly without sin.
But this is not where it has to end because Jesus took all our sins into Himself. Therefore, through the tiniest glimmer of faith in your Son and what He has done, you give us life. This forgiveness is why we sing hymns of praise. Jesus took into Himself every sin that separates us from you. Therefore, we are restored to you through His perfect life, suffering on the cross, and His holy death. It is as simple as believing Jesus died for me, that you give me eternal life. You delivered me from the terror of hell I should face to those green pastures, to no more tears, no more pain, and no more suffering. Thank you!
Lord, we remember today all those veterans who have served us, so we have the freedom to sing praise to you and glorify you. In all that we do, whether we are: a father, mother, student, business person, sales consultant, farmer, teacher, health care worker, retired, or a person recovering from illness or addiction—let us do it all to your glory—giving you thanks for the eternal life that you have delivered to us through faith in Jesus. Thank you for melting our hearts of stone today. Amen.
Pastor Roger Emmons
“Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:2