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,
Thank You for giving us Your Word; with it, we are blessed to hear the world’s history and Your plan of salvation for us. When our first parents sinned, they desired wisdom, questioned Your honesty, and doubted You. You also recorded the sins of Adam, Abraham, Moses, and King David in Your word, not to demonstrate how sinful they were but to show Your love and mercy by forgiving them of all their sins.
Still today, we continue to sin and chase after the desires of our hearts. For those not knowing Your Word, their consciences cause them to feel guilt and shame for what they have done. In Your Word, You tell us that when we sin against You or others, You forgive us according to Your salvational plan. By faith—believing in Jesus—we know that he suffered and died for all our sins; not one sin was left unforgiven. You accepted Jesus’ payment for the world’s sins, so whoever believes in Him has eternal life; grant us this forgiveness.
Please let Your Word live in us so we recognize our sins, bring them before Jesus, and receive His forgiveness. When we fail to see our sins, please send fellow Christians to warn, correct, and redirect us to the cross. Strengthen our faith in Jesus so that we desire to do everything in His name and give Him glory in response to the forgiveness he has won for us.
This life is filled with many things that would pull us from Your love, so we ask that You never let us reject You or Your love. Instead, put a song in our hearts, rejoicing in the love and mercy You have for us. May all we do give You glory and honor. Also, allow us to share Your good news with those who do not know You so they will sing Your praise and do everything in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Know that you are a sinner, and hold on to this in faith: Jesus has forgiven all your sins so you can be restored and united to God. Let these truths settle in your heart, and allow love to flow back out of you for your Savior and others so that all you do is done out of love for God.