Did I really say that? O Lord, how often I speak without thinking and how tempting it is to give in to gossip, criticism and negativity. Prevent me from speaking hastily, insensitively or imprudently.
I offer this prayer for Christians everywhere, but especially for our pastors, teachers and missionaries. Enlighten them with your word and enrich their faith. Encourage them in their work and empower them as they witness and teach. May their lives be good examples and may their flocks respond positively to their leadership and lessons.
Give me patience, God, for you to work out everything in your own way and in your own time.
God of Second Chances, thank you for your love and forgiveness. As you have forgiven me, help me to forgive myself. Let me leave my guilt behind and start this week with a clean slate.
Other Bible translations of the above passage use words like “trustworthy” and “sincere” in Jesus’ description of Nathanael. The Message version says he had “not a false bone in his body.” How do we measure up in comparison to Nathanael? What words would other people use to describe us? What sort of words we would use to describe ourselves? Most important, when Jesus meets us, will He be able to say, “Here is a genuine Christian, one who is honest and principled, a person of complete integrity”?
Lord, help me rid my heart of anger, disdain, and animosity. Let the way I treat other people be a direct reflection of my relationship with you. May I be as generous and forgiving with my love as you are with yours.
Devotions of the Heart 