Stand Firm

"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word" (E.S.V., 2001, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).  

Lord Jesus, your love was, is, and will always be, one of sacrifice, with a belief in redemption and eternal life with the heavenly Father for me and all. You bring me great confidence in my daily needs. Help me to remain humble and open to your great work through me to others, by your living words, words of life and salvation.

      "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD", which will occur for me and for all today (E.S.V., 2001, Exodus 14:13).                   It will  occur if we only believe and trust. We may not be able to see God as a physical being yet his works manifest                                   themselves throughout our day. When the disciple, Thomas had his doubts, Jesus appeared to him and told him to reach out                 and touch and believe. Jesus then said to him "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not                 seen and yet have believed" (E.S.V., 2001, John 20:29). 
     
Jesus wants us to stand firm. To trust and to keep our eyes on him. Jesus calls to us "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” and we respond in faith, trusting that we can "come" to him, walking on the waters of life amid the storms (E.S.V., 2001, Matthew 14:27-29). Lord Jesus, your words uphold me in times of "stumbling" and make firm "feeble knees" (E.S.V., 2001, Job 4:4). Dear Jesus, please help me to be "watchful", standing "firm in the faith" of the saints, the community of those who love you and seek your encouragement, wisdom, strength, and courage (E.S.V., 2001, 1 Corinthians 16:13). Amen.

      Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.                            Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood                                 throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal                             glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever.                               (E.S.V., 2001, 1 Peter 5:8-11)

Dear Lord Jesus, please establish me in you today. Please forgive me for my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Please give me the strength and the self-control, the ability to be sober-minded and not fall into the temptations and desires of this world, for these desires are but a moment in comparison to the riches and glory of being in your presence. Dear Lord Jesus, help me today to stand firm in my faith. There are so many right now, in other parts of this world that suffer so much more, looking to you for hope during such challenges. Help me to persevere and to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" (E.S.V., 2001, Matthew 6:33).