Quiet Times (Psalm 51, Proverbs 21, Matthew 21, and Philippians 1:12)

Prayer of repentance:

"O loving and kind God, have mercy. Have pity upon me and take away the awful stain of my transgressions. Oh wash me, cleanse me from this guilt. Let me be pure again. Sprinkle me with the cleansing blood and I shall be clean again. Wash me and I will be whiter than snow." (Psalm 51:1-2, 7)

Principle to remember:

"We can justify our every deed but God looks at our motives." (Proverbs 21:2)

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"Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel." (Philippians 1:12)

What has happened to Paul is that he is in jail. Yet, he is able to write that this event has served to advance the gospel. It is important for us to realize that our Lord and Savior can take the worst of circumstances in our lives and make something good come out of it in His due time. Let us not dwell in the things that are going wrong but remember that no matter what we face, there is Light ahead.

 Paul learned to look on the bright side and looked to the positive rather than dwelling on what human nature sees as negative (being in jail).

Even in the worst of circumstances, let us look to the Lord who wants to carry us and show us things unimaginable to us. It is in times like these when things go wrong in our lives, we are vulnerable to Satan's attacks if we are not on our guard.

Allow the Lord to work through your pain. Give Him room to come and heal you. Whatever wounds or scars you are facing, His love for you is so strong that He will walk you through this pain. He will also give you strength and endurance to bear. For in Christ is your hope of glory.  I have been through some rough times in the past so I speak from experience.

No matter what is happening in your life, the most important concept to realize is that we are so special to the Lord and precious in His sight. He loves us so much than we can even imagine.

 When we find our identity in Him rather than our accomplishments, our athletic ability, our academics, our relationships, etc we will experience the peace our Prince of Peace wants us to experience. Once we know we are accepted by Jesus and are in His loving care, we can go on.

If God be for you, who can be against you?

Please take time to read Romans 8 for the Lord will speak to you through this passage. Listen to the Lord and claim His promises.

You are special and you will know that as you receive the Savior's precious encouragement in your life.

Savior's Precious Encouragement Comforts, In All Lives (S.P.E.C.I.A.L)

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, we live in a world where fame, fun, and fortune are emphasized. It is so easy Lord Jesus to find our identity in so many things but you. Lord we do know that only you can rescue us and set us free. You alone can free us from the pain and hurts that haunt us. You are our Counselor who can deliver us from the wounds and scars we may have faced in the past or currently face. We come to you Lord for your healing. Jesus, we thank you that you see us as so precious and special no matter how our past looks like. We thank you that you can take the worst of circumstances& sinners and can bring something good from it even now. We know that you are Sovereign and depend on you whatever we are facing. We thank you for the comfort and love, you send our way.  I pray right now Lord Jesus for those who are suffering, for those who are still haunted and trapped by their past. I intercede on their behalf and ask you Jesus please to set them free, wash them completely by your Blood, and please let them receive your forgiveness. I thank you Lord no matter what we have done in our past, you remember those sins no more but set us free. We thank you that we can be free in you no matter what our sin has been and become a new creation as you work in us and through us! Thank you Jesus so much that you hear us and answer our prayers! In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

Love in Christ,

Ramesh