Learning What Pleases God - 294-324

294.  How does God want me to react when persecuted?

• Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
• 1 Corinthians 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
• 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
• Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
• 1 Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

Dear Lord, what marvelous counsel You give in Your Word! How opposite it is from the world's position, from our natural tendencies. You tell us to love our enemies, bless them and do good to them even as they hurt us. This can only be accomplished with supernatural, divine power. To be joyful when our possessions are plundered, to have joy instead of fear when the terrorists attack us, this shows Your amazing power at work in the heart of those connected to You. Teach me, Lord, to accept Your principles, and give me the power to carry them out.

295.  Is getting angry with others very displeasing to the Lord?

• Proverbs 14:17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
• Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
• Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
• Ecclesiastes 7:9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
• Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Father, You make it very clear that selfish anger that arises quickly is very displeasing to You. This is very different from righteous indignation which has its foundation in selfless love and patience. Sinful anger, harsh words, volatile eruptions are foolish and unreasonable. These behaviors dishonor You, and reveal the spirit of Satan. Oh Lord, put Your Holy Spirit in me, keeping me calm and reasonable even when people do wrong toward me. Keep me from anger, Lord, that I may glorify You.

296.  Will God give me the strength to overcome anger toward others?

• Psalm 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
• Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
• Colossians 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
• James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
• James 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Dear Lord God, whatever You command me to do, You also empower me to do. When You tell me to turn away from anger, wrath and bitterness, You are telling me that Your indwelling presence will drive these sinful behaviors out of my heart. Humanly speaking, I can't force myself not to get angry. But I can choose to invite You to take control of my emotions. If I keep claiming victory in You, it will be impossible to get angry! What a blessed truth! Empower me to embrace it and live it. Thank You, Jesus!

297.  Does God want me to treat my enemies with kindness, and be at peace with them?

• Proverbs 25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
• Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
• Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
• Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
• Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Blessed Lord, the divine wisdom in Your Word is so far above our own ways and thoughts. If I am willing to follow it, what transcending joy it brings! To actively do good for those who hate and abuse me causes my anger and pain to dissipate. If I pronounce blessings on them, all bitterness fades. Lord, I want to be like You, and truly bless my enemies. Put Your Spirit within me so that Your love springs from my heart.

298.  What example did Jesus give of forgiveness?

• Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
• Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
• Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
• Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
• Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Precious Jesus, Your prayer for Your enemies, at the time when they were torturing and killing You, is so incredible! What marvelous love! This shows me how much I need You to do a huge work in my own heart. You have chosen me to be a recipient of Your forgiving Spirit, so that I can forgive others, even as they hurt and torment me. How very much I need Your Spirit, Lord! Please, please, pour Your forgiving love into my heart even now! Thank You, Jesus!

299.  Is evil speaking about others contrary to God's will?

• Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
• Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
• 1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
• 1 Peter 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
• James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Lord Jesus, in order to restrain my tongue from evil speaking, I need Your Spirit to dwell in my heart. I give You permission to remove all bitterness, malice and anger from my heart. I want You to put kind, gentle words on my lips, that I may always have a meek and quiet attitude. Help me to realize how very important this is, Lord, so I can rightly represent You at all times.

300.  What is the "Golden Rule"?

• Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
• Luke 6:31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
• Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
• Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
• Philippians 2:3, 4 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Dear Loving Lord, Your Golden Rule is truly amazing! For naturally selfish beings, it cuts right across our grain. But the good news is that You want to change our hearts so that we can actually obey this Golden Rule. That's what I want, dear Lord, a heart filled with love and compassion, and totally free of feelings of revenge for mistreatment. This tenderhearted and forgiving spirit, with unselfishness and humility, is only possible to those who accept Your love and forgiveness for them. Lord, please enable me to treat others as I would like to be treated. Thank You, Jesus!

301.  What will God's love look like?

• 1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
• 1 Corinthians 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
• 1 Corinthians 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
• 1 Corinthians 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
• 1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Dear God of Love, You gladly pour out Your love upon those who desire it. I need Your love! Shower Your divine love upon me, Lord, that it may transform me into a loving person. I long to become a patient, kind, gentle, selfless saint who cares deeply about others. I want to always think the best of others and seek to uplift and inspire them. I want to love others as You love me. Only You can change me into that kind of a person. Thank You, Jesus!

302.  Since God loves me so much, how much should I love others?

• 1 Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
• 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
• 1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
• 1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
• 1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

Dear God, You are love. What marvelous, selfless power is love - giving, serving, sacrificing. Jesus, You manifested the power of love through Your whole life on earth, and especially on the cross. You poured out Your life because of love for us. Lord, pour Your love into me; make me willing to lay down my life for others. Activate Your pure love in my life so my love will be genuine and fervent. Live in me, Jesus, so Your love can flow through me.

303.  How strongly has Jesus urged me to love others?

• John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
• John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
• John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
• Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
• 1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

Dear Jesus, You speak in strong language as You command me to love others. I praise You for this commandment, because that means You are eager and willing to provide me with the power to accomplish it! I receive Your love by faith, as Your disciple, and thank You for fulfilling Your law of love in my life. By the indwelling power of Your love, I am now rejoicing in my love towards my fellow humanity. Praise God!

304.  What will God's love accomplish in my heart?

• Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
• 1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
• 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
• 1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
• 1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

Father, Your love in my heart is a priceless treasure! It brings me comfort and assurance, and sweet unity with my brothers and sisters. Receiving Your love brings me into an intimate relationship with You. Your love brings peace and casts out all fear and worry. Your love is opening the channel between You and me and others. How precious is this love! It is softening all harshness and melting all cold indifference. Your love makes me truly happy!

305.  Does God want me to be kind, loving and accepting to all humans?

• Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
• 1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
• 2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
• Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
• 1 Peter 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

Dear Father, Your Word repeats "all men" several times, showing me that I can't reserve an exception in the way I treat others. You want me to do whatever I can to be gentle and at peace with "all men" and that includes everyone in the whole world. You want me to honor all men, because You are the Savior of all men, and desire to save each one. Teach me, Lord, to treat everyone with respect and dignity, recognizing that You desire each one to be in Your kingdom.

306.  Does God does want me to accept all equally, with no prejudice of race or status in life?

• Deuteronomy 1:17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.
• Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
• Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
• James 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
• Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Dear Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that You do not show partiality to anyone - You do not give special favors to the wealthy or beautiful people. You exclude no one from Your promises: all have equal opportunity to receive Your blessings. Give me the same receptivity toward all. Help me never to show preference or favoritism. Guide me to shun all racism or class distinction. All are equally loved by You.

307.  Does God want me to help the poor?

• Leviticus 25:35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.
• Proverbs 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
• Proverbs 29:7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it .
• Isaiah 58:7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
• Luke 3:11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

Dear Lord, This life is often unfair, and many go through hard times, facing poverty and challenges. Your plan is that Your children will reach out with generosity and compassion and help the poor. You want me to seek out the poor and relieve their needs. It may require sacrifice and inconvenience, but You have promised to bless all who do this important work of ministry to the poor. Show me, Lord, what I can do today to help the needy.

308.  Does God want me to help the less fortunate and disabled?

• Job 29:15 I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.
• Zechariah 7:9 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:
• Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
• Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
• Luke 14:13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:

Dear Father, what tender love You show to all humanity! You want me to show that same mercy and compassion to all. Some struggle with various physical, mental and emotional challenges. Some are frail and weak. All with handicaps or disabilities are under Your loving care, and You are watching to see how I treat these precious people. Lord, give me a tender heart, especially for the less fortunate. Show me how to lift up the downtrodden and minister to the feeble.

309.  How does God want me to shine for Him?

• Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
• Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
• John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
• Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
• 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Dear Lord God, shine Your light on me, that I may shine for You. In the midst of wickedness and perversity, let me shine ever brighter as I reflect Your holy character. Let my lips praise You for bringing me out of darkness into Your marvelous light. Let my light shine in doing good works, that You may be glorified.

310.  Will God be glorified through my good works?

• Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
• Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
• Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
• Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
• 1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Dear Lord, You are eager to shine Your light of truth and love on me, so I can shine for You. Light my candle, that my actions may bring glory to Your name. Remove all corrupting selfishness from my heart, so that I can be a godly example to others. Show me how to be careful to maintain good works and to encourage others to do the same. Even the unbelievers will notice if I am faithful to You. Thank You, Lord, for the privilege of representing You and bringing You glory!

311.  Does God want me to be involved in doing good things?

• Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
• Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
• 2 Thessalonians 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
• 1 Peter 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
• 1 Peter 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Dear Heavenly Father, I need Your divine strength to not get weary of well doing. For me, this means petitioning You every day to live a selfless, righteous life. Put ideas in my mind how I can serve others. Teach me how to take advantage of every opportunity to witness. Sanctify my lips, my hands and my feet, that they may always be active in service to You.

312.  What godly attitudes did Jesus say will bring happiness and blessings.

• Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
• Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
• Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
• Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Dear Lord Jesus, Your marvelous beatitudes show me exactly what attitude I need to have for a happy, successful life. I need Your Holy Spirit to make me humble, repentant, teachable, whole hearted for You, and to fill me with Your love and mercy. Only then will I be able to experience the joy and blessing that these attributes will bring.

313.  What does God want me to think about?

• Psalm 63:6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
• Psalm 119:15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
• Psalm 119:113 I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
• 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
• Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Kind Heavenly Father, You want me to lift up my thoughts to holy themes, and to meditate on Your loving character. Heavenly topics provide depth and meaning to my thoughts and chase away silly, vain thoughts. Lord, I want my thoughts to be captivated with the beauty of Your holiness, so that they will be pure, true and lovely. Empower me to love Your law, and chose to dwell on Your principles, so that my imagination is exercised in the paths of righteousness.

314.  Are my thoughts the thoughts of wickedness or righteousness?

• Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
• Psalm 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
• Proverbs 12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
• Proverbs 15:26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
• Isaiah 59:7 Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.

Father, Your principles of righteousness are to be interwoven into my secret thoughts so that no wicked thoughts are tolerated, even for a moment. In order to have righteous thoughts, I must have a new heart that is capable of these thoughts. Lord, Your Holy Spirit can conquer my wayward thoughts and cast each evil thought out of my mind. This is my desire, Lord so that every thought will glorify You. Teach me to recognize how dependent I am on You every minute of the day!

315.  How can I have righteous and holy thoughts?

• Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
• Ephesians 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
• Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
• 1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
• 1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Dear Lord, You are able and willing to transform me, so that I am capable of thinking godly thoughts. Strengthen me to turn away from worldly thoughts, so that You can renew my mind. I want to think as Jesus thought when He was a man, to be taught of the Holy Spirit. Teach me to be sober, thoughtful and focused spiritually, not allowing my mind to wander onto forbidden, debased topics. I want You to be in complete control of my thought life.

316.  Do I find my happiness and joy in God's presence, and in doing His will?

• Psalm 16: 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
• Psalm 144:15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.
• Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
• Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
• John 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Jesus, I am so happy that You are my Lord and Master. I do find great happiness and pleasure just to be in Your presence. I rejoice at the truth and wisdom in Your Word. When I obey Your law and follow Your will, it brings deep joy. Truly, I am the happiest when I am walking closest to You!

317.  Do I need to guard myself against the sin of hypocrisy?

• Matthew 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
• Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
• 2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
• Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
• James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Dear Lord God, I want so much to be true blue, a genuine Christian to the core. I don't want any play acting, pretending to be holy while I secretly cherish sinful rebellion in my heart. Hypocrisy must be very painful and disappointing to You. Subdue me, Lord, and let Your spirit have total control, to the very depth, so that every word and act is guided by You. Deliver me from any pretense of godliness, and enable me to live in actual connection with You.

318.  Do I treasure honesty and truthfulness?

• Leviticus 19:11 Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.
• Psalm 120:2 Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
• Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
• 2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
• Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Dear Heavenly Father, You want me to be truthful and transparent to the core of my being. You want me to be honest in every word and deed. Oh, how I need Your help, Your strength to ever choose the path of strict integrity. Deliver me from lying lips and a deceitful tongue, because that is so displeasing to You. Give me a truthful tongue that my words will always honor You. Purge out any deceitful elements in my heart and purify all my motives.

319.  Does God value diligence and dependability in my work?

• Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
• Proverbs 18:9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
• Ecclesiastes 5:12 The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
• Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
• Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Father God, help me to be wise in my time management, to be diligent and industrious, and not to be a lazy sluggard. Direct me to carry out my responsibilities with energy and determination, not to procrastinate and squander opportunities. Strengthen me to accomplish what I need to, and value my time, so that it is not wasted. Help me to recognize that I am accountable to You for the way I spend all my resources and energy. Energize me to do my work well, and consider You to be my true boss and employer, as I am Your faithful servant.

320.  Am I striving to be of one mind with those who love God?

• Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
• John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
• Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
• Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
• 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

Dear Lord, You deeply desire Your children to be united as one, being of one accord, of one spirit and one mind. You give us Your glory, Your character, which unites us in love. As we become united in Your love, we also agree in doctrine as we strive together for the faith of the gospel. Dear Lord, give me that sweet spirit of unity that I may join with Your children in answering Your prayer.

321.  Am I willing to be a peacemaker?

• Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
• Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
• Mark 9:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
• Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

Dear Prince of peace, You are the source of all true peace. May I embrace Your peace in my heart so that I can truly be a peacemaker. Give me a calm, gentle, soothing effect on others, so that I don't stir up strife or hard feelings because of my harshness or selfishness. Teach me how to treat others with compassion and mercy, and seek to manifest a peaceful spirit at all times.

322.  Is pride something I need to guard against?

• Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
• Proverbs 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
• Proverbs 21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
• Matthew 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
• Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Dear Lord, I am in great need of seeing things from Your perspective, of loving what You love and hating what You hate. And You declare that You hate pride and arrogance in Your created beings. You have seen what this horrible sin did to Lucifer, and how it has brought the spirit of strife and rebellion into this world. It is because of Your great love that You oppose pride and the spirit of self-exaltation.

323.  Does God want me to be humble and meek?

• Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place , with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
• Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
• Zephaniah 2:3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger.
• James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
• James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Father, again, the ways of the world come in direct conflict with Your ways. Human nature is proud, boastful and admires the arrogant who possess fame and great ability. But You, Lord, admire the meek and humble. Teach me, Lord, to walk with You in deep humility and submission to Your ways. Give me a contrite heart.

324.  Does God want me to shun vanity and display in my appearance, so that I am adorned with His humility instead?

• Proverbs 7:10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.
• Isaiah 3:16 Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:
• Hosea 2:13 And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.
• 1 Timothy 2:9, 10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
• 1 Peter 3:3, 4 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Dear Lord, Along with the spirit of humility is the appearance of humility and modesty, not haughty, showy displays of adornment. You want Your children to reflect Your glory, not our own glory. Dear Lord, I want You to adorn me with a meek and quiet spirit, with godly dignity and demeanor, so that I can point others to You instead of attracting attention to myself. Lead me to truly glorify You in my appearance and manner.

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