A Wonderful Life in Christ - 34 - 65

34.  How important is it for me to know Jesus, my Lord, personally?

• Hosea 6:3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
• John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
• 1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
• Hebrews 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
• 1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

My dear Lord, I truly want to know You more and more each day so that Your presence waters and refreshes my soul. As I focus on You, Jesus, and Your sacrifice for me, my love for You deepens. Jesus, You are my source of life, eternal life. You are revealing Yourself more and more to me each day, so that I cannot live without Your presence. I crave a deeper relationship with You, dear Jesus. Draw me ever closer to You.

35.  It is necessary for me to be born again?

• John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
• John 3:6,7 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
• 1 Peter 2:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
• Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
• 1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

My dear Lord, You created me and You have recreated me by a new spiritual birth. Your Holy Spirit has placed Your Word in my heart which has brought about the new birth experience. The love that I have for You in my heart is supernatural. Thank You, Jesus, for the new birth, so that Christ can truly live in me.

36.  Is God willing to give me the conversion experience, which is the new birth?

• Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
• Psalm 51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
• Matthew 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
• Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
• Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Dear God, it is Your heart's desire that Your converting, transforming grace touch every heart. I thank You for converting me, so that my desires and interests are now focused on You and Your kingdom. Keep me clinging to You in childlike dependence, dear Jesus.

37.  Is God offering me a new heart, so that I am a completely changed person?

• Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
• Ezekiel 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
• Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
• Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Precious Lord, how thrilling it is to be a recipient of the new heart that You have promised! A divine heart transplant that gets rid of my rebellion. What a blessing! I have been stubborn and defiant in my past and I praise You for melting that away. Keep my heart soft and responsive to You, Lord.

38.  How will I know that I have been born again, or converted?

• 1 John 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
• 1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
• 1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
• 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
• 1 John 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

Father, this is all Your work, being born of God. I cannot of myself initiate it or maintain it. Only by a continual dependence on You can Your righteousness be revealed in me. I have no inherent power to love or keep from sin. I cannot think one good thought or do one righteous deed without You. The new birth connects me to Your grace, and my trusting dependence on You enable me to keep receiving Your empowering grace. All the glory and praise goes to You!

39.  Does self need to die, so that Christ can live in me?

• Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
• Romans 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
• Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
• 2 Timothy 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him , we shall also live with him :
• Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Dear Father, You are teaching me that I must say NO to self continually, die to self, so that Christ can live in me. Self is my greatest enemy, and it is only through Your power that my old self died, so that Christ can have full control of my life. I need You every moment, Lord, to keep self subdued.

40.  What happens to the "old" me when I am converted, and become a new person?

• Romans 6:6, 7 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.
• Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
• Ephesians 4:22-24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness..
• Colossians 3:9, 10 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Oh Lord, I praise You that my old self has been crucified with Christ. I have put off the old self by faith in Your promises. Through Your power, I have turned my life over to You so self has no authority to rule. Help me to operate on this fact for it is only by faith in Your Word that it is a reality. You have declared it to be true and I agree with You. The old self is dead. Praise God!

41.  What does it really mean to be in Christ?

• Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
• 1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
• 1 Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
• Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
• Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Dear Jesus, I humbly acknowledge that my only right to claim that I am in You is because You put me there! You have rescued me from sin and placed me in Your holy presence. You have put Your Spirit within me, and taken away all condemnation. You have created the new me to be set apart as holy, perfect and righteous, daily choosing to die to self. Father, this new creation is Your doing, and I give You full right to keep me safe in Jesus.

42.  Do I have any righteousness of my own to offer to God?

• Psalm 53:3 Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
• Eccelesiates 7:20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
• Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
• Daniel 9:7 O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.
• Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Dear Lord, Your Word faithfully declares my woeful condition apart from You. Help me, dear Lord, never to forget my deep sinfulness, my lack of righteousness, and my desperate need of Your righteousness. Not for one moment am I safe without being covered by Your righteousness. Keep me in absolute dependence on You, my precious Savior.

43.  Is God's righteousness truly the antidote for my sinfulness?

• Psalm 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
• Psalm 119:172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
• Proverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
• Jeremiah 33:16 In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.
• 1 John 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

I praise You, dear Lord, for Your righteousness. Thank You for leading me in holy paths, for showing me Your will, for giving me life in Your righteousness. Truly Lord, You are my righteousness and my only hope. May Your will be revealed in my life, I pray.

44.  How can I be sure that God will hear my prayers?

• Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
• Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray,
• believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
• John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
• John 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
• 1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

Father, You have promised to answer my prayer, when I humble myself, and earnestly seek Your face. Oh Lord, Your promise is sure. Enable me to grasp it by faith. Show me what it means to ask in Jesus' name, as I am covered in the righteousness of Christ. My total trust must be in Your promises, not in my goodness. Thank You for hearing my prayer.

45.  When I ask God for something, if it is according to His will, will I receive it?

• Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
• James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
• 1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
• 1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
• 1 John 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Lord, put a deep longing in my heart to pray according to Your will, and to believe that You are answering that prayer. Give me unwavering confidence in Your ability and desire to answer my earnest prayers.

46.  Is it important that my prayers be earnest, fervent and sincere?

• Genesis 32:26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
• Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
• Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
• James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
• 1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Dear Lord Jesus, Your example of fervent prayer, all night, puts my feeble prayers to shame. Teach me to plead earnestly in prayer and say, like Jacob, I will not let You go except You bless me. Let me reach out to You with intense fervency, and truly mean my prayers.

47.  Should my prayer life keep me continually connected to God?

• Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
• Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
• Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
• Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Dear Father, keep the connection between me and Heaven alive and strong at all times so that there is a continual reaching out of my soul for You. Help me to realize I am not safe for a moment without Your strength to keep me from stumbling. Let me cling to You in utter dependence at all times.

48.  When I have my daily prayer time with God, does the Bible encourage me to reverently kneel?

• 1 Kings 8:54 And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.
• Psalm 95:6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
• Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
• Luke 22:41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
• Acts 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

Holy Father, let me come before You on my knees in humble submission. Let my heart be bowed in awe and reverence because of Your majesty. Let me worship You with a sincere and subdued heart, because You are worthy to be praised.

49.  What is faith?

• Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
• Hebrews 11:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
• Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
• Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
• Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Dear Father in Heaven, You have revealed Yourself to us in Your Word, and You give us the power of choice to believe it or not. Your Word declares that You are good and trustworthy. Faith is a state of mind that continues to believe and trust in You. Though I can't see you physically, I can choose to believe that You mean what You say, and that Your Word is truth. I choose to believe Your Word, and live my life accordingly.

50.  Is faith the divine ability to grasp invisible spiritual realities?

• John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
• 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
• 2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
• 2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
• Hebrews 11:27 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

Heavenly Father, open my spiritual eyes, that I may see the invisible realities of Heavenly themes. Cause me to walk by faith and not by sight. Teach me to believe in the evidence of things not seen. Let my focus be on eternal values, not on temporal trivia. May I sense Your invisible presence and hear Your inaudible voice louder and clearer than my physical sight and hearing, so that Your guiding influence pervades any earthy situation, leading me to Your perfect will.

51.  Are faith, deep trust and belief very important in my relationship with God?

• Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
• Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
• Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
• John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
• James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Dearest Lord above all, I need the shield of faith that will disseminate all my doubt and unbelief. Father, I want unwavering faith, abiding trust, a deep belief that simply takes You at Your Word without question. Jesus, You declared that this faith is powerful enough to give life to the dead. It is powerful enough to give me access to a saving connection with You. That is my heart's desire, Lord.

52.  Do I need to trust in God?

• Psalm 31:1 In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
• Psalm 56:11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
• Psalm 112:7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.
• Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
• Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

Oh my Lord, I do put my trust in You. Far above all circumstances and human activity, I rivet my trust on You. You are in charge of my life. No human can touch me except by Your permission. No evil circumstances can overwhelm me except by Your providence. I am looking to You alone for solutions to every situation.

53.  Is God worthy of my absolute trust?

• Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
• Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
• Psalm 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed
• Psalm 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
• Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Precious and Holy Father, with all my heart I trust You. Anything You allow to come to me, even death itself, will not remove my trust in You. You are good for Your promises, and You will keep them. So keep my eyes on You in simple faith, because I know that You have my best interest at heart, for eternity. You are totally worthy of my trust.

54.  How can I have the faith of Jesus?

• Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
• Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
• Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
• 2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
• Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Dear Jesus, I must possess Your precious faith, that comes through Your Word. You have given me Your faith, and it is activated and strengthened as I look to You, and receive Your love in my heart. Keep me responsive to Your faith-building Word, so that I may receive Your commandment-keeping power. Thank You, Jesus, for Your faith!

55.  Does believing in Jesus Christ, and what He has done, connect me with God?

• John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
• John 12:44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
• John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
• Romans 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
• Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

My Lord and Savior. Direct all my energies into clinging dependence on You. Through faith comes life and power. By faith I am Your child, and I believe that Your promises to me are true and that You will reward me for depending on You. Jesus, I believe in You. Praise God!

56.  Is faith closely connected with love?

• Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
• Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
• Ephesians 6:23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
• 1 Timothy 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Dear Lord, thank You for connecting me with You, as my hand of faith clasps Your Almighty hand of love. I need this faith, Lord as without faith I have no love. I must have Your love, which provides me with the motive power to keep trusting in You. With faith and love combined You can do a radical transformation in my heart.

57.  How powerful is faith, and what can it accomplish?

• Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
• Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
• Luke 7:50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
• Luke 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
• Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Oh my precious Lord, in Your Word You have shown me how simple faith brings healing and salvation. Show me how to strengthen my faith to grasp hold of Your motivating power. Turn my eyes to focus on Your agenda, and not my own, so that my faith is directed totally towards Your ability.

58.  Is it possible to lose faith?

• Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
• Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
• Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
• Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
• Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Oh Father, keep me clinging to You in utter dependence, so that my love for You will never wane. Let me guard my faith connection and consider it more precious than any earthly possession or person, so that I will never cast it away. Let me hold fast to You, and not let anything slip away.

59.  Will God help me to be strong in faith, so that I shun doubt and unbelief?

• Matthew 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
• Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
• Luke 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
• Luke 17:5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
• Hebrews 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Jesus, my Lord, You are standing ready to strengthen my faith. You are longing to have me seek You earnestly, and all my doubts will flee. You will enlarge my faith, if I am willing to have my tiny mustard seed of faith activated. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.

60.  If I truly follow Christ, does He give me assurance of salvation?

• John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
• John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
• John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
• John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
• 1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Dearest Lord, You are the true Shepherd, and I want to follow You. You have promised that if I follow You, I will be safe and secure, and no one can take me away from You. Lord, give me the desire to follow You with all my heart, because You have given me a perfect example, and You will also give me the strength to follow You.

61.  How can I have the assurance that I am truly a child of God?

• John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
• Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
• Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
• 1 John 3:18, 19 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
• 1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

Lord, You have given Your Word that if I receive You, and believe on You, I am accepted as Your child. Lord, I do believe, and I thank You for Your salvation. Your love in my heart leads me to walk in Your truth, and that brings assurance of salvation. I know I have eternal life, because Jesus is mine, and I am His, forever!

62.  When we accept Christ, does God adopt us as His children?

• Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
• Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
• Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
• Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
• 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Abba, my Heavenly Daddy, You are truly my loving Father, One who accepts me and cares deeply about me. Your Holy Spirit in my heart draws me to You, so I can rest secure in Your loving embrace. I need You, Father! I know You are always watching out for my best interest, with Your ear tuned to my cries for help. What a precious Father You are to me! As I trust fully in You, all my fear fades away. I can't wait to be in Your presence for eternity!

63.  If I truly love God, will He work things out for my best good and ultimate happiness?

• Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
• Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
• Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
• Proverbs 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
• Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Precious Redeemer, what amazing promises You give me! How I greatly delight in You, lingering in Your loving presence as I ponder all the good thing You share through Your Word. Truly You are the desire of my heart, because You have brought such peace and happiness into my life. You are my source of joy. You have promised me that You are working out everything for my best good. How could I want anything more? You are everything to me!

64.  Will God take care of me, and provide for my needs?

• Psalm 34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
• Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
• Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you
• 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
• Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Father, You are aware of every need I have, even more than I am. You have lovingly promised to provide for all my needs. You will not withhold any good thing from me. I take You at Your Word, Lord, and thank You for what You have given me. Let me rest contented in Your provisions, and appreciate every blessing. In Your time, You will give me exactly what I need according to Your wise plan. I praise You, Lord!

65.  What wonderful things is God waiting to do for me when I call upon Him?

• Psalm 145:18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
• Isaiah 65:24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
• Jeremiah 29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
• Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
• Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Dear Lord, You are eagerly desiring me to call upon You, and You are waiting to answer. You are listening to my heart, and Your ear is tuned to my cry. What a blessed thought! You are the One who puts the words in my mouth, creates the desire to call upon You, and supplies a marvelous, mighty answer ready and waiting. Father, I am sincerely calling upon You right now, and I want to call upon You always and forever, because You have all the answers I need!

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