Saturday, January 31, 2026

耶稣,救我脱离肤浅的信仰和空洞的宗教表演

 耶稣,救我脱离肤浅的信仰和空洞的宗教表演


在我们祷告之前,让我们先花点时间聆听神的话语,然后一起祷告。当有人口里称自己是基督的信徒,但他们的意图、动机和私生活却与祂的主权背道而驰时,这令人担忧。一个人可能外表属灵,内心却抵挡神;一个人可能积极参与教会活动,却仍然为自己而活;一个人可能做着基督徒该做的事,却忽略了这些事本应引领他走向的那位。耶稣对此直言不讳。祂说,不是所有称祂为主的人都能进天国,唯有遵行天父旨意的人才能进去。祂甚至进一步描述了一群人,他们将满怀信心地站在祂面前,列举他们的属灵事迹,说他们奉祂的名说预言、赶鬼、行神迹。 然而,他会回应说:“我从来不认识你们。你们这些作恶的人,离开我去吧!”


这真是当头棒喝。这意味着,那些激动人心的时刻、公开的布道和宗教演讲,并不等同于完全降服于神的生命。那么,耶稣指出,认识他的真正证据是什么呢?他指出的是出于爱的顺服,一颗聆听神声音的心。而神的声音就在他的话语中。当你研读圣经时,你就会明白为什么经文如此重要。“太初有道,道与神同在,道就是神。” 这意味着神的话语揭示了他的本性,揭示了他的心意,揭示了他所爱的和所恨恶的,揭示了什么引领你走向生命,什么又会毁灭你的灵魂。所以,当你打开圣经,带着祷告的心阅读时,你就是在学习神的道路,学习神的旨意。许多人会问:“神对我的人生有什么旨意呢?” 他们的意思是:“我应该去哪里?我应该找什么样的工作?我应该和谁结婚?” 

这些都是很实际的问题,上帝非常关心你的生活。但在你急于探究细节之前,上帝呼召你去做一件更根本的事情:降服于耶稣基督,并每天跟随他。上帝的旨意始于救恩。 “信靠主耶稣基督,你和你一家都必得救。”上帝寻找的不是懂得宗教语言的人。耶稣基督寻找的是一颗相信的心,一颗倚靠基督寻求怜悯的心,一颗说“耶稣,我需要你”的心。救恩是个人性的。如果你口里承认耶稣是主,心里相信上帝叫他从死里复活,你就必得救。请注意这两者之间的紧密联系。口里和心里,公开的和私下的,你所宣告的和你真正相信的。上帝关心这两方面。

当你与耶稣基督同行时,上帝的旨意会持续改变你。你不能跟随耶稣基督却一成不变。你不能继续沉溺于黑暗,却指望你的灵魂保持洁净。你不能继续用邪恶的思想滋养你的心灵,甚至摧毁你的灵性,却仍然声称与上帝亲近。当你持守神的话语,持守祷告,并让圣灵纠正你、塑造你、坚固你时,你的思想就会更新。上帝的旨意也包括…… 即使世人嘲笑,也要保持纯洁。因为神的旨意就是要你们成为圣洁,远避淫行。罪的代价总是远超其所承诺的。神的旨意包含谦卑,因为骄傲会使人刚硬。这提醒我们,神阻挡骄傲的人,赐恩给谦卑的人。谦卑的信徒保持谦逊受教的态度。

谦卑的信徒迅速悔改,不为罪辩护,不为罪开脱,也不粉饰罪。神的旨意包含信靠。你要专心仰赖耶和华,不可倚靠自己聪明,在你一切所行的事上都要认定他,他必指引你的路。许多人渴望得到神的指引,却仍然执意掌控方向盘。信靠意味着即使你尚未完全理解,也要顺服。神的旨意包含忠诚。“除了我以外,你不可有别的神。”偶像不仅仅是雕像。 偶像就是你爱它胜过爱耶稣的任何东西,你顺服它胜过爱上帝的任何东西,你无法放手的任何东西,即使它正在把你拉离上帝。所以,要向上帝祈求顺服的信心。要行道,不要单单听道,自己欺哄自己。

上帝正在呼召你走出自欺,回归真实的生活。亲爱的弟兄姊妹,请明智地利用你的时间。投资于永恒的事物。投资于你与耶稣基督的关系。不要等到你的心冷漠,或罪恶成为常态才悔改。回到神的话语和祷告中。回到顺服之中。人生的目标是认识基督,爱基督,并以一颗真诚的心为基督而活。


现在,让我们一起祷告片刻。


亲爱的主,感谢你即使在我失败的时候也爱我。感谢你在我迷失的时候呼召我回来。求你赦免我的罪,无论它们是说出口的还是隐藏的,无论是公开的还是默默藏在心里的。主啊,求你洁净我,除去我里面一切不合乎你样式的东西。求你赦免我那些为自己而活,而不是为你的荣耀而活的日子。 请原谅我,我曾追逐个人利益、关注、舒适或自私的野心,以至于我的心偏离了最重要的事。请原谅我,我曾将自己的欲望置于你的旨意之上。请原谅我,我曾为自己试图纠正的事辩解。


主耶稣,我祈求你怜悯我。求你保守我不致口称你为主,生命却抵挡你的人。我一想到有一天站在你面前,却发现自己虽然知道你,却并不真正认识你,就战栗不已。求你救我脱离肤浅的信仰,救我脱离毫无真情实感的宗教仪式。愿我与你的关系是亲密而鲜活的。求你教导我每日与你同行,无论境遇如何。我祈求你除去我心中想要取悦他人的欲望,救我脱离过分注重外表和忽略内心的渴慕。 我不想只关注自己在人前是否显得圣洁,而内心却毫无改变。


我愿专注于你的话语、你的旨意和你的同在。愿我对你的爱超越对人或人认可的渴望。愿我的顺服比我的名誉更重要。主啊,当我呼求耶稣基督的名时,愿它源于真诚的关系。当我赞美你时,愿它出于感恩,而非出于表现。当我敬拜你时,愿它源自我内心深处,让我确信你真实地存在。求你教导我以诚实敬拜。如果我疲惫,就让我坦诚面对你。如果我软弱,就让我承认。如果我犯了罪,就让我认罪。求你除去我一切虚伪的伪装和自以为义,使我的敬拜纯洁无瑕。你的话语提醒我,你渴望那些用心灵和诚实敬拜你的人。所以,主啊,求你使我的心在你面前诚实。 赐我一颗柔软的良心。


让我迅速感到愧疚,而不是在犯错之后才悔改。让我迅速悔改,而不是在伤害造成之后才悔改。帮助我不为罪恶辩护、开脱或掩盖。赐我勇气,将一切都带到你的光中,因为你的光能医治黑暗试图束缚的一切。天父,我祈求我的信徒生命有实质。愿我的信仰有分量,有真诚。愿它体现在我的言谈举止、思想思考、待人接物以及面对考验时的回应中。主啊,请将我深深栽种在你的话语中,使我的生命成为活生生的见证。赐我勇气,让我在有机会和恩典与人分享你的爱时,都能满怀信心地传讲耶稣基督的福音。帮助我顺服你的旨意,远离肉体的道路。


世界和其上的情欲都要过去,惟独遵行神旨意的人永远活着。主啊,请帮助我认真对待这一点。 世界提供的享乐转瞬即逝,掌声转瞬即逝,欲望永无止境。求你教我看穿罪恶的虚幻光芒,教我渴慕永恒。求你保守我的心远离可耻的追求和不敬虔的道路。当诱惑来临时,求你赐我力量说“不”。当我的肉体拉扯我时,求你提醒我,你拥有更美好的事物。主耶稣,求你使我的心思意念在天上的事上,教我拥有更高的思想,教我渴望你所渴望的。你呼召我寻求天上的事,思念天上的事。求你更新我的思想,纠正我的欲望,引导我的焦点。愿我的内心成为你真理的所在,成为你同在的荣耀之地。

天父,你的圣言说,因为这是神的旨意,要你们行善,堵住愚昧人的口,使你们虽是自由的,却不可借着自由遮盖恶行,总要作神的奴仆。要尊重所有人,要爱弟兄姊妹,要敬畏神,要尊荣君王。主啊,求你帮助我活出这些教导。愿我的生命在你面前蒙福。使我成为一个正直的人。帮助我在无人监督时也能忠心。你赐给我良心,也赐给我选择的能力。求你赐给我神圣的意识,让我与你同心。所以,天父,我祈求你,不要让我滥用我的自由,走向黑暗。帮助我选择正义和纯洁。帮助我选择那些能坚固我灵性而非削弱我灵性的事物。让我脱离罪恶,喜乐地服侍你。


天父,我需要你。我无法靠自己的力量活下去。求你从我里面动工。改变我的爱与恨。 塑造我的渴望。求祢在我里面动工,使我立志行事,成就祢美好的旨意。主啊,求祢在我里面动工。当我软弱时,求祢加添我力量;当我迷茫时,求祢指引我;当我疲惫时,求祢更新我。求祢教导我凭信心而行,不凭恐惧而行;教导我以纯洁的方式敬畏祢,使我的心谦卑谨慎;教导我以爱心顺服祢。当我跌倒时,求祢迅速扶起我;当我迷失时,求祢迅速将我拉回正途。求祢为我造一颗清洁的心。主啊,我赞美祢。祢配得一切荣耀和尊崇。奉耶稣基督的名祷告。阿们。


读者朋友,如果这篇祷告触动了你的心,请以“阿们”作信心的见证。我祈求这篇祷告中的所有祝福都临到你,奉耶稣基督的名。如果你需要特别的祷告,请随时告诉我们。我们很荣幸为你祷告。 愿我们主耶稣基督的恩典与平安常与你们同在。

 


Jesus, Save Me From Shallow Faith and Empty Religious Performance

 Jesus, Save Me From Shallow Faith and Empty Religious Performance 

Before we pray, let's first take a moment to listen to God's word and then we'll pray together.  It is alarming when someone claims Christ with their mouth, but their intentions, motives, and private life do not reflect His lordship. It is possible to look spiritual on the outside and still be resisting God on the inside. It is possible to be active in church and still be living for self. And it is possible to do Christian things while ignoring the very person those things are meant to lead you to. Jesus speaks directly about this. He says that not everyone who calls him Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven but the one who does the will of our Father in heaven. He goes even further and describes a group of people who will stand before him with confidence listing their spiritual activities saying they prophesied, drove out demons and did miracles in His name. Yet he will respond, "I never knew you. Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness."

That is a wake-up call. It means that powerful moments, public ministry, and religious speech are not the same as a surrendered life. So what does Jesus point to as the true evidence of knowing him? He points to obedience that comes from love, a heart that yields to God's voice. And his voice is within his Word. When you look at the Bible, you see why scripture matters so much. "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." This means God's Word reveals His nature. It reveals His heart. It reveals what he loves and what he hates. reveals what leads you into life and what destroys your soul. So when you open the Bible, and read prayerfully, you are learning the ways of God. You are learning the will of God. Many people ask, "What is God's will for my life?" And they mean, "Where should I  go? What job should I take? Who should I marry?

Those are real questions and God cares about your life deeply. But before you rush into the details, God calls you to something more foundational.  Surrender to Jesus Christ and follow him daily. God's will begins with salvation. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household." God is not looking for a person who knows religious language. Jesus Christ is looking for a heart that believes, a heart that leans on Christ for mercy, a heart that says, "Jesus, I need you." And salvation is personal.If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Notice how close this is. Mouth and heart, public and private, what you declare and what you truly believe. God cares about both.

Then as you walk with Jesus Christ, God's will continues into transformation. You cannot follow Jesus Christ and stay the same. You cannot keep drinking from the same darkness and expect your soul to stay clean. You cannot keep feeding your mind or destroys your spirit and still claim closeness with God. The renewing of your mind happens as you stay in the word, stay in prayer, and let the Holy Spirit correct you, shape you, and strengthen you. God's will also includes purity even when the world laughs at it. For this is the will of God, your sanctification that you abstain from sexual immorality. Sin always costs more than it promises. God's will includes humility because pride hardens a person. This reminds you that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. A humble believer stays teachable.

A humble believer repents quickly and does not defend sin, excuse sin, or decorate sin. God's will includes trust. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Many people want God's direction, but they still insist on holding the steering wheel. Trust means you obey even when you do not understand yet. God's will includes loyalty. You shall have no other gods before me." Idol are not only statues. An idol is anything you love more than Jesus, anything you obey more than God, anything you cannot let go of, even when it is pulling you away from him. So ask God for a faith that obeys. Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

God is calling you out of self-deception and into real life. Dear brother, dear sister, use your time wisely. Invest in what is eternal. Invest in your relationship with Jesus Christ alone. Do not wait until your heart becomes cold or sin becomes normal. Return to the Word and prayer. Return to obedience. The goal in life is to know Christ, love Christ, and live for Christ from a sincere heart. 

Now, let's take a moment to pray together. 

Dear Lord, thank you for loving me even when I have failed. And thank you for calling me back when I have wandered. Forgive me for my sins, whether they were spoken or hidden, whether they were done openly or carried quietly in my mind. Cleanse me, Lord, from anything in me that is not like you. Forgive me for the times I have lived for myself instead of living for your glory. Forgive me for the times I chased personal gain, attention,  comfort, or selfish ambition while my heart became distracted from what matters most. Forgive me for every moment I placed my desires above your will. And forgive me for the ways I justified what you were trying to correct. 

Lord Jesus,  I ask you to have mercy on me. Keep me from becoming a person who calls you Lord with my mouth while resisting you with my life. I tremble at the thought of standing before you one day and realizing I knew about you, but I did not truly know you. Save me from a shallow faith. Save me from a religious routine that has no surrender in it. Let my relationship with you be personal and alive. Teach me to walk with you daily and in every season. I ask you to remove the desire in me to impress people. Deliver me from caring too much about exterior appearances. And neglect the inner man. I do not want to be focused on whether I look holy in front of others while my heart stays unchanged.

I want to be focused on your Word, your Will, and your Presence. Let my love for you grow deeper than my love for approval from men or women. Let my obedience become more important to me than my reputation. Lord, when I say the name of Jesus Christ, let it come from genuine relationships. When I praise you, let it rise from gratitude, not from performance. When I worship you, let it come from a deep place within my heart where l am aware that you are truly here. Teach me to worship with honesty. If l am tired, let me be honest with you. If I am weak, let me admit it. If I have sinned, let me confess it. Strip away all false pretenses and self-righteousness so that my worship becomes clean and true. Your Word reminds me that you desire your worshippers who worship you in spirit and in truth. So make my heart truthful before you Lord. Give me a soft conscience.

Let me feel conviction quickly, not after I have gone far. Let me repent quickly, not after damage has been done. Help me not to defend sin, excuse it, or hide it. Give me courage to bring everything into your light because your light heals what darkness tries to keep bound. Father, I pray that there would be substance in my life as a believer. Let my faith have weight and sincerity. Let it show in how I speak, how I think, how I treat people, and how I respond when l am tested. Plant me deeply in your Word, Lord, so that my life becomes a living testimony. Give me boldness to speak the gospel of Jesus Christ with conviction whenever I am given the opportunity and grace to share your love with anyone. Help me to live in obedience to your ways and to turn away from the ways of the flesh. 

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. Help me take this seriously, Lord. The world offers pleasure that fades. It offers applause that disappears. It offers cravings that never satisfy.  Teach me to see through the temporary shine of sin. Teach me to desire what lasts. Keep my heart away from shameful pursuits and ungodly paths. When temptation comes, give me strength to say no.  When my flesh pulls me, remind me that you have something better. Lord Jesus, set my mind on heavenly things. Teach me to think higher. Teach me to want what you want. You call me to seek the things above and to set my mind on things above.  So renew my thoughts, correct my cravings, redirect my focus. Let my private mind become a place where your truth is welcomed and where your presence is honoured.

Father, your Word says for this is the will of God, that by doing good, you may silence the ignorance of foolish men, as free, yet not using liberty as a cover for evil, but as bondervants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the King. Lord, help me live that out. Let my life be honourable before you. Make me be a person of integrity. Help me to be faithful when no one is watching. You have given me a conscience and you have given me the ability to choose. Grant me your divine consciousness to think with you, Lord. So l ask you, Father, do not let me take my freedom and use it to walk into darkness. Help me choose what is right and pure. Help me choose what strengthens my spirit instead of what weakens it. Let me be free from sin and to serve you with joy. 

Father, I need you. I cannot live this life by my own strength. Work in me from the inside. Change what I love and hate. shape my desires. You work in me to will and to act according to your good purpose.  So do that work in me, Lord. When I feel weak, strengthen me. When I feel confused, guide me. When I feel tired, renew me.  Teach me to walk by faith and not by fear. Teach me to fear You in a clean way that keeps my heart humble and careful. Teach me to obey with love.  And when I fall, lift me quickly. When I stray, pull me back quickly. Create in me a clean heart. I praise you, Lord. You deserve all the glory and honor. In Jesus Christ'y name l pray. Amen. 


Reader, if this prayer has touched your heart, please say amen as a sign of faith. I pray that every blessing in this prayer is now upon you in the name of Jesus Christ. And if you need a special prayer, feel free to let us know. We would be honored to pray for you. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.

善待他人,先善待自己。

 忘却自己的不快乐,去为他人创造一些快乐吧。


因为……

当你善待他人时,


你也是在善待自己。


记住……


你为自己所做的一切,

在你离开后都会消失,



你为他人所做的一切,

会成为你留给世人的宝贵遗产!


祝你呼吸顺畅。


Forget your own unhappiness by creating 

a little happiness for others.. 

BECAUSE.. 

When you are good to others, 

you are best to yourself.. 

Just remember.. 

The things you do for yourself are 

gone when you are gone, 

but 

the things you do for others 

remain ds your legacy! 

Good Breathing.



Pilgrim's progress with the Lord Jesus Christ

 God calls you to something more foundational. 

Surrender to Jesus Christ and follow him daily. God's will begins with salvation. 

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household.

God is not looking for a person who knows religious language. Jesus Christ is looking for a heart that believes, a heart that leans on Christ for mercy, a heart that says, "Jesus, I need you." 

And salvation is personal. 

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Notice how close this is. Mouth and heart, public and private, what you declare and what you truly believe. God cares about both. 

Then as you walk with Jesus Christ, God's will continues into transformation. 

You cannot follow Jesus Christ and stay the same. 

You cannot keep drinking from the same darkness and expect your soul to stay clean. 

You cannot keep feeding your mind or destroys your spirit and still claim closeness with God. 

The renewing of your mind happens as you stay in the word, stay in prayer, and let the Holy Spirit correct you, shape you, and strengthen you. 

God's will also includes purity even when the world laughs at it. For this is the will of God, your sanctification that you abstain from sexual immorality. Sin always costs more than it promises. 

God's will includes humility because pride hardens a person's heart ❤️ 

Many people ask, "What is God's will for my life?" And they mean, "Where should I go? What job should I take? Who should I marry? What to do now? How to do ... When shall I be ... Why?

Those are real questions and God cares about your life deeply. But before you rush into the details, 

God calls you to foundational again 


( 朝圣者与主耶稣基督的同行 )

上帝呼召你进入更深层次的信仰。

降服于耶稣基督,每日跟随他。上帝的旨意始于救恩。

信靠主耶稣基督,你和你的家人必得救。

上帝寻找的不是懂得宗教术语的人。耶稣基督寻找的是一颗相信的心,一颗倚靠基督寻求怜悯的心,一颗说“耶稣,我需要你”的心。

救恩是个人性的。

如果你口里承认耶稣是主,心里相信上帝叫他从死里复活,你就必得救。

请注意这两者之间的紧密联系。口里和心里,公开的和私下的,你所宣告的和你真正相信的。上帝关心这两方面。

当你与耶稣基督同行时,上帝的旨意会持续带来改变。

你不可能跟随耶稣基督却一成不变。

你不可能继续沉溺于黑暗之中,却指望你的灵魂保持洁净。

 你不能一边用负能量滋养你的思想,一边又摧毁你的灵性,还自称与神亲近。

你的思想更新,在于你持守神的话语,持守祷告,并让圣灵纠正你、塑造你、坚固你。

神的旨意也包括纯洁,即使世人嘲笑它。因为神的旨意就是要你们成为圣洁,远避淫行。罪的代价总是远超它所承诺的。

神的旨意也包括谦卑,因为骄傲会使人心刚硬。❤️

许多人会问:“神对我的人生有何旨意?”他们其实想问的是:“我应该去哪里?我应该找什么工作?我应该和谁结婚?我现在该做什么?该怎么做……我什么时候才能……为什么?”

这些都是真实的问题,神也深切地关心你的人生。但在你急于探究细节之前,

神呼召你回到根基上来。

1 Chronicles 4: Lessons on God’s Blessings from the Inheritance Given to Judah and Simeon


1 Chronicles 4: Lessons on God’s Blessings from the Inheritance Given to Judah and Simeon

Introduction: After tracing certain family lines of Judah, Chronicles traces other members of the tribes of Judah and Simeon who returned from exile to settle in the land of Judah. From God’s inheritance for these two tribes, He reveals seven lessons regarding His blessings.

First, the tribe of Judah included a line of descendants that ran from Perez through Ashur. Like the other lines, this was a line that included sinners from beginning to end. Perez was the son of an incestuous union between Judah and his daughter-in-law Tamar. Ashur was a polygamist. Yet, despite their sins, God blessed this sinful line with His mercy and grace. Like this line of Judah, God can bless you with His mercy and grace. 

Second, as part of God’s grace, He also rewarded the descendants of Judah when they demonstrated faith. This included Jabez, whom God rewarded for his faith. Like Jabez, God can also bless you for your faith. 

Third, this line of Judah also included obscure descendants that are no longer remembered. Because He loves you, God will bless you by remembering you when you are in need. 

Fourth, the line of Judah also included heroes of the faith, like Othniel, Israel’s first judge or deliverer, and Caleb, who encouraged the Jews to take the Promised Land. God rewarded them for their faithful service. Like Othniel and Caleb, God can bless you when you faithfully serve Him. 

Fifth, the tribe of Simeon had no inheritance of a territory of their own because of their sins. But Judah shared its land inheritance with Simeon. Both Judah and Simeon were blessed because Judah shared with its brother in need. God can also bless you when you share with others in need. 

Sixth, God blessed the members of the tribe of Simeon with lands within Judah to return to following the exile of the Jewish nation. Like Simeon, God can bless you with His spiritual inheritance. 

Finally, some members of the tribe of Simeon acted in faith to seize the opportunity given to them by serving God and living righteously. For their faith, God blessed them with honors and lands. God can also bless you when you seize and use your spiritual inheritance for His glory.

1. God Can Bless You With His Mercy and Grace. 1 Chr. 4:1-7.

  • The descendants of Judah through Perez. After recording other descendants of Judah, Chronicles next traces the line of other descendants through his son Perez: “1 The sons of Judah were Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur and Shobal. Reaiah the son of Shobal became the father of Jahath, and Jahath became the father of Ahumai and Lahad. These were the families of the Zorathites. These were the sons of Etam: Jezreel, Ishma and Idbash; and the name of their sister was Hazzelelponi. Penuel was the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah. These were the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem. Ashhur, the father of Tekoa, had two wives, Helah and Naarah. Naarah bore him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni and Haahashtari. These were the sons of Naarah. The sons of Helah were Zereth, Izhar and Ethnan.” (1 Chr. 4:1-7). Although the English word “sons” would suggest that each person listed was the son of the person in the preceding verse, the word “sons” can have different meanings in Hebrew. It can also include descendants. Many Bible scholars believe that some of the sons listed in this chapter were in fact descendants under different family trees.

  • God’s grace at the beginning of the Perez family tree. Although Perez was patriarch in the line leading to David, he had an ignoble heritage. Perez was the son of Judah and Tamar. At the time Tamar conceived her son Perez, Judah was negotiating with what he thought was a “temple prostitute,” who was really Tamar in disguise (Gen. 38:16-17). This suggested that his father Judah was involved in temple prostitution. Judah then showed himself to be a hypocrite for saying that Tamar should be killed for having sex outside of marriage (Gen. 38:24). Because Tamar was in fact Judah’s daughter-in-law, Judah broke God’s laws regarding sexual purity (Lev. 18:15; 20:10). As a result of this incestuous union, Tamar gave birth to twins, Perez and Zerah (Gen. 38:27-30; 1 Chr. 2:4; 4:1). Tamar (along with Rebekah) was one of only two people in the Bible to have had recorded twins. The ignoble heritage leading to Perez’ birth shows that God’s blessings are based on His grace. His mercy and grace are available for all sinners.

Arent de Gelder (1645-1727) “Judah and Tamar” (oil painting 1667)1

  • Hezron, Carmi, Hur and Shobal. Many of the other names on this list are not as well known as Perez. The next person within this section, Hezron, was not Judah’s “son.” He was in fact Judah’s grandson. Carmi also was not Judah’s son. Instead, he was one of Judah’s descendants through his other twin son Zerah. Hur was Judah’s descendant through Caleb, and Shobal was a descendent of Hur (1 Chr. 4:1).

  • The Zorathites. After covering generations of descendants in a single verse, Chronicles next reveals the origins of the Zorathites, a people who formed the city of Zorah in the lowlands of Judah. (1 Chr. 4:2). Chronicles traces their origins through Reaiah, who is also referred to as Haroeh (1 Chr. 2:52). Reaiah’s descendants leading to the Zorathites ran through Jahath, Ahumai, and Lahad (1 Chr. 4:2). These descendants also inhabited Zoreah (1 Chr. 2:53). Although this might not seem relevant to modern readers, God recorded these details to show that He had a home for each Jew who returned home.

  • The Etamites. The descendants of Judah also included the inhabitants of Etam, which many believe was near the town of Zorah (Jdg. 15:8). It was near Bethlehem. Etam’s descendants included Jezreel, Ishma, Idbash and Hazelelponi (1 Chr. 4:3). God again included these important details to show that each Jew had a home in Judah.

  • The Bethlehemites. The descendants of Judah also included the founder of Bethlehem. The line leading to the founding of Bethlehem led through Penuel, Gedor, Ezer, Hushah and Hur. Ephratah was the founder of this city (1 Chr. 4:4). Micah later prophesied that this small town would give birth to the Messiah: “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you one will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.” (Micah 5:2). Jesus later fulfilled this prophecy: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,” (Matt. 2:1). God also included these details to show that these descendants had a home to return to.

  • God’s grace at the end of the family tree through Perez. Sin did not begin and end with the founder of the line of Judah. It ran throughout its genealogy. As an example of this, Chronicles records that Tekoa’s father Ashur had two wives, Helah and Naarah (1 Chr. 4:5). From the beginning, God intended for marriage to be limited to one man and one woman (Matt. 19:4-6; Gen. 2:23-24; 1 Tim. 3:2). Lamech, the first polygamist, was also a murderer (Gen. 4:19). Every person in the Bible who took multiple wives suffered for doing so. Out of grace, God recorded the descendants of this polygamist marriage. Ashur’s second wife Naarah had descendants that included: Zereth, and Zoar, and Ethnan (1 Chr. 4:6). These names are not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. But they are recorded to show God’s grace from the beginning to end of this lineage. In addition to showing God’s grace, Tekoa founded a city with his name. God was again demonstrating that He had not forgotten any of His people or His promises.

  • God can also bless you with His mercy and grace. Just as God showed mercy and grace toward His people, He can also bless you with His mercy and grace: “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16). If you are grateful for the mercy and grace that you have received, Paul calls upon you to live your life as a holy sacrifice for God’s use (Ro. 12:1). How are you giving thanks for the mercy and grace He has given you?

  • God is faithful even when we are not. God kept His promises to return the Jews to the Promised Land even though they did not deserve it. As a believer in Jesus, you can also celebrate that God will always be faithful to keep His promises to you. This is true even when your faith fails you. “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Tim. 2:13). This is yet another reason for you to give thanks.

2. God Can Bless You For Your Faith. 1 Chr. 4:8-10.

  • God honors Jabez’ faith. As part of God’s grace, He also rewarded the descendants of Judah when they demonstrated faith: “Koz became the father of Anub and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum. Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother named him Jabez saying, “Because I bore him with pain.” 10 Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” And God granted him what he requested.” (1 Chr. 4:8-10). Jabez’ name meant “son of sorrow.” This account showed that Jabez overcame the sorrow in his life through his faith in God.

Jabez was a man of faith who regularly prayed to God2

  • God can reward your faithful prayers. Nothing is known of the line leading to Jabez. Unlike the families in the preceding verses, they did not go on to found important cities in Judah. It is assumed that he came from a line that held no wealth or influence. But Jabez was a man rich in faith. His faith lead him to lead a Spirit-led life of obedience and righteousness. As a man of faith, Jabez cried out for God to “enlarge [his] border.” This included protection from the many sources of harm and pain in his life. God rewarded his faithful prayers (1 Chr. 4:9-10). God can also reward your faithful fervent prayers: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (Ja. 5:16). The apostles followed Jabez’ example by continually praying for others. “. . . I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day,” (2 Tim. 1:3). “. . . we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,” (Col. 1:9). “do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers;” (Eph. 1:16). “as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, . . .” (1 Thess. 3:10). You are part of Jesus’ holy priesthood (1 Pet. 2:5, 9; Rev. 1:6). As His appointed priest, you also have the power of intercessory prayer. But it doesn’t work if you lack faith. “But he must ask in faith without any doubting, . . .” (Jam. 1:6). Are you praying for others in need?

  • God can enlarge your scope of influence when you serve Him. Jabez cried out for God to “enlarge my border.” (1 Chr. 4:10). If this were a selfish prayer for more wealth, God would not have honored it. But God rewarded Jabez because he sought to expand his territory to serve God. God promised to “enlarge” the Jews’ borders if they were faithful: “When Yahweh your God shall enlarge your border, as He has promised you, and you shall say, I will eat flesh, because your soul desires to eat flesh; you may eat flesh, after all the desire of your soul.” (Dt. 12:20). Because God knew the people lacked the faith to believe this promise, He repeated it many times throughout the Bible: “For I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your borders;” (Ex. 34:24). “If Yahweh your God enlarges your border, . . .” (Dt. 19:8). “You have increased the nation, O Yahweh. You have increased the nation! You are glorified! You have enlarged all the borders of the land.” (Is. 26:15). God also wants you to have faith in His promises to “enlarge your borders.” If you don’t believe that God can do this, He won’t: “For without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Heb. 11:6). Are you asking God to stretch your church, family, or business’ borders in ways that will serve Him?

  • God can also protect you when you cry out to Him. Jabez also cried out that God “would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” (1 Chr. 4:10). Jesus also promises to protect you from the evil one when you cry out in faith: “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thess. 3:3). “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”’ (Matt. 6:13). Are you praying for protection?

3. God Will Bless You By Remembering You When You Are in Need. 1 Chr. 4:11-12.

  • The men of Recah. The line of Judah also included the descendants who founded Recah: “11 Chelub the brother of Shuhah became the father of Mehir, who was the father of Eshton. 12 Eshton became the father of Beth-rapha and Paseah, and Tehinnah the father of Ir-nahash. These are the men of Recah.” (1 Chr. 4:11-12). Unlike some of the previously mentioned cities, Rechah was so small and insignificant that modern historians can no longer identify it within the territory of Judah. But God faithfully recorded the descendants who founded this town to show that everyone was important.

  • God will also never forget you or forsake you. Like the members of Judah’s tribe, God will not forget you when others do: “Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.” (Is. 49:15). “For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me up.” (Ps. 27:10). God will also never forsake you nor leave you (Dt. 31:6; Heb. 13:5).

4. God Can Bless You When You Faithfully Serve Him. 1 Chr. 4:13-23.

  • The descendants of Othniel and Caleb. God’s records of the people of Judah also included heroes of the faith, like Othniel (Israel’s first judge or deliverer) and Caleb (who encouraged the Jews to take the Promised Land): “13 Now the sons of Kenaz were Othniel and Seraiah. And the sons of Othniel were Hathath and Meonothai. 14 Meonothai became the father of Ophrah, and Seraiah became the father of Joab the father of Ge-harashim, for they were craftsmen. 15 The sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh were Iru, Elah and Naam; and the son of Elah was Kenaz. 16 The sons of Jehallelel were Ziph and Ziphah, Tiria and Asarel. 17 The sons of Ezrah were Jether, Mered, Epher and Jalon. (And these are the sons of Bithia the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered took) and she conceived and bore Miriam, Shammai and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. 18 His Jewish wife bore Jered the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. 19 The sons of the wife of Hodiah, the sister of Naham, were the fathers of Keilah the Garmite and Eshtemoa the Maacathite. 20 The sons of Shimon were Amnon and Rinnah, Benhanan and Tilon. And the sons of Ishi were Zoheth and Ben-zoheth. 21 The sons of Shelah the son of Judah were Er the father of Lecah and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of the linen workers at Beth-ashbea; 22 and Jokim, the men of Cozeba, Joash, Saraph, who ruled in Moab, and Jashubi-lehem. And the records are ancient. 23 These were the potters and the inhabitants of Netaim and Gederah; they lived there with the king for his work.” (1 Chr. 4:13-23). God was faithful to reward those who served Him. This included gentiles grafted into the Jewish line. Othniel was a foreigner. As another example, Mered married “Bithia the daughter of Pharaoh.” (1 Chr. 4:17). God rewarded His faithful followers regardless of pedigree.

  • God rewarded Othniel for his faith-led obedience. During the time period of the Judges, God heard the cries of His people and raised up Caleb’s nephew Othniel to become Israel’s first deliverer: “9 When the sons of Israel cried to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the sons of Israel to deliver them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. 10 The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel. When he went out to war, the Lord gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand, so that he prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim. 11 Then the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.” (Jdgs. 3:9-11). Caleb previously gave his daughter Achsah to his nephew Othniel after he accepted Caleb’s challenge to capture the Canaanite city of “Kiriath-sepher” (Jdgs. 1:9-13; Josh. 15:13-17). Caleb used his God-given inheritance to inspire others like Othniel to serve God. Even though Othniel was a foreign Kenizzite (Josh. 14:4), God used him and rewarded him for his faith. God gave him a wife, his own special inheritance, and the privilege of becoming Israel’s first deliverer. He is also remembered through the book of Chronicles for the long lineage of descendants that came from him. Many had their own accomplishments. For example, Seraiah was Othniel’s brother, and father to Joab. Joab settled in Charashim, which means craftsmen.

God rewarded Othniel for his faith-led obedience3

  • God rewarded Caleb for his faith-led obedience. This list of descendants also included Caleb. Caleb was a hero of the faith. Caleb and Joshua were the only two spies who did not fear the “giants” in the Promised Land (Nu. 13:30). For his faith, God gave him the lands that he walked upon as a special inheritance for his descendants (Josh. 14:6-9). Like Othniel, God also rewarded Caleb by recording his descendants in 1 Chronicles.

  • God will also reward you for your service to Him. When you faithfully serve God, He will also reward you: “For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.” (Heb. 6:10). How are you serving God?

5. God Can Bless You When You Share With Others in Need. 1 Chr. 4:24-27.

  • The tribe of Judah shared land with Simeon. Those who returned from exile to the land of Judah also included descendants of the tribe of Simeon: “24 The sons of Simeon were Nemuel and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, Shaul; 25 Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son. 26 The sons of Mishma were Hammuel his son, Zaccur his son, Shimei his son. 27 Now Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brothers did not have many sons, nor did all their family multiply like the sons of Judah.” (1 Chr. 4:24-27). Although Simeon had descendants, they did not multiply like Judah. They also had no land of their own. But the tribe of Judah blessed them by sharing their inheritance.

  • God’s grace in giving an inheritance to the tribe of Simeon. Simeon was the second son of Jacob and Leah, the unloved wife (Gen. 29:33). Although he would have become the first-born child in terms of his rights of inheritance after Rueben’s sins in sleeping with his father’s concubine, Simeon later lost his chance to become the first-born due to his own sins. After his sister was raped, Simeon and Levi killed the people of Shechem in cold blood as an act of revenge. They further defamed God in doing so by asking the people to Shechem to be circumcised in order to make peace with them. They then slaughtered the men as they recovered (Gen. 28:27-29; 34:25-26). At the time of Jacob’s death, he warned that Simeon’s descendants were cursed because of his actions. They would be “scattered” throughout Israel: “Let my soul not enter into their council; let not my glory be united with their assembly . . . I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.” (Gen. 49:6-7). Unlike Levi (Josh. 13:32-14:5), the Simeon tribe never repented for the sins of its father. Zimri was also a leader from the tribe of Simeon. He openly brought a temple harlot home for all to see after God began to punish the nation of Israel for its temple prostitution (Nu. 25:6, 14). Of the 24,000 people who died in God’s punishment (Nu. 25:9), most were believed to be from this tribe. While in the wilderness, Simeon’s tribe declined in size from 59,300 to 22,200 fighting men (Nu. 1:23; 26:14). This was a decrease of 37,100 fighting men or 62.56% of its fighting aged population. In absolute terms, Simeon went from being the third largest tribe to the smallest. At the conclusion of his life, Moses blessed all of the tribes except for the tribe of Simeon (Dt. 33). Sadly, they continued to diminish in strength after entering Israel, just as God foretold through Jacob. Many believe that the tribe was eventually absorbed by the tribe of Judah. But Chronicles shows that God was faithful to remember His people, when the people forgot their heritage. In a foreshadowing of Jesus, the people of Simeon found their salvation by turning to the tribe of Judah. Jesus is the lion of the tribe of Judah who brings salvation for all who turn to Him (Rev. 5:5).

  • The inheritance given to the tribe of Simeon. Out of Judah’s generosity and God’s grace, the tribe of Simeon received lands that were spread out within Judah’s territory: “The inheritance of the sons of Simeon was taken from the portion of the sons of Judah, for the share of the sons of Judah was too large for them; so the sons of Simeon received an inheritance in the midst of Judah’s inheritance.” (Josh. 19:9). By being spread out within the lands of Judah, Jacob’s prophecy was fulfilled (Gen. 49:6-7). Yet, even though their inheritance was scattered amongst cities within the lands of Judah in southern Israel, they were still important to God. Every child of God is important to Him, and He offers to provide for the needs of His people. This promise applies to you as well: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19).

  • God will also bless you when you serve others. Unlike the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh who complained about their inheritance, the tribe of Judah was willing to share from the inheritance that God had given it: “The men of Judah did not oppose taking away the cities within their border, when convinced that they had more than was right. If a true believer has obtained an unintended and improper advantage in anything, he will give it up without murmuring. Love seeketh not her own, and doth not behave unseemly; it will induce those in whom it richly dwells, to part with their own to supply what is lacking to their brethren.” (Matthew Henry on Joshua Chapter 19). Jesus also calls on you to provide for Him by caring for your brothers and sisters in need: “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’” (Matt. 25:40). When you serve others, Jesus promises to bless you: “And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.” (Matt. 10:42). Like the people of Judah who gave from their inheritance, will you give from your spiritual inheritance to help others?

6. God Can Bless You With a Spiritual Inheritance in Him. 1 Chr. 4:28-33.

  • The territory given to Simeon. For the members of the tribe of Simeon who returned to Judah, God was faithful to record the locations of their homes: “28 They lived at Beersheba, Moladah and Hazar-shual, 29 at Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, 30 Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, 31 Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susim, Beth-biri and Shaaraim. These were their cities until the reign of David. 32 Their villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen and Ashan, five cities; 33 and all their villages that were around the same cities as far as Baal. These were their settlements, and they have their genealogy.” (1 Chr. 4:28-33). Many of these towns were located in the extreme southern part of Judah (Josh. 15:26, 29). Baal is not a reference to the Canaanite god. It is instead a town with the full name of Baalath-beer.

The territory given to the tribe of Simeon4

  • Jesus also has an inheritance for all of His people. Jesus is your High Priest (Heb. 4:14). To fulfill the Law, He lived without owning land while He lived as man on Earth (Matt. 8:20; Lk. 9:58). Just as He provided for the people of Simeon who had no right to an inheritance, He will provide an inheritance in heaven for each of His believers: “And it shall be with regard to an inheritance for them, that I am their inheritance; and you shall give them no possession in Israel-- I am their possession.” (Ezek. 44:28). “The LORD is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words.” (Ps. 119:57). “The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot.” (Ps. 16:5). “But you will be called the priests of the LORD; you will be spoken of as ministers of our God. You will eat the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. Instead of your shame you will have a double portion, and instead of humiliation they will shout for joy over their portion. Therefore they will possess a double portion in their land, everlasting joy will be theirs.” (Is. 61:6-7). The Holy Spirit is His down payment on your eternal inheritance: “who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.” (2 Cor. 1:22). Also, when you act in one accord with your fellow believers for Christ, Jesus further gives part of His glory to you (Jo. 17:22). Thus, unlike the Jews, you have an inheritance of both land and a relationship with Jesus in heaven. If you are grateful for what you are going to receive, how are you thanking Him? (Ro. 12:1-2).

7. God Can Bless You When You Seize Your Spiritual Inheritance. 1 Chr. 4:34-43.

  • The descendants of Amaziah. This chapter of Chronicles concludes with the descendants of Amaziah within the tribe of Simeon: “34 Meshobab and Jamlech and Joshah the son of Amaziah, 35 and Joel and Jehu the son of Joshibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel, 36 and Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, Benaiah, 37 Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah; 38 these mentioned by name were leaders in their families; and their fathers’ houses increased greatly. 39 They went to the entrance of Gedor, even to the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks. 40 They found rich and good pasture, and the land was broad and quiet and peaceful; for those who lived there formerly were Hamites. 41 These, recorded by name, came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and attacked their tents and the Meunites who were found there, and destroyed them utterly to this day, and lived in their place, because there was pasture there for their flocks. 42 From them, from the sons of Simeon, five hundred men went to Mount Seir, with Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi, as their leaders. 43 They destroyed the remnant of the Amalekites who escaped, and have lived there to this day.” (1 Chr. 4:34-43). These descendants are known for three things. Some used God’s grace to be righteous and grow with God’s blessings. Others used God’s grace to seize lands from the cursed descendants of Ham and use them for good. Others fulfilled God’s calling for the destruction of the Amalekites and to use their lands for good.

  • Some members of the Simeon tribe pursued God’s righteousness. Although the tribe of Simeon continually contracted because of sin, not every member of the tribe embraced sin. Here, Chronicles records the names of families who were blessed because they pursued righteousness: “38 these mentioned by name were leaders in their families; and their fathers’ houses increased greatly.” (1 Chr. 4:38). The lesson here is clear. Just because you may come from a family with a sinful past does not mean that you are doomed to be cursed with them. No matter who you are, Jesus has called you for good works and righteousness: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10).” This includes being holy: “because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.”’ (1 Pet. 1:16; Lev. 11:44-5). God will also reward you when you step out to live righteously and do the good works that He made you for. How are you fulfilling your calling?

  • Some members of the Simeon tribe seized lands from the cursed Ham descendants. Other members of the tribe took lands from sinful people and used those lands in service to God: “39 They went to the entrance of Gedor, even to the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks. 40 They found rich and good pasture, and the land was broad and quiet and peaceful; for those who lived there formerly were Hamites.” (1 Chr. 4:39-40). Because of Ham’s sins against his father, Noah cursed Ham and his descendants: “So he said, ‘Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants He shall be to his brothers.”’ (Gen. 9:25). Some of Ham’s descendants settled in southern Judah. Some members of the tribe of Simeon seized lands that they once held and used them to serve God. While some people may use God’s gifts for evil, others can transform those missed opportunities for good: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” (Gen. 50:20). If someone has misused God’s gifts for evil, you can encourage them to use them for God’s glory.

  • Some members of the Simeon tribe seized lands from the cursed Amalekites. Finally, while Saul refused to perform his duty in killing the Amalekites, some members of the tribe of Judah fulfilled this divine appointment: “five hundred men went to Mount Seir, with Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi, as their leaders. 43 They destroyed the remnant of the Amalekites who escaped, and have lived there to this day.” (1 Chr. 4:42-43). After giving the Jews victory when the Amalekites first attacked them, God promised to punish the Amalekites (Ex. 17:14-16). Before his death, Moses advised that they would be the instrument of God’s judgment against the Amalekites after they settled in the Promised Land (Dt. 25:17-19). Through Balaam, God also warned of the destruction of the Amalekites (Nu. 24:20). To fulfill His Word, God first ordered Saul to act as His avenger against the Amalekites (1 Sam 15:3, 18). God then judged Saul when he refused to obey His command (1 Sam. 15:13-23). The Amalekites that the men of Simeon defeated were the ones who escaped after David defeated them (1 Sam. 30:18, 2 Sam. 8:12). Where Saul refused, these members from the tribe Simeon fulfilled God’s calling. In southern Judah, Simeon also played an important role in protecting the Jews from the Edomites (Richard Hess, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, Joshua, an Introduction & Commentary (Intervarsity Press 1996) p. 267). Thus, even though the tribe of Simeon carried a legacy of sin and rebellion, not every member was defined by the sins of their fathers. God is also looking for people like them to stand up and serve Him. If you repent, your old sins also cannot disqualify you. Isaiah responded to God’s calling by volunteering to serve (Is. 6:8). Are you volunteering to serve God?

  • Seize your spiritual inheritance. Jesus has also given every believer an inheritance of “talents” that are to be used for His glory (Matt. 25:14-30). These include various gifts of the Spirit: “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Ro. 12:6-8). If you have been given gifts for teaching, preaching, hospitality, prayer or any other skill, He wants you to seize and develop those talents for His glory. If you are successful and make money, that money can be used to further His kingdom. If you are failing to use your talents for His kingdom, you have committed the sin of slothfulness in His eyes. “The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, so he begs during the harvest and has nothing.” (Prov. 20:4; 21:25). “Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” (Prov. 10:4; 12:24). When one disciple asked Jesus, “‘Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father,’” He responded, “‘Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.’” (Matt. 8:21-23). He does not want you to wait to get your personal affairs in order before you go and serve Him. Are you being disobedient to a calling in your life by waiting until a time you think is convenient?

God's Favor Goes Before You ....

 This morning, let God be God. Before you try to fix everything, before you rehearse every conversation, before you carry the whole day on your shoulders, let God be God over your schedule, your worries, and your steps. 

I have heard so many people say, "By the time I leave the house, l already feel drained just thinking about the meetings, the expectations, the pressure." 

Maybe that's you today. Before you even step out the door, your heart is already racing. But what if the first thing you did today was not to assume the weight of the day, but to hand it over. 

Before you face emails, traffic, deadlines, and difficult people, I want you to hear this. You are not walking into this day alone. 

God's favor is not behind you scolding you. 

His favor goes before you making a way. 

His protection is not thin and fragile. It is thick and strong.

It surrounds you like a shield. 

So right now, wherever you are, just breathe slowly, gently. If you can, place your hand on your heart for a moment. Feel it beating. 

That heartbeat is a gift. That breath is a gift. And the God who gave you both is standing at the doorway of this day with you. 

Let's begin with God's word because favor is not luck. 

It's covenant grace. 

The Bible says in Psalm 5:12 that the Lord blesses the righteous and surrounds them with favor as with a shield. 

 Imagine that for a moment. 

Favor is not a random spotlight that hits you once in a while if you're lucky enough. 

Favor is a shield that never leaves you. 

It doesn't just touch your life, sometimes . It encircles you all the time. 

And in Proverbs 3: 56, we are told to trust in the Lord with all our heart, not to lean on our own understanding, and that as we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will direct our paths. 

What does that mean for you this very morning? 

It means that when you walk into your workplace, you do not walk in as an unprotected, unseen,  unnoticed person trying desperately to earn value. 

You walk in surrounded by favor. You are not naked to criticism or rejection. There is a shield around your life. 

God's favor goes before you into the office, the classroom, the shop, the meeting room, the kitchen, the car, even into conversations you are worried about. 

God's favor is already in the room before you arrive, already softening hearts, already opening the right doors and closing the wrong ones. 

You do not have to exhaust yourself trying to be impressive enough or charming enough to be accepted. 

You are already accepted in Christ. You don't need to gong your way into being liked. You are covered by the smile of God. 

And that shield is not just for people. It's also for the roads you travel, the decisions you make, the places you will step today. 

The fear that says anything could happen meets the truth that says yes, but God surrounds me. 

When you step into a difficult environment, his favor is a soft answer in your mouth, a calm spirit inside you and a quiet authority that does not come from you but from him. 

But there is another part of this promise. 

God does not just surround you with favor. He also directs your path. 

That is why the morning matters so deeply. 

The first voice you listen to sets the tone for the whole day. 

Pray first, not panic first. 

The world says, "Check your phone, check the news, check your messages." God says, "Check in with me." 

When you trust in him with all your heart and acknowledge him in all your ways, you are giving him the steering wheel of your day. 

So this morning, instead of rushing straight into your to-do list, take a moment to surrender it. 

Lay before the Lord your schedule, your meetings, your deadlines, your projects, your phone calls, your errands, your decisions. 

Say, "Lord, these are my plans, but I don't want to lean on my own understanding. 

Direct my steps. 

Close the doors that are not from you, even if I think I want them. 

Open the doors that are from you, even if they stretch me. 

Interrupt me if you need to. 

Protect me from what I can't see. 

Lead me where I need to be. 

When you do that, you are not just asking for a good day. 

You are aligning your whole day with the God who already goes before you. 

You are choosing to walk under the shield of His favor instead of under the weight of your own control. 

In a moment, we are going to pray together and speak these truths over your life. 

Don't rush away. Don't skip around. 

Stay with me from the beginning to the end of this prayer. 

And let's agree together that today you will not walk alone. 

You will walk covered in the favor and guidance of God. 

Dear heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, this morning I come before you and I consecrate this day to you. 

I surrender my body, my mind, my emotions, my spirit, and everything I will walk into today.  

I present myself to you not as someone who has it all together, but as a living sacrifice, set apart for your purposes. 

Take my thoughts and cleanse them. 

Take my attitudes and align them with your heart. 

Take my reactions and shape them by your grace. 

I don't want this day to be driven by rush, ego, or fear. 

I wanted to be marked by your presence. 

Lord, I lay down my right to cling to my own way. 

And I invite you to be Lord over my schedule, my conversations, my tasks, and my hidden moments. 

Let my words carry kindness. 

Let my eyes see people the way you see them. 

Let my heart be soft toward your whispers.  

God, you are my beginning today and I choose to step into this day as an offering to you. 

Father, I bring every plan and activity of this day and I place them all into your hands. 

You know every meeting, every message, every decision waiting for me. 

 You know the deadlines that press on my heart and the responsibilities that weigh on my mind. 

 I choose not to lean on my own understanding of how this day should go. 

Instead, I commit my plans to you. 

Take what I have written down, what I have scheduled, what I expect, and breathe on it. 

If there is anything I am planning that is not in line with your will, gently redirect me. 

If there is something I am overlooking that you want me to see, highlight it to my spirit. 

l ask you to order my steps to place me in the right place at the right time for the right reasons. 

Let interruptions that come from you become opportunities and distractions that do not come from you lose their power. 

God you are the One who sees the whole picture when I only see a piece. 

So I invite you to rearrange my day as you see fit. 

Lord, I ask for your favor as a shield over my name and over my work today. 

As I speak, as I write, as I decide, as I show up in rooms and spaces, let your favor rest on me. 

Go ahead of me into conversations, into meetings, into negotiations, into quiet tasks no one else sees. 

Let my words carry grace and truth. 

Let my presence bring peace, not tension. 

I ask that where my name is mentioned today, it will be covered by your favor, not by misunderstanding or attack. 

Protect my reputation from lies, from false assumptions, from unfair judgment. 

Surround my work with your blessing, not so that I may be exalted, but so that you may be honoured. 

God, you are the One who blesses the work of my hands. 

You are the One who can breathe on small efforts and make them fruitful. 

Let the excellence I pursue be an act of worship. 

And let any success that comes be a testimony of your goodness, not my greatness. 

Wrap my name, my words, and my assignments in the shield of your favor. 

Finally, Father, I ask you to be the One who opens the doors l am meant to walk through and closes the doors that are not from you. 

You see every opportunity, every invitation, every relationship, every potential connection that stands before me. 

Some doors look attractive but are traps. 

Some doors look small but led to destiny. 

I don't want to force my way into rooms where your presence is not leading me. 

And I don't want to miss the rooms where you have prepared a place for me. 

So l ask you, open what no one can shut and shut what no one can open without you. 

Bring the right people into my path. 

People who sharpen my faith, who align with your purpose for my life, who help me grow in wisdom and obedience. 

Remove from my path relationships and connections that would pull me away from you, even if they look   good on the surface. 

God, you are the keeper of the doors in my life. 

You are the One who aligns my steps with my calling. 

Today I choose to trust that as I walk in faith and humility, you are arranging divine appointments, setting up right connections, and guiding me into the places where your favor and purpose meet. 

Lord, this morning I thank you that I do not have to walk through this day guessing, reacting, and stumbling in the dark. 

I ask you for guidance for every step. 

Holy Spirit, be my guide in the big decisions and in the small ones that nobody else sees. 

Lead me when I stand up from this place of prayer. 

Lead me when I choose my words, when l answer messages, when I decide what to focus on and what to leave for later. 

Help me not to lean on my own understanding, but to trust that as l acknowledge you, you are directing my paths. 

When there are two options in front of me and both look good, whisper to my heart which way to go. 

When l am tempted to rush ahead, slow me down. 

When l am tempted to hesitate in fear, nudge me forward. 

God, you are my Compass when I feel directionless. 

God, you are my Shepherd when the path curves and I cannot see around the corner. 

God, you are my Light when the road feels dim. 

Let your voice be louder than my anxiety today. 

Let your gentle conviction be stronger than any pressure from people. 

Order my steps so that by the end of this day, I can look back and say, "This was not just my plan. This was my Father's leading." 

Lord, I also ask you for protection from every trap of the enemy. 

You see the snares that have been set along my path. 

Traps of distraction, traps of offense, traps of lust, traps of pride, traps of anger, traps of discouragement. 

You see the subtle lies that the enemy would love to plant in my mind. 

Lies that tell me l am alone, forgotten, unprotected. 

You see the emotional triggers that can shift my whole day in just one moment. 

So I ask you, keep me safe. 

Guard me from physical danger, accidents, sudden harm, any plan of evil against my life. 

Guard me from spiritual danger, voices that lead me away from truth, influences that dilute my faith, moments that harden my heart instead of drawing me closer to you. 

Guard me from emotional traps, arguments that don't need to be had, words spoken in anger that I would regret, reactions that open the door to strife. 

Lord, your word says that you will give your angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways. Let that be true for me today. 

Stand between me and every trap set by the enemy. 

If l am about to step into something that will entangle me, you pull me back. 

If l am about to agree with a lie, interrupt my thoughts. 

God, you are my Protector when I am unaware. 

God, you are my Defender when I cannot defend myself. 

God, you are my Guardian when l am too distracted to even know I am in danger. 

Surround me and everyone I love with your covering hand. 

Father, I ask you for wisdom and discernment as I move through this day. 

You know how many decisions big and small stand in front of me. 

What to say yes to, what to say no to, how to respond, when to wait, when to act. 

I confess that when I rely on my emotions alone, I often regret my choices. 

So l ask, give me wisdom that is higher than my feelings. 

Give me discernment to see beyond the surface. 

Let me know the difference between what is right and what is almost right, between what looks good and what is truly from you. 

Your word says that if anyone lacks wisdom, they can ask and you give generously. 

I am asking, Lord, fill my mind with clear thinking and my heart with sound judgment. 

And Lord, I remember Solomon who, when given the chance to ask for anything, he did not ask for riches or long life, but he asked for wisdom to lead well. That pleased you. And you grant him more than wisdom. 

Today, I want to honour you in the same way. 

More than I want success, I want your wisdom. 

More than I want your comfort, I want your discernment.

More than I want quick answers, I want a heart that sees things the way you see them. 

God, you are my Counselor when confusion presses in. 

God, you are my Teacher when I feel inexperienced. 

God, you are my Insight when situations are complicated. 

Let me not make permanent decisions based on temporary emotions. 

Let me not speak words I cannot pull back. 

Help me pause long enough to say, "Holy Spirit, what do you think?" and then follow your leading. 

Lord, in the middle of pressure, I ask you to give me peace. 

You know the weight that sits on my chest when the to-do list feels too long, when people are waiting for answers, when time feels too short. You know the moments when notifications, deadlines,  and expectations all converge at once, and my heart wants to panic. 

In those moments, keep my mind stayed on you. 

Your word says you will keep in perfect peace the one whose mind is stayed on you because they trust in you. 

Let that be my reality today. 

When work piles up, let me remember that I am not carrying it alone. 

When people demand more than I feel I have, let me remember that my source is not my own strength but your Spirit within me. 

When I feel pushed, rushed or squeezed, help me to breathe and say, "Lord, you are still on the throne. 

You are not anxious. 

You are not late. 

You are not overwhelmed. 

God, you are my calm in the chaos. 

God, you are my stillness in the storm. 

God, you are my steady hand when everything feels like it's moving too fast. 

Wrap my mind in a peace that does not depend on everything being organized or predictable. 

Let that peace guard my heart like soldiers at the door, refusing to let panic, dread, or despair walk in. 

Let me be a person who carries peace into pressured spaces because I have been with you. 

Father, I bring before you every need in my life. 

And I thank you that you are the God who provides.

You know the financial needs that concern me, the bills, the obligations, the unexpected expenses. 

You know the need for strength in my body, energy to get through the day, clarity in my mind. 

You know the need for time, to do what  must be done, to rest, to be present with those I love. 

You know the need for ideas, creativity, answers to problems I have not yet solved. 

Your word says that you will supply all our needs according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

So l stand on that promise today. 

I declare that l am not abandoned to figure everything out alone. 

I have the Father in heaven who sees ahead and provides. 

God, you are my Source when resources feel low. 

God, you are my Supplier when my hands feel empty. 

God, you are my Strength. When my body says, "I'm done." 

Where there is lack, bring enough. 

Where there is enough, bring overflow so l can bless others. 

Teach me to trust you day by day. 

Like the Israelites who received manna in the wilderness. 

Just enough for that day, but always on time. 

Let my heart be more focused on you the Giver than on the gifts. 

Even as I ask for provision, root me in gratitude for everything you have already done. 

Lord, I ask that you open the floodgates of heaven and release your blessings over my life in the way you know is best. 

Not just material blessing, but the kind of blessing that shapes my character and glorifies your name. 

Pour out opportunities that align with your will. 

Pour out favor in places where I have no natural advantage. 

Pour out support and encouragement from unexpected people at unexpected times. 

Let the work of my hands be fruitful. 

Let seeds I have sown in faith begin to bear visible fruit. 

Where things have felt dry send rain. 

Where doors have felt closed for a long time, you begin to move them. 

God, you are the One who can do more in a moment than I can do in a lifetime. 

You are the One who can connect me to the right person. 

Open the right door, breathe on the right idea, and change the whole trajectory. 

I do not seek blessing as an idol. 

I seek your blessing so that l can live fully for you, serve others better, and testify of your goodness. 

l open my heart and my hands and say, "Lord, whatever you want to pour out, l am here and I am willing. 

Remove any mindset in me that resists receiving from you out of false humility or fear. 

Teach me to expect good from you, good Father. 

Father, I ask you to bless my family and cover my home. 

Watch over our going out and our coming in today, everyday, every morning and every night.. 

As each person in my household steps into their part of the day, work, school, errands, responsibilities, l ask you to surround them with your protection. 

Guard our children from harm, from bad influences, from lies about their identity and worth. 

Guard marriages from division, coldness, and resentment. 

Guard our home from strife, from heaviness, from spiritual darkness. 

Let our house be a place where your presence is felt even in the ordinary, around the table, in conversations, in laughter, in quiet moments alone. 

God, you are the keeper of our home. 

You are the One who watches when we sleep and when we wake. 

Cover the doors and windows with your protection. 

Let your peace be the atmosphere we breathe inside these walls. 

Where there has been tension, you bring reconciliation. 

Where there has been misunderstanding, you bring clarity and compassion. 

Where there has been distance, you bring closeness again. 

I place my family into your hands, trusting that you love them more than l ever could and that you are able to work in their hearts even when l cannot. 

 Finally, Lord, I ask that you help me build this entire day on Jesus, the rock. 

I do not want to build on the sand of emotions that change from hour to hour. 

I do not want to build on the sand of other people's approval or on the sand of my own performance. 

I remember the story Jesus told about the wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the floods came, the wind beat against that house, but it did not fall because it was founded on the rock. 

I know the storms of this day may come.   Unexpected news, disappointing results, difficult conversations, spiritual attacks, inner battles. 

I do not ask for a life without rain. I ask for a life with a strong foundation. 

Let every choice I make today be anchored in your word, not in my moods. 

Let every reaction be filtered through the truth of who you are and who l am in you. 

When I feel shaken, remind me that the rock under my feet has not moved. 

God, you are my Rock when everything else feels unstable. 

God, you are my Foundation when other supports crumble. 

God, you are my Unchanging Ground in a changing world. 

Help me to hear your words and do them, not just admire them from a distance. 

And as I build my day on Jesus Christ, let others around me see a different kind of stability. 

A peace that holds in the storm. 

A joy that doesn't evaporate under pressure. 

A faith that still stands when feelings fluctuate. 

So Lord, I give you this day every step, every decision, every battle, every blessing, every need, every relationship. 

Guide me, protect me, fill me, and plant my feet firmly on Christ. 

I thank you that as I walk out of this prayer time, I do not walk out of your presence. 

You go before me, you walk beside me, and you live within me in Jesus' name. Amen.  🙏🏽 


( Continue here


今天早上,让上帝掌管一切。在你试图解决所有问题之前,在你反复演练每一场对话之前,在你肩负起一整天的重担之前,让上帝掌管你的日程安排、你的忧虑和你的每一步。


我听过太多人说:“我一出门,光是想到那些会议、那些期望、那些压力,就已经感觉精疲力竭了。”


也许你今天就是这样。还没出门,你的心跳就已经开始加速。但如果你今天做的第一件事不是承担一天的重担,而是把它交托出去,那会怎样呢?


在你面对邮件、交通、截止日期和难缠的人之前,我想让你听到这句话:你并非孤身一人。


上帝的恩典不会在你身后责备你。


祂的恩典会在你前面开路。


祂的保护并非薄弱不堪,而是厚实坚固。


它像盾牌一样环绕着你。 所以,此刻,无论你在哪里,请慢慢地、轻轻地呼吸。如果可以,请将手放在心上片刻,感受它的跳动。


那心跳是恩赐,那呼吸也是恩赐。赐予你这一切的神,此刻正与你一同站在今日的门口。


让我们从神的话语开始,因为恩典并非运气。


它是立约的恩典。


圣经诗篇5:12说,耶和华赐福给义人,用恩惠如同盾牌四面护卫他们。


请想象一下。


恩典并非偶尔幸运地被一束随机的聚光灯照耀。


恩典是一面永不离弃你的盾牌。


它并非偶尔触及你的生命,而是时刻环绕着你。


 箴言3:56告诉我们,要全心信赖耶和华,不可倚靠自己的聪明,凡事都当认定他,他必指引我们的路。


这对你今天早上意味着什么呢?


这意味着,当你走进工作场所时,你不再像一个孤苦伶仃、默默无闻、苦苦挣扎着想要证明自身价值的人。


你带着恩典而来。你不会赤身裸体地遭受批评或拒绝。你的生命被一层保护罩所环绕。


神的恩典在你前面进入办公室、教室、商店、会议室、厨房、汽车,甚至进入你忧虑的谈话。


在你到达之前,神的恩典就已经在房间里,软化人心,为你打开正确的门,关上错误的门。


你无需费尽心思去表现得足够出色或足够迷人,才能被接纳。


 在基督里,你已被接纳。你无需刻意讨好别人。你已被神的微笑所遮盖。


这盾牌不仅保护人,也保护你所走的道路、你所做的决定、你今天将要踏足的地方。


恐惧——认为任何事情都可能发生——与真理——是的,但神环绕着我——相遇。


当你踏入困境,祂的恩典会化作你口中温柔的回答,你内心平静的灵,以及一种并非来自你而是来自祂的平静权柄。


但这应许还有另一部分。


神不仅以恩典环绕你,祂也指引你的道路。


这就是为什么清晨如此重要。


你听到的第一个声音会奠定你一整天的基调。


先祷告,而不是先恐慌。


世人说:“查看手机,查看新闻,查看信息。” 神说:“与我联系。”


 当你全心信靠他,并在你一切所行的事上都承认他时,你就把一天的舵交给了他。


所以,今天早上,不要急着开始你的待办事项清单,而是花点时间把它交托给他。


把你的日程安排、会议、截止日期、项目、电话、琐事和决定都交托给主。


说:“主啊,这些是我的计划,但我不想倚靠自己的聪明。


指引我的脚步。


关闭那些不属于你的门,即使我自以为想要。


打开那些属于你的门,即使它们让我感到吃力。”

如果需要,请随时打断我。


保护我免受我看不见的伤害。


引领我到我需要去的地方。


当你这样做时,你不仅仅是在祈求美好的一天。


你是在让你的整天都与那位走在你前面的神保持一致。


你是在选择行走在祂恩典的盾牌之下,而不是承受自己掌控的重担。


稍后,我们将一起祷告,并将这些真理传扬在你的生命中。


不要匆匆离开。不要跳跃。


请从头到尾与我一同祷告。


让我们一起立约,今天你不会孤单前行。


你将行走在神的恩典和指引之下。


亲爱的天父,奉耶稣基督的名,今天早晨我来到你面前,将今天献给你。


 我将我的身体、我的思想、我的情感、我的灵魂,以及我今天将要经历的一切,都交托于你。


我来到你面前,并非以一个完美无缺的人的身份,而是以一个活祭的身份,分别为圣,归于你的旨意。


求你洁净我的思想。


求你使我的态度与你的心意相合。


求你以你的恩典塑造我的反应。


我不愿今天被匆忙、自负或恐惧所驱使。


我渴望被你的同在所标记。


主啊,我放下执着于己路的权利。


我邀请你掌管我的日程、我的谈话、我的任务,以及我隐秘的时刻。


愿我的言语充满善意。


愿我的眼目如同你一般看待他人。


愿我的心柔软,聆听你的轻声细语。


 神啊,你是我今日的起点,我选择将今日献给你。


天父,我将今日的每一个计划和活动都交托在你手中。


你知道我即将面对的每一次会面、每一条信息、每一个决定。


你知道我心中的紧迫期限和沉重的责任。


我选择不倚靠自己对今日的理解。


相反,我将我的计划交托给你。


请你默想我写下的、安排好的、我的期望。


如果我的计划有任何不合你意的地方,请你温柔地指引我。


如果我忽略了你想让我看到的事情,请你提醒我的灵。


我祈求你指引我的道路,让我在正确的时间出现在正确的地点,做正确的事情。


 愿来自你的干扰化作机遇,愿非来自你的干扰失去力量。


上帝啊,你洞悉全局,而我却只能看到片面。


因此,我祈求你按你的旨意重新安排我的一天。


主啊,我祈求你赐予我恩典,如同盾牌般保护我的名誉和今日的工作。


当我说话、写作、做决定、出现在任何场合时,愿你的恩典与我同在。


引领我进入对话、会议、谈判,以及那些无人察觉的静默工作。


愿我的言语充满恩典与真理。


愿我的出现带来平安,而非紧张。


我祈求,今日凡提及我名字之处,皆蒙受你的恩典,而非误解或攻击。


保护我的名誉,免受谎言、虚假臆断和不公评判的侵害。


 求祢以祢的祝福环绕我的工作,不是为了让我得荣耀,而是为了荣耀祢。


神啊,祢是赐福我手所作之工的那一位。


祢是能使微小的努力结出丰硕果实的那一位。


愿我所追求的卓越成为敬拜祢的行动。


愿我所取得的任何成功都见证祢的良善,而非我的伟大。


求祢以祢的恩惠护佑我的名字、我的言语和我的任务。


最后,天父,我祈求祢为我开启我注定要进入的门,并关闭那些不属于祢的门。


祢洞察摆在我面前的每一个机会、每一份邀请、每一段关系、每一个潜在的联系。


有些门看起来很诱人,实则是陷阱。


有些门看起来很小,却通往命运。


我不想强行进入那些没有祢同在引领我的房间。  


我不想错过你为我预备的房间。


所以我祈求你,打开无人能关的门,关闭无人能开的门。


将合适的人带到我的生命中。


那些能磨砺我的信仰,与你为我生命所定的旨意相契合,帮助我在智慧和顺服中成长的人。


从我的生命中移除那些会让我远离你的关系和人脉,即使它们表面上看起来不错。


神啊,你是我生命中所有门的守护者。


你是使我的道路与我的呼召相符的那一位。


今天,我选择相信,当我以信心和谦卑行事时,你会安排神圣的约会,建立正确的关系,并引导我进入你的恩典和旨意交汇的地方。


 主啊,今天早上我感谢您,让我不必在黑暗中摸索、被动应对、跌跌撞撞地度过这一天。


我祈求您指引我的每一步。


圣灵,请指引我做出重大决定,也指引我做出那些无人察觉的细微抉择。


当我从祷告中起身时,请引领我。


当我选择言辞、回复信息、决定关注什么、以及将什么留待以后处理时,请引领我。


请帮助我不要倚靠自己的理解,而是相信,当我承认你的存在时,你正在指引我的道路。


当我面前有两个选择,而且看起来都不错时,请轻声告诉我该走哪条路。


当我想要匆忙行事时,请让我慢下来。


当我因恐惧而犹豫不决时,请轻轻地推我向前。


上帝啊,当我感到迷茫时,你是我的指南针。


上帝啊,当道路弯曲,我看不清前方时,你是我的牧者。


上帝啊,当道路昏暗时,你是我的光。


愿你的声音今天胜过我的焦虑。  


愿您温柔的信念胜过任何人的压力。


指引我的脚步,使我今日结束时,可以回首往事,说:“这并非我一人之计划,而是天父的指引。”


主啊,我也祈求您保护我,使我免受仇敌的一切陷阱。


您看见我道路上布下的重重陷阱。


分心的陷阱、冒犯的陷阱、情欲的陷阱、骄傲的陷阱、愤怒的陷阱、沮丧的陷阱。


您看见仇敌想要在我心中植入的隐秘谎言。


那些谎言告诉我,我孤身一人,被人遗忘,无人保护。


您看见那些情绪的触发点,它们能在瞬间改变我的一整天。


所以,我祈求您,保守我平安。


保护我免受身体上的危险、意外、突如其来的伤害,以及任何针对我生命的邪恶计划。


 求祢保守我远离属灵的危险,远离引诱我偏离真理的声音,远离削弱我信仰的影响,远离使我心硬而非使我更亲近祢的时刻。


求祢保守我远离情感的陷阱,远离不必要的争吵,远离愤怒中说出的令我后悔的话语,远离开启纷争之门的反应。


主啊,祢的话语说,祢会差遣天使在我行的一切道路上保护我。愿祢的应许今天在我身上成为现实。


求祢挡在我与仇敌所设的每一个陷阱之间。


如果我即将踏入会让我陷入困境的境地,求祢将我拉回。


如果我即将认同谎言,求祢打断我的思绪。


神啊,当我懵懂无知时,祢是我的保护者。


神啊,当我无力自卫时,祢是我的捍卫者。


神啊,当我心神不宁,甚至没有意识到自己身处险境时,祢是我的守护者。


 求祢用祢的庇护之手环绕我和我所爱的人。


天父,我祈求祢赐予我智慧和明辨力,让我能顺利度过今天。


祢知道我面前有多少大大小小的抉择。


该对什么说“是”,该对什么说“不”,该如何回应,何时该等待,何时该行动。


我承认,当我只凭感觉行事时,我常常后悔自己的选择。


所以我祈求,赐予我超越情感的智慧。


赐予我明辨力,让我能看透表象。


让我明白什么是对的,什么是似是而非的,什么是看似美好的,什么是真正出于祢的。


祢的圣言说,凡缺少智慧的,都可以求祢,祢必慷慨赐予。


主啊,我祈求祢使我的头脑充满清晰的思考,使我的心充满明辨的判断。


 主啊,我记得所罗门王,当他有机会祈求任何事物时,他没有祈求财富或长寿,而是祈求智慧来治理国家。这令你喜悦。你赐予他的远不止智慧。


今天,我也想以同样的方式荣耀你。


比起成功,我更渴望你的智慧。


比起你的安慰,我更渴望你的洞察力。


比起快速的答案,我更渴望拥有一颗能像你一样看待事物的心。


神啊,当我迷茫困惑时,你是我的顾问。


神啊,当我感到经验不足时,你是我的老师。


神啊,当情况复杂时,你是我的洞察力。


愿我不因一时的情绪而做出永久性的决定。


愿我不说出无法收回的话。


求你帮助我停下来,说:“圣灵,你的想法是什么?”然后跟随你的指引。


 主啊,在压力之中,我祈求您赐予我平安。


您知道,当待办事项清单似乎太长,当人们都在等待我的答复,当时间似乎太过紧迫时,我胸口会感到多么沉重。您也知道,当各种通知、截止日期和期望同时涌来,我的心几乎要崩溃的那一刻。


在那些时刻,求您让我的心思专注于您。


您的圣言说,您必保守那专心仰望您的人,因为他信靠您。


愿这成为我今日的真实写照。


当工作堆积如山时,求您让我记住,我并非独自承受。


当人们对我的要求超过我的能力范围时,求您让我记住,我的力量并非来自我自己,而是来自您赐予我的圣灵。


当我感到被推、被催促或被挤压时,求您帮助我深呼吸,并说:“主啊,您仍然坐在宝座上。


您并不焦虑。”


你没有迟到。


你没有被压垮。


上帝,你是我在混乱中的平静。


上帝,你是我在风暴中的安宁。


上帝,你是我在一切似乎都太过匆忙时所倚靠的稳定之手。


求你赐予我平安,这平安不依赖于一切的井然有序或可预测。


愿这平安如同守卫大门的士兵,守护我的心,不让恐慌、恐惧或绝望侵入。


愿我成为一个在压力重重的环境中也能保持平安的人,因为我与你同在。


天父,我将我生命中的一切需要都交托给你。


我感谢你,你是供应一切的上帝。


你知道我所担忧的经济需求,账单、义务和意外开支。


你知道我需要身体的力量,需要精力来度过每一天,需要头脑清晰。


 你知道我需要时间,去做必须要做的事,休息,陪伴我爱的人。


你知道我需要灵感、创造力,以及解决我尚未解决的问题的答案。


你的话语说,你必照你荣耀的丰富,在基督耶稣里,供应我们一切的需要。


所以今天,我信靠这应许。


我宣告,我不会被遗弃,独自面对一切。


我有天父,祂预见未来,供应一切所需。


神啊,当我感到匮乏时,你是我的源泉。


神啊,当我感到力不从心时,你是我的供应者。


神啊,当我感到力不从心时,你是我的力量。


神啊,当我的身体发出“我已筋疲力竭”的声音时,你是我的依靠。


在缺乏的地方,求你赐予充足。


在充足的地方,求你使我满溢,好让我祝福他人。


求你教导我日复一日地信靠你。


就像以色列人在旷野中领受吗哪一样。


 恰到好处,只够当日所需,却总是准时。


愿我的心更多地专注于赐予者——祢,而非礼物本身。


即便我祈求供应,也求祢让我对祢已成就的一切心怀感恩。


主啊,我祈求祢打开天上的闸门,以祢认为最佳的方式,将祢的祝福倾注于我的生命。


不仅是物质上的祝福,更是塑造我品格、荣耀祢名的祝福。


倾注符合祢旨意的机会。


在我不具备优势的地方,倾注恩惠。


在不经意间,从意想不到的人那里,倾注支持和鼓励。


愿我手所做的工结出丰硕的果实。


愿我凭信心撒下的种子开始结出可见的果实。


在干旱之处,降下甘霖。


在紧闭已久的门扉,祢开始打开它们。


 上帝啊,您能在一瞬间成就我一生所能成就的。


您能让我遇见对的人。


您能开启正确的门,赐予正确的灵感,改变我人生的轨迹。


我并非将祝福当作偶像。


我祈求您的祝福,是为了能全心全意地为您而活,更好地服侍他人,并见证您的恩典。


 我敞开心扉,伸出双手,说:“主啊,无论您要倾注什么,我都在这里,我愿意接受。”


求您除去我心中任何因虚假的谦卑或恐惧而抗拒接受您恩典的念头。


慈爱的天父,求您教导我仰望您的恩典。


天父,我祈求您祝福我的家人,遮盖我的家。


求您看顾我们今天、每一天、每个清晨和每个夜晚的出入。


当我的家人开始一天中各自的工作、学习、琐事和责任时,我祈求您用您的保护环绕他们。


求您保护我们的孩子免受伤害,免受不良影响,免受关于他们身份和价值的谎言的伤害。


求您保护我们的婚姻免于分裂、冷漠和怨恨。


求您保护我们的家免于纷争、沉重和属灵的黑暗。


愿我们的家成为一个即使在日常生活中,在餐桌旁,在交谈中,都能感受到您同在的地方。 在静谧的独处时光里,欢笑声响起。


上帝,您是我们家的守护者。


您守护着我们,无论我们入睡还是醒来。


请用您的保护遮盖我们的门窗。


愿您的平安成为我们呼吸的空气。


在曾经的紧张中,您带来和解。


在曾经的误解中,您带来清晰的解释和怜悯。


在曾经的疏离中,您带来亲近。


我将我的家人交托在您的手中,相信您比我更爱他们,即使我无法做到,您也能在他们的心中动工。


最后,主啊,我祈求您帮助我将这一天建立在耶稣这磐石之上。


我不想将我的人生建立在瞬息万变的情绪之上。


我不想将我的人生建立在他人认可的沙土之上,也不想建立在自我表现的沙土之上。


我记得…… 耶稣讲过一个关于智者把房子盖在磐石上的故事。雨水倾盆而下,洪水泛滥,狂风怒吼,房子却屹立不倒,因为它的根基立在磐石上。


我知道今日的风暴或许会来临:意想不到的消息、令人失望的结果、艰难的对话、属灵的攻击、内心的挣扎。

我不求没有风雨的生活,我求的是一个根基稳固的生活。


愿我今日的每一个选择都扎根于你的话语,而非我的情绪。


愿我的每一个反应都透过你以及我在你里面的真理而过滤。


当我感到动摇时,请提醒我,我脚下的磐石从未动摇。


神啊,当一切都摇摇欲坠时,你是我的磐石。


神啊,当其他支撑崩塌时,你是我的根基。


神啊,在变幻莫测的世界中,你是我的永恒磐石。


请帮助我聆听你的话语并付诸实践,而不仅仅是远远地仰望。


当我以耶稣基督为生命根基时,愿我周围的人看到另一种稳固:


一种在风暴中屹立不倒的平安;


一种在压力下永不消逝的喜乐;


一种在情绪起伏中依然坚守的信仰。


 主啊,我今天将每一步、每一个决定、每一场战斗、每一份祝福、每一个需要、每一段关系都交托给你。


求你引导我、保护我、充满我,并使我的脚牢牢地立在基督里。


感谢你,当我结束祷告时,我并没有离开你的同在。


你走在我前面,你与我同行,你住在我里面,奉耶稣的名祷告。阿们。🙏🏽


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