Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Hebrews 12:23 (New International Version)
23to the church of the firstborn, whose names
are written in heaven. You have come to God,
the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous
men made perfect,

Reflection:

After serving 15 years in prison for his crime,
the convict walks out a free man. He has paid
his debt to society, he is now a free. But
now the real question arises: Has he changed
his ways? Or will he return to a life of crime?
These are two very important questions, not
only for the man but also for society.
Justice may have been served without the
criminal's having been rehabilitated. But
unless both take place, the criminal will only
become hardened in his unrighteous ways.
In our Christian Walk, progress results from
the twofold action of justification and sanctification.
We need to constantly remember that our savior
Jesus Christ took care of God's justice by dying on
the cross. Jesus accepted that death penalty and
brought it upon Himself that we sinful men and
woman deserved. And if you believe in Jesus Christ
and believe in His death and resurrection, you, yes
you can walk right out of that prison of sin a free
person.
But that act of belief of declaring yourself free from the
guilt of sin has to be followed by rehabilitation. You see
like the convict constantly tempted to return to a life of
crime, you are constantly tempted by sin. When you are,
that's when you need to remember that Christ also walked
out of prison with you and He's the best friend a convict
will ever have. IS HE YOUR FRIEND?

Prayer:

Thank you God for sending Your Son to set me free!!!!!!

My Thanksgiving prayer
to you from me;
Is for love strong and true
that you hold within thee.

A heart that beats steady
and holds love within;
For your brothers and sisters
and all creatures by Him.

A soul that is worthy
of all of His love;
That is given to you
from the Heavens above.

Food on your table
that you thank the Lord for;
Friends to surround you
forever and more.

A house filled with love
and the light how it shines;
Showing all of its beauty
till the end of time.

Kindness towards others
for all of your days;
To be returned I pray
in many a way.

A good job to keep you
and pay all your bills;
That you spend it all wisely
and not on the frills.

A family around you
that is loving and true;
That you all stand together
for there are so few.

Children to bless you
if that is God's will;
To cherish and nourish
so your life is fulfilled.

Dreams of pure beauty
as you lay there and sleep;
Through the peaceful night
when darkness is deep.

An angel to guide you
through morning and night;
To protect you and love you
till the end of your plight.

And last but most important
your love for God will shine through;
To the Heavens above
for He's waiting for you.

Amen and God bless!

~Author~
Judy N. Marquart
© November 2002

Day Eight: November 12, 2008
69 days, 19 hours and 16 minutes
left until inauguration day.

Prayer:

For the President- and Vice President-Elect
to be wise and thoughtful as they exercise
their authority, firmly resisting the temptation
to abuse it
When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
when the wicked rule, the people groan.
—Proverbs 29:2

All-knowing God, before You all
things are laid bare and every
detail, whether large or small
is known. All praise and glory goes
to You, O mighty God, for Your
omniscience and omnipotence
before the greatest and least of
the rulers of our world.

Lord, we ask You today to help
the new President and Vice President
of our nation to be persons of impeccable
integrity. O God, make this team one
that does not use its authority for
frivolous means or mis-guided intent,
but instead recognizes and reveres
the responsibility that has been given
to them. May they see it as a divine
trust given by You. Cause them to be
wise and proper stewards of their
positions, and keep them from the
evil that could so easily ensnare
them in dishonesty. By the power
of Jesus we pray, amen.