Author: Greg Harrell

Good morning. Felicitations and blessings to you as we begin a new week given by our Good God!

Read Rom 15:1 – 13

In these verses taken from what some refer to as “The Gospel of Paul”, we are provided with some valuable instructions and insights:

We bear with and consider our neighbors. Our desire is that they are lifted up (edified); and as we become stronger in our faith, we are to have even more regard for others.

The SCRIPTURES are patience and comfort.

GOD is patience and comfort.

Unity (like-mindedness) is pleasing to the LORD, and provides us all with a platform to better glorify God for His mercy towards us.

And here is my prayer over you as you start this new week (vv 13): “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”.  Amen!

Brother, it is Friday morning, and we praise our LORD for helping us and guiding us through this week!

Read Psalm 148.

The earth, and everything in it; weather and wind; highest mountains and deepest depths; every creature, swimming, creeping, or flying; and every person, from the lowly to the king – all of creation is instructed to praise the name of the LORD.

In these extraordinary times in which we live, it is easy to get distracted, but always remember that one of reasons you were created is to give praise to the One who worthy of all of our praise!

And as we head into the weekend, I want to close by quoting 2 verses from Romans 1 that express my heart towards you, as my brother in Christ: “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.”.

Encouraged together – Amen!

Thursday morning, and may our Good God bless you and all you undertake today!

Read 2 Peter 1:1 – 11.

According to this portion of Peter’s second letter, our journey through this life on our way to the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord Jesus is to be one of active and purposeful growth.

Isaiah 28 says “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little.”. In like manner, Peter tells us here that our spiritual growth is a building process, starting on the firm foundation of our faith. Upon that foundation, through the abundance of Jesus, we add “bricks” consisting of virtue, knowledge, self-control, and so forth.

Peter instructs us to be diligent in this building process, this spiritual growth he is calling us to – “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (vv 8); and, “if you do these things you will never stumble;” (vv 10b).

Brother, let’s get to work! Amen!

Mid-week greetings to you, brother!

As you read today’s passage, first prepare your heart – these words given to us by our Good God comprise a powerful declaration that you can make over yourself; as well as all of the loved ones around you.

Read Psalm 20. Selah.

He has already saved us; as His people, we…

…petition the LORD.

…raise up banners in His mighty Name.

…rejoice in His salvation.

…remember the Name of the LORD.

…rise up and stand upright.

…know that He answers us.

Amen!

Tuesday morning greetings to you, friend!

Read Philippians 3:20 – 4:9

Many of us are familiar with these portions of Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. Even so, as you read this passage this morning, take note that the words of encouragement Paul was conveying to these believers centuries ago are just as applicable to us today.

For example, this scripture reminds us that we are “just passing through” this world, that our true citizenship is in heaven; we are exhorted to stand fast in the Lord; and we are promised that God’s unfathomable peace will serve to guard our hearts and minds.

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Amen!

Good Monday morning to you, my friend. I pray that the blessings of our LORD will be upon you during this new week.

Read Jonah 2.

This is the prayer offered up by the disobedient prophet after he had been in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights. And this specific petition before God serves to instruct us in a number of ways:

1 – even if we are facing the most dire circumstances, our Good God is still (always) crafting His Kingdom story in each of our lives

2 – no matter where we are, our LORD hears our prayers

3 – we pray with confidence, looking forward to the deliverance that God will provide

4 – His name is MERCY

5 – we thank Him in the midst of trials, recognizing that He, and He alone, is our salvation

No matter what you are facing today, take heart – remember Jonah’s prayer, and be confident that He hears your pleas and knows your situation. Pray!

Read 1 Cor 2

In this portion of Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, we are reminded of several key tenants of our walk and our faith:

We put our trust in the power of God and not in men.

God’s Spirit has been given to us as believers.

His Spirit reveals to us the deep things of God.

We are to use His Spirit to discern between man’s wisdom and God’s will.

We have the mind of Christ!

This world was both confused and confusing before the current crisis began; the level of turmoil that we have seen develop as the crisis has advanced and evolved is unparalleled. Now, more than ever, each of us need to be filled with His Spirit so that we can discern His truth and His will.

And as you start this day, be encouraged, because as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” Amen!

Our Good God’s amazing blessings to you on this Wednesday morning, brother!

Read 2 Tim 2:11 – 26.

Our LORD has appointed us to walk out a high standard before Him and before those around us. Among other things, this passage instructs us to be diligent in pursuing God’s approval; to seek out the truth of the word; to depart from iniquity and flee from lusts; and to chase righteousness, faith, love, and peace.

Through these specific Kingdom pursuits, an incredible transformation occurs: we all, every one of us, can be made into a vessel of honor, suitable for use by the Master. This is indeed a high calling, and a wonderful promise from God.

LORD, make me into one of Your vessels of honor! Use me for Your good purposes, Master! Amen!