For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. Titus 2:11-15

stacked papers: Splash by Kristmess Designs

Heavenly Father, We look to you for help.  We know that you are our help to renounce ungodliness and control ourselves, help to become pure and holy like you, to be zealous for the good works you prepared in advance for us to do, help to be worthy of being your set-part possession, help to stand firm in your word as we wait for Jesus' return, and help to exhort others to aim for purity and faithfulness along with us.  Thank you for our Helper, the Holy Spirit, who enables us to want to please you and to know and do your will.  In Jesus' altogether lovely name, Amen.

Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. Philippians 3:17

kit: Gingerbread Kisses by Kristmess Designs

Heavenly Father, We are so grateful for the beautiful example of the worthy ones who have gone before us, as their stories are recorded for us in the Bible.  Thank you for giving their testimony through the word and their lives of how we should live.  We want our lives to please you and to bring you honor and glory as well.  Please help us to do just that--to do only your will and all of your will.  In the most highly exalted name of your Son, who conquered sin and death by His perfect love and obedience, Amen.

Know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.  Deuteronomy 4:39

kit: Gingerbread Kisses by Kristmess Designs

Heavenly Father, We praise and thank you that by your very name, the great I AM, we can know that there is no other and never has been or will be any other God but you.  The fact that you reveal yourself to us is as amazing to us as the wonders of your creation itself.  As David said in Psalm 8:4, who are we?  As he said in v. 9, "How majestic is your name in all the earth!"  We can't wait until the whole world knows and acknowledges that you are Lord of all.  We lay all that we are at your feet and pray that you will make us into useful, worthy vessels for your service.  Please fill these jars of clay to overflowing from your spring of living water so that everyone around us gets a taste of your goodness, leaving them wanting more of you--the hope of the world.  In the name of Jesus, the giver of eternal life, Amen.

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14