#1 - Salvation - Is. 45:8, 2 Tim. 2:10

In the reading from 2 Timothy chapter 2, verses 8-10, we read:

"This is the Good News I preach, and I am suffering because of it to the point of being bound with chains like a criminal. (These are Paul's words, you may want to go to this chapter in 2 Tim and read the whole chapter). But God's teaching is not in chains. So I patiently accept all these troubles so that those whom God has chosen can have the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. With that salvation comes glory that never ends!"

What is salvation? In the Reader's Digest Great Encyclopedia dictionary it says "The process or state of being saved; preservation from impending evil. Deliverance from sin and penalty". So, salvation means we are saved. Saved from what? Saved from the evil that is in the world! Saved from our sin and the penalty of our sin. Saved FOR the glory of God. Saved from an eternity in hell, saved for an eternity in heaven! It is VICTORY!!!

Sometimes life doesn't seem fair, does it? Have you ever wondered why good people have to hurt? Why the innocent suffer? Often it seems that those who have been most battered by life seem to understand Jesus best, and His assurance finds its way into the darkest corners of life, because regardless of our circumstances, God meets our needs. By surrendering to Him, the ultimate victory is ours.

What is unique about the kingdom of God is that you are assured of victory. You have won! You are assured that you will someday stand before the face of God and see the King of Kings. You are assured that someday you will enter a world where there will be no more pain, no more tears, no more sorrow.

If you have no faith in the future, then you have no power in the present. If you have no faith in the life beyond this life, then your present life is going to be powerless. But if you believe in the future and are assured of victory, then there should be a dance in your step and a smile on your face.

Our Father, who art in heaven
Hallow'ed be Thy name
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done . . . .

#31 - A heart for missions

"Lord, please help my children, my grandchildren - my family - to develop a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples"
(Ps. 96:3)

(This is the last of these "Biblical Virtues to pray for our kids, our grandkids, our families and ourselves". Now I will publish my sharings about each of the scriptures mentioned in these prayers. Also, I will publish stories and witness to each of these prayers. I ask that each of you also share your thoughts, stories, witnessing. As you read what I publish here, you may get little stories and thoughts, and memories - please jot them down here for all of us to share with you. We all really appreciate the comments that have been published with each prayer for these 31 days. Thank you!)

HOPE I'M DOING THIS RIGHT

I am no longer sure how to post a prayer request and have it end up where it belongs. Here goes...............

I offer a prayer of thanksgiving that Tiffany is now in a facility where she can get drug/alcohol abuse treatment, along with many other life-skill training programs. She can also get medical and dental treatment and counselling. AND the programs in this facility are Bible-based. Praise God!

Please pray that she stay the course until God is able to completely transform her into a new life with Him. Thank you Jesus for all you are doing for Tiffany.

If this posts somewhere other than prayer requests, maybe you can give us a refresher course on how to post a prayer request, Lonnie. Thanks!

#30 - Gratitude

"Help my children, grandchildren - my family - to live lives that are always overflowing with thankfulness and always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph. 5:20, Col. 2:7)

#29 - Prayerfulness

"Grant, Lord, that my children's, my grandchildren's - my family's - lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Eph. 6:18)

#28 - Self-discipline

"Father, I pray that my children, my grandchildren - family - may acquire a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair" (Prov. 1:3)

#27 - Passion for God

"Lord, please instill in my children, grandchildren - family - a soul that 'followeth hard after thee' (Ps 63:8), one that clings passionately to you."

#26 - Willingness and ability to work

"Teach my children, grandchildren - family - Lord, to value work and to work at it with all their heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Col. 3:23)

Jeremiah 29:11-14a and Psalm 27:7-14

I posted these scriptures on the Hanson Happenings. I was praying for Tammy this morning and they came to me. As I was printing it, I realized that it is also meant for Linda, and all of us as well. Linda can substitute Dennis's, Jim's names where I substituted Rob's name for Tamara. Please read them either on that blog, or from your bible. Respond to what they are speaking to you. Thanks. Keep praying.

#25 - Hope

"May the God of hope grant that my children, my grandchildren - my family - may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13)

#24 - A servant's heart

"God, please help my children, my grandchildren - my family - to develop servants' hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, not men". (Eph. 6:7)

#23 - Faith

"I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's, grandchildren's - my familie's - hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them" (Luke 17:5-6, Heb 11:1-40)

#22 - Contentment

"Father, teach my children, my grandchildren - my family - the secret of being content in any and every situation, through Him who gives them strength" (Phil. 4:12-13)