You shall find this to be God’s usual course: not to give his children the taste of his delights till they begin to sweat in seeking after them. (Richard Baxter)

This Week’s Scripture

• Genesis 28:10-19

• Psalm 139:1-24

• Romans 8:12-25

• Matthew 13:24-43

Adoration

Romans 8:16-17

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Victory in Jesus (verse 1)

I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory,
how he gave his life on Calvary to save a wretch like me;
I heard about his groaning, of his precious blood’s atoning,
then I repented of my sins and won the victory.
O victory in Jesus, my Savior forever!
He sought me and bought me with his redeeming blood;
he loved me ere I knew him, and all my love is due him;
he plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood
(Eugene Bartlett)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 
Confession

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24)

Thou whose mercy is without measure, whose goodness never fails, grant us the forgiveness of what is past, and a perfect repentance of all our sins; that for the time to come we may with a pure spirit do thy will, O God, walking humbly with thee and charitably with all men. In Christ we pray. Amen. (The Book of Worship for Church and Home)

As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
 
Thanksgiving

Heirs with Christ - Sons and daughters of God - Adopted into the family of God through the work of the Lord Jesus - Led by his Spirit - The reality that as we suffer with Christ we will also be glorified with him. Gracious God, this is too much to comprehend. The joy that wells up in our hearts as we consider all of this, for even a second, is beyond measure. Thank you for your goodness in not turning away from us, but bringing us to yourself, that we might not only know you but also be your children, redeemed by your love. Help us, therefore, by the power of your Spirit, to not lead lives of fear and sinfulness. Instead, enable us to live lives marked by ever-increasing righteousness, so that the world will see us and give you glory in heaven. In your most holy name we pray. Amen. (based on Romans 8:12-17)

Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life.
 
Supplication (Petition – prayers for yourself)

• Help me to mature in my faith and to increasingly please God by my thoughts, words, and deeds.

• Particular struggles in various relationships

• My activities for this day

• Other needs

 
Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)

• My Family

• My local church 

• My denomination

• Para-church ministries, particularly Christian education and discipleship  

• Evangelistic ministries 

• Other needs

 
Faith is a reasoning trust, a trust which reckons thoughtfully and confidently upon the trustworthiness of God. (John Stott)

Thank you for joining me today as we begin our week walking with our Lord. Remember, there are resources that come out weekly that do not go out via email. You can find more devotionals, Bible studies, and other resources by clicking here: Walking Points.