Heavenly Father, thank You for the Gospel of Matthew and the amazing way it gives us an understanding into the life and times of Jesus during His first advent. Thank You for the ministry and message of John the Baptist, who was so faithful to his calling as forerunner and herald to the King of kings and Lord of lords. John's simple yet profound message to: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand," was sadly rejected by the majority of Israel. But praise Your name that the day is coming when Christ will return to earth to set up His kingdom of heaven on earth and Israel will repent and finally recognise Jesus as their Messiah and King. Praise Your holy name, AMEN.
Heavenly Father, thank You that I have been baptised into Your Body and will never face the wrath of God and the judgement of fire. I pray that my life would be a light to the unsaved - for the glory to God and that You would look down in mercy on those who have not yet trusted in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin and life everlasting. This I pray in Jesus' name, AMEN.
Heavenly Father, thank You that the Lord Jesus fulfilled all righteousness on my behalf so that I have been set free from the bondage of sin, slavery to Satan, and the final enemy - death. Thank You that Jesus is my holy High Priest, Who is ever living to make intercession for me. Thank You that You identified with my sin so that I might be identified with Your righteousness. And thank You, Father, that all the waves and billows of God's wrath were poured out on Christ on my account so that all righteousness might be fulfilled on my behalf by the Lord Jesus, in Whose name I pray, AMEN.
Oh Father, I am staggered by Your grace and glory that Christ should do all this for me. I am not worthy to pick up the crumbs under Your table, and yet in Your goodness and grace, Christ lived and died so that I too might die to the old life and live my new life in Him forever. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus' name, AMEN.