Prayers & Promises for First Responders E-Book

Adam Davis

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Serie: Prayers & Promises
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Seitenzahl: 141

Beschreibung

God's promises are forever. First responders across the globe bravely serve the public every day despite the inevitable dangers their professions present, yet their service does not come without cost. Prayers & Promises for First Responders is the perfect encouraging resource for police officers, firefighters, EMTs, military personnel, and everyone behind the scenes. Arranged by theme, this book contains inspirational Scriptures, powerful prayers, and thought-provoking questions to help readers draw closer to God and find strength and peace. Trials and hardship are sure to come, but you can stand proudly on the foundation of God's Word that lasts forever. For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 NIV

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC

Savage, Minnesota, USA

BroadStreetPublishing.com

Prayers & Promises for First Responders

Copyright © 2021 by Adam Davis and Lt. Col. Dave Grossman

978-1-4245-6278-7 (faux leather)

978-1-4245-6279-4 (e-book)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Scripture quotations marked TPT are from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ThePassionTranslation.com. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®NIV®. Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. Scripture marked KJV is taken from the King James Version of the Bible, public domain. Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®. Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Scripture quotations marked CSB are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

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Published in association with Cyle Young of the Hartline Literary Agency, LLC. Cover and interior by Garborg Design at GarborgDesign.com

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DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to all of the men and women who serve communities in our nation—from coast to coast and from sea to shining sea. For the police officer, the firefighter, the emergency medical technician, and everyone behind the scenes. May you find peace and comfort in your times of need, an encouraging word for moments when you’re feeling down, and a challenging thought to draw you closer to God. This book is for you in honor of your unrelenting service to our nation.

THEMES

Abandonment

Assurance

Atonement

Authority

Belief

Belonging

Blessing

Calling

Care

Chosen

Comfort

Companionship

Compassion

Condemnation

Confidence

Contentment

Courage

Covenant

Death

Defense

Deliverance

Depression

Discipleship

Discipline

Disobedience

Enemies

Eternal Life

Evil

Fairness

Faith

Family

Fear

Forgiveness

Freedom

Fulfillment

Future

Generosity

Goodness

Grace

Guidance

Healing

Heaven

Help

Holiness

Holy Spirit

Hope

Identity

Idolatry

Jesus

Justice

Leadership

Life

Loneliness

Love

Mercy

Obedience

Patience

Peace

Persecution

Perseverance

Power

Prayer

Protection

Purpose

Reconciliation

Redemption

Repentance

Rest

Sacrifice

Self-Control

Strength

Testing

Trust

Wisdom

Works

INTRODUCTION

All books are not created equal. Each has a life of its own and a unique purpose. Within the pages of this book, you will find encouraging Scripture passages. But before you proceed, we would also like you to understand what we hope you will experience as you read. While moving through the book, set aside time to dig into the Scripture and study it within context. For example, if you see a particular Scripture verse that inspires you, read the chapter in which it’s found and learn more about the history of the verse, the cultural background, and the meaning of key-words in the original text. In short, we suggest reading it as follows:

1. Read the devotional entries.

2. Contemplate the message in prayer.

3. Read the applicable Scripture verses.

4. Study them within their context to understand the deeper meaning.

In times of hardship and adversity, we must rely and stand on the foundation of God’s Word. Trials will come, trouble will undoubtedly arise, but the promises of God are forever. Stand on his promises and use these prompts to become a devoted student of God’s Word.

ABANDONMENT

Life presents us with challenges, and many are difficult to overcome. One such challenge is that of abandonment. Biological parents abandon their children, spouses abandon spouses, friends abandon friends, and agencies and fellow brothers and sisters abandon first responders. This world has nothing good in it except those who are followers of Christ and doing the work of his kingdom. Even on the cross Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 NIV). Sin permanently separates humanity from God, but Jesus restored that separation. It was sin that Jesus bore on the cross for all humankind, for all time. If others abandon you, rest assured that no matter what you face in life, Jesus will not abandon you. That is perfect peace and a blessed assurance of hope and comfort in Christ.

Heavenly Father, my life is not my own. I know to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If others abandon me and if the world forsakes me, I cling to you. Be present in all my circumstances. Amen.

How can you incorporate these passages into your life as reminders of the ever-present help of God?

Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.

PSALMS 27:10 NLT

LORD, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God.

PSALMS 38:21 NIV

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

HEBREWS 13:5 NLT

Persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:9 NIV

ASSURANCE

Assurance from the wrong source can provide us with a false sense of security. What a blessed assurance it is to know that Jesus paid the price for our redemption, and all we must do is accept it, embrace it, and live it, and the Word of God will change everything about who we are! The assurance of our salvation is most often debated when we consider a life negotiated with sin instead of surrendered to Christ. Our assurance is simple, and it is this: Jesus came, he died, he rose, and he lives. And in this, by this, and through this, we have eternal life, so long as we confess his name, surrender our lives to his leading, and allow his Word to change our hearts and minds. Rest today in the perfect assurance that our heavenly Father will never change his love for us, and the door is always open to talk to him. He’s made a way for us to have eternal life. Will you accept it?

Heavenly Father, when my heart is shaken, let your unfailing love and perfect sacrifice be a reminder of the assurance I need—that as Christ lives in me, I have the assurance for eternity. Amen.

What do you believe is the greatest step we can take to receive assurance of eternal life?

The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

ISAIAH 32:17 KJV

Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

HEBREWS 11:1 NIV

We know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you.

1 THESSALONIANS 1:4 NIV

Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

EPHESIANS 3:17 NLT

ATONEMENT

Blood in our veins gives us life. Blood on sacrificial altars in the Old Testament was provided for the sins of people, to purify them and make them right with God. But once and for all, a perfect atonement for sin was made when God sent his only Son, Jesus, to die for all of humanity. The Father made the way for all of us to have a relationship with him through his Son, Jesus. That’s the power of atonement. Imagine having to make regular animal sacrifices, like in the Old Testament, and how blessed we are with the life of Jesus. Our response to this atonement should be lives of daily sacrifice, devotion, surrender, and alignment with the Word of God.

Heavenly Father, today I thank you for the perfect atoning blood of your Son, Jesus, and what it means for me. I can have eternal life, and all my sin is washed clean because of this blessed atonement. Help me to live a life worthy of this perfect sacrifice. Amen.

In what ways can your life honor the perfect sacrifice of atonement made for our sins?

The life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.

LEVITICUS 17:11 NIV

It behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

HEBREWS 2:17KJV

Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the LORD, people avoid evil.

PROVERBS 16:6 NLT

Iniquities prevail against me; As for our transgressions, You will provide atonement for them.

PSALM 65:3 NKJV

AUTHORITY

Without a doubt, those in authority have abused their positions in every venue of our society: politics, church, family, and the workplace. Possessing authority doesn’t necessarily mean that you are in a powerful position, and it is certainly not a license to lord control over other people. It is a requirement to be an example to those around you. If you are a husband or wife, submit to each other out of reverence for Christ. Lead biblically. If you hold a leadership position in your workplace or local church, accept the responsibility that comes with it and hold yourself accountable for your actions. To be a biblical leader who leads with humility under the authority of the Great Shepherd means you abide by the Word of God and lead accordingly. It’s not permission to be heavy-handed or domineering. No biblical authority comes without great responsibility and accountability for all actions and behaviors. Whether your authority is in the home, in the church, or in the world, use that authority biblically and be an example that honors God.

Heavenly Father, guide me in all I am tasked with today and help me exercise authority that honors you and leads others to a closer walk with you. Amen.

How can biblical authority empower you to be a more effective servant leader in life?

I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

LUKE 10:19 NKJV

At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

PHILIPPIANS 2:10–11 ESV

Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!”

MARK 1:27 NLT

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

JAMES 4:7 NIV

He called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

LUKE 9:1KJV

BELIEF

If you say, “I believe in airplanes,” but you’ve never boarded a plane, then your level of belief is merely intellectual. You know about airplanes, you have seen them fly, and you know they exist, but you have continued driving long distances instead of utilizing the very resource that you believe in. That’s the power of belief in God’s Word. We must not only believe in the information he provides in his Word, but we must also believe in our hearts and accept that truth as life-changing. We must allow the truth of his Word to affect how we think, speak, and act. Even demons believe Jesus was born, died, and resurrected. Even demons believe in the Bible, but they do not have life-changing faith. Belief is an element of faith, but belief must be more than intellectual. It must affect our thoughts, our words, and every aspect of our lives. Center your life on what you believe, and place your belief in the truth of God’s Word. Let it change you!

Heavenly Father, for every moment I merely believed with my mind but not my heart, I ask for your forgiveness. I believe. I submit not only my mind to you but also my entire life. Amen.

How can daily Bible study help you develop a stronger, deeper understanding of God’s Word, thus developing an enduring belief in him?

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

MARK 9:23 NKJV

Jesus shouted out passionately, “To believe in me is to also believe in God who sent me. For when you look at me you are seeing the One who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world so that all who trust in me will no longer wander in darkness.”

JOHN 12:44–46 TPT

Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

JOHN 20:29 NIV

The Scriptures encourage us with these words: “Everyone who believes in him will never be disappointed.”

ROMANS 10:11 TPT

I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

1 JOHN 5:13 HCSB

BELONGING

In a society where we are “connected” through digital platforms such as social media, smartphones, virtual meetings, texting, and more, we are more disconnected than ever before. In a 2018 study by Cigna,1 three out of five Americans reported feeling lonely, and only about twenty-five percent feel like they belong or that others understand them. Doesn’t it feel good to know that we have a heavenly Father who accepts us as we are, loves us through it all, and sticks by our side regardless of what life throws at us? Belonging isn’t found in social trends; it’s found in sticking to what you believe in, being vulnerable with those you love, and being present in the moment with your family. God’s Word sets the standard for belonging, and he calls those who believe in him his own. Know who you are, where you belong, and whom you belong to.

Heavenly Father, help me remember that you are always near. Remind me through your Word that I am never alone and that I can find true belonging in relationship with you and relationships with other believers. Amen.

1 “New Cigna Study Reveals Loneliness at Epidemic Levels in America,” Cigna, Multivu, May 01, 2018, https://www.multivu.com.

How does adhering to the Word of God properly align your priorities for healthy belonging in this life?

You will be My people, and I will be your God.

JEREMIAH 30:22 HCSB

However, your real source of joy isn’t merely that these spirits submit to your authority, but that your names are written in the journals of heaven and that you belong to God’s kingdom. This is the true source of your authority.

LUKE 10:20 TPT

Jesus, the Holy One, makes us holy. And as sons and daughters, we now belong to his same Father, so he is not ashamed or embarrassed to introduce us as his brothers and sisters!

HEBREWS 2:11 TPT

BLESSING