Scotty Smith

   “I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of...

“My sheep hear my voice. I know them. No one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28    Lord Jesus, this isn’t just a statement of fact; it’s a revelation of grace. These four affirmations are pregnant with new life that greets us every day in every situation...

“Nevertheless… rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (From Luke 10:17-20).     Lord Jesus, what an amazing story—the 72 disciples you sent out on mission came back with supernatural and irrepressible joy. Yet you cautioned them about anchoring their joy in anything or anyone other than you and the blessings...

  “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning—waiting for Jesus to return. It’ll be good for those who Jesus finds waiting and watching for him. Wondrously, Jesus will dress himself to serve them. He will have his bride recline at the table and will come and wait...

“This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead… He will deliver us, yet again, as you help us by your prayers.”  2 Cor. 1:9-11    Heavenly Father, even as the Apostle Paul was tabbed “the apostle of grace,” so he’s also our...

   This is what the Lord Almighty has promised: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew—the Messiah, Jesus himself. They will grab his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you—in...

   “God is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” (Acts 17:25)    Heavenly Father, this is a glorious and freeing verse from your Word. I was taught as a child to be a nice boy...

   Hallelujah! “Jesus lives forever! His priesthood is permanent, and his kingship is uncontested. He completely saves those who come to God through him, for His sacrifice for us was once-and-for-all and the righteousness we now wear is his. Jesus never stops interceding for us, we are un-snatch-able from his hand, inseparable...

   “He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me—in fact, the Lord “greatly delights” in all of his people. (Ps.18:19, Zeph.3:17).   “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)    Dear Lord Jesus, we love you...

    I’m a mess Lord, but I’m your mess  … ”I am always with you only because you hold me by my right hand, you guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh...

“Set me from my prison, that I may praise your name! (Ps.142:7)    Jesus, great Lord and Liberator, when King David prayed for freedom from his prison, he wasn’t behind iron bars, he was hiding in a cave. He felt pursued, trapped, and alone. He also knew where to look...

 “Onesiphorus often refreshed me and wasn’t ashamed of my chains. When he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me.” (2Tim.1:16–17)    Lord Jesus, thank you for my Onesiphorus-like friends. “Refreshers” who live as well-placed fountains of your grace, mercy-givers in response to my weaknesses, bearers of...

  “Reckless people use their words to pierce like a sword. But the wise use their words to bring healing.” (pp Prov. 12:18)    Gracious Jesus, I love words. I especially love the way you use words to bring us healing, freedom, and hope. You never shame us with your words....

  “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” Prov. 17:9    Lord Jesus, rarely does the phrase “cover-up” imply something good is going on. But there’s a way of handling one another’s failures, sins, and weaknesses that is profoundly good. There is...

   “When we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn… fighting without and fear within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus. 2 Cor. 7:5-6    Gracious Father, thank you—thank you that the Gospel frees us to...