May 29 Your Word is Light!

Lord Jesus, thank You for sending Your Word to me.  You created this entire place for me to live: the planet, solar system, universe; much like I would plan a nursery for a loved and expected baby.

You worked out everything just right – gravity, air pressure, temperature, light, radiation – more things than I can imagine – to work together perfectly to sustain my life.  Just seeing this amazing creation communicates the existence of the designer.

Somehow, Your existence has been passed down and translated so that even in places where no modern man has ever been, people know of and worship You.  But for me, You made sure there was a written record of Your presence, of Your purpose, and of Your love for me.

“Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”  When it is dark, unseen hazards can trip me up, causing falls and even injuries.  Things that could be stepped over or around if seen become potentially dangerous obstacles.

So it is in life.  Even when the sun is out and visibility is good, unseen things are at work that can cause problems.  Emotions, motivations, misinformation and schemes can all trip me up.  Your Word can help me be aware of and deal with such issues so I can avoid a potential fall or injury.

Your Word shines a light on my circumstances by giving me perspective.  Or by helping me see truth.  Or by making me wise to my own condition.  It gives me guidance in how to make decisions.

Your Word provides me with a moral compass.  It reminds me that my value comes from You, not the world’s view of success.  It warns me of things like “pride goes before a fall” and “better to have a little honestly than much by illicit gain.”

By illuminating truth with Your Word, You keep my feet steady on the path and keep me from stumbling.

“Accept O Lord, the willing praise from my mouth.”  Thank You!  Thank You!  Amen

Psalm 119:98, 105, 108

Mar 25 Help me see

Lord thank You for these pictures in scripture about the ability to see truth for what it is and to understand the meaning behind being a follower of Christ.

Your first picture reminds me that although a blind person who cannot see can help another blind person, there are blocks they will both stumble over due to their lack of vision.

And the second illustrates how I sometimes try and “help” someone else by fixing a problem I see in their life when I have bigger problems in my own life.

How many times have I relied on the advice and guidance of another person, who is “in the dark” as much as I am?   

Rather than coming to You, my own lack of vision blinds me to the truth.

In both these examples, I need to remember to look to You for guidance, answers and perspective on issues in my life and seek Your help in correcting my own issues.

Your last illustration shows how important it is that when I come to You for “vision” I need to be obedient to what You tell me. You and Your wisdom and faithfulness build the foundation for my faith.  And in times like these, a firm foundation is absolutely necessary.

During these times of crisis and challenge, we need to know what our faith is based on.  And that its foundation is sure and reliable.  Father, You are that sure foundation that will keep us from collapsing.

Open my eyes of understanding.  I choose to turn – not to other blind people – but to the Creator who made my eyes and gives me sight.  Amen

Luke 6:39-49

Jan 17 Be my Guide

Lord, I desire to dwell with You in Your sanctuary. And to live on Your holy hill.  Your Word tells me how.

Help me keep my walk blameless and do what is righteous according to Your standards. When I am not sure which is the right way, give me discernment. When I know what is right, give me strength to do what is right.

Keep me from temptation that would entice me to act unjustly or immorally. Do not let me be drawn into evil or behave badly for personal gain.

Help me speak the truth from my heart, even when it is more convenient to lie. I desire to be honest in my speech and in my actions. Do not allow me to speak ill of others or be a gossip.

Help me treat my neighbor as I want to be treated, with respect and compassion. Teach me to hate what is wrong and vile; not calling what is good evil, or what is evil, good. And to stand up for right, defending those who are defenseless.

Show me how to recognize and give honor to those who are godly and live their lives in the fear of the Lord.

When I make a promise, help me keep my word, even when it is not convenient. Even when it costs me more that I thought it would. Let my yes be yes and my no be no.

When I can lend to one in need, do not let me take advantage of their need for my own profit. But let me act compassionately. When it is profitable to deceive others, let me turn away from that temptation. Do not let me accept a bribe or cause harm to the innocent.

Teach me and strengthen me to walk in this way, to live uprightly and to love mercy. Living this kind of life will give me confidence and courage. It will be an example to my children and to others. And it will help me to honor You.

This is my desire. Amen

Psalm 15:1-5

Jan 2 Keep me from “serpent speak”

O Father, Proverbs tells me “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Lord, I do not wish to be a fool.  Help me keep my sense of awe and respect for You.  I yearn for Your wisdom and instruction.  Keep me teachable and open to hear Your voice and see Your wonders.

I completely acknowledge You as Creator of the Universe and all that is in it. You alone possess the Sovereignty and Authority and Power to rule over and be Lord over all.

What an infinite imagination to think up all the combinations of flowers, birds, animals and insects!  And not just how they look, but how they sound, and smell!  I am amazed by You!

Surely, Eve must have been amazed by You too; walking in the Garden of Eden that You created!  Yet she gave in to temptation.   She listened to the serpent and was deceived. (And I’m still blown away that she didn’t seem surprised at all that a serpent was speaking!)

When the serpent misquoted You, she did not check it out.  And when he told a half-truth, that she would “be like” You, she believed it.  She trusted what she understood with her own eyes and logic instead of coming to You.

Father, do not let me make this mistake. 

When I hear a voice tempting me with something You have already spoken about, help me remember what You’ve said.  If I do not, remind me to come to You for direction.

 Keep me from rushing to accept what is said without checking it out.  Let me be wise to the tactic of using just enough truth to sound right as a scheme to derail me.

Lord, do not let me be misled by falsehoods or half-truths. 

It is not just the voice of the evil one, but also this world and my own flesh that lead me down a wrong path, away from You.  Many temptations lure me to be more or have more than I am, playing into greed or pride, a sense of self-importance, inflated ego, fame or fortune.  But as seen here, this temptation was only half true, and had a huge price.

“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.”  This sounds like she was being perfectly logical, if it weren’t for the fact that You had already told her it was wrong!

Sometimes I can logically think my way into a wrong answer too.  Remind me, Father, to come to You, to seek Your perspective above all others.  Whether considering an opportunity, or dealing with a hardship: if there seems to be wisdom the world offers, or a logic to my mind, or a sense in my flesh, let me submit them all to You.

And thank You Father, that even when I make mistakes and sin; as with Adam and Eve, You have shed Your blood and covered me.  You have made a way for me to be back in fellowship with You, forever.  You are amazing!  Amen

Genesis 3:1-24; Proverbs 1:7

Dec 24 Search my heart

Father, through Zechariah, You told the people of Bethel that it was not simply the observance of anniversaries, holy festivals, feasts and fasting, which pleased You.  It is the condition of my heart that You are concerned with.

While it is true that those things can be done as acts of worship to honor You, the Lord Almighty; they can also be done for the sake of the activity.  You alone know the hearts of the people involved; whether they participate to please themselves or to honor You. 

Father, today help me examine myself.  Search my heart, look at my motives.  Do not let me simply “go through the motions.”  Fill my spirit! 

When I praise You, I will do it with a full and sincere heart.

When I give money or time or energy, I will do it gladly as an act of worship.

When I read Your Word, I will do it with an open mind and spirit to hear and receive what You have to say to me.

When I feast or fast, I will do it not for the recognition of others, but for an audience of One – You.

And whether I am celebrating Christmas or Passover I will do it with sensitivity to the spiritual meaning, not just what history or the world has made it to be.

Father, I acknowledge and thank You for Your deeds.  I celebrate and trust the way You do things.  I don’t always understand, because Your ways are not my ways – but I trust them.  And I cannot wait until every knee bows to You, and every tongue confesses that You, indeed, are Lord!  Amen!

Zechariah 7:1-14

Dec 17 Two things I ask

“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die:

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; 

give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. 

Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord? 

Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

Father, I see much wisdom in these words.  I also ask for these two things.

First, do not let me be entangled by telling or believing lies. 

Let me be true to my word and speak the truth in love; by the words I say and the way I allow others to perceive me.  Do not let me put on airs or mislead anyone into thinking I am something I am not.

And do not let me be misled by the lies or deceptions of others.  Help me see truth by shining Your light to dispel the darkness of lies and deception.

Second, let me live with what I need.  Not in poverty and not in riches.  Each of these might cause me to overlook You and focus on my circumstances.  For in both directions, I have seen people take their eyes off You.

If the need is so great, it can be a temptation to sin by stealing and cursing You.  And if the excess is too great, it can lead to pride, greed, and a self-sufficiency that disregards the need for You.

These are wise words Father, and they are my prayer.  Amen

Proverbs 30:7-9

Nov 25 Live in the Light, like Daniel

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are Yours.  You change times and seasons;  You depose kings and raise up others.  You give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.  You reveal deep and hidden things; You know what lies in darkness,  and light dwells with You.  I thank and praise You…” 

Father, these words of Daniel’s are just as true today.  We still praise You!

After all these years of season after season, You are still the One who keeps the world in order.  And after generations of kings, You are still the One who holds their hearts and all power in Your hand.

All wisdom and knowledge are Yours.  Hundreds of years of human advancements and scientific discovery and technology, haven’t even scratched the surface when it comes to understanding this amazing universe You created!

Father, Daniel held tightly to his beliefs about You and his convictions about how to live a godly life.  And he did so in the midst of being kidnapped and taken a thousand miles away from home and family.

As a young man it would have been so easy for him to simply go along with whatever his captors pushed on him.  But even far away from family and the worship he knew, he knew that You were with him.

At that time, people worshipped pagan gods who they believed had power and influence over a specific thing like rainfall, crops, fertility or a particular place.   But Daniel knew You were the One True God over all these things.  And that no matter where he was, You were there.

 “Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel.”

And You were faithful to Daniel.   You allowed him to be faithful to the ways he had been taught and gave him success.  In addition to this, You gave Daniel and his four friends wisdom and understanding far beyond that of all others.

Father, help me be like Daniel.  Strengthen me to live the way You have taught me, and not give in to the pressures of whatever society offers.  Let me stand out so others will see that I live differently from the pagan ways of my culture.

Let the light that dwells in You, shine through me.  Amen

Daniel 1:1-21; 2:19-23

Nov 22 Teach me “Application”

What an amazing Psalm is the 119^th Psalm!  It is the longest Psalm.  It has more verses than 14 Old Testament books and 17 New Testament books.

Within it is found the verse that lies in the very center of Scripture – halfway between Genesis 1:1 and Revelation 22:21.

This Psalm was constructed with twenty-two stanzas, each beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew Alephbet.  And within each stanza, each of the eight verses begin with the letter of the stanza.

In almost every verse, there is a word that describes Your teaching: Word, law, commands, statues, decrees, precepts.  And almost each one teaches how to handle Your Word or be led and taught by it.

It is said that King David used this Psalm to teach his young son, Solomon the Alephbet.  It represented all the letters, but also illustrated spiritual truth of how to live a godly life.  So as I read it, Father, I also pray these verses as a guide for living according to Your Word.

“I will obey Your Word.  Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law…do not hide Your commands from me.”  Help me see beyond the Words to the meaning You have for these Words in my life.  Show me marvelous things that deepen my devotion to You.   

 “…Teach me Your decrees.  Let me understand the teaching of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders…strengthen me according to Your Word.” 

Father, beyond word studies and context references, reveal deeper meanings to me through Your Holy Spirit.   Show me how to be sensitive to the timing and teaching You use to increase my awareness and discernment so I can apply it to the circumstances of my life.

Understanding Your Word brings me strength!  What an awesome gift! 

Father, I choose Your truth and obedience to Your laws.  “I set my heart on Your laws.  I hold fast to Your statutes.“  “Be gracious to me… and do not let me be put to shame.”

I would rather You take my life than allow me to dishonor You.  I am Your servant.  You are my Master.   It is only by Your mercy and Your Word that I have life.  Amen

Psalm 119:17-32

Nov 8 May the Truth set us free

Father, as I read this section of Psalm 106, I fear that I personally, and my country, have together made the same mistakes Your people made in the desert.  They were not satisfied with the life You gave them; even the miracles You performed!  You delivered them from the hand of the enemy who had relegated them to slavery for generations, and then was set on destroying them.

In the wilderness at Meribah where You brought water from a rock for them to drink, they rebelled against Moses and Your provision.  They forgot that You had done something so mighty as parting the Red Sea for them, and delivering them from the hand of Pharaoh and his army.

Instead, they focused on their fleshly desires, doubting You could quench their thirst.

I too, sometimes focus on my own desires rather than the great blessings You have already worked in my life.  And I too respond with whining instead of faith.

When they came into the Promised Land, they “mingled with the nations and adopted their customs.”  I fear I have done the same by participating in the social customs of my times.   I and my country, have mingled godly beliefs with the socially acceptable values of the times.

What You call sin is no longer looked upon as sin.  People today seem to have no concept of what is right and wrong, and so no self-governing set of morals that direct or protect them.

Many things in my culture take the place of passion for You.  Sports teams, fame, money, power, shopping, alcohol and drugs, status, cars, beauty, youth: so many things have become idols in the lives of so many, even believers.

“They sacrificed their sons and daughters to false gods.  They shed innocent blood…” Father, I grieve over the number of babies who have been sacrificed on the altar of “choice” and “convenience.”  This land is desecrated by their blood.  And it defiles the people involved because of the act of taking a life.

But it also exacts a price they often pay in long-term emotional and psychological damage, not to mention the spiritual battle that they have lost in giving over ground to the enemy.

Yet, You “took note of their distress when You heard their cry…and out of Your great love You relented.”

Father, I am in distress and I cry out to You: for my personal sin and for the sin of my country.  Forgive, Lord.

I acknowledge and agree with You that I and my country have acted in rebellion in going our own way without following the path You set before us. And that my country and I have participated in social customs and values that have become a snare to us, even to the point of idolatry.

Lord I turn away from anything that seeks to take Your place in my life.  Forgive us for focusing on the flesh over the spiritual.

“Save us Lord our God…that we may give thanks to Your Holy name and glory in Your praise.  Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.  Let all the people say, ‘Amen!’”

Psalm 106:32-48

Nov 2 Don’t miss it!

Don’t let us miss the message today like the people in Ezekiel’s time did – but give us wisdom and discernment to recognize Your truth, and apply it to our lives…

Father, what You had Ezekiel do seems so hard.  Surely people must have thought he was crazy!  And yet, his strange behavior was an exact representation of all that would happen to Jerusalem!

He obeyed You so he would be a warning to the people.  But the people did not pay attention or return to You.  It makes me wonder about prophetic messages You are sending today, that no one is taking seriously…

Today, the good news is still being proclaimed!  But there are those who hear and it is “of no value to them, because they do not share the faith…” 

Father, open their ears!  Soften their hearts!  Do not allow them to be swept away by believing the lies and deception of the evil one! 

“Your Word is active and alive.”  Its truth can set people free from the darkness and deceit of the world and the evil one.  It can show them the way to go, and how to turn from evil desires.

Father, You can give them the strength to walk away from what they have known, and toward what is right; because you, Yourself, have walked this path of flesh!

Thank You that in Your humanness, You empathize with my weaknesses.  And thank You that You have invited me to “approach Your throne of grace with confidence…” in boldness, knowing I will “receive mercy and find grace to help me in my time of need.”  Your amazing grace provides me with forgiveness and eternal salvation.

Father, help me hear Your truth when You speak it to me.

Thank You that You know what I need even before I do!  And for providing all that I need in my times of need.  Amen

Ezekiel 4:1-5:4; Hebrews 4:1-16

Oct 14 Grow Your Truth in me

Father, Jeremiah –

was Your man on the ground, Your man on the scene.  He was the one of the few who spoke Your truth, yet no one listened to him or believed him and turned back to You because of it.

It’s as if Your truth is seed that was scattered, but the ground Jeremiah sowed it on was too hard to accept it.  It fell where it could not take root, and just blew away.

Paul spoke Your truth –

and taught it to the Thessalonians, and it took root.  Yet they were persecuted, endured hardship, and were deceived and confused by false teachers and liars.

The Thessalonians were better ground and accepted the seed, but it’s as if thorns grew up to choke out what sprouted, or birds tried to take it away.  Paul’s second letter was a good reminder for them to pull the thorns out and shoo the birds away in order to hold on to the truth that had grown in them.

You have given me the ability to discern Your truth by giving me Your written Word, and Your Holy Spirit residing within me, who speaks truth to me.   I feel as if I have the benefit of being given the most fertile soil of all.  And it is up to me to protect Your truth growing in me.  I need to “stand firm and hold fast to the teachings passed on to [me].”

Father, help me be faithful to make time each day to read Your precious Word.  And to come to You in prayer, and listen to You.  Enlighten me with understanding Your Word and what You say to me in prayer.  And strengthen me to be faithful and obedient to all I understand.

Remind me to guard Your truth in my heart and mind, and bring every other thought and teaching, philosophy and prophecy, to be measured against the plumb line of Your truth.

Your Word has taken firm root in my life.  Help me protect it and nurture it.  Let it leaf and flower and produce good fruit all my days.  I know that when Your timing is right, I will be with You for eternity.  Amen

Jeremiah 25:1-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

Meaning of the parable of the sower: Matthew 13:18-23

Oct 6 Your Word is my path

“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Father, destruction was coming and You instructed Your people with this verse.

Yet they did not obey or follow You.  Do not let me reject Your wisdom.  Today I stand seeking.  I look to You to guide and direct my thoughts.  Show me the way to go. Help me be steadfast to walk in Your way.

I trust Your leading.  Even if it is not the “popular” path.  Or the one that seems “logical” at the time.  Or the “easiest” one that seems to be clear of obstacles.  Give me strength to be obedient to what I hear You saying.

Paul said it this way:  “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

There are many followings today, many belief systems that are portrayed in the media as right and credible.  Do not let me be misled by these false, socially acceptable representations.  You have taught me the truth.  And I have aligned myself with You by faith, by public profession, by baptism and by the way I choose to live.

Just as false religions lead me away from You, so do the attitudes that would bind me to legalistic practices that come from man.  Such rules and regulations that many keep, and look down on those who do not, are just as damaging.  Their obedience is based on human commands and teachings of men’s interpretation.

Believers are Your Body.  And when the members of Your Body obey only each other, they have lost connection with You, their Head.

Bottom line Lord: let me hear Your voice, and obey what You tell me.  Let me truly live my life for an Audience of One.  You.  Amen

Jeremiah 6:16-21; Colossians 2:8-23

Sept 10 Give me understanding

Father, what a vision You gave Isaiah!  It’s as if he were privileged to peek into the actual Throne Room in Heaven itself!  His eyes were opened and he saw and described amazing things that are like nothing ever seen on earth.

And once again, when confronted with glimpses of Your glory, the human response is the recognition of our unworthiness.  In the presence of such greatness and holiness, human frailty pales in comparison.

You gave Isaiah a message for Your people.  You directed him to say to King Ahaz in the face of military invasion:  “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”  

It was true then, and it is true today.   A paraphrase I heard growing up was “If you don’t know what you stand for, you’ll fall for anything.” 

Because I believe You are God, Creator of the universe and the only Savior for all who You created, I can stand on You, a firm and solid rock.

How do I do that?

1 – It helps to have scripture verses that remind me of these truths.  “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”  Genesis 1:1  “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”  Psalm 23:1

2 – It helps to remember statements of truth that are based on scripture.  “God is who He says He is.  God can do what He says He can do.”

3 – Or to proclaim in song, “On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

These are some ways I find reassurance when I feel afraid or doubtful.

Father, I do not want to be “ever hearing but never understanding; ever seeing but never perceiving”, with my “heart calloused”, my “ears dull”, and my “eyes closed.”  I want to “see with my eyes, hear with my ears and understand with my heart…and be healed.”

When You open my eyes and ears, I have understanding.  And I can stand.  Father, help me stand even in the face of the invasion of the enemy.

Help me remember Your truths.  Help me recall Your faithfulness to me in the past.  These things build my faith even stronger.  And give me a firm place to stand.  Amen

Isaiah 6:1-10; 7:9

Sept 9 Recognize Truth

O Father, I pray that I will not be “deceived by the serpent’s cunning as Eve was,” and that my “mind would not be led astray from a pure and sincere devotion to Christ.”

The serpent used deception to lure Eve into sin.  He approached her boldly; the better to distract her.

He called into question what You had really said; the better to confuse her.

He cunningly suggested that what You wanted for her was not enough, was even bad for her; the better to entrap her.

Father, help me avoid falling into whatever traps the evil one sets for me.  Let me see through them; beyond the lure of the sound of his words, to the hook buried beneath.  The answer to this “serpent speak” is “God speak.” 

Help me be aware of all the ways You speak to me!

Through Your Word, in prayer, through creation, my circumstances, blessings, other people, dreams, visions, even pain,

1 – I need to be listening, really paying attention to all that You are saying to me.  In Hebrew, the word is sh’ma.  It means to listen so closely, so deeply, so diligently, that the words change the listener from the inside out.

The meaning also incorporates a response to those words as being similar to that of a mother who recognizes her baby’s cry and drops everything to respond immediately.  Father, let me sh’ma You, listen deeply and respond to You.

2 – I need to take some action for my mind to be guarded enough so that I am “not led away,”.  You give me and every believer armor: protection against the enemy.

I believe the Helmet of Salvation bears Your insignia so that all who see it will know I fight on Your side.  And it protects not only my head, but my mind inside: my thoughts.  In doing so, many lies the evil one would have me believe simply bounce off and never even enter my mind.

However, some lies are disguised, or they have a little bit of truth in them, and I listen to them.   But it is a twisted bit of truth, or a half truth.  So before I accept it, I need to “take every thought captive to God.” 

This means I need to examine it and hold it up to Your truth.  When I don’t, problems begin.  Even the little things I accept that are not true can pull me away from a “pure and sincere devotion to Christ.”  And I may not even realize it until I have strayed significantly off course.

So Father, help me remember to examine any thoughts and compare them to what You have told me.  I will use Your Word as a plumb line.   That string with a metal weight at the end is pulled by gravity so that the resulting line is absolutely straight.  Anything can be measured against this line to determine if it is “true” or not.

Your Word is truth.  Thank You for Your Word.   Thank You for the Helmet of Salvation.  Thank You that when I sh’ma You, I will not be deceived by the serpent or led astray, away from You.  Amen

II Corinthians 11:3-4

Sept 3 What matters most

Father, what great knowledge Solomon amassed! 

It seems he did it all, and lived to write it all down for me to know how to best spend my time.  Certainly he saw many things and did many things he categorized as “meaningless.”

He built grand structures, planted extensive gardens.  He wrote many ”nature guides” cataloging and describing plants and animals.   He enjoyed all that money could buy, withholding no pleasure from himself.  But found these things “meaningless.” 

He did recognize some things as having value.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”  And “two will keep warm…and defend themselves.”

So Father, will You always send another to be with me.  And let me be there for someone else.  Let there always be someone in my life to help and to help me when I fall.  To keep each other warm, and defend ourselves.  It may be a friend or family member, or even a stranger You send at the right time.

“It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.  Do not let your mouth lead you into sin.”   So Father, help me let my yes be yes and my no mean no, and not make promises I cannot or will not keep.

Do not let me be “quick with my mouth or hasty with my heart,” but consider my thoughts, feelings, words and commitments carefully.

When I think about Solomon I wonder:

Did he ever hold his newborn and marvel at the miracle of life?
Did he watch and help that child grow and learn?
Did he pass on his knowledge and love of You to that child and see him come to love and worship You too?
Did he promise his life to one person and live faithfully in that covenant; having their support and love for a lifetime?

Did he examine each animal and plant, but forget to marvel at the diversity and imagination and power of You, the Creator?
Did he share his life with a friend who stuck with him through thick and thin, good and bad?
And console that friend and receive comfort from them?
Did he hold the hand of a dying loved one and tell them they are loved, all is forgiven, and “I will see you in heaven?”

To me, these are the things that are most meaning-FULL.  The relationships, the connections with people that You allow into my life – that’s where the meaning lies.

I agree that amassing wealth, building buildings and writing volumes of knowledge will all pass away.  But loving You and sharing Your love with others – these things are eternal. 

Father, help me remember not to chase after the wind, but to chase only after You.  Amen.

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12; 6:12

Aug 4 The Faith Train

“You are my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?
You are the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”

Yet sometimes I have felt in the dark.  I have been afraid of what may happen to me or to my loved ones.

Sometimes I feel so ill prepared to handle what comes up that it leaves me feeling overwhelmed – with emotion, with circumstances, with decisions, with worry.  I have been anxious over so many things that never happened.  It is because I am relying on “feelings.”

The truth is that my “faith” is based on “facts.”  The “facts” fuel my “faith” which is the engine that drives the train.

They pull my “feelings” along behind like a caboose.  The problem is that I sometimes forget and allow myself to be driven by the caboose.

The fact is “in the day of trouble, He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.”  Father, You have promised to keep me safe.  And my faith in You is steadfast.

But sometimes when I don’t “feel” You near me, I forget that You are there.  The fact is You have promised never to leave me!  So just because I cannot feel You, doesn’t mean You are not there.  Again, I let myself be driven by my feelings.

When I remember the facts of who You are: Creator God, Yahweh, the Great I Am, Jehovah Jirah – my provider, El Shaddai; I can say in the strength of my faith:

“Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.”

When I state these “facts” and speak aloud the truth of my faith, my feelings fall into line.  And I am strengthened and encouraged.

“You are my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?
You are the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”

A-MEN !

Psalm 27:1-6

Aug 2 You encourage me

Father, thank You for the words of encouragement Hezekiah gave his men.  The same words are encouraging to me today, because I know that no matter what hardship or battle or enemy I face, You are greater than any of them.  And You are with me! 

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or discouraged because of” (fill in the bank with my hardship) “and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him!  With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.”

The world will yell back at me exactly what Sennacherib said:

“On what are you basing your confidence?…Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the people of other lands?  Were the gods of those nations ever able to deliver their land from my hand?…How then can your god deliver you from my hand?  Do not believe it…”

The world and the flesh and the devil echo these words to try and make me doubt.

My flesh will say that I am weak.  That I am unworthy of Your help.  The world will show me how many others have fallen before me – those stronger than me to begin with.  The devil will try and get me to focus on my circumstances and question Your love for me.

But Your Word builds me up.  It reminds me that I am Yours and You have promised never to leave me.

You have given me armor, both offensive and defensive, to help me.  The Helmet of Salvation bears Your insignia, in whose army I fight.  And it protects my thoughts.  So many battles are won and lost in the mind before even one arrow flies.  It reminds me to take every thought captive so I can hold it up to truth.

The truth is, I am weak, but “Your strength is made perfect in my weakness.”  I am unworthy of Your help.  I can never earn it.  But Your help comes because of Your unchanging character, flowing from Your grace and mercy!   It was never dependent on anything I could ever do.

Others may have fallen who were stronger than me, but I will be victorious because of Your strength, not my own!

 And despite the devil, I will not judge Your love by my circumstance, but by Your Word.  It says Your love never changes, it is everlasting, enduring forever.  And I will choose to look at You, not focus only on my circumstances.

I will answer the lies I hear from the other voices, with Your voice of truth; as You voiced it through Hezekiah: I will be strong and courageous.  I will not be afraid or discouraged.

I will remember that You are a greater power.  And that You are with me!  Praise be to You!  Amen

2 Chronicles 32:1-23; 2 Corinthians 12:9

July 31 Leaders like Hezekiah

Father, thank You for leaders like Hezekiah.  Thank You that some are willing to stand up for what is right even if it goes against the prevailing social climate.

At the young age of 25 in the first month of his reign, Hezekiah reopened, repaired, and purified the Temple in Jerusalem that his father had closed.  He led the people back to worshipping You with songs, instruments, and offerings.

Father, bring leaders who will help my nation turn away from its selfish, greedy, idolatrous ways, and return to You.   Like Hezekiah, let these men and women know right from wrong, and be obedient to do right.  Strengthen those leaders who are faithful to You.  Protect them and grant them success in their personal and professional lives.

For those who do not follow You, Father, open their eyes and ears to Your truth.  Draw them to Yourself so they may know You personally as Savior and Lord.  Break down whatever walls are keeping them from seeing Your truth.  And prepare their hearts to receive it.

You tell us “Who may stand in Your Holy place.”  Give our leaders “clean hands and a pure heart.”  Let them be men and women of godly values “who do not lift up their souls to an idol or swear by what is false.”  Then they will receive Your blessing and our nation will be blessed.

Let this be the generation, let this be the time, that we seek You wholeheartedly.  That we seek the face of the Lord Almighty, the King of glory.  Amen

2 Chronicles 29:1-36; Psalm 24:1-10

July 19 Walking Your path of Righteousness

Father, David proclaimed “Wealth and honor come from You; You are the ruler of all things.”  He was amazed and pleased at the abundance of gifts the people poured out for the building of Your Temple.  And he acknowledged “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.” I completely agree.

Like the Israelites, teach me to be generous with all You have given me:

money, energy, time, words, music, talents, spiritual gifts.

Help me spend myself on You and Your purposes and Your people.  David prayed for the people, and I echo “keep this desire in my heart forever, and keep my heart loyal to You…give me wholehearted devotion to keep Your commands.”

Since I have Your righteousness, Lord, help me behave that way.  Remind me to speak the truth from my heart.  If I open my mouth to speak a lie or to deceive, shut it.  Show me how to speak the truth in love, and not be hurtful to people in the name of “honesty.”

Help me treat my neighbor with decency and fairness, not cheating or taking advantage.

Keep me away from malicious gossip.

Give me the fortitude to turn away from those who are evil and untrustworthy, even if society embraces them or it seems it would benefit me.

Let me truly love and support those who honor and respect You and Your values.

Help me be true to my word, even when it costs me.

Teach me to be smart with my finances, to be generous, and not extort interest from the needy.  Strengthen me so I am not tempted by bribes.

Psalm 15 promises that those “who do these things will never be shaken.”  Father, You give me solid ground to stand on.  Help me be unwavering and not overwhelmed by forces that seek to undo me.   With Your help I can stand strong, and not be moved.  Thank You.  Amen

I Chronicles 29:1-19; Psalm 15:1-5

July 17 Your Truth delivers me

Dear Father, “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?” 

It seems some days are harder than others.  If even one negative thought comes into my head, it can bring me down.  I glumly mull it over and the thought generates an emotional response.  Very easily other negative thoughts join in and pile up on each other till I am feeling discouraged.

Quickly enough, discouragement heaps on even more “should have, would have, could haves” until I am feeling out of control, overwhelmed and depressed and join with the psalmist in saying “Give light to my eyes or I will sleep in death.”  In my own words, “Help me or I’ll just die.”

It’s surprising how quickly simple thoughts can lead to anger, fear, frustration, until I am not only emotionally upset, but also experience a physical response which can leave me with a headache or feeling sick to my stomach.  It impairs my judgment and my ability to function efficiently, whether at work or at home.  I can’t even relate to people normally in my agitated condition.

“But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation.”   You have already given me a wonderful solution to this problem.  If only I would remember to use it!

The battle begins in my mind.  And You have given me a piece of armor to protect my mind – the Helmet of Salvation.   It guards my thoughts and gives me the ability to take them captive and hold them up to Your truth.  It also gives me the ability to understand and memorize Your truth so I have it at the ready when I need it.

Your truth can help me stop the flow of wrong and negative thoughts.  The evil one uses these, preferring that I remain sidelined in discouragement and depression, unable to defend myself.  He will use these kinds of half-truths and deceiving lies to mislead and condemn me.  But when held up to the truth, they are shattered and scattered.

One way I can know if a thought comes from You, is that You convict whereas satan condemns.  He would make me feel like a hopeless, dirty, rotten, sinner.

You may correct me, but Your words lift me up, motivate and empower me to make the needed corrections.

Your words generate hopefulness,

his produce hopelessness.

Lord, remind me, to use this amazing gift! 

When a negative thought comes, prompt me to hold it up to Your truth immediately.  Help me build into my memory an arsenal of truth from Your scriptures. 

When I memorize scripture I can use it to combat the lies seeking to discourage me and control my thinking.  Then I can confidently deal with whatever truth You show me.  “I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me!”  Amen

Psalm 13:1-6; Ephesians 6:10-17

July 13 Creation Speaks!

Father, I have heard many stories of how missionaries would go into a place no “civilized” man had been before, and the native people already knew of You.  They had a name for You.  They knew Your character, and that You are the One True God who created and rules the universe.

Even if they had never seen a Bible, a preacher, or watched the “Jesus” film, they already knew of Your love and Your sacrifice for them and their sin.  They understood their need of a Savior to be in restored relationship with You.

When I read Romans, it becomes clear that this is part of Your plan.  You are not dependent on modern methods to spread Your Gospel, the Good News.

When I first saw “Jesus Christ Superstar”, I resonated with the line in the song;

“if You’d come today You could have reached a whole nation.

Israel in 4 BC had no mass communication.”

Meaning that if You had waited, You could have had world wide coverage of the event. Practically everyone in the world could have watched Your birth, life, death and resurrection on CNN or a televised reality show.  But that wasn’t Your plan.

Paul writes such long and wordy sentences that it’s sometimes hard to follow.  But I’m understanding from him that it is not in Your character to judge someone who is unaware of who You are.  So to be just, You have given everyone knowledge of the truth.  Paul is saying that You are judging people who know You but intentionally suppress the truth of who You are.

They know this, because You have made it plainly clear to them.  Ever since You created the world, Your creation displays and clearly reveals Your eternal power and Divine Nature.  That means man is without excuse! 

There is no reason, when seeing this world and all that’s in it, anyone could deny Your existence, Your character, or Your power.

Thank You for reaching every person with an understanding of who You are.  Thank You for showing me so much of Your amazing creation.

I have seen Your majesty in the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, vast oceans, wooded valleys, mighty rushing rivers, wide meadows, sand filled deserts.

I have seen Your imaginative beauty in dazzlingly colorful sunrises and sunsets, fields of vibrantly colored flowers, and in the eyes and smiles of people of all colors.

I have watched Your mighty power in thunderheads building, lightening storms flashing, tornadoes whirling, waves crashing.

Your spectacular creativity is displayed in the variety of vivid and delicate colors of nature – especially in birds and bugs.

Your dizzying workings are seen in the intricacies of tree roots and human nervous and circulatory systems.

Thank You that You have made Yourself evident.  And for the unimaginably beautiful and amazing way You have done it.  Amen

Romans 1:18-20

Mar 25 Help me see

Lord thank You for these pictures in scripture about the ability to see truth for what it is and to understand the meaning behind being a follower of Christ.

Your first picture reminds me that although a blind person who cannot see can help another blind person, there are blocks they will both stumble over due to their lack of vision.

And the second illustrates how I sometimes try and “help” someone else by fixing a problem I see in their life when I have bigger problems in my own life.

How many times have I relied on the advice and guidance of another person, who is “in the dark” as much as I am?   

Rather than coming to You, my own lack of vision blinds me to the truth.

In both these examples, I need to remember to look to You for guidance, answers and perspective on issues in my life and seek Your help in correcting my own issues.

Your last illustration shows how important it is that when I come to You for “vision” I need to be obedient to what You tell me. You and Your wisdom and faithfulness build the foundation for my faith.  And in times like these, a firm foundation is absolutely necessary.

During these times of crisis and challenge, we need to know what our faith is based on.  And that its foundation is sure and reliable.  Father, You are that sure foundation that will keep us from collapsing.

Open my eyes of understanding.  I choose to turn – not to other blind people – but to the Creator who made my eyes and gives me sight.  Amen

Luke 6:39-49

Jan 17 Be my Guide

Lord, I desire to dwell with You in Your sanctuary. And to live on Your holy hill.  Your Word tells me how.

Help me keep my walk blameless and do what is righteous according to Your standards. When I am not sure which is the right way, give me discernment. When I know what is right, give me strength to do what is right.

Keep me from temptation that would entice me to act unjustly or immorally. Do not let me be drawn into evil or behave badly for personal gain.

Help me speak the truth from my heart, even when it is more convenient to lie. I desire to be honest in my speech and in my actions. Do not allow me to speak ill of others or be a gossip.

Help me treat my neighbor as I want to be treated, with respect and compassion. Teach me to hate what is wrong and vile; not calling what is good evil, or what is evil, good. And to stand up for right, defending those who are defenseless.

Show me how to recognize and give honor to those who are godly and live their lives in the fear of the Lord.

When I make a promise, help me keep my word, even when it is not convenient. Even when it costs me more that I thought it would. Let my yes be yes and my no be no.

When I can lend to one in need, do not let me take advantage of their need for my own profit. But let me act compassionately. When it is profitable to deceive others, let me turn away from that temptation. Do not let me accept a bribe or cause harm to the innocent.

Teach me and strengthen me to walk in this way, to live uprightly and to love mercy. Living this kind of life will give me confidence and courage. It will be an example to my children and to others. And it will help me to honor You.

This is my desire. Amen

Psalm 15:1-5

Jan 2 Keep me from serpent-speak

O Father, Proverbs tells me “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Lord, I do not wish to be a fool.  Help me keep my sense of awe and respect for You.  I yearn for Your wisdom and instruction.  Keep me teachable and open to hear Your voice and see Your wonders.

I completely acknowledge You as Creator of the Universe and all that is in it. You alone possess the Sovereignty and Authority and Power to rule over and be Lord over all.

What an infinite imagination to think up all the combinations of flowers, birds, animals and insects!  And not just how they look, but how they sound, and smell!  I am amazed by You!

Surely, Eve must have been amazed by You too; walking in the Garden of Eden that You created!  Yet she gave in to temptation.   She listened to the serpent and was deceived. (And I’m still blown away that she didn’t seem surprised at all that a serpent was speaking!)

When the serpent misquoted You, she did not check it out.  And when he told a half-truth, that she would “be like” You, she believed it.  She trusted what she understood with her own eyes and logic instead of coming to You.

Father, do not let me make this mistake. 

When I hear a voice tempting me with something You have already spoken about, help me remember what You’ve said.  If I do not, remind me to come to You for direction.

Keep me from rushing to accept what is said without checking it out.  Let me be wise to the tactic of using just enough truth to sound right as a scheme to derail me.

Lord, do not let me be misled by falsehoods or half-truths. 

It is not just the voice of the evil one, but also this world and my own flesh that lead me down a wrong path, away from You.  Many temptations lure me to be more or have more than I am, playing into greed or pride, a sense of self-importance, inflated ego, fame or fortune.  But as seen here, this temptation was only half true, and had a huge price.

“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.”  This sounds like she was being perfectly logical, if it weren’t for the fact that You had already told her it was wrong!

Sometimes I can logically think my way into a wrong answer too.  Remind me, Father, to come to You, to seek Your perspective above all others.  Whether considering an opportunity, or dealing with a hardship: if there seems to be wisdom the world offers, or a logic to my mind, or a sense in my flesh, let me submit them all to You.

And thank You Father, that even when I make mistakes and sin; as with Adam and Eve, You have shed Your blood and covered me.  You have made a way for me to be back in fellowship with You, forever.  You are amazing!  Amen

Genesis 3:1-24; Proverbs 1:7

Dec 24 Search my heart

Father, through Zechariah, You told the people of Bethel that it was not simply the observance of anniversaries, holy festivals, feasts and fasting, which pleased You.  It  is the condition of my heart that You are concerned with.

While it is true that those things can be done as acts of worship to honor You, the Lord Almighty; they can also be done for the sake of the activity.  You alone know the hearts of the people involved; whether they participate to please themselves or to honor You. 

Father, today help me examine myself.  Search my heart, look at my motives.  Do not let me simply “go through the motions.”  Fill my spirit! 

When I praise You, I will do it with a full and sincere heart.

When I give money or time or energy, I will do it gladly as an act of worship.

When I read Your Word, I will do it with an open mind and spirit to hear and receive what You have to say to me.

When I feast or fast, I will do it not for the recognition of others, but for an audience of One – You.

And whether I am celebrating Christmas or Passover I will do it with sensitivity to the spiritual meaning, not just what history or the world has made it to be.

Father, I acknowledge and thank You for Your deeds.  I celebrate and trust the way You do things.  I don’t always understand, because Your ways are not my ways – but I trust them.  And I cannot wait until every knee bows to You, and every tongue confesses that You, indeed, are Lord!  Amen!

Zechariah 7:1-14

Dec 17 Two things I ask

“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die:

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; 

give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.  Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?  Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

Father, I see much wisdom in these words.  I also ask for these two things.

First, do not let me be entangled by telling or believing lies. 

Let me be true to my word and speak the truth in love; by the words I say and the way I allow others to perceive me.  Do not let me put on airs or mislead anyone into thinking I am something I am not.

And do not let me be misled by the lies or deceptions of others.  Help me see truth by shining Your light to dispel the darkness of lies and deception.

Second, let me live with what I need.  Not in poverty and not in riches.  Each of these might cause me to overlook You and focus on my circumstances.  For in both directions, I have seen people take their eyes off You.

If the need is so great, it can be a temptation to sin by stealing and cursing You.  And if the excess is too great, it can lead to pride, greed, and a self-sufficiency that disregards the need for You.

These are wise words Father, and they are my prayer.  Amen

Proverbs 30:7-9

Nov 25 Live in the Light, like Daniel

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are Yours.  You change times and seasons;  You depose kings and raise up others.  You give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.  You reveal deep and hidden things; You know what lies in darkness,  and light dwells with You.  I thank and praise You…” 

Father, these words of Daniel’s are just as true today.  We still praise You!

After all these years of season after season, You are still the One who keeps the world in order.  And after generations of kings, You are still the One who holds their hearts and all power in Your hand.

All wisdom and knowledge are Yours.  Hundreds of years of human advancements and scientific discovery and technology, haven’t even scratched the surface when it comes to understanding this amazing universe You created!

Father, Daniel held tightly to his beliefs about You and his convictions about how to live a godly life.  And he did so in the midst of being kidnapped and taken a thousand miles away from home and family.

As a young man it would have been so easy for him to simply go along with whatever his captors pushed on him.  But even far away from family and the worship he knew, he knew that You were with him.

At that time, people worshipped pagan gods who they believed had power and influence over a specific thing like rainfall, crops, fertility or a particular place.   But Daniel knew You were the One True God over all these things.  And that no matter where he was, You were there.

 “Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel.”

And You were faithful to Daniel.   You allowed him to be faithful to the ways he had been taught and gave him success.  In addition to this, You gave Daniel and his four friends wisdom and understanding far beyond that of all others.

Father, help me be like Daniel.  Strengthen me to live the way You have taught me, and not give in to the pressures of whatever society offers.  Let me stand out so others will see that I live differently from the pagan ways of my culture.

Let the light that dwells in You, shine through me.  Amen

Daniel 1:1-21; 2:19-23

Nov 22 Teach me “Application”

What an amazing Psalm is the 119^th Psalm!  It is the longest Psalm.  It has more verses than 14 Old Testament books and 17 New Testament books.

Within it is found the verse that lies in the very center of Scripture – halfway between Genesis 1:1 and Revelation 22:21.

This Psalm was constructed with twenty-two stanzas, each beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew Alephbet.  And within each stanza, each of the eight verses begin with the letter of the stanza.

In almost every verse, there is a word that describes Your teaching: Word, law, commands, statues, decrees, precepts.  And almost each one teaches how to handle Your Word or be led and taught by it.

It is said that King David used this Psalm to teach his young son, Solomon the Alephbet.  It represented all the letters, but also illustrated spiritual truth of how to live a godly life.  So as I read it, Father, I also pray these verses as a guide for living according to Your Word.

“I will obey Your Word.  Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law…do not hide Your commands from me.”  Help me see beyond the Words to the meaning You have for these Words in my life.  Show me marvelous things that deepen my devotion to You. 

 “…Teach me Your decrees.  Let me understand the teaching of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders…strengthen me according to Your Word.” 

Father, beyond word studies and context references, reveal deeper meanings to me through Your Holy Spirit.   Show me how to be sensitive to the timing and teaching You use to increase my awareness and discernment so I can apply it to the circumstances of my life.

Understanding Your Word brings me strength!  What an awesome gift! 

Father, I choose Your truth and obedience to Your laws.  “I set my heart on Your laws.  I hold fast to Your statutes.“  “Be gracious to me… and do not let me be put to shame.”

I would rather You take my life than allow me to dishonor You.  I am Your servant.  You are my Master.   It is only by Your mercy and Your Word that I have life.  Amen

Psalm 119:17-32

Nov 8 May the Truth set us free

Father, as I read this section of Psalm 106, I fear that I personally, and my country, have together made the same mistakes Your people made in the desert.  They were not satisfied with the life You gave them; even the miracles You performed!  You delivered them from the hand of the enemy who had relegated them to slavery for generations, and then was set on destroying them.

In the wilderness at Meribah where You brought water from a rock for them to drink, they rebelled against Moses and Your provision.  They forgot that You had done something so mighty as parting the Red Sea for them, and delivering them from the hand of Pharaoh and his army.

Instead, they focused on their fleshly desires, doubting You could quench their thirst.

I too, sometimes focus on my own desires rather than the great blessings You have already worked in my life.  And I too respond with whining instead of faith.

When they came into the Promised Land, they “mingled with the nations and adopted their customs.”  I fear I have done the same by participating in the social customs of my times.   I and my country, have mingled godly beliefs with the socially acceptable values of the times.

What You call sin is no longer looked upon as sin.  People today seem to have no concept of what is right and wrong, and so no self-governing set of morals that direct or protect them.

Many things in my culture take the place of passion for You.  Sports teams, fame, money, power, shopping, alcohol and drugs, status, cars, beauty, youth: so many things have become idols in the lives of so many, even believers.

“They sacrificed their sons and daughters to false gods.  They shed innocent blood…” Father, I grieve over the number of babies who have been sacrificed on the altar of “choice” and “convenience.”  This land is desecrated by their blood.  And it defiles the people involved because of the act of taking a life.

But it also exacts a price they often pay in long-term emotional and psychological damage, not to mention the spiritual battle that they have lost in giving over ground to the enemy.

Yet, You “took note of their distress when You heard their cry…and out of Your great love You relented.”

Father, I am in distress and I cry out to You: for my personal sin and for the sin of my country.  Forgive, Lord.

I acknowledge and agree with You that I and my country have acted in rebellion in going our own way without following the path You set before us. And that my country and I have participated in social customs and values that have become a snare to us, even to the point of idolatry.

Lord I turn away from anything that seeks to take Your place in my life.  Forgive us for focusing on the flesh over the spiritual.

“Save us Lord our God…that we may give thanks to Your Holy name and glory in Your praise.  Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.  Let all the people say, ‘Amen!’”

Psalm 106:32-48

Nov 2 Don’t miss it!

Don’t let us miss the message today like the people in Ezekiel’s time did – but give us wisdom and discernment to recognize Your truth, and apply it to our lives…

Father, what You had Ezekiel do seems so hard.  Surely people must have thought he was crazy!  And yet, his strange behavior was an exact representation of all that would happen to Jerusalem! 

He obeyed You so he would be a warning to the people.  But the people did not pay attention or return to You.  It makes me wonder about prophetic messages You are sending today, that no one is taking seriously…

Today, the good news is still being proclaimed!  But there are those who hear and it is “of no value to them, because they do not share the faith…” 

Father, open their ears!  Soften their hearts!  Do not allow them to be swept away by believing the lies and deception of the evil one! 

“Your Word is active and alive.”  Its truth can set people free from the darkness and deceit of the world and the evil one.  It can show them the way to go, and how to turn from evil desires. 

Father, You can give them the strength to walk away from what they have known, and toward what is right; because you, Yourself, have walked this path of flesh!

Thank You that in Your humanness, You empathize with my weaknesses.  And thank You that You have invited me to “approach Your throne of grace with confidence…” in boldness, knowing I will “receive mercy and find grace to help me in my time of need.”  Your amazing grace provides me with forgiveness and eternal salvation.

Father, help me hear Your truth when You speak it to me.  

Thank You that You know what I need even before I do!  And for providing all that I need in my times of need.  Amen

Ezekiel 4:1-5:4; Hebrews 4:1-16

Oct 14 Grow Your Truth in me

Father, Jeremiah – 

was Your man on the ground, Your man on the scene.  He was the one of the few who spoke Your truth, yet no one listened to him or believed him and turned back to You because of it.

Paul spoke Your truth – 

and taught it to the Thessalonians, and it took root.  Yet they were persecuted, endured hardship, and were deceived and confused by false teachers and liars.

It’s as if Your truth is seed that was scattered, but the ground Jeremiah sowed it on was too hard to accept it.  It fell where it could not take root, and just blew away.

The Thessalonians were better ground and accepted the seed, but it’s as if thorns grew up to choke out what sprouted, or birds tried to take it away.  Paul’s second letter was a good reminder for them to pull the thorns out and shoo the birds away in order to hold on to the truth that had grown in them.

You have given me the ability to discern Your truth by giving me Your written Word, and Your Holy Spirit residing within me, who speaks truth to me.   I feel as if I have the benefit of being given the most fertile soil of all.  And it is up to me to protect Your truth growing in me.  I need to “stand firm and hold fast to the teachings passed on to [me].”

Father, help me be faithful to make time each day to read Your precious Word.  And to come to You in prayer, and listen to You.  Enlighten me with understanding Your Word and what You say to me in prayer.  And strengthen me to be faithful and obedient to all I understand.

Remind me to guard Your truth in my heart and mind, and bring every other thought and teaching, philosophy and prophecy, to be measured against the plumb line of Your truth.

Your Word has taken firm root in my life.  Help me protect it and nurture it.  Let it leaf and flower and produce good fruit all my days.  I know that when Your timing is right, I will be with You for eternity.  Amen

Jeremiah 25:1-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17;

Meaning of the parable of the sower: Matthew 13:18-23

Oct 6 Your Word is my path

“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Father, destruction was coming and You instructed Your people with this verse. 

Yet they did not obey or follow You.  Do not let me reject Your wisdom.  Today I stand seeking.  I look to You to guide and direct my thoughts.  Show me the way to go. Help me be steadfast to walk in Your way. 

I trust Your leading.  Even if it is not the “popular” path.  Or the one that seems “logical” at the time.  Or the “easiest” one that seems to be clear of obstacles.  Give me strength to be obedient to what I hear You saying. 

Paul said it this way:  “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” 

There are many followings today, many belief systems that are portrayed in the media as right and credible.  Do not let me be misled by these false, socially acceptable representations.  You have taught me the truth.  And I have aligned myself with You by faith, by public profession, by baptism and by the way I choose to live. 

Just as false religions lead me away from You, so do the attitudes that would bind me to legalistic practices that come from man.  Such rules and regulations that many keep, and look down on those who do not, are just as damaging.  Their obedience is based on human commands and teachings of men’s interpretation. 

Believers are Your Body.  And when the members of Your Body obey only each other, they have lost connection with You, their Head.

Bottom line Lord: let me hear Your voice, and obey what You tell me.  Let me truly live my life for an Audience of One.  You.  Amen

Jeremiah 6:16-21; Colossians 2:8-23

Sept 10 Give me understanding

Father, what a vision You gave Isaiah!  It’s as if he were privileged to peek into the actual Throne Room in Heaven itself!  His eyes were opened and he saw and described amazing things that are like nothing ever seen on earth.

And once again, when confronted with glimpses of Your glory, the human response is the recognition of our unworthiness.  In the presence of such greatness and holiness, human frailty pales in comparison.

You gave Isaiah a message for Your people.  You directed him to say to King Ahaz in the face of military invasion:  “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”  

It was true then, and it is true today.   A paraphrase I heard growing up was “If you don’t know what you stand for, you’ll fall for anything.” 

Because I believe You are God, Creator of the universe and the only Savior for all who You created, I can stand on You, a firm and solid rock.

How do I do that?

1 – It helps to have scripture verses that remind me of these truths.  “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”  Genesis 1:1  “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”  Psalm 23:1

2 – It helps to remember statements of truth that are based on scripture.  “God is who He says He is.  God can do what He says He can do.”

3 – Or to proclaim in song, “On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”  These are some ways I find reassurance when I feel afraid or doubtful.

Father, I do not want to be “ever hearing but never understanding; ever seeing but never perceiving”, with my “heart calloused”, my “ears dull”, and my “eyes closed.”  I want to “see with my eyes, hear with my ears and understand with my heart…and be healed.”

When You open my eyes and ears, I have understanding.  And I can stand.  Father, help me stand even in the face of the invasion of the enemy.

Help me remember Your truths.  Help me recall Your faithfulness to me in the past.  These things build my faith even stronger.  And give me a firm place to stand.  Amen

Isaiah 6:1-10; 7:9

Sept 9 Recognize Truth

O Father.  I pray that I will not be “deceived by the serpent’s cunning as Eve was,” and that my “mind would not be led astray from a pure and sincere devotion to Christ.”

The serpent used deception to lure Eve into sin.  He approached her boldly; the better to distract her.

He called into question what You had really said; the better to confuse her.

He cunningly suggested that what You wanted for her was not enough, was even bad for her; the better to entrap her.

Father, help me avoid falling into whatever traps the evil one sets for me.  Let me see through them; beyond the lure of the sound of his words, to the hook buried beneath.  The answer to this “serpent speak” is “God speak.” 

Help me be aware of all the ways You speak to me! Your Word, in prayer, through creation, my circumstances, blessings, other people, dreams, visions, even pain,

1 – I need to be listening, really paying attention to all that You are saying to me.  In Hebrew, the word is sh’ma.  It means to listen so closely, so deeply, so diligently, that the words change the listener from the inside out.

The meaning also incorporates a response to those words as being similar to that of a mother who recognizes her baby’s cry and drops everything to respond immediately.  Father, let me sh’ma You, listen deeply and respond to You.

2 – I need to take some action for my mind to be guarded enough so that I am “not led away,”.  You give me and every believer armor: protection against the enemy.

I believe the Helmet of Salvation bears Your insignia so that all who see it will know I fight on Your side.  And it protects not only my head, but my mind inside: my thoughts.  In doing so, many lies the evil one would have me believe simply bounce off and never even enter my mind.

However, some lies are disguised, or they have a little bit of truth in them, and I listen to them.   But it is a twisted bit of truth, or a half truth.  So before I accept it, I need to “take every thought captive to God.” 

This means I need to examine it and hold it up to Your truth.  When I don’t, problems begin.  Even the little things I accept that are not true can pull me away from a “pure and sincere devotion to Christ.”  And I may not even realize it until I have strayed significantly off course.

So Father, help me remember to examine any thoughts and compare them to what You have told me.  I will use Your Word as a plumb line.   That string with a metal weight at the end is pulled by gravity so that the resulting line is absolutely straight.  Anything can be measured against this line to determine if it is “true” or not.

Your Word is truth.  Thank You for Your Word.   Thank You for the Helmet of Salvation.  Thank You that when I sh’ma You, I will not be deceived by the serpent or led astray, away from You.  Amen

II Corinthians 11:1-4

Sept 3 What matters most?

Father, what great knowledge Solomon amassed!

It seems he did it all, and lived to write it all down for me to know how to best spend my time.  Certainly he saw many things and did many things he categorized as “meaningless.”

He built grand structures, planted extensive gardens.  He wrote many ”nature guides” cataloging and describing plants and animals.   He enjoyed all that money could buy, withholding no pleasure from himself.  But found these things “meaningless.” 

He did recognize some things as having value.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”  And “two will keep warm…and defend themselves.”

So Father, will You always send another to be with me.  And let me be there for someone else.  Let there always be someone in my life to help me up when I fall.  To help me keep warm, and defend myself.  It may be a friend or family member, or even a stranger You send at the right time.

“It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.  Do not let your mouth lead you into sin.”   So Father, help me let my yes be yes and my no mean no, and not make promises I cannot or will not keep.

Do not let me be “quick with my mouth or hasty with my heart,” but consider my thoughts, feelings, words and commitments carefully.

When I think about Solomon I wonder: did he ever hold his newborn and marvel at the miracle of life?  Did he watch and help that child grow and learn?  Did he pass on his knowledge and love of You to that child and see him come to love and worship You too?  Did he promise his life to one person and live faithfully in that covenant; having their support and love for a lifetime?

Did he examine each animal and plant, but forget to marvel at the diversity and imagination and power of You, the Creator?  Did he share his life with a friend who stuck with him through thick and thin, good and bad?  And console that friend and receive comfort from them?

Did he hold the hand of a dying loved one and tell them they are loved, all is forgiven, and “I will see you in heaven?”

To me, these are the things that are most meaning-FULL.  The relationships, the connections with people that You allow into my life – that’s where the meaning lies.

I agree that amassing wealth, building buildings and writing volumes of knowledge will all pass away.  But loving You and sharing Your love with others – these things are eternal. 

Father, help me remember not to chase after the wind, but to chase only after You.  Amen.

 Ecclesiastes 4:7-12; 6:12

Aug 4 The Faith Train

“You are my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?  You are the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”

Yet sometimes I have felt in the dark.  I have been afraid of what may happen to me or to my loved ones.

Sometimes I feel so ill prepared to handle what comes up that it leaves me feeling overwhelmed – with emotion, with circumstances, with decisions, with worry.  I have been anxious over so many things that never happened.  It is because I am relying on “feelings.”

The truth is that my “faith” is based on “facts.”  The “facts” fuel my “faith” which is the engine that drives the train.

They pull my “feelings” along behind like a caboose.  The problem is that I sometimes forget and allow myself to be driven by the caboose.

The fact is “in the day of trouble, He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.”  Father, You have promised to keep me safe.  And my faith in You is steadfast.

But sometimes when I don’t “feel” You near me, I forget that You are there.  The fact is You have promised never to leave me!  So just because I cannot feel You, doesn’t mean You are not there.  Again, I let myself be driven by my feelings.

When I remember the facts of who You are: Creator God, Yahweh, the Great I Am, Jehovah Jirah – my provider, El Shaddai; I can say in the strength of my faith:

“Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear;

though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.”

When I state these “facts” and speak aloud the truth of my faith, my feelings fall into line.  And I am strengthened and encouraged.  “You are my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?  You are the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”

A-MEN !

Psalm 27:1-6

Aug 2 You encourage me

Father, thank You for the words of encouragement Hezekiah gave his men.  The same words are encouraging to me today, because I know that no matter what hardship or battle or enemy I face, You are greater than any of them.  And You are with me! 

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or discouraged because of” (fill in the bank with my hardship) “and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him!  With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.”   

The world will yell back at me exactly what Sennacherib said: 

“On what are you basing your confidence?…Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the people of other lands?  Were the gods of those nations ever able to deliver their land from my hand?…How then can your god deliver you from my hand?  Do not believe it…”  

The world and the flesh and the devil echo these words to try and make me doubt. 

My flesh will say that I am weak.  That I am unworthy of Your help.  The world will show me how many others have fallen before me – those stronger than me to begin with.  The devil will try and get me to focus on my circumstances and question Your love for me. 

But Your Word builds me up.  It reminds me that I am Yours and You have promised never to leave me. 

You have given me armor, both offensive and defensive, to help me.  The Helmet of Salvation bears Your insignia, in whose army I fight.  And it protects my thoughts.  So many battles are won and lost in the mind before even one arrow flies.  It reminds me to take every thought captive so I can hold it up to truth.

The truth is, I am weak, but “Your strength is made perfect in my weakness.”  I am unworthy of Your help.  I can never earn it.  But Your help comes because of Your unchanging character, flowing from Your grace and mercy!   It was never dependent on anything I could ever do.  

Others may have fallen who were stronger than me, but I will be victorious because of Your strength, not my own!

Despite the devil, I will not judge Your love by my circumstance, but by Your Word.  It says Your love never changes, it is everlasting, enduring forever.  And I will choose to look at You, not focus only on my circumstances. 

I will answer the lies I hear from the other voices, with Your voice of truth; as You voiced it through Hezekiah: I will be strong and courageous.  I will not be afraid or discouraged.  

I will remember that You are a greater power.  And that You are with me!  Praise be to You!  Amen

2 Chronicles 32:1-23;  2 Corinthians 12:9

July 31 Leaders like Hezekiah

Father, thank You for leaders like Hezekiah.  Thank You that some are willing to stand up for what is right even if it goes against the prevailing social climate.

At the young age of 25 in the first month of his reign, Hezekiah reopened, repaired, and purified the Temple in Jerusalem that his father had closed.  He led the people back to worshipping You with songs, instruments, and offerings.

Father, bring leaders who will help my nation turn away from its selfish, greedy, idolatrous ways, and return to You.   Like Hezekiah, let these men and women know right from wrong, and be obedient to do right.  Strengthen those leaders who are faithful to You.  Protect them and grant them success in their personal and professional lives.

For those who do not follow You, Father, open their eyes and ears to Your truth.  Draw them to Yourself so they may know You personally as Savior and Lord.  Break down whatever walls are keeping them from seeing Your truth.  And prepare their hearts to receive it.

You tell us “Who may stand in Your Holy place.”  Give our leaders “clean hands and a pure heart.”  Let them be men and women of godly values “who do not lift up their souls to an idol or swear by what is false.”  Then they will receive Your blessing and our nation will be blessed.

Let this be the generation, let this be the time, that we seek You wholeheartedly.  That we seek the face of the Lord Almighty, the King of glory.  Amen

2 Chronicles 29:1-36; Psalm 24:1-10

July 19 Help me walk Your path of Righteousness

Father, David proclaimed “Wealth and honor come from You; You are the ruler of all things.”  He was amazed and pleased at the abundance of gifts the people poured out for the building of Your Temple.  And he acknowledged “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.” I completely agree.

Like the Israelites, teach me to be generous with all You have given me:

money, energy, time, words, music, talents, spiritual gifts.

Help me spend myself on You and Your purposes and Your people.  David prayed for the people, and I echo “keep this desire in my heart forever, and keep my heart loyal to You…give me wholehearted devotion to keep Your commands.”

Since I have Your righteousness, Lord, help me behave that way.  Remind me to speak the truth from my heart.  If I open my mouth to speak a lie or to deceive, shut it.  Show me how to speak the truth in love, and not be hurtful to people in the name of “honesty.”

Help me treat my neighbor with decency and fairness, not cheating or taking advantage.

Keep me away from malicious gossip.

Give me the fortitude to turn away from those who are evil and untrustworthy, even if society embraces them or it seems it would benefit me.

Let me truly love and support those who honor and respect You and Your values.

Help me be true to my word, even when it costs me.

Teach me to be smart with my finances, to be generous, and not extort interest from the needy.  Strengthen me so I am not tempted by bribes.

Psalm 15 promises that those “who do these things will never be shaken.”  Father, You give me solid ground to stand on.  Help me be unwavering and not overwhelmed by forces that seek to undo me.   With Your help I can stand strong, and not be moved.  Thank You.  Amen

I Chronicles 29:1-19; Psalm 15:1-5

July 17 Your Truth delivers me

Dear Father, “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?” 

It seems some days are harder than others.  If even one negative thought comes into my head, it can bring me down.  I glumly mull it over and the thought generates an emotional response.  Very easily other negative thoughts join in and pile up on each other till I am feeling discouraged.

Quickly enough, discouragement heaps on even more “should have, would have, could haves” until I am feeling out of control, overwhelmed and depressed and join with the psalmist in saying “Give light to my eyes or I will sleep in death.”  In my own words, “Help me or I’ll just die.”

It’s surprising how quickly simple thoughts can lead to anger, fear, frustration, until I am not only emotionally upset, but also experience a physical response which can leave me with a headache or feeling sick to my stomach.  It impairs my judgment and my ability to function efficiently, whether at work or at home.  I can’t even relate to people normally in my agitated condition.

“But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation.”   You have already given me a wonderful solution to this problem.  If only I would remember to use it!

The battle begins in my mind.  And You have given me a piece of armor to protect my mind – the Helmet of Salvation.   It guards my thoughts and gives me the ability to take them captive and hold them up to Your truth.  It also gives me the ability to understand and memorize Your truth so I have it at the ready when I need it.

Your truth can help me stop the flow of wrong and negative thoughts.  The evil one uses these, preferring that I remain sidelined in discouragement and depression, unable to defend myself.  He will use these kinds of half-truths and deceiving lies to mislead and condemn me.  But when held up to the truth, they are shattered and scattered.

One way I can know if a thought comes from You, is that You convict whereas satan condemns.  He would make me feel like a hopeless, dirty, rotten, sinner.

You may correct me, but Your words lift me up, motivate and empower me to make the needed corrections.

Your words generate hopefulness.

 His produce hopelessness.

Lord, remind me, to use this amazing gift!

When a negative thought comes, prompt me to hold it up to Your truth immediately.  Help me build into my memory an arsenal of truth from Your scriptures. 

When I memorize scripture I can use it to combat the lies seeking to discourage me and control my thinking.  Then I can confidently deal with whatever truth You show me.  “I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me!”  Amen

Psalm 13:1-6

July 13 Creation Speaks

Father, I have heard many stories of how missionaries would go into a place no “civilized” man had been before, and the native people already knew of You.  They had a name for You.  They knew Your character, and that You are the One True God who created and rules the universe.

Even if they had never seen a Bible, a preacher, or watched the “Jesus” film, they already knew of Your love and Your sacrifice for them and their sin.  They understood their need of a Savior to be in restored relationship with You.

When I read Romans, it becomes clear that this is part of Your plan.  You are not dependent on modern methods to spread Your Gospel, the Good News.

When I first saw “Jesus Christ Superstar”, I resonated with the line in the song;

“if You’d come today You could have reached a whole nation.

Israel in 4BC had no mass communication.”

Meaning that if You had waited, You could have had world wide coverage of the event. Practically everyone in the world could have watched Your birth, life, death and resurrection on CNN or a televised reality show.  But that wasn’t Your plan.

Paul writes such long and wordy sentences that it’s sometimes hard to follow.  But I’m understanding from him that it is not in Your character to judge someone who is unaware of who You are.  So to be just, You have given everyone knowledge of the truth.  Paul is saying that You are judging people who know You but intentionally suppress the truth of who You are.

They know this, because You have made it plainly clear to them.  Ever since You created the world, that creation displays and clearly reveals Your eternal power and Divine Nature.  That means man is without excuse!

There is no reason, when seeing this world and all that’s in it, anyone could deny Your existence, Your character, or Your power.

Thank You for reaching every person with an understanding of who You are.  Thank You for showing me so much of Your amazing creation.

I have seen Your majesty in the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, vast oceans, wooded valleys, mighty rushing rivers, wide meadows, sand filled deserts.

I have seen Your imaginative beauty in dazzlingly colorful sunrises and sunsets, fields of vibrantly colored flowers, and in the eyes and smiles of people of all colors.

I have watched Your mighty power in thunderheads building, lightening storms flashing, tornadoes whirling, waves crashing.

Your spectacular creativity is displayed in the variety of vivid and delicate colors of nature – especially in birds and bugs.

Your dizzying workings are seen in the intricacies of tree roots and human nervous and circulatory systems.

Thank You that You have made Yourself evident.  And for the unimaginably beautiful and amazing way You have done it.  Amen

Romans 1:18-20

May 29 Your Word is Light

Lord Jesus, thank You for sending Your Word to me.  You created this entire place for me to live, the planet, solar system, universe; much like I would plan a nursery for a loved and expected baby.

You worked out everything just right – gravity, air pressure, temperature, light, radiation – more things than I can imagine – to work together perfectly to sustain my life.  Just seeing this amazing creation communicates the existence of the designer.

Somehow, Your existence was translated down so that even in places where no
modern man has ever been, people know of and worship You.  But for me, You made sure there was a written record of Your presence, of Your purpose, and of Your love for me.

“Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”  When it is dark, unseen hazards can trip me up, causing falls and even injuries.  Things that could be stepped over or around if seen become potentially dangerous obstacles.

So it is in life.  Even when the sun is out and visibility is good, unseen things are at work that can cause problems.  Emotions, motivations, misinformation and schemes can all trip me up.  Your Word can help me be aware of and deal with such issues so I can avoid the potential fall or injury.

Your Word shines a light on my circumstances by giving me perspective.  Or by helping me see truth.  Or by making me wise to my own condition.  It gives me guidance in how to make decisions.

Your Word provides me with a moral compass.  It reminds me that my value comes from You, not the world’s view of success.  It warns me of things like “pride goes before a fall” and “better to have a little honestly than much by illicit gain.”

By illuminating truth with Your Word, You keep my feet steady on the path and keep me from stumbling.   “Accept O Lord, the willing praise from my mouth.”  Thank You!  Thank You!  Amen

Psalm 119:98, 105

Apr 21 Obey Your Word, Walk in Your Presence

In today’s scripture, You give two passages that tell me how to be blessed.  I acknowledge and desire to follow those instructions.

1 – Lord, help me “be very strong; to be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left.  I will not associate with those who do not follow You by invoking the names of their gods or swear by them.  I will not serve them or bow down to them.  I will hold fast to You.” 

Lord, I can only be careful to obey Your Word if I know Your Word.  So I will read it and study to understand it.  I will pray and ask for understanding when I am confused or in doubt.

I will not ever call upon the names of other gods, because there is no other God but You.  There is none like You.  There is no other name under heaven by which I am saved.

Your power alone created the universe.  I will worship You alone, and seek Your direction and wisdom for my life.

2 – tells me “blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence.”

Father, I give glory to Your name only, because of who You are and what You have done.  You are Most Holy God.  You are all-powerful and all-knowing.  You created the heavens and the earth.

You created man and set him in this place to have fellowship with You.  When he broke that fellowship by sinning, You made a way of reconciling man to You: through Your blood on the cross.  And because I accept that gift I can walk in the light of Your presence once again.

The light of Your presence is where truth is revealed, nothing is hidden, nothing is feared.  Your presence dispels darkness.  To be present with You is to talk with You and listen to You – Your responses to my prayers, in Your Word and through the Holy Spirit.  It is to rest in You, fearing nothing.

I rejoice in Your name.  I trust in Your righteousness.  You are my protection, my King, the Holy One.   And I am blessed.  Amen

Joshua 23:6-11; Psalm 89:15-18

Mar 28 Burnout or Peace?

Lord, I do not desire to be a stiff-necked person.  Yet there are so many times I have been obstinate, stubborn, and wanted my own way!

Situations come up in my life, and the first thing I think of is how it can work out best for me.  I don’t think of myself as selfish, but I certainly do prefer when circumstances benefit me and don’t rock my boat.

There are so many things beyond my control that I seek to tightly control the things that are within my grasp.  I do what I can to plan my work and work my plan.  I try and keep a handle on and stay on top of events, relationships, finances, schedules, health issues, family, home.

The truth is: my being in control is just an illusion.  I am not really in control of anything.  [add in 2020 – This year and the corona crisis had made that remarkably clear for all of us.]

But by Your grace, I make it from one day to the next, one month to the next, one year to the next.

I believe You are a God of order.  You created the universe with order.  You ordered the solar system, and the seasons, life cycles and day and night.

If You can handle the universe, You can certainly handle the details of my life.  The control I desperately seek, I can trust to You.  I need to do my part, but I can release that part of me that seeks to insist on my own way; that seeks to “feel” in control.

A new way of thinking for me is to ask how the circumstances in my life can be used to bring You glory.  How can I respond in a way that shows that my peace and confidence come from You, the Lord God Almighty, instead of being dependent on whether or not things work out my way?

Help me Lord.  Keep my heart sensitive to what You are doing so I can join you.  Keep my mind focused on what You are showing me and teaching me through Your Word, about how to let go.

I have heard that I cannot do Your part, and You will not do my part.  Give me the discernment to know which is which.   And the courage to let my actions reflect that.  Amen

Deuteronomy 10:12-22

Mar 25 Help me see

Lord thank You for these pictures in scripture about the ability to see truth for what it is and to understand the meaning behind being a follower of Christ.

Your first picture reminds me that although a blind person who cannot see can help another blind person, there are blocks they will both stumble over due to their lack of vision.

And the second illustrates how I sometimes try and “help” someone else by fixing a problem I see in their life when I have bigger problems in my own life.

How many times have I relied on the advice and guidance of another person, who is “in the dark” as much as I am?

Rather than coming to You, my own lack of vision blinds me to the truth.

In both these examples, I need to remember to look to You for guidance, answers and perspective on issues in my life and seek Your help in correcting my own issues.

Your last illustration shows how important it is that when I come to You for “vision” I need to be obedient to what You tell me. You and Your wisdom and faithfulness build the foundation for my faith.  And in times like these, a firm foundation is absolutely necessary.

During these times of crisis and challenge, we need to know what our faith is based on.  And that its foundation is sure and reliable.  Father, You are that sure foundation that will keep us from collapsing.

Open my eyes of understanding.  I choose to turn – not to other blind people – but to the Creator who made my eyes and gives me sight.  Amen

Luke 6:39-49

Jan 18 Every high and Every low

Heavenly Father, thank You that I can trust You through the ups and downs, the highs and lows of my life.

There are times when things are going so well I feel on top of the world. And there are other times when it seems as if nothing is going right, and never will. It’s hard to find the motivation to do anything because everything seems to work out wrong and there is no sign that things will change for the better.

Israel’s son Joseph must have thought that when he was first thrown into a well by his jealous and conniving brothers, then sold to slave traders and carried off to Egypt far away from home. He was completely out of control of his own future at that point. But You were in control. And You had a master plan.

I know from scripture how Joseph’s life turned out: all for the good, and for the saving of his family. But I cannot see into the future to know the twists and turns my own life will take, or how it will turn out. And that is the challenge of life here on earth.

There are so many things I cannot control. They become a source of anxiousness, worry, and wringing my hands.

Other things, I try to control, but they slip through my fingers like water or sand. They are the source of making plans, and back up plans, contingencies and manipulation; again, stressful.

And there are the things that I seem to control and am pleased with, but am misled, because in truth, I am not in control at all. I only think I am.

I could continue to live this misguided life of false security, manipulation and anxiety. But I choose to lay it all down.  I choose the peace of giving it all to You. This is where trust comes in. I choose to believe Your Word: that You have a plan to prosper me and not to harm me, to give me a hope and a future, to never leave me or forsake me.

You have proven Yourself steadfast and trustworthy throughout the ages. You created the heavens and the earth and everything in them and have sustained them.

You have kept Your covenants and Your promises to men; every one. You have given revelation and prophecy that so far, has all come true. By Your power, the earth turns and the sun rises every morning.

Just like in Joseph’s life, I trust that You will position me where I need to be, when I need to be there. I trust You to prepare me for what comes next. And to guide me through it by being with me.

I trust You will keep me safe. In You I take refuge. You are my Lord. Apart from You I have no good thing. In You I trust. Amen

Genesis 37:1-36; Psalm 16:1-2; Jeremiah 29:11

Jan 17 Be my Guide

Lord, I desire to dwell with You in Your sanctuary. And to live on Your holy hill.  Your Word tells me how.

Help me keep my walk blameless and do what is righteous according to Your standards. When I am not sure which is the right way, give me discernment. When I know what is right, give me strength to do what is right.

Keep me from temptation that would entice me to act unjustly or immorally. Do not let me be drawn into evil or behave badly for personal gain.

Help me speak the truth from my heart, even when it is more convenient to lie. I desire to be honest in my speech and in my actions. Do not allow me to speak ill of others or be a gossip.

Help me treat my neighbor as I want to be treated, with respect and compassion. Teach me to hate what is wrong and vile; not calling what is good evil, or what is evil, good. And to stand up for right, defending those who are defenseless.

Show me how to recognize and give honor to those who are godly and live their lives in the fear of the Lord.

When I make a promise, help me keep my word, even when it is not convenient. Even when it costs me more that I thought it would. Let my yes be yes and my no be no.

When I can lend to one in need, do not let me take advantage of their need for my own profit. But let me act compassionately. When it is profitable to deceive others, let me turn away from that temptation. Do not let me accept a bribe or cause harm to the innocent.

Teach me and strengthen me to walk in this way, to live uprightly and to love mercy. Living this kind of life will give me confidence and courage. It will be an example to my children and to others. And it will help me to honor You.

This is my desire. Amen

Psalm 15:1-5

Jan 2 Keep me from Serpent Speak

O Father, Proverbs tells me “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Lord, I do not wish to be a fool.  Help me keep my sense of awe and respect for You.  I yearn for Your wisdom and instruction.  Keep me teachable and open to hear Your voice and see Your wonders.

I completely acknowledge You as Creator of the Universe and all that is in it. You alone possess the Sovereignty and Authority and Power to rule over and be Lord over all.

What an infinite imagination to think up all the combinations of flowers, birds, animals and insects!  And not just how they look, but how they sound, and smell!  I am amazed by You!

Surely, Eve must have been amazed by You too; walking in the Garden of Eden that You created!  Yet she gave in to temptation.   She listened to the serpent and was deceived. (And I’m still blown away that she didn’t seem surprised at all that a serpent was speaking!)

When the serpent misquoted You, she did not check it out.  And when he told a half-truth, that she would “be like” You, she believed it.  She trusted what she understood with her own eyes and logic instead of coming to You.

Father, do not let me make this mistake. 

When I hear a voice tempting me with something You have already spoken about, help me remember what You’ve said.  If I do not, remind me to come to You for direction.  Keep me from rushing to accept what is said without checking it out.  Let me be wise to the tactic of using just enough truth to sound right as a scheme to derail me.

Lord, do not let me be misled by falsehoods or half-truths. 

It is not just the voice of the evil one, but also this world and my own flesh that lead me down a wrong path, away from You.  Many temptations lure me to be more or have more than I am, playing into greed or pride, a sense of self-importance, inflated ego, fame or fortune.  But as seen here, this temptation was only half true, and had a huge price.

“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.”  This sounds like she was being perfectly logical, if it weren’t for the fact that You had already told her it was wrong!

Sometimes I can logically think my way into a wrong answer too.  Remind me, Father, to come to You, to seek Your perspective above all others.  Whether considering an opportunity, or dealing with a hardship: if there seems to be wisdom the world offers, or a logic to my mind, or a sense in my flesh, let me submit them all to You.

And thank You Father, that even when I make mistakes and sin; as with Adam and Eve, You have shed Your blood and covered me.  You have made a way for me to be back in fellowship with You, forever.  You are amazing!  Amen

Genesis 3:1-24; Proverbs 1:7

Jan 1 Blessing for 2021

Father, in these words You tell me how to be blessed.  Help me, my husband, sons, and loved ones obey these words to receive Your blessing.

Oh Lord God, do not let us heed or walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  But let us recognize evil for what it is. Give us a hunger and thirst for Your counsel, Your way, Your truth and Your wisdom so we will be seated with those who know and follow You.

Let our delight be in Your law, Oh Lord. Let us read it, memorize it, recall it and meditate on it, thinking about how to apply it to our own lives and circumstances. Let Your perfect law color my thoughts and attitudes.

Make us like trees planted by streams of water, which yield fruit in season. Show us Your perfect will for our lives and Your timing so we will produce fruit that will honor and glorify You and Your name.

Do not let us wither, but keep us strong and hearty. Let all we do prosper and bring You honor.

Allow us to see that the wicked cannot stand, but are blown away like chaff before the wind. And that the works of the evil ones will not prosper or enjoy Your gift of Salvation.

Lord, please watch over me and my loved ones – keep us on the path You have set before each one of us.

I totally trust in Your perfect will for all our lives. May we come to trust You and Your guiding hand.  May we feel You watching over us.

And may that sense of Your presence be a powerful deterrent and an awesome reassurance. Amen.

Psalm 1:1-6

Dec 17 2 things I ask

“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: 

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.  Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?  Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

Father, I see much wisdom in these words.  I also ask for these two things.

First, do not let me be entangled by telling or believing lies.

Let me be true to my word and speak the truth in love; by the words I say and the way I allow others to perceive me.  Do not let me put on airs or mislead anyone into thinking I am something I am not.

And do not let me be misled by the lies or deceptions of others.  Help me see truth by shining Your light to dispel the darkness of lies and deception.

Second, let me live with what I need.  Not in poverty and not in riches.  Each of these might cause me to overlook You and focus on my circumstances.  For in both directions, I have seen people take their eyes off You.

If the need is so great, it can be a temptation to sin by stealing and cursing You.  And if the excess is too great, it can lead to pride, greed, and a self-sufficiency that disregards the need for You.

These are wise words Father, and they are my prayer.  Amen

Proverbs 30:7-9

Dec 7 Where there is life, there is hope

Father, what a picture of joy and hope when You say “When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert.”  Because in the desert, very little grows.  The lack of water and the intense heat plus sandy soil produce low, scrawny plant life.

But to find grapes: something juicy and good that can nourish, is a wonderful and valuable find!  When living in or crossing the desert, a find like this can be the difference between life and death.

A similar picture is seen in the next part of the verse: “when I saw your fathers, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.”

For a fig tree is different from most other fruit trees.  It will take four to seven years for a fig tree to produce its first crop of figs.  So all those years, care must be taken to keep it watered and fertilized and protected from the weather and winds, parasites and disease so it will be healthy enough to produce.

Then, when seeing the early fruit, you know it has all been worth it!  There is success!  And hope of many more harvests to come.

Both of these create an emotional response of relief, satisfaction – that the future is secure and what has been done and accomplished was worth it.

I love seeing this in projects or ministries I have been involved with.  Or when I think of lives I have impacted.  It is a good feeling that any positive influence will continue and go on.  I feel it when I think of my children.  I feel delight and hope.

But then that was all taken away when You saw what happened.  “…they consecrated themselves to that shameful idol and became as vile as the thing they loved.”

Delight is erased.  Hopes are dashed.  Joy is replaced with sadness, grief and anguish over the loss of those involved and the prospect of the joyous future that had been envisioned.

Father, do You feel like this about each one of Your creations now?  Do You have delight in each one, and then anguish over their fall away from You into idolatry?  Father, I am Your child.  Keep me from turning away from You.  Show me clearly where and when there are idols I am in danger of being drawn to: pride, possessions, money, fame, popularity, whatever.  I believe You gave these words to John: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

I echo these words for my own children.  And also “pray that [they] may enjoy good health and that all may go well with [them].”   Father, help me and my children and loved ones be faithful to You.  Help us walk in a manner worthy of You, to show hospitality, not to gossip, to welcome believers, not to imitate what is evil, but to imitate what is good.

Thank You for the great things You have done for us!  Let “our mouths be filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy” because of the “great things You have done for us”!  Amen

Hosea 9:10; III John 1:1-4; Psalm 126:1-6

Dec 4 God is Love – He loves me!

Father, You have given me the confidence to live my life encouraged.  Through John, You have shown me how to discern truth from falsehood and how important love is.  Holding on to those things will help me live a godly life.

There are so many influences in the world today it can be hard to know which are truly good and which are truly evil.  Evil masquerades as good.  It can appear justified, acceptable, even beneficial.

Evil influence can even come from well-intentioned people.   And You assure me that when I come up against evil, worldly influences, “greater is He that is in me, than he who is in the world.” 

Since You ARE love, every one who belongs to You will have that love in them.  Your love is total, complete, sacrificial, perfect, and saves me.

This is not “I love ice cream” kind of love, or brotherly love, or even romantic love.   It is the Greek word agape– a total, selfless, unconditional love that overcomes sin.  You loved each one of us before we loved You or even knew of You..  It is a perfect love that has no fear, but drives out fear.

It is Your love, Father, that I seek in my life every day!  I need it to drive out the fear that gains a foothold in me through circumstances I don’t understand, through stressful things happening to my loved ones, through the evil I see prospering in the world.

Father, there are days I feel so overwhelmed and unlovable that I deny Your love because I don’t “feel” it.  Forgive me when I doubt Your amazing, perfect love.

Do not let me be led by my feelings – they have nothing to do with the truth of and the absolute certainty of Your love.

Help me sense Your love, and be lifted up by it, so I can share it with my brothers and sisters.

Let me walk in Your love till the end of days, or the end of my days, whichever comes first.  Thank You for Your amazing love.  Amen

I John 4:1-21

Nov 25 Live in the Light, like Daniel

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are Yours.  You change times and seasons;  You depose kings and raise up others.  You give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.  You reveal deep and hidden things; You know what lies in darkness,  and light dwells with You.  I thank and praise You…” 

Father, these words of Daniel’s are just as true today.  We still praise You!

After all these years of season after season, You are still the One who keeps the world in order.  And after generations of kings, You are still the One who holds their hearts and all power in Your hand.

All wisdom and knowledge are Yours.  Hundreds of years of human advancements and scientific discovery and technology, haven’t even scratched the surface when it comes to understanding this amazing universe You created!

Father, Daniel held tightly to his beliefs about You and his convictions about how to live a godly life.  And he did so in the midst of being kidnapped and taken a thousand miles away from home and family.

As a young man it would have been so easy for him to simply go along with whatever his captors pushed on him.  But even far away from family and the worship he knew, he knew that You were with him.

At that time, people worshipped pagan gods who they believed had power and influence over a specific thing like rainfall, crops, fertility or a particular place.   But Daniel knew You were the One True God over all these things.  And that no matter where he was, You were there.

 “Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel.”

And You were faithful to Daniel.   You allowed him to be faithful to the ways he had been taught and gave him success.  In addition to this, You gave Daniel and his four friends wisdom and understanding far beyond that of all others.

Father, help me be like Daniel.  Strengthen me to live the way You have taught me, and not give in to the pressures of whatever society offers.  Let me stand out so others will see that I live differently from the pagan ways of my culture.

Let the light that dwells in You, shine through me.  Amen

Daniel 1:1-21; 2:19-23

Nov 22 Teach me Application

What an amazing Psalm is the 119^th Psalm!  It is the longest Psalm.  It has more verses than 14 Old Testament books and 17 New Testament books.

Within it is found the verse that lies in the very center of Scripture – halfway between Genesis 1:1 and Revelation 22:21.

This Psalm was constructed with twenty-two stanzas, each beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew Alephbet.  And within each stanza, each of the eight verses begin with the letter of the stanza.

In almost every verse, there is a word that describes Your teaching: Word, law, commands, statues, decrees, precepts.  And almost each one teaches how to handle Your Word or be led and taught by it.

It is said that King David used this Psalm to teach his young son, Solomon the Alephbet.  It represented all the letters, but also illustrated spiritual truth of how to live a godly life.  So as I read it, Father, I also pray these verses as a guide for living according to Your Word.

“I will obey Your Word.  Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law…do not hide Your commands from me.”  Help me see beyond the Words to the meaning You have for these Words in my life.  Show me marvelous things that deepen my devotion to You. 

 “…Teach me Your decrees.  Let me understand the teaching of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders…strengthen me according to Your Word.” 

Father, beyond word studies and context references, reveal deeper meanings to me through Your Holy Spirit.   Show me how to be sensitive to the timing and teaching You use to increase my awareness and discernment so I can apply it to the circumstances of my life.

Understanding Your Word brings me strength!  What an awesome gift!

Father, I choose Your truth and obedience to Your laws.  “I set my heart on Your laws.  I hold fast to Your statutes.“  “Be gracious to me… and do not let me be put to shame.”

I would rather You take my life than allow me to dishonor You.  I am Your servant.  You are my Master.   It is only by Your mercy and Your Word that I have life.  Amen

Psalm 119:17-32

Nov 8 May the Truth set us free

Father, as I read this section of Psalm 106, I fear that I personally, and my country, have together made the same mistakes Your people made in the desert.  They were not satisfied with the life You gave them; even the miracles You performed!  You delivered them from the hand of the enemy who had relegated them to slavery for generations, and then was set on destroying them.

In the wilderness at Meribah where You brought water from a rock for them to drink, they rebelled against Moses and Your provision.  They forgot that You had done something so mighty as parting the Red Sea for them, and delivering them from the hand of Pharaoh and his army.

Instead, they focused on their fleshly desires, doubting You could quench their thirst.

I too, sometimes focus on my own desires rather than the great blessings You have already worked in my life.  And I too respond with whining instead of faith.

When they came into the Promised Land, they “mingled with the nations and adopted their customs.”  I fear I have done the same by participating in the social customs of my times.   I and my country, have mingled godly beliefs with the socially acceptable values of the times.

What You call sin is no longer looked upon as sin.  People today seem to have no concept of what is right and wrong, and so no self-governing set of morals that direct or protect them.

Many things in my culture take the place of passion for You.  Sports teams, fame, money, power, shopping, alcohol and drugs, status, cars, beauty, youth: so many things have become idols in the lives of so many, even believers.

“They sacrificed their sons and daughters to false gods.  They shed innocent blood…” Father, I grieve over the number of babies who have been sacrificed on the altar of “choice” and “convenience.”  This land is desecrated by their blood.   And it defiles the people involved because of the act of taking a life.

But it also exacts a price they often pay in long-term emotional and psychological damage, not to mention the spiritual battle that they have lost in giving over ground to the enemy.

Yet, You “took note of their distress when You heard their cry…and out of Your great love You relented.”

Father, I am in distress and I cry out to You: for my personal sin and for the sin of my country.  Forgive, Lord.

I acknowledge and agree with You that I and my country have acted in rebellion in going our own way without following the path You set before us. And that my country and I have participated in social customs and values that have become a snare to us, even to the point of idolatry.

Lord I turn away from anything that seeks to take Your place in my life.  Forgive us for focusing on the flesh over the spiritual.

“Save us Lord our God…that we may give thanks to Your Holy name and glory in Your praise.  Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.  Let all the people say, ‘Amen!’”

Psalm 106:32-48

Nov 2 Don’t miss it!

Don’t let us miss the message today like the people in Ezekiel’s time did – but give us wisdom and discernment to recognize Your truth, and apply it to our lives…

Father, what You had Ezekiel do seems so hard.  Surely people must have thought he was crazy!  And yet, his strange behavior was an exact representation of all that would happen to Jerusalem!

He obeyed You so he would be a warning to the people.  But the people did not pay attention or return to You.  It makes me wonder about prophetic messages You are sending today, that no one is taking seriously…

Today, the good news is still being proclaimed!  But there are those who hear and it is “of no value to them, because they do not share the faith…”

Father, open their ears!  Soften their hearts!  Do not allow them to be swept away by believing the lies and deception of the evil one!

“Your Word is active and alive.”  Its truth can set people free from the darkness and deceit of the world and the evil one.  It can show them the way to go, and how to turn from evil desires.

Father, You can give them the strength to walk away from what they have known, and toward what is right; because you, Yourself, have walked this path of flesh!

Thank You that in Your humanness, You empathize with my weaknesses.  And thank You that You have invited me to “approach Your throne of grace with confidence…” in boldness, knowing I will “receive mercy and find grace to help me in my time of need.”  Your amazing grace provides me with forgiveness and eternal salvation.

Father, help me hear Your truth when You speak it to me.

Thank You that You know what I need even before I do!  And for providing all that I need in my times of need.  Amen

Ezekiel 4:1-5:4; Hebrews 4:1-16

Oct 14 Grow our Truth in me

Father, Jeremiah was Your man on the ground, Your man on the scene.  He was the one of the few who spoke Your truth, yet no one listened to him or believed him and turned back to You because of it.   

Paul spoke Your truth and taught it to the Thessalonians, and it took root.  Yet they were persecuted, endured hardship, and were deceived and confused by false teachers and liars.

It’s as if Your truth is seed that was scattered, but the ground Jeremiah sowed it on was too hard to accept it.  It fell where it could not take root, and just blew away. 

The Thessalonians were better ground and accepted the seed, but it’s as if thorns grew up to choke out what sprouted, or birds tried to take it away.  Paul’s second letter was a good reminder for them to pull the thorns out and shoo the birds away in order to hold on to the truth that had grown in them. 

You have given me the ability to discern Your truth by giving me Your written Word, and Your Holy Spirit residing within me, who speaks truth to me.   I feel as if I have the benefit of being given the most fertile soil of all.  And it is up to me to protect Your truth growing in me.  I need to “stand firm and hold fast to the teachings passed on to [me].”

Father, help me be faithful to make time each day to read Your precious Word.  And to come to You in prayer, and listen to You.  Enlighten me with understanding Your Word and what You say to me in prayer.  And strengthen me to be faithful and obedient to all I understand. 

Remind me to guard Your truth in my heart and mind, and bring every other thought and teaching, philosophy and prophecy, to be measured against the plumb line of Your truth. 

Your Word has taken firm root in my life.  Help me protect it and nurture it.  Let it leaf and flower and produce good fruit all my days.  I know that when Your timing is right, I will be with You for eternity.  Amen

 

Jeremiah 25:1-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

Oct 8 Worship the Creator – not the created

Jeremiah points out the worthlessness of the idols that the people made for themselves.  They were made of wood or stone.  They had to be carried from place to place.  They had no awareness and no power.  Yet the people superstitiously bowed down to them.

What a stark contrast to You!  There is “No one like You, Lord.”

You made, literally created, the earth!  You imagined it, and then spoke it into being.  When You speak, it trembles.  When You thunder, the waters storm with hurricane force.  “You are the Creator of everything that exists.” 

If I were to worship anything else, I would be as Jeremiah described his people, and the whole human race: “stupid and foolish…without knowledge.”

Jeremiah also encourages me not to fear the predictions of those who look elsewhere for their wisdom.  So I need not be afraid of false prophets, horoscopes or those who seek to divine the future from the stars.  You made the stars.  So I worship the Maker, not what was made.

Paul was in chains for speaking out about who You are.  That is not a current threat where I live.  Help me “be wise in the way I act towards outsiders, and make the most of every opportunity.  Let my conversation be full of grace and seasoned with salt, so that I may know how to answer everyone.”

Show me when to speak, and what to say.  And when to hold my tongue.   So many people are put off of Christianity because of the actions and attitudes of Christians.  Let me be a beacon of light to others as I walk the walk, and talk the talk in grace and love.

Show me what it means to “Devote myself to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”  I strive to express my thanks in prayer and allow time for You to speak to me, not just deliver a list of requests.

Thank You Father, that You, the matchless King of the Universe, hear my prayers.   And thank You that You answer them.  Help me to be watchful for Your answers.  And wait on Your timing.  I trust in the Creator of all things.  Amen

Jeremiah 10:1-16; Colossians 4:2-6

Oct 6 Your Word is my path

“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

 Father, destruction was coming and You instructed Your people with this verse.

Yet they did not obey or follow You.  Do not let me reject Your wisdom.  Today I stand seeking.  I look to You to guide and direct my thoughts.  Show me the way to go. Help me be steadfast to walk in Your way.

I trust Your leading.  Even if it is not the “popular” path.  Or the one that seems “logical” at the time.  Or the “easiest” one that seems to be clear of obstacles.  Give me strength to be obedient to what I hear You saying.

Paul said it this way:  “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

There are many followings today, many belief systems that are portrayed in the media as right and credible.  Do not let me be misled by these false, socially acceptable representations.  You have taught me the truth.  And I have aligned myself with You by faith, by public profession, by baptism and by the way I choose to live.

Just as false religions lead me away from You, so do the attitudes that would bind me to legalistic practices that come from man.  Such rules and regulations that many keep, and look down on those who do not, are just as damaging.  Their obedience is based on human commands and teachings of men’s interpretation.

Believers are Your Body.  And when the members of Your Body obey only each other, they have lost connection with You, their Head.

Bottom line Lord: let me hear Your voice, and obey what You tell me.  Let me truly live my life for an Audience of One.  You.  Amen

Jeremiah 6:16-21; Colossians 2:8-23

Sept 28 Victory in Jesus!

Father, I desire to “be strong in You and in Your mighty power.”   And to “take my stand against the devil’s schemes.” 

I realize that my battle is not with the people around me, or my circumstances, although I sometimes feel at war with these.  My struggle is “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  And the armor You have given me is perfectly suited to what I need.

I wear the “Helmet of Salvation” – which bears Your insignia, letting all know in whose army I fight.  It protects my head, and also my mind.  It reminds me to take every thought captive and compare it to Your truth.

You have given me a “Belt of Truth” so I can recognize the lies of the enemy.  Help me not be mesmerized by what I think I want to hear. And remind me to look deeply enough to recognize a lie when I hear it.

You protect my vital organs with a “Breastplate of Righteousness” so that stabs and attacks glance off without doing harm.  With deeper protection, it is like the forerunner to the bulletproof vest which stops and arrests projectiles before they can hurt me.

You “fit my feet with the readiness that comes from wearing the Gospel of Peace.”   People may remove their shoes when entering a home or as a sign of relaxing.  But when shoes are put on, it signifies a readiness for action.

As a believer, my action should be directed toward sharing the “Good News” or the “Gospel” with others.   My faith in the Good News of my salvation gives me traction to be able to “stand firm.”  “So that when the day of evil comes, I will be able to stand my ground.”

“In addition to all this, take up the Shield of Faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”  This is not some little garbage can lid with a handle!  The shields Paul was seeing when he wrote this were those of the Roman guard.

They covered the soldier’s body and were wide enough so when they stood together it made a formidable wall.  And thick enough to block and stop sword, spear, arrow and javelin.

Father, every time You do what You say, keep Your promise, deliver me from some trouble, or stand with me in some hardship, it builds my faith.  It strengthens my Shield!  And when I stand beside other believers and we link our shields of faith together, I am protected even more!

And I take up the “Sword of the Spirit” – Your Holy Word.  There is such power in Your Word!  Evil trembles and turns back at the mention of Your name.  Praying Your Words back to You by using scripture empowers my prayers.

When I am dressed in Your armor, and wielding Your weapons, I am a mighty force!

Your armor is the best.  With it I can stand firm.  I can stand against the schemes of the evil one.

When You fight with me and for me, it is You who give me the victory!  And I receive the blessing.  Thank You!  Amen

Ephesians 6:10-17

Sept 10 Give me understanding

Father, what a vision You gave Isaiah! It’s as if he were privileged to peek into the actual Throne Room in Heaven itself! His eyes were opened and he saw and described amazing things that are like nothing ever seen on earth.

And once again, when confronted with glimpses of Your glory, the human response is the recognition of our unworthiness. In the presence of such greatness and holiness, human frailty pales in comparison.

You gave Isaiah a message for Your people. You directed him to say to King Ahaz in the face of military invasion: “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”

It was true then, and it is true today. A paraphrase I heard growing up was “If you don’t know what you stand for, you’ll fall for anything.”

Because I believe You are God, Creator of the universe and the only Savior for all who You created, I can stand on You, a firm and solid rock.

How do I do that?

1 – It helps to have scripture verses that remind me of these truths. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1

2 – It helps to remember statements of truth that are based on scripture. “God is who He says He is. God can do what He says He can do.”

3 – Or to proclaim in song, “On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” These are some ways I find reassurance when I feel afraid or doubtful.

Father, I do not want to be “ever hearing but never understanding; ever seeing but never perceiving,” with my “heart calloused,” my “ears dull,” and my “eyes closed.” I want to “see with my eyes, hear with my ears and understand with my heart…and be healed.”

When You open my eyes and ears, I have understanding. And I can stand. Father, help me stand even in the face of the invasion of the enemy.

Help me remember Your truths. Help me recall Your faithfulness to me in the past. These things build my faith even stronger. And give me a firm place to stand. Amen

Isaiah 6:1-10; 7:9

Sept 9 Recognize Truth

O Father.  I pray that I will not be “deceived by the serpent’s cunning as Eve was,” and that my “mind would not be led astray from a pure and sincere devotion to Christ.”

The serpent used deception to lure Eve into sin.  He approached her boldly; the better to distract her.

He called into question what You had really said; the better to confuse her.

He cunningly suggested that what You wanted for her was not enough, was even bad for her; the better to entrap her.

Father, help me avoid falling into whatever traps the evil one sets for me.  Let me see through them; beyond the lure of the sound of his words, to the hook buried beneath.  The answer to this “serpent speak” is “God speak.”

1 – I need to be listening, really paying attention to all that You are saying to me.  In Hebrew, the word is sh’ma.  It means to listen so closely, so deeply, so diligently, that the words change the listener from the inside out.

The meaning also incorporates a response to those words as being similar to that of a mother who recognizes her baby’s cry and drops everything to respond immediately.  Father, let me sh’ma You, listen deeply and respond to You.

2 – I need to take some action for my mind to be guarded enough so that I am “not led away,”.  You give me and every believer armor: protection against the enemy. 

I believe the Helmet of Salvation bears Your insignia so that all who see it will know I fight on Your side.  And it protects not only my head, but my mind inside: my thoughts.  In doing so, many lies the evil one would have me believe simply bounce off and never even enter my mind.

However, some lies are disguised, or they have a little bit of truth in them, and I listen to them.   But it is a twisted bit of truth, or a half truth.  So before I accept it, I need to “take every thought captive to God.”

This means I need to examine it and hold it up to Your truth.  When I don’t, problems begin.  Even the little things I accept that are not true can pull me away from a “pure and sincere devotion to Christ.”  And I may not even realize it until I have strayed significantly off course.

So Father, help me remember to examine any thoughts and compare them to what You have told me.  I will use Your Word as a plumb line.   That string with a metal weight at the end is pulled by gravity so that the resulting line is absolutely straight.  Anything can be measured against this line to determine if it is “true” or not.

Your Word is truth.  Thank You for Your Word.   Thank You for the Helmet of Salvation.  Thank You that when I sh’ma You, I will not be deceived by the serpent or led astray, away from You.  Amen

II Corinthians 11:1-4

Sept 3 What matters most?

Father, what great knowledge Solomon amassed!

It seems he did it all, and lived to write it all down for me to know how to best spend my time.  Certainly he saw many things and did many things he categorized as “meaningless.”

He built grand structures, planted extensive gardens.  He wrote many ”nature guides” cataloging and describing plants and animals.   He enjoyed all that money could buy, withholding no pleasure from himself.  But found these things “meaningless.”

He did recognize some things as having value.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”  And “two will keep warm…and defend themselves.”

So Father, will You always send another to be with me.  And let me be there for someone else.  Let there always be someone in my life to help me up when I fall.  To help me keep warm, and defend myself.  It may be a friend or family member, or even a stranger You send at the right time.

“It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.  Do not let your mouth lead you into sin.”   So Father, help me let my yes be yes and my no mean no, and not make promises I cannot or will not keep.

Do not let me be “quick with my mouth or hasty with my heart,” but consider my thoughts, feelings, words and commitments carefully.

When I think about Solomon I wonder: did he ever hold his newborn and marvel at the miracle of life?  Did he watch and help that child grow and learn?  Did he pass on his knowledge and love of You to that child and see him come to love and worship You too?  Did he promise his life to one person and live faithfully in that covenant; having their support and love for a lifetime?

Did he examine each animal and plant, but forget to marvel at the diversity and imagination and power of You, the Creator?  Did he share his life with a friend who stuck with him through thick and thin, good and bad?  And console that friend and receive comfort from them?

Did he hold the hand of a dying loved one and tell them they are loved, all is forgiven, and “I will see you in heaven?”

To me, these are the things that are most meaning-FULL.  The relationships, the connections with people that You allow into my life – that’s where the meaning lies.

I agree that amassing wealth, building buildings and writing volumes of knowledge will all pass away.  But loving You and sharing Your love with others – these things are eternal.

Father, help me remember not to chase after the wind, but to chase only after You.  Amen.

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12; 6:12

Aug 29 The veil is torn

“But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”  What joyful words! 

 

Father, there was a curtain, a veil in front of the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle and in the Temple.  It separated the people from Your personal presence.    Only the High Priest went inside the veil, and only once a year, to make atonement for all Your people.

 

But when You died on the cross in Jerusalem, the actual veil in the Temple was literally torn!  It was ripped in half from top to bottom, forever giving access through the cross, to the Holy of Holies.  To Your presence.

Where You are “there is freedom.”   But the world and the evil one seek to take that freedom away.  The philosophies of man say there is no absolute truth, and that morality is relative to the times and accepted behaviors of whatever society I live in.

The world would have me walk around veiled by falsehoods that deny Your existence, Your power and Your authority on this earth.  They deny You are the Creator, and encourage me to worship false idols, or even myself as “god.”

Father, help me see clearly, and not “drink the kool-aid” of these false beliefs.

Do not let me be veiled by anything that would keep me from You.  But let me “with unveiled face, reflect the Lord’s glory, being transformed into His likeness …”  So that others around me also see You through me.

Rid me of those things that are not of You: selfishness, greed, pride.  Let me produce the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, faithfulness…

Let me live fully in Your presence and in the freedom gained when the veil was torn.   Amen

II Corinthians 3:11-18

Aug 4 The Faith Train

“You are my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?  You are the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”

Yet sometimes I have felt in the dark.  I have been afraid of what may happen to me or to my loved ones.

Sometimes I feel so ill prepared to handle what comes up that it leaves me feeling overwhelmed – with emotion, with circumstances, with decisions, with worry.  I have been anxious over so many things that never happened.  It is because I am relying on “feelings.”

The truth is that my “faith” is based on “facts.”  The “facts” fuel my “faith” which is the engine that drives the train.

They pull my “feelings” along behind like a caboose.  The problem is that I sometimes forget and allow myself to be driven by the caboose.

The fact is “in the day of trouble, He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.”  Father, You have promised to keep me safe.  And my faith in You is steadfast.

But sometimes when I don’t “feel” You near me, I forget that You are there.  The fact is You have promised never to leave me!  So just because I cannot feel You, doesn’t mean You are not there.  Again, I let myself be driven by my feelings.

When I remember the facts of who You are: Creator God, Yahweh, the Great I Am, Jehovah Jirah – my provider, El Shaddai; I can say in the strength of my faith:

“Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.”

When I state these “facts” and speak aloud the truth of my faith, my feelings fall into line.  And I am strengthened and encouraged.  “You are my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?  You are the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”

A-MEN !

Psalm 27:1-6

Aug 2 You encourage me

photo by Joshua Earle

Father, thank You for the words of encouragement Hezekiah gave his men.  The same words are encouraging to me today, because I know that no matter what hardship or battle or enemy I face, You are greater than any of them.  And You are with me!

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or discouraged because of” (fill in the bank with my hardship) “and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him!  With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.”

The world will yell back at me exactly what Sennacherib said:

“On what are you basing your confidence?…Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the people of other lands?  Were the gods of those nations ever able to deliver their land from my hand?…How then can your god deliver you from my hand?  Do not believe it…”

The world and the flesh and the devil echo these words to try and make me doubt.

My flesh will say that I am weak.  That I am unworthy of Your help.  The world will show me how many others have fallen before me – those stronger than me to begin with.  The devil will try and get me to focus on my circumstances and question Your love for me.

But Your Word builds me up.  It reminds me that I am Yours and You have promised never to leave me.

You have given me armor, both offensive and defensive, to help me.  The Helmet of Salvation bears Your insignia, in whose army I fight.  And it protects my thoughts.  So many battles are won and lost in the mind before even one arrow flies.  It reminds me to take every thought captive so I can hold it up to truth.

The truth is, I am weak, but “Your strength is made perfect in my weakness.”  I am unworthy of Your help.  I can never earn it.  But Your help comes because of Your unchanging character, flowing from Your grace and mercy!   It was never dependent on anything I could ever do.

Others may have fallen who were stronger than me, but I will be victorious because of Your strength, not my own!

And despite the devil, I will not judge Your love by my circumstance, but by Your Word.  It says Your love never changes, it is everlasting, enduring forever.  And I will choose to look at You, not focus only on my circumstances.

This is how I will triumph over challenges.  Even in the conditions of today’s Psalm: “I am lonely and afflicted.  The troubles of my heart have multiplied…my enemies have increased and hate me fiercely…”  I will put my eyes on You and not my circumstances.

I will answer the lies I hear from the other voices, with Your voice of truth; as You voiced it through Hezekiah: I will be strong and courageous.  I will not be afraid or discouraged.

I will remember that You are a greater power.  And that You are with me!  Praise be to You!  Amen

2 Chronicles 32:1-23; Psalm 25:16-22; 2 Corinthians 12:9

July 31 Leaders like Hezekiah

Father, thank You for leaders like Hezekiah.  Thank You that some are willing to stand up for what is right even if it goes against the prevailing social climate.

At the young age of 25 in the first month of his reign, Hezekiah reopened, repaired, and purified the Temple in Jerusalem that his father had closed.  He led the people back to worshipping You with songs, instruments, and offerings.

Father, bring leaders who will help my nation turn away from its selfish, greedy, idolatrous ways, and return to You.   Like Hezekiah, let these men and women know right from wrong, and be obedient to do right.  Strengthen those leaders who are faithful to You.  Protect them and grant them success in their personal and professional lives.

For those who do not follow You, Father, open their eyes and ears to Your truth.  Draw them to Yourself so they may know You personally as Savior and Lord.  Break down whatever walls are keeping them from seeing Your truth.  And prepare their hearts to receive it.

You tell us “Who may stand in Your Holy place.”  Give our leaders “clean hands and a pure heart.”  Let them be men and women of godly values “who do not lift up their souls to an idol or swear by what is false.”  Then they will receive Your blessing and our nation will be blessed.

Let this be the generation, let this be the time, that we seek You wholeheartedly.  That we seek the face of the Lord Almighty, the King of glory.  Amen

2 Chronicles 29:1-36; Psalm 24:1-10

 

July 19 Help me walk Your path of Righteousness

Father, David proclaimed “Wealth and honor come from You; You are the ruler of all things.”  He was amazed and pleased at the abundance of gifts the people poured out for the building of Your Temple.  And he acknowledged “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.” I completely agree.

Like the Israelites, teach me to be generous with all You have given me:

money, energy, time, words, music, talents, spiritual gifts.

Help me spend myself on You and Your purposes and Your people.  David prayed for the people, and I echo “keep this desire in my heart forever, and keep my heart loyal to You…give me wholehearted devotion to keep Your commands.”

Since I have Your righteousness, Lord, help me behave that way.  Remind me to speak the truth from my heart.  If I open my mouth to speak a lie or to deceive, shut it.  Show me how to speak the truth in love, and not be hurtful to people in the name of “honesty.”

Help me treat my neighbor with decency and fairness, not cheating or taking advantage.

Keep me away from malicious gossip.

Give me the fortitude to turn away from those who are evil and untrustworthy, even if society embraces them or it seems it would benefit me.

Let me truly love and support those who honor and respect You and Your values.

Help me be true to my word, even when it costs me.

Teach me to be smart with my finances, to be generous, and not extort interest from the needy.  Strengthen me so I am not tempted by bribes.

Psalm 15 promises that those “who do these things will never be shaken.”  Father, You give me solid ground to stand on.  Help me be unwavering and not overwhelmed by forces that seek to undo me.   With Your help I can stand strong, and not be moved.  Thank You.  Amen

I Chronicles 29:1-19; Psalm 15:1-5

July 17 Your Truth delivers me

Dear Father, “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?”

It seems some days are harder than others.  If even one negative thought comes into my head, it can bring me down.  I glumly mull it over and the thought generates an emotional response.  Very easily other negative thoughts join in and pile up on each other till I am feeling discouraged.

Quickly enough, discouragement heaps on even more “should have, would have, could haves” until I am feeling out of control, overwhelmed and depressed and join with the psalmist in saying “Give light to my eyes or I will sleep in death.”  In my own words, “Help me or I’ll just die.”

It’s surprising how quickly simple thoughts can lead to anger, fear, frustration, until I am not only emotionally upset, but also experience a physical response which can leave me with a headache or feeling sick to my stomach.  It impairs my judgment and my ability to function efficiently, whether at work or at home.  I can’t even relate to people normally in my agitated condition.

“But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation.”   You have already given me a wonderful solution to this problem.  If only I would remember to use it!

The battle begins in my mind.  And You have given me a piece of armor to protect my mind – the Helmet of Salvation.   It guards my thoughts and gives me the ability to take them captive and hold them up to Your truth.  It also gives me the ability to understand and memorize Your truth so I have it at the ready when I need it.

Your truth can help me stop the flow of wrong and negative thoughts.  The evil one uses these, preferring that I remain sidelined in discouragement and depression, unable to defend myself.  He will use these kinds of half-truths and deceiving lies to mislead and condemn me.  But when held up to the truth, they are shattered and scattered.

One way I can know if a thought comes from You, is that You convict whereas satan condemns.  He would make me feel like a hopeless, dirty, rotten, sinner.

You may correct me, but Your words lift me up, motivate and empower me to make the needed corrections.

Your words generate hopefulness.

His produce hopelessness.

Lord, remind me, to use this amazing gift!

When a negative thought comes, prompt me to hold it up to Your truth immediately.  Help me build into my memory an arsenal of truth from Your scriptures.

When I memorize scripture I can use it to combat the lies seeking to discourage me and control my thinking.  Then I can confidently deal with whatever truth You show me.  “I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me!”  Amen

Psalm 13:1-6

July 15 Lessons from David

Lord, David, who was known as a “man after God’s own heart” ordered that a census be taken of the Israelites.  The implication here is that he wanted to know how many fighting men he had available.  It seems like a reasonable thing to do to the logical mind.  But what the scripture says is that “satan incited David to take a census of Israel.”

So the question becomes: how or why did this happen?

One observation is that “In the Spring, at the time when kings go off to war…David remained in Jerusalem.”  So it’s possible that if he had been present with the troops, where he should have been, he would have seen first-hand how many men he had.

Or could it be that his faith in Your ability to continue to give him military victories was waning and he wanted to bolster his confidence by seeing the numbers?

What he should have done when this idea came to him, was hold it up to what he knew of You.  And seek Your counsel on whether or not to go ahead with it.  Even his commander Joab knew this was a bad thing.   His response to David was “Why does my lord want to do this?  Why should he bring guilt on Israel?”

So Father, help me learn from this mistake David made.

1 – If there is a place I am supposed to be, do not let me make excuses to avoid being there.

Help me take my responsibilities seriously and not be swayed by fear, or laziness, or arguments to the contrary.  If I am in the center of Your will, I am less vulnerable to the suggestions and oppression of satan.

2 –  Bolster my faith with Your truth from Scripture so it doesn’t fail me.

When I hear the whisperings of satan telling me to question myself or Your love and faithfulness to me, let me take those wrong thoughts captive and come against those lies with the truth of scripture.  So –

If satan tells me “What do you think you’re doing?  You can’t do that?”  Let me respond with “I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me!” Philippians 4:13

If he taunts me with “You’re not good enough/smart enough” let me respond with Your truth that “I am God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do the work which He has prepared in advance for me.”  Ephesians 2:10.

If I hear a voice saying ‘”You’ve made so many mistakes, you’re worthless,” I can boldly respond with “I am chosen of God, holy, and dearly loved.” Colossians 3:12

3 – If You place people in my life to speak the truth to me, like Joab did for David, do not allow me to be too stubborn or bull-headed to listen to them.

4 – Mostly, Father, let me be consistent to always lay my plans before you, asking if it is Your will.  Then listen to and be obedient to Your response to me.

Regardless of how illogical it may seem, or how much sense it may make to others, I desire to follow Your voice: the voice of my Shepherd.

David and his people paid a terrible price for his disobedience.  Let me learn from his mistake, and be led by You.  Amen

I Chronicles 21:1-17; 1 Chronicles 20:1

 

July 13 Creation Speaks

Father, I have heard many stories of how missionaries would go into a place no “civilized” man had been before, and the native people already knew of You.  They had a name for You.  They knew Your character, and that You are the One True God who created and rules the universe.

Even if they had never seen a Bible, a preacher, or watched the “Jesus” film, they already knew of Your love and Your sacrifice for them and their sin.  They understood their need of a Savior to be in restored relationship with You.

When I read Romans, it becomes clear that this is part of Your plan.  You are not dependent on modern methods to spread Your Gospel, the Good News.

When I first saw “Jesus Christ Superstar”, I resonated with the line in the song;

“if You’d come today You could have reached a whole nation.

Israel in 4BC had no mass communication.”

Meaning that if You had waited, You could have had world wide coverage of the event. Practically everyone in the world could have watched Your birth, life, death and resurrection on CNN or a televised reality show.  But that wasn’t Your plan.

Paul writes such long and wordy sentences that it’s sometimes hard to follow.  But I’m understanding from him that it is not in Your character to judge someone who is unaware of who You are.  So to be just, You have given everyone the knowledge of truth.  Paul is saying that You are judging people who know You but intentionally suppress the truth of who You are.

They know this, because You have made it plainly clear to them.  Ever since You created the world, that creation displays and clearly reveals Your eternal power and Divine Nature.  That means man is without excuse!

There is no reason, when seeing this world and all that’s in it, anyone could deny Your existence, Your character, or Your power.

Thank You for reaching every person with an understanding of who You are.  Thank You for showing me so much of Your amazing creation.

I have seen Your majesty in the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, vast oceans, wooded valleys, mighty rushing rivers, wide meadows, sand filled deserts.

I have seen Your imaginative beauty in dazzlingly colorful sunrises and sunsets, fields of vibrantly colored flowers, and in the eyes and smiles of people of all colors.

I have watched Your mighty power in thunderheads building, lightening storms flashing, tornadoes whirling, waves crashing.

Your spectacular creativity is displayed in the vivid and delicate colors of nature – especially in birds and bugs.

Your dizzying workings are seen in the intricacies of tree roots and human nervous and circulatory systems.

Thank You that You have made Yourself evident.  And for the unimaginably beautiful and amazing way You have done it.  Amen

Romans 1:18-20

June 20 Every Word Counts!

“The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me;”

Father, this verse has been so encouraging, speaking to me of Your divine purpose, of Your sovereignty to act, or Your personal interest and caring love for me.

Funny how stressing a different word in a sentence changes the meaning.  So in learning to hear You better, I focus on one word at a time.   Emphasizing each word to gather new meaning.

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.  The One.  The Only.  Not just any lord, but You: The Lord.  The One who created the universe!  Who made every animal, every plant, placed every star, and breathed life into man.

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me – meaning that it is Your work to do it and Your power that will bring it about.

While I need to be obedient and do my part, I don’t need to run around and worry about how it will all get done.  You have prepared.  You know the details.  And it is by Your hand that all will be accomplished.

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me – meaning that it is a certainty!  It is to be accomplished.

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me – not just do the minimum to get by, but achieve fully!  All the requirements, all the necessities, will be taken care of completely.

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.  You have a plan.  It is not required that I dream up something to do for You, but work with You in Your plan, not my own.

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.  I am not in this world by accident, or just to get by from one day to the next.  There is a reason I am here.  You already know the skills, talents, and gifts You have placed in me, and have carefully thought out and prepared something to motivate me with an end in mind.

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me. It is on behalf of and will benefit me.

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me – not my brother or sister or my friend; but the unique individual You created to be me.  

Each time I restate it, the power of its truth grows.  I need to know scripture.  I need to understand what it means, and know how it applies to my life personally.  Thank You for this one way of helping me get more understanding from scripture.

Psalm 138:8 Revised Standard Version

May 29 Your Word is Light

Lord Jesus, thank You for sending Your Word to me.  You created this entire place for me to live, the planet, solar system, universe; much like I would plan a nursery for a loved and expected baby.

You worked out everything just right – gravity, air pressure, temperature, light, radiation – more things than I can imagine – to work together perfectly to sustain my life.  Just seeing this amazing creation communicates the existence of the designer.

Somehow, Your existence was translated down so that even in places where no
modern man has ever been, people know of and worship You.  But for me, You made sure there was a written record of Your presence, of Your purpose, and of Your love for me.

“Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”  When it is dark, unseen hazards can trip me up, causing falls and even injuries.  Things that could be stepped over or around if seen become potentially dangerous obstacles.

So it is in life.  Even when the sun is out and visibility is good, unseen things are at work that can cause problems.  Emotions, motivations, misinformation and schemes can all trip me up.  Your Word can help me be aware of and deal with such issues so I can avoid the potential fall or injury.

Your Word shines a light on my circumstances by giving me perspective.  Or by helping me see truth.  Or by making me wise to my own condition.  It gives me guidance in how to make decisions.

Your Word provides me with a moral compass.  It reminds me that my value comes from You, not the world’s view of success.  It warns me of things like “pride goes before a fall” and “better to have a little honestly than much by illicit gain.”

By illuminating truth with Your Word, You keep my feet steady on the path and keep me from stumbling.   “Accept O Lord, the willing praise from my mouth.”  Thank You!  Thank You!  Amen

Psalm 119:105,108

April 21 Obey Your Word, Walk in Your Presence

In today’s scripture, You give two passages that tell me how to be blessed.  I acknowledge and desire to follow those instructions.

Lord, help me “be very strong; to be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left.  I will not associate with those who do not follow You by invoking the names of their gods or swear by them.  I will not serve them or bow down to them.  I will hold fast to You.”   

Lord, I can only be careful to obey Your Word if I know Your Word.  So I will read it and study to understand it.  I will pray and ask for understanding when I am confused or in doubt.

I will not ever call upon the names of other gods, because there is no other God but You.  There is none like You.  There is no other name under heaven by which I am saved.

Your power alone created the universe.  I will worship You alone, and seek Your direction and wisdom for my life.

The next passage tells me “blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence.”

Father, I give glory to Your name only, because of who You are and what You have done.  You are Most Holy God.  You are all-powerful and all-knowing.  You created the heavens and the earth.

You created man and set him in this place to have fellowship with You.  When he broke that fellowship by sinning, You made a way of reconciling man to You: through Your blood on the cross.  And because I accept that gift I can walk in the light of Your presence once again.

The light of Your presence is where truth is revealed, nothing is hidden, nothing is feared.  Your presence dispels darkness.  To be present with You is to talk with You and listen to You – Your responses to my prayers, in Your Word and through the Holy Spirit.  It is to rest in You, fearing nothing.

In these trying times, I come to You and seek Your presence in prayer, in reading scripture, in having quiet times walking alone in Your creation, and in praising and thanking You for the blessings and challenges in my life.

I rejoice in Your name.  I trust in Your righteousness.  You are my protection, my King, the Holy One.   And I am blessed.  Amen

Joshua 23:6-11; Psalm 89:15-18

Mar 28 Burnout? or Peace?

Lord, I do not desire to be a stiff-necked person.  Yet there are so many times I have been obstinate, stubborn, and wanted my own way!

Situations come up in my life, and the first thing I think of is how it can work out best for me.  I don’t think of myself as selfish, but I certainly do prefer when circumstances benefit me and don’t rock my boat.

There are so many things beyond my control that I seek to tightly control the things that are within my grasp.  I do what I can to plan my work and work my plan.  I try and keep a handle on and stay on top of events, relationships, finances, schedules, health issues, family, home.

The truth is: my being in control is just an illusion.  I am not really in control of anything.  This year and the corona crisis had made that remarkably clear for all of us.

But by Your grace, make it from one day to the next, one month to the next, one year to the next.

I believe You are a God of order.  You created the universe with order.  You ordered the solar system, and the seasons, life cycles and day and night.

If You can handle the universe, You can certainly handle the details of my life and the crisis we are facing now.  The control I desperately seek, I can trust to You.  I need to do my part, but I can release that part of me that seeks to insist on my own way; that seeks to “feel” in control.

A new way of thinking for me is to ask how the circumstances in my life can be used to bring You glory.  How can I respond in a way that shows that my peace and confidence come from You, the Lord God Almighty, instead of being dependent on whether or not things work out my way?

Help me Lord.  Keep my heart sensitive to what You are doing so I can join you.  Keep my mind focused on what You are showing me and teaching me through Your Word, about how to let go.

I have heard that I cannot do Your part, and You will not do my part.  Give me the discernment to know which is which.   And the courage to let my actions reflect that.  Amen

Deuteronomy 10:12-22

Mar 25 Help me see

Lord thank You for these pictures in scripture about the ability to see truth for what it is and to understand the meaning behind being a follower of Christ.

Your first picture reminds me that although a blind person who cannot see can help another blind person, there are blocks they will both stumble over due to their lack of vision.

And the second illustrates how I sometimes try and “help” someone else by fixing a problem I see in their life when I have bigger problems in my own life.

How many times have I relied on the advice and guidance of another person, who is “in the dark” as much as I am?

Rather than coming to You, my own lack of vision blinds me to the truth.

In both these examples, I need to remember to look to You for guidance, answers and perspective on issues in my life and seek Your help in correcting my own issues.

Your last illustration shows how important it is that when I come to You for “vision” I am obedient to what You tell me. Obedience and Your faithfulness build the foundation for my faith.  And in times like these, a firm foundation absolutely necessary.

During this crisis we need to know what our faith is based on.  And that its foundation is sure and reliable.  Father, You are that sure foundation that will keep us from collapsing.

I choose to turn – not to other blind people – but to the Creator who made me eyes and gives me sight.  Amen

Luke 6:39-49

Feb 26 My Anchor, my “Tiqvah”

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You O God.  My soul thirsts for You, the Living God.”

Lord, the vain philosophies of man are overwhelming and dividing our country. People are blindly following the traditions of men rather than seeking spiritual values and answers.  Young people are being deceived as the evil one’s influence seeps into our values and behavior standards.

It’s as if a dark veil has been pulled over their senses and spirits.  This is why my spirit is so downcast.  We are drifting further and further from Your truth and Your purpose for our lives and our county.

But Your solution in this Psalm is to put my hope in You.

The Hebrew word for hope is “tiqvah”, defined as a cord that attaches one thing to another.  It’s from the root word “qavah” which means to bind together, twisted for increased strength.  It is the word used for the cord that binds a ship to its anchor.

A ship will drop its anchor in times of troubled seas, when it can no longer steer itself against the strong waves.  It is the anchor that keeps it from drifting too far and being completely lost.

You are my anchor, Lord.  You keep me from drifting too far and being completely lost.

My hope is what keeps me tightly and securely bound to You, keeping me safe in the storms of life.  And it is what gives me hope for my family and our nation.  There is life after storms.  And “I will yet praise You!”

Amen

Psalm 42:1,2,5

Jan 18 Every high and every low

Heavenly Father, thank You that I can trust You through the ups and downs, the highs and lows of my life.

There are times when things are going so well I feel on top of the world. And there are other times when it seems as if nothing is going right, and never will. It’s hard to find the motivation to do anything because everything seems to work out wrong and there is no sign that things will change for the better.

Israel’s son Joseph must have thought that when he was first thrown into a well by his jealous and conniving brothers, then sold to slave traders and carried off to Egypt far away from home. He was completely out of control of his own future at that point. But You were in control. And You had a master plan.

I know from scripture how Joseph’s life turned out: all for the good, and for the saving of his family. But I cannot see into the future to know the twists and turns my own life will take, or how it will turn out. And that is the challenge of life here on earth.

There are so many things I cannot control. They become a source of anxiousness, worry, and wringing my hands.

Other things, I try to control, but they slip through my fingers like water or sand. They are the source of making plans, and back up plans, contingencies and manipulation; again, stressful.

And there are the things that I seem to control and am pleased with, but am misled, because in truth, I am not in control at all. I only think I am.

I could continue to live this misguided life of false security, manipulation and anxiety. But I choose to lay it all down.  I choose the peace of giving it all to You. This is where trust comes in. I choose to believe Your Word: that You have a plan to prosper me and not to harm me, to give me a hope and a future, to never leave me or forsake me.

You have proven Yourself steadfast and trustworthy throughout the ages. You created the heavens and the earth and everything in them and have sustained them.

You have kept Your covenants and Your promises to men; every one. You have given revelation and prophecy that so far, has all come true. By Your power, the earth turns and the sun rises every morning.

Just like in Joseph’s life, I trust that You will position me where I need to be, when I need to be there. I trust You to prepare me for what comes next. And to guide me through it by being with me.

I trust You will keep me safe. In You I take refuge. You are my Lord. Apart from You I have no good thing. In You I trust. Amen

Genesis 37:1-36; Psalm 16:1-2; Jeremiah 29:11

Jan 2 Keep me from Serpent Speak

O Father, Proverbs tells me “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Lord, I do not wish to be a fool.  Help me keep my sense of awe and respect for You.  I yearn for Your wisdom and instruction.  Keep me teachable and open to hear Your voice and see Your wonders.

I completely acknowledge You as Creator of the Universe and all that is in it. You alone possess the Sovereignty and Authority and Power to rule over and be Lord over all.

What an infinite imagination to think up all the combinations of flowers, birds, animals and insects!  And not just how they look, but how they sound, and smell!  I am amazed by You!

Surely, Eve must have been amazed by You too; walking in the Garden of Eden that You created!  Yet she gave in to temptation.   She listened to the serpent speak and was deceived. (And I’m still blown away that she didn’t seem surprised at all that a serpent was speaking!)

When the serpent misquoted You, she did not check it out.  And when he told a half-truth, that she would “be like” You, she believed it.  She trusted what she understood with her own eyes and logic instead of coming to You.

Father, do not let me make this mistake.

When I hear a voice tempting me with something You have already spoken about, help me remember what You’ve said.  If I do not, remind me to come to You for direction.  Keep me from rushing to accept what is said without checking it out.  Let me be wise to the tactic of using just enough truth to sound right as a scheme to derail me.

Lord, do not let me be misled by falsehoods or half-truths.

It is not just the voice of the evil one, but also this world and my own flesh that lead me down a wrong path, away from You.  Many temptations lure me to be more or have more than I am, playing into greed or pride, a sense of self-importance, inflated ego, fame or fortune.  But as seen here, this temptation was only half true, and had a huge price.

“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.”  This sounds like she was being perfectly logical, if it weren’t for the fact that You had already told her it was wrong!

Sometimes I can logically think my way into a wrong answer too.  Remind me, Father, to come to You, to seek Your perspective above all others.  Whether considering an opportunity, or dealing with a hardship: if there seems to be wisdom the world offers, or a logic to my mind, or a sense in my flesh, let me submit them all to You.

And thank You Father, that even when I make mistakes and sin; as with Adam and Eve, You have shed Your blood and covered me.  You have made a way for me to be back in fellowship with You, forever.  You are amazing!  Amen

Genesis 3:1-24; Proverbs 1:7-9

Jan 1 Blessing for the year

Father, in these words of Psalm 1 You tell me how to be blessed.  Help me, my husband, sons, and loved ones obey these words to receive Your blessing.

Oh Lord God, do not let us heed or walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  But let us recognize evil for what it is. Give us a hunger and thirst for Your counsel, Your way, Your truth and Your wisdom so we will be seated with those who know and follow You.

Let our delight be in Your law, Oh Lord. Let us read it, memorize it, recall it and meditate on it, thinking about how to apply it to our own lives and circumstances. Let Your perfect law color my thoughts and attitudes.

Make us like trees planted by streams of water, which yield fruit in season. Show us Your perfect will for our lives and Your timing so we will produce fruit that will honor and glorify You and Your name.

Do not let us wither, but keep us strong and hearty. Let all we do prosper and bring You honor.

Allow us to see that the wicked cannot stand, but are blown away like chaff before the wind. And that the works of the evil ones will not prosper or enjoy Your gift of Salvation.

Lord, please watch over me and my loved ones – keep us on the path You have set before each one of us.

I totally trust in Your perfect will for all our lives. May we come to trust You and Your guiding hand.  May we feel You watching over us.

And may that sense of Your presence be a powerful deterrent and an awesome reassurance. Amen.

Psalm 1:1-6

Jan 2 Keep me from “Serpent speak”

O Father, Proverbs tells me “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Lord, I do not wish to be a fool.  Help me keep my sense of awe and respect for You.  I yearn for Your wisdom and instruction.  Keep me teachable and open to hear Your voice and see Your wonders.

I completely acknowledge You as Creator of the Universe and all that is in it. You alone possess the Sovereignty and Authority and Power to rule over and be Lord over all.

What an infinite imagination to think up all the combinations of flowers, birds, animals and insects!  And not just how they look, but how they sound, and smell!  I am amazed by You!

Surely, Eve must have been amazed by You too; walking in the Garden of Eden that You created!  Yet she gave in to temptation.   She listened to the serpent speak and was deceived. (And I’m still blown away that she didn’t seem surprised at all that a serpent was speaking!)

When the serpent misquoted You, she did not check it out.  And when he told a half-truth, that she would “be like” You, she believed it.  She trusted what she understood with her own eyes and logic instead of coming to You.

Father, do not let me make this mistake.

When I hear a voice tempting me with something You have already spoken about, help me remember what You’ve said.  If I do not, remind me to come to You for direction.  Keep me from rushing to accept what is said without checking it out.  Let me be wise to the tactic of using just enough truth to sound right as a scheme to derail me.

Lord, do not let me be misled by falsehoods or half-truths.

It is not just the voice of the evil one, but also this world and my own flesh that lead me down a wrong path, away from You.  Many temptations lure me to be more or have more than I am, playing into greed or pride, a sense of self-importance, inflated ego, fame or fortune.  But as seen here, this temptation was only half true, and had a huge price.

“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.”  This sounds like she was being perfectly logical, if it weren’t for the fact that You had already told her it was wrong!

Sometimes I can logically think my way into a wrong answer too.  Remind me, Father, to come to You, to seek Your perspective above all others.  Whether considering an opportunity, or dealing with a hardship: if there seems to be wisdom the world offers, or a logic to my mind, or a sense in my flesh, let me submit them all to You.

And thank You Father, that even when I make mistakes and sin; as with Adam and Eve, You have shed Your blood and covered me.  You have made a way for me to be back in fellowship with You, forever.  You are amazing!  Amen

Genesis 3:1-24; Proverbs 1:7-9

Jan 1 Blessing for the year

Father, in these words of Psalm 1 You tell me how to be blessed.  Help me, my husband, sons, and loved ones obey these words to receive Your blessing.

Oh Lord God, do not let us heed or walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  But let us recognize evil for what it is. Give us a hunger and thirst for Your counsel, Your way, Your truth and Your wisdom so we will be seated with those who know and follow You.

Let our delight be in Your law, Oh Lord. Let us read it, memorize it, recall it and meditate on it, thinking about how to apply it to our own lives and circumstances. Let Your perfect law color my thoughts and attitudes.

Make us like trees planted by streams of water, which yield fruit in season. Show us Your perfect will for our lives and Your timing so we will produce fruit that will honor and glorify You and Your name.

Do not let us wither, but keep us strong and hearty. Let all we do prosper and bring You honor.

Allow us to see that the wicked cannot stand, but are blown away like chaff before the wind. And that the works of the evil ones will not prosper or enjoy Your gift of Salvation.

Lord, please watch over me and my loved ones – keep us on the path You have set before each one of us.

I totally trust in Your perfect will for all our lives. May we come to trust You and Your guiding hand.  May we feel You watching over us.

And may that sense of Your presence be a powerful deterrent and an awesome reassurance. Amen.

Psalm 1:1-6

 

Dec 17 Two things I ask

“Two things I ask of you, LORD; do not refuse me before I die:

Keep falsehood and lies far from me;

give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD? Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

Father, I see much wisdom in these words. I also ask for these two things.

First, do not let me be entangled by telling or believing lies.

Let me be true to my word and speak the truth in love; by the words I say and the way I allow others to perceive me. Do not let me put on airs or mislead anyone into thinking I am something I am not.

And do not let me be misled by the lies or deceptions of others. Help me see truth by shining Your light to dispel the darkness of lies and deception.

Second, let me live with what I need. Not in poverty and not in riches. Each of these might cause me to overlook You and focus on my circumstances. For in both directions, I have seen people take their eyes off You.

If the need is so great, it can be a temptation to sin by stealing and cursing You. And if the excess is too great, it can lead to pride, greed, and a self-sufficiency that disregards the need for You.

These are wise words Father, and they are my prayer. Amen

Proverbs 30:7-9

Dec 4 God is love – He loves me!

Father, You have given me the confidence to live my life encouraged.  Through John, You have shown me how to discern truth from falsehood and how important love is.  Holding on to those things will help me live a godly life.

There are so many influences in the world today it can be hard to know which are truly good and which are truly evil.  Evil masquerades as good.  It can appear justified, acceptable, even beneficial.

Evil influence can even come from well-intentioned people.   And You assure me that when I come up against evil, worldly influences, “greater is He that is in me, than he who is in the world.”

Since You ARE love, every one who belongs to You will have that love in them.  Your love is total, complete, sacrificial, perfect, and saves me.

This is not “I love ice cream” kind of love, or brotherly love, or even romantic love.   It is the Greek word agape– a total, selfless, unconditional love that overcomes sin.  You loved each one of us before we loved You or even knew of You..  It is a perfect love that has no fear, but drives out fear.

It is Your love, Father, that I seek in my life every day!  I need it to drive out the fear that gains a foothold in me through circumstances I don’t understand, through stressful things happening to my loved ones, through the evil I see prospering in the world.

Father, there are days I feel so overwhelmed and unlovable that I deny Your love because I don’t “feel” it.  Forgive me when I doubt Your amazing, perfect love.

Do not let me be led by my feelings – they have nothing to do with the truth of and the absolute certainty of Your love.

Help me sense Your love, and be lifted up by it, so I can share it with my brothers and sisters.

Let me walk in Your love till the end of days, or the end of my days, whichever comes first.  Thank You for Your amazing love.  Amen

I John 4:1-21

Nov 25 Live in the Light, like Daniel

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are Yours.  You change times and seasons;  You depose kings and raise up others.  You give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.  You reveal deep and hidden things; You know what lies in darkness,  and light dwells with You.  I thank and praise You…” 

Father, these words of Daniel’s are just as true today.  We still praise You!

After all these years of season after season, You are still the One who keeps the world in order.  And after generations of kings, You are still the One who holds their hearts and all power in Your hand.

All wisdom and knowledge are Yours.  Hundreds of years of human advancements and scientific discovery and technology, haven’t even scratched the surface when it comes to understanding this amazing universe You created!

Father, Daniel held tightly to his beliefs about You and his convictions about how to live a godly life.  And he did so in the midst of being kidnapped and taken a thousand miles away from home and family.

As a young man it would have been so easy for him to simply go along with whatever his captors pushed on him.  But even far away from family and the worship he knew, he knew that You were with him.

At that time, people worshipped pagan gods who they believed had power and influence over a specific thing like rainfall, crops, fertility or a particular place.   But Daniel knew You were the One True God over all these things.  And that no matter where he was, You were there.

“Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel.”

And You were faithful to Daniel.   You allowed him to be faithful to the ways he had been taught and gave him success.  In addition to this, You gave Daniel and his four friends wisdom and understanding far beyond that of all others.

Father, help me be like Daniel.  Strengthen me to live the way You have taught me, and not give in to the pressures of whatever society offers.  Let me stand out so others will see that I live differently from the pagan ways of my culture.

Let the light that dwells in You, shine through me.  Amen

Daniel 1:1-21; 2:19-23

Nov 22 Teach me Application

What an amazing Psalm is the 119^th Psalm!  It is the longest Psalm.  It has more verses than 14 Old Testament books and 17 New Testament books.

Within it is found the verse that lies in the very center of Scripture – halfway between Genesis 1:1 and Revelation 22:21.

This Psalm was constructed with twenty-two stanzas, each beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew Alephbet.  And within each stanza, each of the eight verses begin with the letter of the stanza.

In almost every verse, there is a word that describes Your teaching: Word, law, commands, statues, decrees, precepts.  And almost each one teaches how to handle Your Word or be led and taught by it.

It is said that King David used this Psalm to teach his young son, Solomon the Alephbet.  It represented all the letters, but also illustrated spiritual truth of how to live a godly life.  So as I read it, Father, I also pray these verses as a guide for living according to Your Word.

“I will obey Your Word.  Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law…do not hide Your commands from me.”  Help me see beyond the Words to the meaning You have for these Words in my life.  Show me marvelous things that deepen my devotion to You.   

 “…Teach me Your decrees.  Let me understand the teaching of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders…strengthen me according to Your Word.” 

Father, beyond word studies and context references, reveal deeper meanings to me through Your Holy Spirit.   Show me how to be sensitive to the timing and teaching You use to increase my awareness and discernment so I can apply it to the circumstances of my life.

Understanding Your Word brings me strength!  What an awesome gift!

Father, I choose Your truth and obedience to Your laws.  “I set my heart on Your laws.  I hold fast to Your statutes.“  “Be gracious to me… and do not let me be put to shame.”

I would rather You take my life than allow me to dishonor You.  I am Your servant.  You are my Master.   It is only by Your mercy and Your Word that I have life.  Amen

Psalm 119:17-32

Nov 8 May the Truth set us free

Father, as I read this section of Psalm 106, I fear that I personally, and my country, have together made the same mistakes Your people made in the desert.  They were not satisfied with the life You gave them; even the miracles You performed!  You delivered them from the hand of the enemy who had relegated them to slavery for generations, and then was set on destroying them.

In the wilderness at Meribah where You brought water from a rock for them to drink, they rebelled against Moses and Your provision.  They forgot that You had done something so mighty as parting the Red Sea for them, and delivering them from the hand of Pharaoh and his army.

Instead, they focused on their fleshly desires, doubting You could quench their thirst.

I too, sometimes focus on my own desires rather than the great blessings You have already worked in my life.  And I too respond with whining instead of faith.

When they came into the Promised Land, they “mingled with the nations and adopted their customs.”  I fear I have done the same by participating in the social customs of my times.   I and my country, have mingled godly beliefs with the socially acceptable values of the times.

What You call sin is no longer looked upon as sin.  People today seem to have no concept of what is right and wrong, and so no self-governing set of morals that direct or protect them.

Many things in my culture take the place of passion for You.  Sports teams, fame, money, power, shopping, alcohol and drugs, status, cars, beauty, youth: so many things have become idols in the lives of so many, even believers.

“They sacrificed their sons and daughters to false gods.  They shed innocent blood…” Father, I grieve over the number of babies who have been sacrificed on the altar of “choice” and “convenience.”  This land is desecrated by their blood.   And it defiles the people involved because of the act of taking a life.

But it also exacts a price they often pay in long-term emotional and psychological damage, not to mention the spiritual battle that they have lost in giving over ground to the enemy.

Yet, You “took note of their distress when You heard their cry…and out of Your great love You relented.”

Father, I am in distress and I cry out to You: for my personal sin and for the sin of my country.  Forgive, Lord.

I acknowledge and agree with You that I and my country have acted in rebellion in going our own way without following the path You set before us. And that my country and I have participated in social customs and values that have become a snare to us, even to the point of idolatry.

Lord I turn away from anything that seeks to take Your place in my life.  Forgive us for focusing on the flesh over the spiritual.

“Save us Lord our God…that we may give thanks to Your Holy name and glory in Your praise.  Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.  Let all the people say, ‘Amen!’”

Psalm 106:32-48

Nov 2 Don t miss it!

Don’t let us miss the message today like the people in Ezekiel’s time did – but give us wisdom and discernment to recognize Your truth, and apply it to our lives…

Father, what You had Ezekiel do seems so hard.  Surely people must have thought he was crazy!  And yet, his strange behavior was an exact representation of all that would happen to Jerusalem!

He obeyed You so he would be a warning to the people.  But the people did not pay attention or return to You.  It makes me wonder about prophetic messages You are sending today, that no one is taking seriously…

Today, the good news is still being proclaimed!  But there are those who hear and it is “of no value to them, because they do not share the faith…”

Father, open their ears!  Soften their hearts!  Do not allow them to be swept away by believing the lies and deception of the evil one!

“Your Word is active and alive.”  Its truth can set people free from the darkness and deceit of the world and the evil one.  It can show them the way to go, and how to turn from evil desires.

Father, You can give them the strength to walk away from what they have known, and toward what is right; because you, Yourself, have walked this path of flesh!

Thank You that in Your humanness, You empathize with my weaknesses.  And thank You that You have invited me to “approach Your throne of grace with confidence…” in boldness, knowing I will “receive mercy and find grace to help me in my time of need.”  Your amazing grace provides me with forgiveness and eternal salvation.

Father, help me hear Your truth when You speak it to me.

Thank You for providing all that I need in my times of need.  Thank You that You know what I need even before I do!  Amen

Ezekiel 4:1-5:4; Hebrews 4:1-16

Oct 14 Grow Your Truth in me

Father, Jeremiah was Your man on the ground, Your man on the scene.  He was the one of the few who spoke Your truth, yet no one listened to him or believed him and turned back to You because of it.

Paul spoke Your truth and taught it to the Thessalonians, and it took root.  Yet they were persecuted, endured hardship, and were deceived and confused by false teachers and liars.

It’s as if Your truth is seed that was scattered, but the ground Jeremiah sowed it on was too hard to accept it.  It fell where it could not take root, and just blew away.

The Thessalonians were better ground and accepted the seed, but it’s as if thorns grew up to choke out what sprouted, or birds tried to take it away.  Paul’s second letter was a good reminder for them to pull the thorns out and shoo the birds away in order to hold on to the truth that had grown in them.

You have given me the ability to discern Your truth by giving me Your written Word, and Your Holy Spirit residing within me, who speaks truth to me.   I feel as if I have the benefit of being given the most fertile soil of all.  And it is up to me to protect Your truth growing in me.  I need to “stand firm and hold fast to the teachings passed on to [me].”

Father, help me be faithful to make time each day to read Your precious Word.  And to come to You in prayer, and listen to You.  Enlighten me with understanding Your Word and what You say to me in prayer.  And strengthen me to be faithful and obedient to all I understand.

Remind me to guard Your truth in my heart and mind, and bring every other thought and teaching, philosophy and prophecy, to be measured against the plumb line of Your truth.

Your Word has taken firm root in my life.  Help me protect it and nurture it.  Let it leaf and flower and produce good fruit all my days.  I know that when Your timing is right, I will be with You for eternity. Amen

Jeremiah 24:1-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17;

Oct 10 Send an encourager

Father, each one of us needs to be encouraged in our walk with You.  Each one of us faces specific challenges and difficulties.   We may not be able to find direction, understanding and encouragement on our own.

You sent Paul to be an encouragement to the Thessalonians.  Please send someone into my life, and into the lives of my loved ones, to be a mentor like Paul.

Father, You know each of us so intimately, You would know the exact person to send, who can relate to us and speak words of encouragement and comfort and instruction into our individual lives.  You know how each of us needs to be “urged to live lives worthy of You.”

Not just anyone qualifies to speak into our lives.  Father, would You “clear the way” for Your specific mentor to come to each of us and speak Your truth.   And like Paul’s prayer, would You “make our love increase and overflow for each other…and strengthen our hearts so that we will be blameless and holy in Your presence…”

I need You and Your truth in my personal life, my loved ones’ lives, and in my country.  I need Your encouragement to stay on the right path.  Send Pauls and Timothys, Paulas and Tabithas.  Men and women who will help us live for You.  Send Your truth.  Amen

I Thessalonians 2:9-3:13

 

Oct 8 Worship the Creator not the created

Jeremiah points out the worthlessness of the idols that the people made for themselves.  They were made of wood or stone.  They had to be carried from place to place.  They had no awareness and no power.  Yet the people superstitiously bowed down to them.

What a stark contrast to You!  There is “No one like You, Lord.”

You made, literally created, the earth!  You imagined it, and then spoke it into being.  When You speak, it trembles.  When You thunder, the waters storm with hurricane force.  “You are the Creator of everything that exists.”

If I were to worship anything else, I would be as Jeremiah described his people, and the whole human race: “stupid and foolish…without knowledge.”

Jeremiah also encourages me not to fear the predictions of those who look elsewhere for their wisdom.  So I need not be afraid of false prophets, horoscopes or those who seek to divine the future from the stars.  You made the stars.  So I worship the Maker, not what was made.

Paul was in chains for speaking out about who You are.  That is not a current threat where I live.  Help me “be wise in the way I act towards outsiders, and make the most of every opportunity.  Let my conversation be full of grace and seasoned with salt, so that I may know how to answer everyone.”

Show me when to speak, and what to say.  And when to hold my tongue.   So many people are put off of Christianity because of the actions and attitudes of Christians.  Let me be a beacon of light to others as I walk the walk, and talk the talk in grace and love.

Show me what it means to “Devote myself to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”  I strive to express my thanks in prayer and allow time for You to speak to me, not just deliver a list of requests.

Thank You Father, that You, the matchless King of the Universe, hear my prayers.   And thank You that You answer them.  Help me to be watchful for Your answers.  And wait on Your timing.  I trust in the Creator of all things.  Amen

Jeremiah 10:1-16; Colossians 4:2-6

Oct 6 Your Word is my path

“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Father, destruction was coming and You instructed Your people with this verse.

Yet they did not obey or follow You.  Do not let me reject Your wisdom.  Today I stand seeking.  I look to You to guide and direct my thoughts.  Show me the way to go. Help me be steadfast to walk in Your way.

I trust Your leading.  Even if it is not the “popular” path.  Or the one that seems “logical” at the time.  Or the “easiest” one that seems to be clear of obstacles.  Give me strength to be obedient to what I hear You saying.

Paul said it this way:  “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

There are many followings today, many belief systems that are portrayed in the media as right and credible.  Do not let me be misled by these false, socially acceptable representations.  You have taught me the truth.  And I have aligned myself with You by faith, by public profession, by baptism and by the way I choose to live.

Just as false religions lead me away from You, so do the attitudes that would bind me to legalistic practices that come from man.  Such rules and regulations that many keep, and look down on those who do not, are just as damaging.  Their obedience is based on human commands and teachings of men’s interpretation.

Believers are Your Body.  And when the members of Your Body obey only each other, they have lost connection with You, their Head.

Bottom line Lord: let me hear Your voice, and obey what You tell me.  Let me truly live my life for an Audience of One.  You.  Amen

Jeremiah 6:16-21; Colossians 2:8-23

 

Sept 28 Victory in Jesus!

Father, I desire to “be strong in You and in Your mighty power.”   And to “take my stand against the devil’s schemes.”

I realize that my battle is not with the people around me, or my circumstances, although I sometimes feel at war with these.  My struggle is “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  And the armor You have given me is perfectly suited to what I need.

I wear the “Helmet of Salvation” – which bears Your insignia, letting all know in whose army I fight.  It protects my head, and also my mind.  It reminds me to take every thought captive and compare it to Your truth.

You have given me a “Belt of Truth” so I can recognize the lies of the enemy.  Help me not be mesmerized by what I think I want to hear. And remind me to look deeply enough to recognize a lie when I hear it.

 

You have given me a “Breastplate of Righteousness” so that stabs and attacks glance off without doing harm.  With deeper protection, it is like the forerunner to the bulletproof vest which stops and arrests projectiles before they can hurt me.

 

You “fit my feet with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace.”   People may remove their shoes when entering a home or as a sign of relaxing.  But when shoes are put on, it signifies a readiness for action.

As a believer, my action should be directed toward sharing the “Good News” or the “Gospel” with others.   My faith in the Good News of my salvation gives me traction to be able to “stand firm.”  “So that when the day of evil comes, I will be able to stand my ground.”

“In addition to all this, take up the Shield of Faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”  This is not some little garbage can lid with a handle!  The shields Paul was seeing when he wrote this were those of the Roman guard.

They covered the soldier’s body and were wide enough so when they stood together it made a formidable wall.  And thick enough to block and stop sword, spear, arrow and javelin.

Father, every time You do what You say, keep Your promise, deliver me from some trouble, or stand with me in some hardship, it builds my faith.  It strengthens my Shield!  And when I stand beside other believers in their faith, I am protected even more!

And I take up the “Sword of the Spirit” – Your Holy Word.  There is such power in Your Word!  Evil trembles and turns back at the mention of Your name.  Praying Your Words back to You by using scripture empowers my prayers.

When I am dressed in Your armor, and wielding Your weapons, I am a mighty force!

Your armor is the best.  With it I can stand firm.  I can stand against the schemes of the evil one.

When You fight with me and for me, it is You who give me the victory!  And I receive the blessing.  Thank You!  Amen

Ephesians 6:10-17

Sept 10 Give me understanding

Father, what a vision You gave Isaiah!  It’s as if he were privileged to peek into the actual Throne Room in Heaven itself!  His eyes were opened and he saw and described amazing things that are like nothing ever seen on earth.

And once again, when confronted with glimpses of Your glory, the human response is the recognition of our unworthiness.  In the presence of such greatness and holiness, human frailty pales in comparison.

You gave Isaiah a message for Your people.  You directed him to say to King Ahaz in the face of military invasion:  “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”

It was true then, and it is true today.   A paraphrase I heard growing up was “If you don’t know what you stand for, you’ll fall for anything.”

Because I believe You are God, Creator of the universe and the only Savior for all who You created, I can stand.  My faith is the firm base I need to plant my feet on.  You are a firm and solid rock.

Sometimes it helps to have scripture verses that remind me of these truths.  “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”  Genesis 1:1  “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”  Psalm 23:1

Sometimes, it helps to remember statements of truth that are based on scripture.  “God is who He says He is.  God can do what He says He can do.”

Or to proclaim in song, “On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”  These are some ways I find reassurance when I feel afraid or doubtful.

Father, I do not want to be “ever hearing but never understanding; ever seeing but never perceiving”, with my “heart calloused”, my “ears dull”, and my “eyes closed.”  I want to “see with my eyes, hear with my ears and understand with my heart…and be healed.”

When You open my eyes and ears, I have understanding.  And I can stand.  Father, help me stand even in the face of the invasion of the enemy.

Help me remember Your truths.  Help me recall Your faithfulness to me in the past.  These things build my faith even stronger.  And give me a firm place to stand.  Amen

Isaiah 6:1-10

Sept 9 Recognize Truth

O Father.  I pray that I will not be “deceived by the serpent’s cunning as Eve was,” and that my “mind would not be led astray from a pure and sincere devotion to Christ.”

The serpent used deception to lure Eve into sin.  He approached her boldly; the better to distract her.  He called into question what You had really said; the better to confuse her.  He cunningly suggested that what You wanted for her was not enough, was even bad for her; the better to entrap her.

Father, help me avoid falling into whatever traps the evil one sets for me.  Let me see through them; beyond the lure of the sound of his words, to the hook buried beneath.  The answer to this “serpent speak” is “God speak.”

I need to be listening, really paying attention to all that You are saying to me.  In Hebrew, the word is sh’ma.  It means to listen so closely, so deeply, so diligently, that the words change the listener from the inside out.

The meaning also incorporates a response to those words as being similar to that of a mother who recognizes her baby’s cry and drops everything to respond immediately.  Father, let me sh’ma You, listen deeply and respond to You.

For my mind to be guarded enough so that I am “not led away,” I need to take some action myself.  You give me and every believer armor: protection against the enemy.

One item is the Helmet of Salvation.  I believe that this helmet bears Your insignia so that all who see it will know I fight on Your side.  And it protects not only my head, but my mind inside: my thoughts.  In doing so, many lies the evil one would have me believe simply bounce off and never even enter my mind.

However, some lies are disguised, or they have a little bit of truth in them, and I listen to them.   But it is a twisted bit of truth, or a half truth.  So before I accept it, I need to “take every thought captive to God.”

This means I need to examine it and hold it up to Your truth.  When I don’t, problems begin.  Even the little things I accept that are not true can pull me away from a “pure and sincere devotion to Christ.”  And I may not even realize it until I have strayed significantly off course.

So Father, help me remember to examine any thoughts and compare them to what You have told me.  I will use Your Word as a plumb line.   That string with a metal weight at the end is pulled by gravity so that the resulting line is absolutely straight.  Anything can be measured against this line to determine if it is “true” or not.

Your Word is truth.  Thank You for Your Word.   Thank You for the Helmet of Salvation.  Thank You that when I sh’ma You, I will not be deceived by the serpent or led astray, away from You.  Amen

II Corinthians 11:1-4

Sept 3 What matters most?

Father, what great knowledge Solomon amassed!

It seems he did it all, and lived to write it all down for me to know how to best spend my time.  Certainly he saw many things and did many things he categorized as “meaningless.”

He built grand structures, planted extensive gardens.  He wrote many ”nature guides” cataloging and describing plants and animals.   He enjoyed all that money could buy, withholding no pleasure from himself.  But found these things “meaningless.”

He did recognize some things as having value.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”  And “two will keep warm…and defend themselves.”

So Father, will You always send another to be with me.  And let me be there for someone else.  Let there always be someone in my life to help me up when I fall.  To help me keep warm, and defend myself.  It may be a friend or family member, or even a stranger You send at the right time.

“It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.  Do not let your mouth lead you into sin.”   So Father, help me let my yes be yes and my no mean no, and not make promises I cannot or will not keep.

Do not let me be “quick with my mouth or hasty with my heart,” but consider my thoughts, feelings, words and commitments carefully.

When I think about Solomon I wonder, did he ever hold his newborn and marvel at the miracle of life?  Did he watch and help that child grow and learn?  Did he pass on his knowledge and love of You to that child and see him come to love and worship You too?  Did he promise his life to one person and live faithfully in that covenant; having their support and love for a lifetime?

Did he examine each animal and plant, but forget to marvel at the diversity and imagination and power of You, the Creator?  Did he share his life with a friend who stuck with him through thick and thin, good and bad?  And console that friend and receive comfort from them?

Did he hold the hand of a dying loved one and tell them they are loved, all is forgiven, and “I will see you in heaven?”

To me, these are the things that are most meaning-FULL.  The relationships, the connections with people that You allow into my life – that’s where the meaning lies.

I agree that amassing wealth, building buildings and writing volumes of knowledge will all pass away.  But loving You and sharing Your love with others – these things are eternal.

Father, help me remember not to chase after the wind, but to chase only after You.  Amen.

Ecclesiastes 4:1-6:12

Aug 29 The Veil is torn

“But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”  What joyful words!

Father, there was a curtain, a veil in front of the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle and in the Temple.  It separated the people from Your personal presence.    Only the High Priest went inside the veil, and only once a year, to make atonement for all Your people.

But when You died on the cross in Jerusalem, the actual veil in the Temple was literally torn!  It was ripped in half from top to bottom, forever giving access, through the cross, to the Holy of Holies.  To Your presence.

Where You are “there is freedom.”   But the world and the evil one seek to take that freedom away.  The philosophies of man say there is no absolute truth, and that morality is relative to the times and accepted behaviors of whatever society I live in.

The world would have me walk around veiled by falsehoods that deny Your existence, Your power and Your authority on this earth.  They deny You are the Creator, and encourage me to worship false idols, or even myself as “god.”

Father, help me see clearly, and not “drink the kool-aid” of these false beliefs.

Do not let me be veiled by anything that would keep me from You.  But let me “with unveiled face, reflect the Lord’s glory, being transformed into His likeness …”  So that others around me also see You through me.

Rid me of those things that are not of You: selfishness, greed, pride.  Let me produce the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, faithfulness…

Let me live fully in Your presence and in the freedom gained when the veil was torn.   Amen

II Corinthians 3:11-18

Aug 4 The Faith train

“You are my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?  You are the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”

Yet sometimes I have felt in the dark.  I have been afraid of what may happen to me or to my loved ones.

Sometimes I feel so ill prepared to handle what comes up that it leaves me feeling overwhelmed – with emotion, with circumstances, with decisions, with worry.  I have been anxious over so many things that never happened.  It is because I am relying on “feelings.”

The truth is that my “faith” is based on “facts.”  The “facts” fuel my “faith” which is the engine that drives the train.

They pull my “feelings” along behind like a caboose.  The problem is that I sometimes forget and allow myself to be driven by the caboose.

The fact is “in the day of trouble, He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.”  Father, You have promised to keep me safe.  And my faith in You is steadfast.

But sometimes when I don’t “feel” You near me, I forget that You are there.  The fact is You have promised never to leave me!  So just because I cannot feel You, doesn’t mean You are not there.  Again, I let myself be driven by my feelings.

When I remember the facts of who You are: Creator God, Yahweh, the Great I Am, Jehovah Jirah – my provider, El Shaddai; I can say in the strength of my faith: “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.”

 When I state these “facts” and speak aloud the truth of my faith, my feelings fall into line.  And I am strengthened and encouraged.  “You are my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?  You are the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”  A-MEN !

Psalm 27:1-6

 

 

Aug 2 You encourage me

photo by Joshua Earle

Father, thank You for the words of encouragement Hezekiah gave his men.  The same words are encouraging to me today, because I know that no matter what hardship or battle or enemy I face, You are greater than any of them.  And You are with me!

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or discouraged because of” (fill in the bank with my hardship) “and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him!  With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.”

The world will yell back at me exactly what Sennacherib said:

“On what are you basing your confidence?…Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the people of other lands?  Were the gods of those nations ever able to deliver their land from my hand?…How then can your god deliver you from my hand?  Do not believe it…”

The world and the flesh and the devil echo these words to try and make me doubt.

My flesh will say that I am weak.  That I am unworthy of Your help.  The world will show me how many others have fallen before me – those stronger than me to begin with.  The devil will try and get me to focus on my circumstances and question Your love for me.

But Your Word builds me up.  It reminds me that I am Yours and You have promised never to leave me.

You have given me armor, both offensive and defensive, to help me.  The Helmet of Salvation bears Your insignia, in whose army I fight.  And it protects my thoughts.  So many battles are won and lost in the mind before even one arrow flies.  It reminds me to take every thought captive so I can hold it up to truth.

The truth is, I am weak, but “Your strength is made perfect in my weakness.”  I am unworthy of Your help.  I can never earn it.  But Your help comes because of Your unchanging character, flowing from Your grace and mercy!   It was never dependent on anything I could ever do.

Others may have fallen who were stronger than me, but I will be victorious because of Your strength, not my own!

And despite the devil, I will not judge Your love by my circumstance, but by Your Word.  It says Your love never changes, it is everlasting, enduring forever.  And I will choose to look at You, not focus only on my circumstances.

This is how I will triumph over challenges.  Even in the conditions of today’s Psalm: “I am lonely and afflicted.  The troubles of my heart have multiplied…my enemies have increased and hate me fiercely…”  I will put my eyes on You and not my circumstances.

I will answer the lies I hear from the other voices, with Your voice of truth; as You voiced it through Hezekiah: I will be strong and courageous.  I will not be afraid or discouraged.

I will remember that You are a greater power.  And that You are with me!  Praise be to You!  Amen

2 Chronicles 32:1-23; Psalm 25:16-22; 2 Corinthians 12:9

Jul 17 Your Truth delivers me

Dear Father, “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?”

It seems some days are harder than others.  If even one negative thought comes into my head, it can bring me down.  I glumly mull it over and the thought generates an emotional response.  Very easily other negative thoughts join in and pile up on each other till I am feeling discouraged.

Quickly enough, discouragement heaps on even more “should have, would have, could haves” until I am feeling out of control, overwhelmed and depressed and join with the psalmist in saying “Give light to my eyes or I will sleep in death.”  In my own words, “Help me or I’ll just die.”

It’s surprising how quickly simple thoughts can lead to anger, fear, frustration, until I am not only emotionally upset, but also experience a physical response which can leave me with a headache or feeling sick to my stomach.  It impairs my judgment and my ability to function efficiently, whether at work or at home.  I can’t even relate to people normally in my agitated condition.

“But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation.”   You have already given me a wonderful solution to this problem.  If only I would remember to use it!

The battle begins in my mind.  And You have given me a piece of armor to protect my mind – the Helmet of Salvation.   It guards my thoughts and gives me the ability to take them captive and hold them up to Your truth.  It also gives me the ability to understand and memorize Your truth so I have it at the ready when I need it.

Your truth can help me stop the flow of wrong and negative thoughts.  The evil one uses these, preferring that I remain sidelined in discouragement and depression, unable to defend myself.  He will use these kinds of half-truths and deceiving lies to mislead and condemn me.  But when held up to the truth, they are shattered and scattered.

One way I can know if a thought comes from You, is that You convict whereas satan condemns.  He would make me feel like a hopeless, dirty, rotten, sinner.  You may correct me, but Your words lift me up, motivate and empower me to make the needed corrections.  Your words generate hopefulness.  His produce hopelessness.

Lord, remind me, to use this amazing gift!  When a negative thought comes, prompt me to hold it up to Your truth immediately.  Help me build into my memory an arsenal of truth from Your scriptures.  When I memorize scripture I can use it to combat the lies seeking to discourage me and control my thinking.  Then I can confidently deal with whatever truth You show me.  “I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me!”  Amen

Psalm 13:1-6