Prayer Pal

2012-02-20T06:44:00.001-05:00

Philippians 3:8

I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.

Dear Jesus,

You are the deepest desire of my heart. The power and possessions I once persistently pursued are worthless. The accolades and accomplishments I aggressively accumulated are insignificant. The pleasures and treasures of the world can't come close to knowing You, Jesus. Please show me all the clutter in my life that needs discarded to make room for more of You.

I want to know You more each day. My greatest aspiration is to be more like You in every way. I'm inferior andinadequate. My trinkets and trophies can't save me. They're meaningless to You. All You want is all of me. Knowing You personally and passionately is the only thing that matters. My relationship with You is the most important thing in all of my life.

Clear the clutter from the home of my heart to make room for Your all-consuming power. Using that mighty power, I'll overcome evil and temptation. In Your strength, I'll die to my past addictions and attractions. Sharing in Your suffering, I'll lay down my former lifestyle to follow You, Jesus.

Thank You for preserving History so that I can have heavenly hope. After the excruciating pain of death, joy comes in the "mourning" - beautiful life that never ends.

There is no greater thing than knowing You, Jesus. You mean the world to me. The most valuable treasure of all time is found in You - sweet salvation. With a spring in my step, a song in my heart and a smile on my face I will praise You for Your magnificent greatness in Jesus name. Amen.

If you were standing before the throne of God and He asked you, "Do you love me with all your heart, mind, soul and strength?" could you honestly answer, "Yes, Lord, You are my most important relationship." How will you prove it?

What are you willing to give up to know Christ better? Time each day for Bible study and prayer? Approval from friends and family? Your personal plans, ambitions, and dreams? Knowing Christ is worth the sacrifice.

Today I will give up _______________________________________ in order to know you more, Jesus.

Go and obey. Jesus said, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching." John 14: 23

2012-02-17T07:22:00.000-05:00

Psalm 40: 6-8

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
       but my ears you have pierced;
       burnt offerings and sin offerings
       you did not require.

Then I said, "Here I am, I have come-
it is written about me in the scroll.

I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart."

Holy Love,

Thank You for piercing my ears with the bold truth. Finally, I'm beginning to understand how to live a life of love. Offering You my time without heartfelt devotion is inadequate. Presenting You my talent without wholehearted dedication is insufficient. Halfheartedly giving You my treasure out of obligation is inappropriate. You don't want religious ceremonies and showy performances. All that You desire is my wholehearted devotion.

It will please You when, by faith, I humbly come to the foot of the cross admitting my faults and failures allowing the bond of Your blood to fix and fortify me. Realizing the high price you paid to correct my defects will give me a deeper desire to walk and work with You. I'll willingly give up family, friends and freedom in order to spend time getting to know You. The more I know You, the more readily I'll give up my possessions and plans in order to experience Your almighty power. Forfeiting my comfortable lifestyle and important position to endure pain and hardship will perfect my faith, make me shine purer and brighter, and draw others to You.

Please dear Lord, write Your commands on my heart so that I'll remember to obey them. I desire nothing more than to walk and work with You so that my gifts will be adequate, sufficient, and appropriate for the King of my heart. Amen.

God doesn't want your rituals and routines. He wants your whole heart devoted to Him. What are you willing to give up in order to please Him? Will you give up hobbies, television or work in order to spend time with Him? Will you give up shopping and sports in order give more of your money to Him? Would you be willing to give up your home and career in order to go where He sends You?

2012-02-16T09:50:00.002-05:00

Job 11:13-19

If you devote your heart to him
and stretch out your hands to him,

if you put away the sin that is in your hand
and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,

then you will lift up your face without shame;
you will stand firm and without fear.

You will surely forget your trouble,
recalling it only as waters gone by.

Life will be brighter than noonday,
and darkness will become like morning.

You will be secure, because there is hope;
you will look about you and take your rest in safety.

You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid,
and many will court your favor.

O Loving and Kind Father,

Have mercy on me! I know I've messed up, made wrong choices, and blatantly disobeyed You. You've seen it all and are fully aware of my unruly conduct. There's no hiding from Your omnipotent holy eyes, and no one to blame but myself. You know the truth. I cannot lie. Like a mischievous child caught in action, I'm humiliated and dreading discipline. I'd rather hide the evidence and pretend like nothing happened, but that will get me in bigger trouble. Instead, I need to reach out my hands and run into Your open arms, honestly admitting my mistakes with a broken heart. Then, You'll pity me and be generous in love.

Tenderly, You'll scrub away my guilt so that I'll have a snow-white heart filled with clean thoughts and right desires. Because of Your openhanded kindness, I'll be motivated to behave like the beloved child of the King.

With my eyes adoringly set on You, I'll face the world unashamed. Clean and confident, I'll stand up straight and tall, unafraid of ridicule or rejection. Only then will I forget my misery, leaving the past behind me. The brightness of Your Son will light up my life, chasing away any clouds of fear and doubt. In Your peaceful presence, I'll rest and relax because there is hope. Without a care in the world, I'll supernaturally live a life of love. My exuberant joy and inexplicable calmness will cause others to come to me for help in their time of need.

Please dear Father, search my heart and show me anything I'm doing wrong. Give me judgment day honesty to agree with You, and humility to obey. More than anything in the world, I want to be wholeheartedly devoted to You because of Jesus who died for me. Amen.

Study the above Scripture. What is God promising you if you devote your heart to Him, stretch out your hands and get rid of your sins?

For additional reading open your Bible to Psalm 139 and make it your heartfelt prayer. Issue God a search warrant to examine your heart, and agree with Him on any and all evidence He finds against you, no matter how hard. Reach out your hands like a contemptible child crying for pity. (Psalm 51:17) Today could be judgment day and on that day you will give an account to Him for everything (Matthew 12:36). Ask Him to give you judgment day honesty to admit your mistakes, so that you can begin enjoying His promises in Job 11.

2012-02-15T09:17:00.003-05:00

Job 7:17

What is man, that You should exalt him,
That You should set Your heart on him.

My Sweet Heart,

Your Word is too wonderful for me. I could and should live in complete condemnation but You did the unthinkable when You set Your tender heart on mine determined to show me the depth of Your compassion. Miraculously, You gave me a new life full of love and power, making me a witness to Your abundant grace. My ugliness is forever gone and I'm altogether lovely to You. Who am I to deserve such royal treatment?

It's sheer joy to freely rise up each morning and move on despite my problems. Because of Your great love, I can fearlessly face afflictions realizing that You, the High and Lofty One whose name is Holy, agonized every minute of Your ministry and died suffering. Why should I, the lowly tainted one whose name is sinner, deserve better than You? Difficulties prove that Your caring heart is set on mine. Full of Your tender loving kindness I'll live a life of love even when problems and pressures plague me. My lips will exalt You, while my soul experiences absolute peace and rest because You've graciously chosen to lay Your heart on mine in the name of Jesus. Hallelujah! Amen.

How are you handling your troubles? Do you think you deserve better than Jesus? Consider Him. He was holy, perfect, and pure. He willingly left His home in heaven to come to earth where He was immensely tormented and died an excruciating death for you. He did it all without complaining in order to exalt you to a privileged position in His royal family. He intentionally set His heart on you! His eyes adore you! Praise Him and thank Him for your difficulties because they prove that He cares for you enormously.

2012-02-14T08:35:00.002-05:00

I have loved you with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah 3:31

My dearly beloved child,

You are precious and honored in My sight.

I created you for My glory and I love you.

Your heart belongs to me.

In love, I chose and adopted you.

My loving kindness never ends.

I don't easily get angry and

I won't nag or scold you.

My arms are wide open; come to me.

In love, I'll accept and redeem you.

I will love you forever.

I will not ever abandon you.

No matter what you've done in the past,

I've completely forgotten about it.

In love, I've forgiven you.

I will strengthen you and increase your power.

You will soar like an eagle through the storms.

You will run and not grow weary.

You will walk and not be faint.

In love, I'll lead and guide you.

I will be with you forever.

There's no need to be afraid or distraught.

I will always help you.

I will hold on to you tightly.

In love, I'll bless you and make you happy again.

My beloved, you are my eternal valentine!

Love, Your Father in Heaven

You are special and you are loved. Do you believe God? He wants you to be His valentine, not just today, but always and forever.

2012-02-13T07:42:00.001-05:00

1 Chronicles 22:19

Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the LORD.

Father in Heaven,

Thank You for Your inexhaustible love and enduring faithfulness. Because You love me beyond the limits of my imagination, I'm compelled to live a life of love, personally and passionately devoted to You.

Please help me develop a vibrant, intimate relationship with You through continual Bible study and persistent prayer. Inspire me to build a sacred place in my heart to hide Your valuable commands and priceless promises. In this sanctuary, store the treasures of Your heart so that I'll instinctively know what's most important to You.

Full of Your riches, I'll worship You with adoring faith by pouring out my life completely for You. With one heart, we'll dance together harmoniously. Motivated by overpowering love, I'll follow Your lead, deliberately laying down my life for others. The closer I get to You, the easier it will be to identify the people and purposes that matter to You. Living in pure, uninterrupted devotion to You, my spontaneous actions and positive attitudes will be a pleasant love offering attracting others to Your divine goodness.

Please search the temple of my heart and show me anything that I love more than You. By Your power and grace, I'll deliberately remove those obstacles from my life in order to be entirely dedicated to You. More than anything else in the world, I desire to worship You ceaselessly in the temple of my heart where Your precious treasure abounds because of my unwavering commitment to Jesus, Your Son. Amen.

A lofty life-long goal is to devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord. As you do, He will hide His treasure in your heart, and you'll naturally live a life of love, attracting others to His divine goodness.

Because of His inexhaustible love and enduring faithfulness are you willing to pour out your life for Him? Identify those things in your life that prevent you from just being with Him. Then, determine to give Him the first fruit of Your time each time for Bible study and prayer.

What matters to Jesus? Read Matthew 25:34-40

2012-02-10T15:15:00.001-05:00

Psalm 34:8

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Sweet Jesus,

O how I love the sweetness of Your Words. They are sweeter to my taste than the finest chocolate in the world. Your delicious concoction of promises and commands is irresistible. They satisfy my most intense craving, evoking pleasure in the deepest part of my soul.

Hidden in my Bible are surprising nuggets of truth. As I taste each one, I discover Your mouthwatering goodness that melts my heart. Your opulent promises are my source of hope. Sinking my teeth into Your sumptuous loving kindness comforts my troubled spirit. Indulging, in Your luxurious mercies, refreshes my distressed mind. Treating myself to Your bittersweet commands makes my salvation thick, rich and smooth.

Your Words, O Lord, are an attractive treat! They are my heart's delight and joy! I have tasted and experienced Your goodness. With all my heart I want to savor the magnificent flavor every day of my life, and share the sweetness with others to glorify and bless Your sweet name. Amen.

Your Bible is a delectable box of chocolates waiting to be devoured. Open it, taste and see that the Lord is good!

2012-02-09T08:44:00.001-05:00

Ephesians 1:6

To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. NKJV

O Gracious Father!

Your Words are a love sonnet to my soul! I just want to sit in the warmth of Your presence, listening to them until they penetrate the deepest part of me. Why in the world would You - Holy and Perfect Father - choose, adopt and accept a scruffy child like me?

Because I can't grasp the depth of Your love, I try to earn Your acceptance by doing good things, not realizing that I'll never measure up to Your holy standard. Only when I work in relation to Your Son are the things I do acceptable and pleasing to You.

Shamefully, I try to hide my faults from You. Unfortunately, I can't conceal anything from Your holy gaze. If I'd only humble myself and admit what I've done wrong, You'd lovingly cover up my mistakes, accepting my inadequacies.

As though Your acceptance is non-existent, I often run off looking for approval of important people. Deceived, demoralized, anddisappointed, I hesitate to return to You. Too proud to admit my poor judgment, I fear You'll reject me. In reality, You're eagerly waiting for me to come back.

Please give me a fuller understanding of Your glorious grace so that I'll quit seeking approval and begin seeking Your face. When I stop running away from You and start running into Your open arms, I'll realize that I'm totally accepted in Love. In Your strong grip of grace, I'll show my heartfelt gratitude by living a life of love when I accept others despite their idiosyncrasies for the praise Your Beloved Name. Amen.

Are you trying to earn God's acceptance by works? Are you avoiding Him because of something You've done? Are you afraid He'll reject you, if you go back to Him?

Listen to His promise. He has accepted you in Love. Stop seeking His approval; you're already approved by Him.

If you've done something awful, stop avoiding Him and go tell Him about it. His Word says if we confess our sins, He's faithful and just and will forgive our sins. (1 John 1:9)

If you've wandered off looking for approval from man, go back to Him, He's waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)

His Word says, "Nothing can separate you from His love." (Romans 8:35-39)

For another look at the Father's glorious gift of acceptance read Luke 15:11-32.

2012-02-08T16:49:00.002-05:00

Ephesians 1:5-6

God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. NLT

Abba, Father,
I'm thankful and joyful that You decided to adopt me into Your royal family, reserving a room for me in Your mansion in the sky. You will be my Father and I will be Your dearly loved child forever because of my relationship with Your Son. O how I love to tell of the marvelous grace You've poured out on me. Your loving kindness makes me feel like dancing.

Upon arriving in the hallowed halls of Your heaven, You'll wipe every tear from my eye. You'll crown me with compassion and clothe me with fine linen, white and clean purchased with the blood of Jesus. I'll be made new. My heart leaps for joy at the very thought of the rich inheritance for those whom You adopted in love.

Until I get there, I'll be seized by shame, suffering and sorrow. In the midst of misery, I'll live a life of love by rejoicing and giving thanks to You for bringing me into Your family. Singing sweet songs in my sadness, and powerfully pleading for patience during pain, I'll smile when I feel like crying. When others around me hear my heavenly hope they'll join in the celebration when they choose to believe the blessed and beautiful words from my lips.

Thank You, Father for my identity and inheritance. They are my joy, delight and strength. No one can ever take this treasured heritage from me. Please put a smile on my face today that reflects the love and joy in my heart because of who I am in Jesus! Amen.

Knowing that God adopted you in love, what should your response be in the midst of suffering? How will you live a life of love in order to share in Christ's glory?

Read how Paul & Silas live out their love in prison in Acts 16:16-40. What can you learn about their example?

2012-02-07T10:58:00.001-05:00

Deuteronomy 7:6

You are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.

My Knight in Shining Armor,

Hearing Your Holy Word thrills my heart! It stirs my soul to think that, in love, You chose me out of all the people on the face of the earth to be royal, holy, and redeemed. Who am I to deserve this kind of love?

Even though I was hiding in the dark behind a thick wall of shame, You found me, and gave Your life to rescue me. Bringing me into the wonderful light of Your love, You traded my ripped rags for a royal robe of righteousness. Miraculously Your Words changed my rough callused heart to a soft, holy one. I'm utterly ecstatic that an unbecoming person like me is no longer abandoned, but belongs to You, the High King of Heaven! Not only that, I'm Your treasured possession! Valuable! Priceless! Precious! O how thankful I am that You rescued me from the dark dungeon of my past, brought me into the wonderful light, and called me to be Yours!

I can't keep quiet about my miracle makeover! As a member of Your royal family, I'm obligated to live a life of love by publicly telling others the difference You've made in my life. Now to You who chose me, out of all the people on the face of the earth to be Your treasured possession be the glory, honor and praise forever and ever. Amen.

God chose you in love to be His treasured possession, not because you deserve it, but because of His loving kindness. You are valuable, priceless, and precious to Him.

In the light of His love, will you fully surrender your life to be the royal priest He's called you to be? A royal priest devoted to his life to serving God and speaking out for Him.

2012-02-06T09:11:00.001-05:00

Deuteronomy 7:13

He will love you and bless you.

Ephesians 1:3

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

O God My Father,

What a blessing You are! Because of my friendship with Your dear Son, You've lovingly lavished me with all the riches of heaven. Pouring out Your glorious grace on me, You exchanged the ashes of my broken heart for a crown of beauty turning my sad days to glad days. My heart leaps for joy because of Your great love!

Pitying me, You looked beyond my imperfections. It delighted You to trade my tattered clothes of despair for a garment of praise. Handing me the Book of Love, a Holy Bible, You gave me wisdom and knowledge to understand the mysteries of Your Word. In the blessing of Your love, humiliation turned to honor enabling me to proudly display Your majestic splendor.

A changed person, full of glory and grace, I'll begin rebuilding ruined relationships. From the wreckage and rubble, I'll build lasting friendships that bridge others to Your heavenly kingdom. Because You've doubly blessed me with a beautiful new beginning, I'll live a life of love. Blessing others, I'll celebrate the everlasting legacy available to me because of my relationship with Your own dear Son. Amen.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Read Ephesians 1:3-14. Make a list of all the spiritual blessings God gives you because of your friendship with His Son. How will they help you live a life of love?

Dig deeper by reading Isaiah 61.

2012-02-03T07:17:00.001-05:00

Psalm 16:8-11

I am always thinking of the Lord;

And because he is so near,

I never need to stumble or fall.

Heart, body, and soul are filled with joy.

For you will not leave me among the dead,

You will not allow your beloved one to rot in the grave;

You have let me experience the joys of life,

And the exquisite pleasures of your own eternal presence. The Book

My Dear Friend,

You are my Lord! You light up my life, making my heart happy. O how I need You every minute of every day! You are absolutely precious to me! Constantly thinking of You keeps me out of trouble and away from temptation.

My problems and pressures turn to joy when I think about Your deep love for me. You love me so much that You died saving me from destruction and death while I was Your hard-hearted enemy. Not only that, but You came back to life and chose to live in my heart. Since You've moved in, my life hasn't been the same. The crud and cob webs are gone. You polished me with loving kindness and now I sparkle. I'm no longer lonely, hungry or thirsty. You're my Provider and Best Friend. Your powerful presence is my protection. I've finally found peace and contentment - the exquisite pleasures of Your eternal presence living in me.

You fill my heart, body and soul with pure joy! I smile just thinking about the future You promise me! All around me are beautiful mansions. When I wish I could live in one of them, You remind me that they pale in comparison to the palace You promise me in Paradise. I look forward with hope to the day when my sorrows and pain will cease and I'll live happily ever with You in the beauty of heavenly holiness.

Please dear Lord, let me glow with delight from the joy of Your presence living in me because of Jesus. Amen.

Who are you thinking about today? If you think about the Lord, He promises:

You will never stumble and fall

You will be filled with joy

He won't leave you among the dead, rotting in a grave

You're His beloved one

You will experience the exquisite pleasure of His eternal presence

Just thinking about my friendship with God excites me! Why He would befriend a sinner like me, is beyond my understanding. I'm choosing to believe Him and accept the cherished gift of His friendship because of Jesus! May the smile on my face reflect the joy in my heart, O Lord, because I am Your beloved friend!

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

2012-02-01T07:05:00.001-05:00

Exodus 33:11

The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.

Faithful Friend,

I'm astonished that You have chosen to speak friend to friend with a rebel like me. You're prominent, perfect, and pure. I'm insignificant, imperfect and impure. My life is in shambles! I've made bad choices and I'm incredibly needy! Of all the beautiful and gifted people in the world who seem to have so much to offer, You've chosen to chat with me. I have no beauty, no gift, and no clout to offer. While some people wouldn't be caught dead associating with me, You, Most High, are delighted to call me "friend". How can this be?

It is a mystery I will never understand. My heart dances within to hear You calling and inviting me to hang out with You - the Immortal, Invincible, Incorruptible King. It's not the rich and famous You desire to be with, but lowly people with humble hearts. Thank You for stooping down to speak to me face to face when I come to You with an open heart, mind and Bible. I yearn to hear Your Voice.

O how I desire to know You deeply, personally, and intimately. Keep the fire burning in my heart and consume me with passion. I never want to break away from this sweet fellowship we enjoy. I'm tickled that You'd speak to me friend to friend! Hallelujah! Amen.

Friendship with God is attainable. Moses was far from prominent, perfect and pure. He wasn't great or glamorous either. In fact, after committing murder he was wandering in the wilderness when God chose to befriend him.

No matter who you are, what you've done, or where you've been the Immortal, Invincible, Incorruptible King is calling you into uninterrupted intimacy with Him. Respond to Him with an open heart, mind and Bible, and He will speak to you face to face as a man speaks to a friend.

2012-01-31T07:18:00.001-05:00

Psalm 27:4-5

One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.

For 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.

O Mighty King of Heaven,

There is one thing I ask: that I may live in Your holy house all the days of my life and gaze upon Your beauty. I will seek You in the temple of my heart. In Your glorious presence, I will be safe from trials, tragedy and trouble. Your power and promises will divinely protect me. Securely positioned in Your presence, I will offer You a sacrifice of praise.

When I look for You at the throne of grace, I will find You. Gazing into the warmth of Your fiery eyes, I can expect You to mercifully hear my voice and gently answer me. You are tenderhearted. When my earthly friends and family cannot comfort me, You will coddle me in Your strong arms. It's Your divine guidance I'm desperately seeking. With my Bible wide open, my eyes will be fixed on You. Reveling in Your goodness and generosity, I won't be crushed by my circumstances. In the splendor of Your holiness I'll be still and wait with a calm and quiet heart while You work out the details for Your glory.

Living happily ever after with You is my only hope, peace and joy in this sad, sad world. You keep me from fainting under pain and pressure. O Lover of My Soul, I want nothing more than to live in uninterrupted intimacy with You all the days of my life. You are my Strong Man, and I simply want to stay in Your blessing where You will lift me up and be magnified. Lord, please show me what I must do to attain this desire of my heart. Amen.

If you are facing trial, tragedy or trouble, seek Him. To seek is an action that means to search for, strive for, ask for, or head for something. Open Your Bible and begin looking for Him. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you. He is unchanging. He was the same yesterday as He is today. He will be there in all His glory if you take the time to search for Him. When You find Him, gaze upon His beautiful character. Write down His noticeable attributes so that you won't forget them in the midst of your crushing circumstances. In His presence You will be blessed with hope, peace and joy.

2012-01-30T05:16:00.001-05:00

Psalm 27:8

When You said, "Seek My face,"
My heart said to You, "Your face, LORD, I will seek." NKJV

O King of Glory!

Thank You for calling me to come look for You. My heart readily leaps at the chance to seek Your face, Lord! I want to see Your Majesty. Heartily, I'll search my Bible until I find You. Hear my voice when I persistently call to You through prayer. Be merciful and answer me. Don't hide Your face from me.

Help me to remove the shroud that's obstructing my view of You. When I can't see through the pain of my problems, wipe the tears from my eyes. If busyness is blocking me, slow me down. As difficult decisions distort my sight increase my dependence on Your divinity. While criticism causes me to lose concentration, give me confidence and courage to keep looking for you. Blinded by thick darkness, shine forth the bright light of Your love. I desire to discover You in the daily grind. In all circumstances, I long to commune with You. Against all odds, Lord, I will forsake everything for the sole purpose of seeing Your Majesty. Please show me Your glory through Jesus my King. Amen.

The King of Glory invites you to seek His face. Without delay the Psalmist spoke from His heart, accepting the divine invitation. What about you? Will you heartily accept His invitation without hesitating? Open your Bible, search the Scriptures, consistently call out to Him in prayer, and You will see Him for Who He really is.

2012-01-27T09:21:00.001-05:00

Isaiah 58:13-14

"Keep the Sabbath day holy.
      Don't pursue your own interests on that day,
   but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the Lord's holy day.
      Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don't follow your own desires or talk idly.

Then the Lord will be your delight.
I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob."
I, the Lord, have spoken!

Lord of the Sabbath,

You are holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and You have spoken to me! You know that I'm stressed out, burned out and need time out! Thank You for designing a day for me to rest! Forgive me for neglecting it.

You set the pace by working hard for six days to make the entire universe. Then, You stopped and enjoyed the fruit of Your labor. The problem is my work is unending. I keep going and going and going, until all of my energy's spent and there's nothing left for You, my family or me. If You, the infinite source of energy, needed a day to rest, how much more do I need it?

Help me, by the power of Your Spirit, to intentionally make time to unwind. When I'm worn out, I make poor decisions that desecrate Your holy name, and hurt my family and me. Slow me down, Lord!

Setting aside my long to-do list, I'll deliberately spend an entire day quietly reflecting on what went well and what went wrong inmy week. I'll thank You for my successes, admit my failures, and plan to do better next week. Letting go of everything, I'll concentrate on honoring You in everything I say and do. With my heart at ease and my mind clear, it will be a pleasure to praise and worship You for Who You are and what You've done.

Spending time with You, I'll discover remarkable peace and inexplicable joy. Free from obligations, my weary soul will enjoy a quiet day. My rich reward will be a revived heart, re-energized Spirit, and renewed strength. Rested, I'll consistently make right choices that bring glory to Your name. The noticeable change in my heart will draw others to You, the perfect designer of the day of rest. Amen.

The Lord has commanded, "Keep the Sabbath day holy!" Hard as that is in our current culture, it's not optional. To disobey is to dishonor the Lord of the Sabbath.

For one month, intentionally keep every Sunday open. Take a nap. Read a book. Take a walk. Play games. Visit the sick or elderly. It's very difficult, but you'll notice a remarkable difference in your demeanor and long for that day of rest each week.

2012-01-26T04:49:00.001-05:00

Daniel 1: 3-4, 17, 19

Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility - young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.

To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.

The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service.

Most High King of Heaven,

I praise You for choosing and adopting me into Your royal family. Because You've made me righteous, I have no defects. All of my deformities were concealed at the foot of the cross where You turned my brokenness into beauty. You lavished me with wisdom and understanding to know the mysteries of Your good, pleasing and perfect will. Now, I'm qualified to serve You, my high and heavenly King.

This world is not my home. My home is in heaven. Like Daniel, I am a foreigner in a strange place. The wholesome language I speak is uncommon here. The Christian literature I'm familiar with is abnormal. It's imperative that I adapt to the way of life in the community where I live, work and play.

You've put me here to spread the Good News that Your kingdom is available to everyone who believes. I can only do that by earning the trust and respect of those around me. Please give me the desire to be like Daniel. I need to go beyond the pleasant walls and protection of my church and immerse myself in a corrupted culture. Clinging to my faith and trusting in Your power, I'll infiltrate people with the truth about You in words they'll understand. By developing meaningful relationships and clear communication, I'll build bridges for them to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Please dear Lord, give me a courageous heart and determined mind to follow You beyond my perceived limits. Give me extraordinary wisdom and knowledge to fluently speak to those who differ from me. Use me to connect my community to Your glorious kingdom for the praise of Your name. Amen.

You don't have to go to another land to learn a new language. Study the current culture in your community. You'll probably discover that they don't speak or act like you. In order to serve them for God, you need to know their values and traditions.

Resolve to build bridges with non-believers by asking God to give you the wisdom, knowledge and courage of Daniel to boldly live out your life in your neighborhood. Find a non-church related group and begin interacting with them.

2012-01-25T08:49:00.001-05:00

Luke 10:30-37

Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

Jesus, You are the Perfect Teacher!

Thank you for teaching me who my neighbors are! They are the people around me who have been stripped of their dignity. Kicked by random acts of cruelty, punched by persistent problems, and knocked unconscious by bullies, their spirits have been left to disgracefully die.

Forgive me for all the times I've:

Hurt someone and walked away like the robber
Unkindly passed by someone suffering because of my arrogance like the religious leaders
Reasoned my lack of love by standing around and talking about it like the experts in the law
Tried to capitalize on a bad situation like the innkeeper

Teach me to be merciful like the Samaritan who was the smallest among all of these men, yet had the biggest heart. Please remove the scales from my eyes and show me an injured soul today - someone who is different from me in race, creed, or social background. I will stop and nurse their wounds no matter the cost. With corrected vision, I will see interruptions as divine opportunities to show Your love to people in distress. May mercy flow like a river through me because of Your amazing love. Amen.

Open your eyes and look for someone to share the love of Christ with in a practical way today whether it's convenient or not.

2012-01-24T09:08:00.001-05:00

Philippians 3:17

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

Jesus, You are the Perfect Pattern for godly living. I long to modelmy life after Yours.

Help me to understand and obey the rules of Your magnificent kingdom. Do not let me wander away from them. I want to reflect Your beauty in everything I say and do. In the laboratory of love, show me any aspect or activity in my life that will tarnish
Your image. Concentrating on You, I'll accept Your gentle instruction, allowing You to polish me.

With Your Words in all their richness alive in me, I'll accurately represent the kingdom of heaven on earth. Love and patience will show my strong faith. Peace will reign in my heart. Praise and thanksgiving will always be on my lips. My kindness and humility will give others an honest impression of You.

Please send godly people into my life so that I can see Your principles in practice and apply them to my own life. Seeing others imitating You will help me to grow in Your likeness. Hearing them tell about Your work in their lives will inspire me to persevere. As I study Your Word and watch others, I'll become a living Bible, persuading and motivating others to bring glory, honor and fame to You. Amen.

What impression do people have of Christ when they see or talk with you? What changes do you need to make in your life to honor Him?

As Christians, we are to represent Christ. When those around us say, "I didn't know you were a Christian," we have failed to represent him as we should. We are not merely Christ followers; we are his representatives to others.

2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors.

2012-01-23T10:59:00.001-05:00

John 13: 4-5, 14-15

He got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Jesus said to them, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."

Jesus, My Lord and Teacher,

You reign in power with full authority over heaven and earth. Yet You left Your heavenly kingdom and became fully human to teach me Your ways. Out of deep devotion to Your Father, You voluntarily laid aside Your own rights and privileges to model the attitude of a servant.

Thank You for stooping down to wash filthy feet in order to teach me how to humbly serve You and others. If You, the Prince of Heaven, can take on the unappealing task of washing muddy feet then who am I to stand around, watching, and waiting for someone else to do the dirty work?

Humble my heart today. Fill me with a willing spirit and power to get up and go do whatever needs done for Your glory. Full of Your power, I will ...

Shamelessly stoop down to do unpleasant tasks

Eagerly serve others even when it's untimely

Risk my reputation to reach out and touch the unattractive

Value the dignity of human life more than my power or position

Express the full extent of Your love, even to the unappreciative

Father, with all my heart I want to be more like Jesus. Open my eyes to see who I can serve today. Out of love and respect, I will do whatever You ask, anticipating the rich reward You will give me because of Jesus. Amen

Are you willing to follow Christ's example? Whom can you serve today?

2012-01-20T09:48:00.001-05:00

Romans 2:1

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

Holy & Righteous Judge,

Forgive me for donning the robe, stepping behind the desk, and pounding down the gavel to announce the "guilty" verdict. I am just as bad! I have no excuse! It's easier to look straight ahead atsomeone else, than it is to look down at myself. If I point a finger at others, four fingers are pointing back at me.

When I put on Your holy robe and thump Your sacred gavel, playing judge, I'm setting myself up for discipline. You do not like when I step behind Your divine desk because I'm unworthy and unqualified to be there. Forgive me for filtering Your grace through my opinion, and watering down Your mercy with my own narrow-mindedness. I can't understand Your holy standard, let alone reach it!

I don't know the whole story. How can I judge a book when the chapters aren't all written? Only You know the whole truth. You are the Amazing Author of every story and uniquely write each ending. If You began a good story about someone, You will finish it with a perfect ending. I believe You.

I think of the thief dying on the cross next to You. In the last paragraph of his life story, he acknowledged You and asked You to remember him. In the end, You pounded the gavel and proclaimed him "not guilty", assuring him a place in Paradise. While the watching world convicted him, You patiently pardoned him. You are so kind and merciful. Teach me, Your Honor, to be non-judgmental for Your name sake. Amen.

God is a Father of many chances. He holds back His judgment on us, allowing us time to change our mind. He expects us to do the same to others. Talk to God about who you need to show mercy today. Then, step aside, remove the robe, put down the gavel and let Him announce the verdict. He alone is worthy.

2012-01-19T11:46:00.001-05:00

Isaiah 32:15-18

Till the Spirit is poured upon us from on high,
and the desert becomes a fertile field,
and the fertile field seems like a forest.

Justice will dwell in the desert
and righteousness live in the fertile field

The fruit of righteousness will be peace;
the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places,
in secure homes,
in undisturbed places of rest.

Rushing River of Life,

Pour over me like fresh falling rain from heaven. Expose the ruins of my unresponsive heart. Dredge up the debris from my dreadful decisions. In the current of Your merciful love, sweep away my damaged reputation. Then, rise up like a cool spring in the desert. Flow over the badland of my soul, and cultivate it into a fertile field.

In the center of the field, build Your home. Move onto the lush land of my heart. Plant the good seed of Your Word in the soil of my soul. Thoroughly, water it with divine wisdom and grace. Tend to me patiently, teaching me to grow Your way. Raise me up to make right choices and produce good fruit. Rooted in You, others will clearly see the beauty of Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and restraint growing in me.

In Your presence, I'll quietly rest, knowing that I've done what's right. I'll always trust You to protect me from the prickly weeds of proud, power-hungry people that threaten to disturb my peace. Under Your tender loving care, I'll live a secure, serene and satisfied life.

Holy Spirit, rain down on me! Water the waste land of my heart with Your amazing grace, carry away the awful debris from my past and raise me up to consistently make right choices that will bless Your holy and righteous name. Amen.

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and show you the damage caused by your poor choices. Humbly acknowledge where you're mistakes and resolve to live right this year.

The rewards will be rich: peace, quietness, and confidence forever.

2012-01-18T07:14:00.001-05:00

Matthew 9:10-13

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"

On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Merciful Father-

Icontinuously marvel at the fact that You love, chose, and adopted me despite my indecent life, impure motives, and improper attitudes. Mercifully accepting my broken life, You took me into Your heavenly workshop and turned me into a sacred masterpiece fit for a King. My beautiful new eyes will easily recognize lost and lonely souls. With a divine perspective, I'll be able to see beyond their faults to their possibilities.

Unnoticed, unhealthy people all around me are dying for the gift of friendship. Like Matthew, I'll find common ground with them. Risking my reputation, I'll spend time mixing and mingling with them, showing them Your tender mercies. Exposed to You they may be radically changed into valuable works of art for Your purpose and pleasure.

Father, forgive me for making this life a popularity contest. Often I'm more concerned about my rituals, routines, and reputation than I am about restoring relationships. It's not about ME. It's all about YOU. Please enlarge my heart and fill it with more of Your merciful love. Open my eyes to see who needs a touch of Your greatness today and I'll obediently reach out to them in the spirit of friendship because of Jesus. Amen.

Invite a lost and lonely soul into the core of your life today. Be courteous and authentic to them. Spend frequent time with them. Allow the Master to touch them through you.

God says, three times in his Word, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." Matthew 9:13, 12:7 and Hosea 6:6. He doesn't want our rituals and routines! He wants our relationship! And, when our hearts are enlarged and full of Him, we'll have a spirit of forgiveness and restoration.

2012-01-17T08:57:00.001-05:00

Luke 12: 22-23

Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes."

Jesus-

You are such a tender loving Teacher. This is a hard lesson for me to learn. Please stick with me until I figure it out! Every day I worry about:

Life - What if this or that happens?

Food - What should I put in my stomach today? Low fat or low carbs? How many calories and how much fiber does it contain?

Body - Am I too short, too tall, too fat, or too skinny? What will people think of me?

Clothing - What should I wear today? Black, brown, blue, white, blue, green, red, yellow? Do I look good?

Forgive me for wasting my time worrying about insignificant things. I should be more concerned with where I'll spend eternal life, what I'll feed my mind, and the condition of my heart. Instead of looking at fads and fashions, I should thoughtfully walk through a field of wildflowers, gazing with wonder on their fabulous form. They never spend one minute primping or shopping; yet, they look dazzling.

Lord, I desperately need more faith to believe that I'm more valuable than flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow. Rather than worrying about my life, I resolve to trust You more this year. Living in Your presence, I'll realize the magnitude of Your love and follow Your perfect plan, trusting You to take care of all my needs day by day.

Giving my entire attention to what You're doing at the moment, I won't get worked up about the future. When tough times come, I'll trust You to sustain me for the glory and honor of Your life-giving name. Amen.

What temporal things are you worried about? What do you gain from worrying about these things? Resolve to trust God more this year by looking at life from an eternal perspective.

You can exercise rigorously, eat right, put on a pretty face and dress in the latest fashions, but it's all meaningless if you don't have a pure heart. When you appear before God's throne, He's not going to look at your fine physique, pretty face and fashionable wardrobe. He's going to examine your heart. Work out with Him by reading your Bible carefully. Feed on His power packed promises. Clothe yourself in righteousness, humility and love from the armoire of God. Then, you'll have nothing to worry about because you'll look and feel splendid.

2012-01-16T08:32:00.001-05:00

Psalm 123:2

Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters,
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
So our eyes look to the LORD our God. NKJV

Merciful Master in Heaven,

I am Your humble servant who looks up to You with respect and admiration. Under Your control, You treat me with loving kindness. You assign my work and reward me. While working for You is hard, it's also a joy and a delight.

Looking upward, I'll have a vast view of You. From Your vantage point, my perspective will be fundamentally different. I'll find You in the doctor's office and the law office. I'll see You in the parking lot and the shopping mall. You'll be in the board room, as well as, the play room and classroom. You'll be on the plane soaring across the skyway and in the car zooming down the highway. I'll notice You on the production line and in the check-out line. I'll spot You in my pain, as well as, my pleasure. I'll even see You in the darkest people and places. You'll be in my home and in my heart.

Watching You, I'll clearly see signals to do Your work. Sometimes You'll simply tell me to pray. Other times, You'll instruct me to lovingly encourage and comfort. Occasionally, You'll ask me to boldly speak out for what's right. You'll likely expect me to show mercy and kindness to intolerable people. You'll probably require me to go outside of my comfort zone to do tasks that don't come easily. Wherever I see You Lord, I'll stop, listen, and do whatever You ask to bring glory to Your high and holy name.

Open the eyes of my heart Lord! I want to see You! You are my Master and immediate obedience is necessary. For my hard work, You will richly reward me with the tender mercies of Your Son. Amen.

Your focus should continually be on the Lord. If your eyes are wandering you'll miss encounters with Him.

How have you seen God working around you recently? I'd love to hear! Leave a comment on facebook or on my blog.

2012-01-13T07:44:00.001-05:00

Matthew 6:19-21

Jesus commanded: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Jesus,

You are my most valuable Treasure. You are more lustrous than pearls, more majestic than sapphires, and more radiant than rubies. I rejoice in the richness of my relationship with You. Knowing You is more precious than the most brilliant diamond. Rare and beautiful, You've caught my interest and captivated my heart!

Like a fool, I've invested my money in worthless possessions, accumulating assets that could be destroyed in a heart beat. My warm and cozy home is full of meaningless treasures that could easily be stolen. Blessed with an overabundance of food, I'm never hungry. I've spent a small fortune on an extravagant wardrobe that I wash, wear and waste. Forgive me, Father, for overindulging in useless pleasures when others are just looking for a simple roof over their head, begging for a mere morsel to eat, and wearing my worn out wardrobe.

Because my heart and all that I have belong to You, I resolve to be more generous this year. Please touch my wallet with Your love. Show me who I can bless financially today. Willingly and wisely, I'll open my heart and my wallet, making a secure investment in Your heavenly kingdom. In return, You'll bless me with the everlasting riches of Your glorious name. Amen.

Thank God for all that He's given you. Consider all the ways you extravagantly spend money on unnecessary items while others struggle to survive. Out of heartfelt gratitude, resolve to be more generous and find someone to share your wealth with today.

2012-01-12T11:13:00.001-05:00

1 Timothy 6:6-8

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

Life Giving God,

You are the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords. You are immortal and live in unapproachable light. No eyehas ever seen You. Highest honor, everlasting power, and interminable dominion are Yours forever and ever!

I'm exceedingly happy because of your incredible provision! You have given me so much more than I need. Help me to be content with what I have. It's difficult to flee from the advertising induced need for every new gadget and gizmo. In a materialistic world, distinguishing between wants and needs is tough. Teach me by Your Spirit to live a genuinely simple life, fulfilled with fewer belongings. I want to be rich in faith, hope and love.

All too often I take for granted the spectacular mysteries of life, failing to recognize Your stupendous provision. The vast beauty, splendor and majesty of creation are always there for me to enjoy. Family and friends are irreplaceable blessings to be cherished and protected. Best of all, You've given me the priceless gift of eternal life through Your Son. I have so much more than food and clothing to be thankful for!

Rather than chasing after meaningless possessions, I resolve to pursue a satisfying life of wonder, consistently working at what's right and pleasing to You, my Creator, who daily enriches me with amazing grace and everlasting love. Amen.

How will you simplify your life this year? How will you consistently work at what's right and pleasing to God?

2012-01-11T07:27:00.001-05:00

1 Peter 4:9

Open your homes to each other without complaining.

Luke 14:12-14

Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Father in Heaven-

Thank you for giving me the miracle of a Christian home. This home is not mine. It belongs to You. Often the details of entertaining consume me. I want to impress people with my meticulous well kept place, my clever decorating, and my gourmet cooking. I am so busy with the preparations that I forget WHO I am serving.

Empower me to put people before things. Instead of putting away the dirt, I will put away my pride and allow others to see my humanness. Shape my home into a place free of false pretensions where people can relax and be themselves.

Open my heart to a needy family in my community. I will obediently open my home as a place of rest and healing for them. It is my desire to use the gifts You've lavished on me to glorify You. I am Your humble servant, please show me how to practice biblical hospitality for Jesus' name sake. Amen.

The root word of hospitality is "hospital." Hospitals are places to rest and heal. Our homes should be places where people can come to rest and heal. Do you receive exquisite meals at a hospital? Are hospitals fussily decorated? Do hospitals only serve friends and family?

Think of your home as a hospital. Consider inviting to your home: the elderly neighbor who is always alone, the neighbor who's recovering from surgery, the family that just received devastating news, the neighbor that's unemployed, or someone new to your community.

What's keeping you from demonstrating biblical hospitality? Resolve to aside your agenda to be more hospitable this year.

2012-01-10T06:38:00.001-05:00

Psalm 39:4-5

"Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered-
how fleeting my life is.

You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath." NLT

Heavenly Father~

Creator of all living things~

Thank You for the fabulous, fragile gift of life. I will cherish every day as a valuable present from You, my loving Father. Forgive me for tossing miracle moments aside to worry about insignificant incidences. Often I spend more time securing my life on earth, than I do thinking about where I will spend eternity.

Life is short! I don't have long to stay here. Enlighten my mind to Your Holy Spirit and fill my heart with more grace so that I'll be ready when You call my loved ones or me home. This is a picture perfect day that You have made. I'll rejoice and be thankful for it. Living in the blessing of each precious moment, I'll joyfully love and serve others because today could be my last chance. Please just give me more of Jesus to focus on the most important matters today for Your namesake. Amen.

You just don't know when your life will be interrupted by an unexpected event. Resolve to live each day like it's your last. Don't miss an opportunity to tell someone you love them. Give someone a hug today. Call a friend. Be a friend.

2012-01-09T07:00:00.001-05:00

Psalm 130:5-6

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.

My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Lord,

I admit I'm a most impatient child! Even though You promise special blessings for those who quietly wait, it's a very difficult assignment for me! I'm living in a fast-paced world where we drive fast cars through fast food restaurants, gobbling the grub as we speed down the freeway. Instant cash at ATM's and instant information on the internet provide for instant gratification. And I wonder why waiting is hard!

Please dear Lord, slow me down! I want off this race track! Rather than speeding to keep up with everyone else, worrying about my security, career and relationships, I want to deliberately depend on Your provision and protection. Instead of pursuing power, prestige, and possessions for pleasure, I want to down shift, allowing You to take me to everlasting happiness. Zooming through life I miss out on opportunities to serve You; consequently, also losing the rich rewards You pay Your workers.

At break-neck speed my perception is poor and my vision distorted as in the darkness of night. I simply can't see clearly! Going at a slower, safer speed I'll begin to see You for who You really are: loving, kind and reliable. I'll come to depend on You for power, provision and protection. I'll learn to trust Your principles, promises and purposes. Concentrating on Your goodness, I'll find peace and hope in Your Word, the Bible.

Please fill me with patience to endure the long, silent night of my soul, eagerly expecting the definitive morning when the Son will rise and warm my heart with heavenly hope for Your namesake. Amen.

Most of us are waiting for something - a promotion or pay increase, a diagnosis or cure, the death of a loved one, a trial and verdict, a wayward child to come home, to overcome an addiction or bad habit, to win the lottery or lose a few pounds, for a voice to pick up the phone or a computer to respond.

What are you waiting for? Are you impatient, like me, trying to devise your own schemes and plans to get ahead? I encourage you to slow down and go with God. In His Word you will find the only Way to peace and everlasting happiness.

2012-01-06T09:11:00.001-05:00

Galatians 6:2

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

John 13:34-35

Jesus said, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." NLT

Glorious Lord,

You are my wonderful Savior! When I stumbled and fell over shame, You found me, and compassionately picked me up in Your strong arms. Injured and weak from the fall, You resiliently carried my wounds on Your body to Calvary. There, You disinfected my sore soul with Living Water from the gash in Your side and cleansed me with the antiseptic of Your blood. You covered every mistake I ever made and ever will make.

Miraculously, You healed me and gave me a vivacious new life full of love and strength. You promised to continually carry all of my problems. Leaning on You, I won't stumble and fall from the weight of my anxieties. I'll stand up tall under stress, affectionately praising Your mighty power!

All around me are indignant, hurting people who have stumbled and can't get up. The weight of their troubles is more than they can bear. Please enlarge my heart. Fill me with a spirit of compassion to notice the fallen people in my path. Just as You mercifully care for me daily, I resolve to graciously stoop down, pick them up, and carry their load. Since You went a great distance to save and strengthen me, I'll go the extra mile to lift up needy people. I'll voluntarily go out of my way to attentively listen to them, boosting their spirits with kind words of encouragement and prayer. Make me a mighty magnet to draw others to You for mercy. In doing so, I'll fulfill Your command to love others, and show the watching world that I belong to Jesus through whom I live and pray. Amen.

If you know someone who's struggling financially, deliver groceries to their door. Secretly pay their utility bill or their rent.

If you're aware that someone has received devastating news, pick up the phone and call them. Tell them you're thinking of them and ask how you can help.

Go visit an elderly or disabled person. Take along a balloon bouquet to brighten their surroundings. Your presence will make their day.

Relieve weary parents of small children by taking the children for an afternoon.

Write a letter to a prisoner who's been forgotten by society. Tell them about God's forgiveness. Show them His mercy.

Offer to pray for someone who is hurting and do it on the spot. It will bless their heart to hear their name being carried to the throne!

Ask God to give you a spirit of forgiveness and forbearance. Ask for an enlarged heart and a spirit of compassion. He will be delighted to give you these things! Then, open your eyes. Look around and you will see someone close by who has fallen and needs your help. Show them that you are a Christ follower by lightening their load today.

Find someone with a load heavier than your own, and help them carry it today. It's not optional!

2012-01-05T07:05:00.002-05:00

Matthew 11:28-30

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." NLT

Jesus, You are my Personal Trainer.

Thank You for inviting me to come work out with You. I'm exhausted and bulging with burdens. I admit that I've lazily neglected my spiritual needs and put off coming, afraid of repeat failure. Loveless and loaded with lies, I'm tired of living like this. My heart and mind have been fed empty calories by false teachers preaching shallow theology. My soul is suffering from the stress and stain of tragedy and trouble. Constant problems and pressure have packed on the pounds and I'm absolutely miserable. I've been weighed down with worries and full of fear for too long. Lord, I'm sick and tired of carrying around this excess baggage! Because I don't want to spend the rest of my life feeling this lousy I resolve to lose weight this year.

In Your precise training program, You'll gently teach me a lifestyle that totally reflects who You are. Determined to get rid of this heavy load, I'm dedicated to Your demanding daily discipline. I'll eagerly get up and access the godly equipment in Your gymnasium every day. Actively using my Bible, I'll consume reasonable portions of strength enhancing nutrients. Vigorously working through Your Words will stimulate my messed up mind to perform perfectly. Coupled with the power of persistent prayer and praise, my bulging burdens will slowly shrink as I transfer the weight of them to You.

Completely trusting You with my problems will give me more energy and freedom to effectively serve and love others. Under Your gentle control my heart and mind will miraculously heal. Resting on Your powerful promises will inspire me to continue working hard toward my life long goal of being shaped into Your remarkable image. In my life, Lord, be magnified so that I can be more productive for You. Amen.

Have you resolved to lose weight this year? Consider giving the weight of your worries to Jesus. He's inviting you to "Come," work out with Him. He's offering to take your load and teach you to live differently. As you trust Him completely with your heart problems, the physical pounds may dissipate too.

Give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you. Psalm 55:22 NLT

2012-01-04T07:00:00.002-05:00

1 Timothy 4:8

Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. NLTHave you resolved to get more physical exercise this year? God's Word says that training for godliness is even more beneficial. What will you do to get firm and fit with Jesus?

My Divine Coach and Trainer,

Here I am - weak, out of shape and ready to get rid of the unnecessary stress and strain in my life. This year I resolve to get firm and fit with You. I know this fitness program will be extremely challenging, excruciatingly painful and very expensive, but the end result will be well worth it. Willingly, I'm surrendering my entire life to You, absolutely determined to improve my image from the inside out.

Giving You my best effort will be easiest if I have a few spiritual friends to train with me. Together, we'll encourage each other to persevere through the pain and doggedly practice the difficult maneuvers You teach us. Shutting out every other thought, we'll keep our eyes on You, and do exactly what we see You doing. As our hearts beat in rapid unison with Yours, we'll breathe in Your sensational power and blow out Your extraordinary strength.

Frequently refreshing with Living Water from the deep well of our Bibles will make us excitingly different. As we monitor our hearts and measure our progress, the noticeable change will motivate us to keep working out our faith with fear and trembling. Under Your rigorous daily discipline, we'll become firm and fit forever, taking on the strong physique of Your Son.

Going to the gymnasium is useful, but exercising a disciplined life with You daily is far more beneficial. When You are magnified in our bodies, we won't be ashamed and will have the stamina to endure all kinds of problems and pressures. Others will instantly recognize the drastic improvement in us and naturally be attracted to Your fitness program too. Amen.

Even if it's as little as 10 minutes a day, you can't afford to not train with Him. Find a study buddy and commit to working out together by doing a daily devotion. Share with each other what the Lord's teaching you. Together, you'll improve your image as you grow in His strength.

2012-01-03T08:27:00.000-05:00

Galatians 5:25
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Father in Heaven,
Thank You for compassionately choosing me to be Your beloved child and adopting me into Your great big diverse family when I was an utterly rebellious brat. When you found me I was absolutely loveless, kicking, screaming and demanding my own way. Fiercely in pursuit of fame and fortune, I was rudely pushing and shoving anyone in my path. My all-consuming desires were never satisfied! A mountain of putrid garbage had accumulated in my mind and soul. Amazingly, You picked me anyway, and sent Your infinitely powerful Spirit to tame me from my wild and wicked ways.

Vitally dependent on Your divine discipline to break my bad habits, I resolve to relinquish control of my life to Your Spirit this year. Fully submitted to Your authority, I'll recognize Your commanding voice when I purposely read my Bible. Resolutely, I'll follow Your step-by-step instructions for functioning Your way. With Your Words embedded in my mind, Your love will be behind my actions and Your power will control my egocentric desires.

Under Your wise counsel and watchful eye, I'll learn to imitate Your unrestricted love. My heart will joyfully dance and my mind will peacefully sing as I tag along with You through all kinds of stress and strain. Firmly in Your grip of grace, I'll persistently endure difficult people and situations by repeatedly demonstrating Your undeniable loving kindness. Making the most of every opportunity, I'll welcome interruptions to help carry the burdens of others I encounter along the way. Trusting You to gently lead and guide me by Your Spirit, I'll live a drastically different life that magnetically draws others to the life changing power of Your Almighty Spirit. Amen.

Will you resolve to live by the Spirit this year by fully submitting to His authority and respectfully following Him step-by-step every day?

Can people recognize you as a child of God by your attitudes and actions? If not, humbly admit that you're a spoiled rebellious brat who needs tamed by His almighty power. Ask Him to teach you in the way you should go. Listen carefully to His instructions and willingly follow them no matter how difficult.

When you keep in step with the Spirit, the outgrowth of the Spirit will be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-2

2012-01-02T08:04:00.001-05:00

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Dearest Father in Heaven,
I'm eternally grateful that You've saved my life by deliberately removing my dysfunctional, diseased heart and intentionally replacing it with the strong, healthy heart of Your dear Son. My heart now beats in vital unison with Yours. Since You munificently recreated my miserable old life into a magnificent new one full of love and power, I resolve to live a drastically different life this year by being:

Receptive of people who are fundamentally different from me
Empathetic, polite and kind rather than rude, arrogant and obnoxious
Content with the things You've given me instead of envying what others have
Recognizant of the good in bad circumstances
Ecstatic with the truth instead of misled by deception
Accepting of people's faults as opposed to being critical and judgmental
Tolerant of abrasive people and harsh conditions
Even-tempered and calm even when I'm angry, resentful and mistreated
Devoted, protective, persistent, hopeful and trusting to the end

Thank You, Father, for opening my heart and implanting Your Son. Radically changed, I'll graciously look beyond the diseased, dysfunctional lives of others. Generously, I'll pour out Your infinite mercy and amazing love on hurting, helpless, and hopeless people bringing glory to You through the new life You've magnanimously given me through Jesus, Your Son. Amen.

O. Chambers writes in My Utmost For His Highest, "If you are born again, the Spirit of God makes the change very evident in your real life and thought."

What radical difference has Christ made in your life? The above resolutions are from 1 Corinthians 13. Can you boldly stand in the light of God's truths without squirming and evading them? If not, continue surrendering yourself daily to the Great Physician until His heart is fully implanted in yours.

Ezekiel 36: 25-27

2011-12-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. NLT

Heavenly Father,

You are the Maker of indescribable gifts. I hurry into Your holy presence unashamed to admit that I'm in desperate need of a new Christmas heart.

Consumed with materialism, I've become hard pressed like a cheap plastic toy that's heartless, mindless, and lifeless. Unscrupulous marketing convinces me to join the frenzy of panicked shoppers in the mad fight to buy the latest gizmos and gadgets. Glossy magazines persuade me to perfectly deck the halls of my home, and host impressive holiday parties. Santa Claus has replaced You as the father of Christmas. Caught up in commercialism, my heart has become greedy, hard, and selfish. By worshipping the false images of Christmas, I've forgotten the reason for the season.

Please wash away the waste from Christmases past. When I'm clean, lay Your compassionate Christmas heart over mine, making a tender new heart for me. Shaped like Your Son and full of Your Spirit, my perspective will radically change. Suddenly, the joy of all the holiday fury will fade beneath the pure pleasure and divine excitement of making a permanent difference in the lives of others.

With an incorruptible new Christmas heart full of Your beautiful Christmas Spirit I will cheerfully share the heart of Christ with difficult people who cause division and discord. Thinking of You, I'll tenderly touch them with Your amazing love allowing them to feel the warmth of Your extravagant kindness and the softness of Your extravagant grace in my words and actions. Looking beyond their stony, stubborn hearts, I'll have a good-natured harmonious visit with them to glorify the Christ of Christmas. Amen.

What's your heart look like this Christmas? What are you worshipping? If you want to have an incredibly different kind of Christmas, ask God, with great expectation, to give You a heart like His this Christmas. When you are focused on the things that matter to His heart, your perspective of Christmas will be radically changed. The presents and people won't matter; His purpose will be the only thing that's important.

Will you touch prickly people for Him with your kind words and gracious actions in order to show them the heart of Christ? This is your opportunity to shine in the darkness like the radiant Christmas Star!

Matthew 2:10-11

2011-12-21T10:17:00.001-05:00

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Holy Child of God-

I have seen Your splendor and majesty brilliantly beaming down from heaven on high. Under the glowing streams of glory is the wonderful gift of worship. In awe of Your radiant reflection, I joyfully fall on my knees in adoration to worship You in the splendor of holiness. I praise Your great and awesome name!

Rose of Bethlehem

Son of God Most High

Light of the World

Living Word

Messiah

Emmanuel

Wonderful Counselor

Everlasting Father

Prince of Peace

Lover of My Soul

King of Kings

Lord of Lords

And, my Best Friend

You are the worthy of the best I have to offer.

Generously, I give you the tarnished gold of my life. Purify me. Remove the grime, and I will glitter and glimmer becoming incredibly valuable to You. Selflessly, surrendered to You my King, I will sparkle when I sincerely worship You with a life of service.

Freely, I offer You my fragrance frankincense of faithful prayers flowing heavenward. The sweet sound of the song in my heart will be a pleasant perfume of praise to You, O Sovereign God.

Boldly, I bring to You the bitter myrrh of my brokenness. In the shining strength and splendor of Your sanctuary, You graciously accept the sacrifice of my suffering and shame, restoring my righteousness with heavenly healing.

All I really want this Christmas is to worship You with all my soul and strength like the star-guided strangers. After a long strenuous journey through darkness, I have found You in the home of my heart. Now I want to open the glowing streams of glory, take out the wonderful gift of worship, and triumphantly sing in exultation, "Glory to God, all glory in the highest." Hallelujah! Amen.

If You have found the gift of the Christ Child in your heart, will you bow down and worship him? Give Him the tarnished gold of your life. He can make it beautiful. Present him the sweet scent of your prayers and praise. Offer him the bitterness of your suffering and sorrow. Then find someone who needs the heart of Christmas and offer them the Child of Christmas.

Luke 2:15-18

2011-12-20T07:16:00.000-05:00

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

God of Glory,

May my response to the Good News that You have been born to bring peace on earth be like that of the shepherds who hastily left everything they were doing and sought the Christ child. They didn't wait for a more convenient time, until their shift was over, or a replacement arrived; instead, they made it a priority and went immediately. In the midst of shopping, decorating, and entertaining help me to seek You first because Your Word says that those who seek You find You when they seek You with all their heart. You are the everlasting Gift of Christmas. When You trim the home of my heart with the twinkling lights of Your love, those I entertain this Christmas will notice my inward peace and genuine joy.

Like the shepherds, I want to see You lying in the manger. With my mind's eye focused on You instead of the holiday hustle and bustle, I'll notice the unending length of Your amazing grace streaming down from heaven into the hollow of my dark, damp, and dirty heart. Mesmerized by Your infinite mercy, I'll bow down and adore You allowing You to light up my life so that it reflects the wonders of Your love.

After witnessing the wonderful new birth of Christ in the manger of my own heart, like the shepherds, I'll eagerly spread the Good News wherever I go this Christmas, leading prickly people to the peace, joy, and hope of Christmas - Jesus, Your own dear Son - for the glory, honor and fame of Your name. Amen.

I want to challenge you to take time over the next three days to STOP, DROP everything and seek the Child of Christmas. Read and re-read the Christmas Story as told in Luke 1 and 2 until the Holy Spirit shows you a fresh revelation of God's glory. Then worship and adore Him.

If you seek Him first, none of the other presents will matter. He is the only lasting Gift, and the only Gift people need this Christmas. Having spent time with Him, instead of noticing your neatly decorated home, people will notice your newly adorned heart. Then, when you entertain family and friends, and prickly people get under your skin (and someone will) you will be able to show them God's infinite grace and love - the heart of Christmas, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Go Tell It on the Mountain

John W. Work, Jr. (1872-1925)

Refrain

Go, tell it on the mountain,

Over the hills and everywhere

Go, tell it on the mountain,

That Jesus Christ is born.

While shepherds kept their watching

Over silent flocks by night

Behold throughout the heavens

There shone a holy light.

Refrain

The shepherds feared and trembled,

When lo! above the earth,

Rang out the angels chorus

That hailed the Savior's birth.

Refrain

Down in a lowly manger

The humble Christ was born

And God sent us salvation

That blessèd Christmas morn.

Refrain

Luke 2:8-14

2011-12-19T07:35:00.001-05:00

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

God of Glory,

It is so like You to suddenly show up in the most unlikely places to the most unexpected people in a manner that is utterly unpredictable. Instead of showing up to the Pharisees or the pious, You appeared to a bunch of brawny, broad-shouldered shepherds who lived in the wild and battled the beasts. These rough and rugged men were petrified by the powerful light of Your presence. Sheer fear seized their troubled minds! But, in the light was good news! The promised, hoped-for Savior of the world, the Messiah, had arrived in the promised city. Out of the pitch black night came the paralyzing light from a choir of angels singing praises of Your promised peace on earth.

O Lord, what hope this gives me at Christmas time! You still make divine visits to the most improbable people camped out in the most unbelievable places in a manner that is totally unpredictable. When the terrifying light of Your glory surrounds our messy and mundane lives, we have no reason to be afraid because there is perfect peace in Your presence. With You, we can stand in the light and live free from shame, fear, ridicule, rejection, pain, suffering and sorrow. During the impenetrable nighttime of the soul, You leave us with the good and priceless gift of peace - peace of heart and mind. Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

The psalmist says, "For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him." NLT Psalm 34:7

There is an angel in God's presence telling us to not be afraid, offering us the priceless peace of God - not the peace of the world, but God's peace. What is God's peace? Jesus tells us in John 14:27 "I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." NLT

If you are in a dark and frightening place this Christmas, be still and let the peace of God's presence surround you.

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
Words: Nahum Tate, 1700
Music: Christmas, George F. Handel, 1728

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around,
And glory shone around.

"Fear not!" said he, for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind.
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind
To you and all mankind.

"To you, in David's town, this day
Is born of David's line
A Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign,
And this shall be the sign.

"The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid,
And in a manger laid."

Thus spake the seraph and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God on high,
Who thus addressed their song,
Who thus addressed their song:

"All glory be to God on high,
And to the Earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from Heaven to men
Begin and never cease,
Begin and never cease!"

Isaiah 35:1-4

2011-12-16T07:27:00.000-05:00

Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.
The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.
Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers
and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
There the Lord will display his glory,
the splendor of our God.
With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
and encourage those who have weak knees.
Say to those with fearful hearts,
"Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
He is coming to save you." NLT

God,
What precious hope You gave to Your captive people when they were wandering in the dead, dry desert of despair! Help was on the way! Suffering and sorrow would be swallowed up by a Savior! Joy was coming, and all of heaven and nature would sing! Blessed be the name of the Lord!

700 long years later, Jesus Christ, their Blessed Hope, was born to lead the world out of the wasteland and into the prosperity of Your everlasting presence. And, that Hope is alive for us today! Blessed assurance!

You're well aware of the barren wasteland we're living in. The global physical, mental and spiritual anguish of Your people is mind boggling to us, but it isn't to You. Many of the problems we face don't have a good prognosis. Indeed, the world is in an uproar and people are fainting from terror, apprehensive of what is coming, as You shake us with the power of heaven!

Feeble and fainthearted, we can be encouraged! Jesus Christ, Your own dear Son, that precious babe born 2000 years ago, who suffered, died, arose, and ascended into heaven is coming back, and possibly quite soon, in glory and splendor to finish the great work He began long ago. The wilderness and wastelands are eagerly awaiting His arrival! The badlands will burst into blossom and become a colorful choir of crocuses! Even the hills and the mountains will declare His majesty!

This is the reason we rejoice! Our strength will be renewed when Christ comes to rule the world in truth and grace! Joy to the world! The Savior reigns!

Show me a hopeless believer who is paralyzed with problems or frozen in fear. I will pick them up, and remind them of the wonders of Your love and Your never ending grace that was, and is, and is to come because of Jesus our Savior! Amen.

What this world needs is a Savior who will rescue and restore it! That Hope came with the birth of Christ, and is alive today for those who believe. And, Hope is coming when Christ returns!

If you have Hope, you are blessed beyond belief! Give someone the Hope you have this holiday season. Life is hard, and people need Hope!

Joy to the World

Words: Isaac Watts, 1719

Music: Lowell Mason, 1848

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found,

Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Isaiah 51:12, 21, 22

2011-12-15T07:59:00.000-05:00

I, even I, am he who comforts you.
Therefore hear this, you afflicted one,
made drunk, but not with wine.

This is what your Sovereign LORD says,
your God, who defends his people:
See, I have taken out of your hand
the cup that made you stagger;
from that cup, the goblet of my wrath,
you will never drink again. NIV

John 14:16
Jesus said, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever." KJV

God,

Not much has changed in the past 2700 years. Just as the hopeless Israelites, held in captivity forgot who You were, we tend to do the same today.

Like the Israelites we have overdosed on the paralyzing potion of fear, scrupulously blended and served to us by that smooth-talker Satan who is bent on slaying our sweet spirits. Under his influence, we live in constant terror of losing everything we have because of chaotic world conditions. With the good life crashing down, an impending international crisis, and concern that our children are desensitized to immorality and injustice, we're in a stupor worried that no one will lead us out of the mess. Beaten down by dread and discouragement, we've willingly fainted in the streets of despair and allowed the Devil to rub our faces in the dirt and walk all over us. Forgive us, O Lord!

As You promise, look on us with compassion and awaken us from this awful nightmare! This is not the dream You had for us! By Your perfect love, take from our hand the dreadful cup of fear that's making us stagger. It's time for Your Church to get up, come clean, and wrap themselves in the unending Comfort of the Holy Spirit. United in love and dressed in the strong garments of splendor - compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience - it's time for us to stop worrying about the things we can't control and start parading through town, picking up people, and joyfully proclaiming the Good News: The Comforter has come!

Show me a hopeless believer who has fainted under the influence of fear. I will immediately stoop down, pick them up, and offer them hope this holiday season to magnify Your Almighty name. Amen.

You won't have to look far to see someone you can pick up! A kind word, a warm smile, and a gentle handshake or hug can easily comfort someone in captivity.

One Sunday I went Christmas caroling in a retirement community. Like the rest of the world, my life is extra busy at this time of year, and I went begrudgingly. But, it didn't take long for my demeanor to change. Just singing lifted up spirits. Before long, I found myself striking up a conversation with an elderly man. He was thrilled to show and tell me about all his beautiful music boxes while the rest of my group moved on.

Catching up with them a few minutes later, I found myself in front a precious old lady who couldn't bend over. With a tear in her eye, she began mouthing the words. My eye drifted from her to the newspaper lying on the floor by her door. Walking over to her, my friend gave her a big hug while I stooped to pick up the paper. The dear lady sobbed in my friend's arms. Her 90 year old aunt had just past away and she was overwhelmed with sorrow. We prayed with her while the rest of our group moved on.

On the next floor, we encountered a joyful old woman with a great big smile. I complimented her on her pretty smile. And she said, "My husband died 36 years ago and I am so lonely. I make myself get up every day, and I paste this smile on my face no matter how I feel." Bless her heart! I stayed and chatted with her while the rest of the group moved on.

Finally, we stopped near the door of a disabled young man. In his wheelchair, he came to the door with one of the most beautiful birds I had ever seen. While the group sang, he was delighted to show the youngsters in our group the various tricks his pet parrot could perform.

It's amazing that a group of 6 adults and a bunch of rambunctious, unruly kids, could entertain so many people in one hour, and that I could personally pick up four of them by smiling, asking a simple question, and taking time to listen.

The Comforter Has Come

Words: Frank Bottome, 1890
Music: William J. Kirkpatrick

O spread the tidings 'round, wherever man is found,
Wherever human hearts and human woes abound;
Let ev'ry Christian tongue proclaim the joyful sound:
The Comforter has come!

Refrain
The Comforter has come, the Comforter has come!
The Holy Ghost from Heav'n, the Father's promise giv'n;
O spread the tidings 'round, wherever man is found-
The Comforter has come!

The long, long night is past, the morning breaks at last,
And hushed the dreadful wail and fury of the blast,
As o'er the golden hills the day advances fast!
The Comforter has come!

Refrain

Lo, the great King of kings, with healing in His wings,
To ev'ry captive soul a full deliverance brings;
And through the vacant cells the song of triumph rings;
The Comforter has come!

Refrain

O boundless love divine! How shall this tongue of mine
To wond'ring mortals tell the matchless grace divine-
That I, a child of hell, should in His image shine!
The Comforter has come!

Refrain

Sing till the echoes fly above the vaulted sky,
And all the saints above to all below reply,
In strains of endless love, the song that ne'er will die:
The Comforter has come!

Refrain

John 10:10

2011-12-14T07:30:00.001-05:00

Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

God,

Your Word is the Way, the Truth and the Life I've always longed for. In this age of deception, the bright light of Your Word cuts through the solid shadow of darkness and shines the way to everlasting hope and happiness.

Just as Satan seduced Eve thousands of years ago in the Garden, and robbed her of the carefree life You intended for her, he's still ferociously working to dupe and destroy Your masterpieces today. The old charmer convinced us that we deserve all the pleasantries this world has to offer. He persuaded us that we could afford bigger homes and fill them with piles of possessions purchased on credit. Life is good. Live high. Buy now. Pay later. We're entitled.

The Master of Lies, has set us in a fear-tinged frenzy, resulting in financial failure that's slain our spirits and shattered our dreams. He's the conjurer who's twisted our perception and perverted Your plans for us. But, You O Lord, sent Your Son into this murky, mess 2000 years ago to rescue us from the spell of death, and give us a vibrant new life. Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus.

Fully alive, we're possessed with enigmatic energy and expected to pick up others who are dying a slow painful death in the Devil's Dungeon of Despair. Please open my eyes to see someone who's been ripped off of life, slain in their spirit, and devoured by the thief in the night. For the glory of Your name, I'll lead them to Christ, the only way to everlasting life, hope and happiness this holiday season. Amen.

All around us sad souls have been spiritually slain by Satan. He wants nothing more than to rip people off of the rich life God intended for them. Open your eyes and look around for someone you can offer the hope of life to this Christmas. Then, go lead them to Christ, the Giver of Life.

Hosea 11:1

2011-12-13T09:51:00.000-05:00

"When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.

Matthew 2:13-16
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.

God,
How dark the ancient of days were; yet, in the midst of the dense darkness was a bright light leading to the great escape. This gives me great hope for the future. When there seems to be no way, You will make a way.

You established the authority of Herod the Great, the hard-hearted Governor of Galilee, through a fundamentally centralized bureaucracy, a well-built citadel, and large army of conditioned soldiers who subdued opposition and enforced order. Popular, charming and successful, under his influence the region prospered economically and culturally. Yet, despite his wide-spread acceptance and significant achievements he was insecure, intimidated, and indignant. When this invidious tyrant's throne was threatened, in his fury, he intentionally eradicated all male infants who could possibly interfere with his personal plans and power.

He thought he was in control of his district and his destiny, but in reality he was nothing more than a powerless pawn in Your almighty hand. Outwitting Your rival, You strategically picked up Your Token Child and moved him to Egypt for safe keeping until the opposition was defeated and declared dead.

This gives me great hope for the future! Disheartened by the leadership of a popular, charming and successful young ruler who's promised to prosper our country with sweeping social reform and a systematic communalist agenda, I can look back and see that he is nothing more than a defenseless pawn that can only be moved and manipulated by Your master mind. I don't know the strategy You have to keep believers in this deteriorating nation safe, but with history as my guide, I will believe through the oppressive darkness, that You will make a Way to spare us from destruction for the glory of Your name. Hallelujah! Amen.

The Bible is a fabulous history book that can calm your nerves and give you hope in harrowing times. If your heart is heavy open the Bible, and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how mightily God has moved in the past. He is unchanging, faithful to every promise, and will make a way out when there seems to be no way.

Psalm 16:7-8

2011-12-12T09:39:00.000-05:00

I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.

Wise and Wonderful Counselor,
Thank You for graciously guiding me through these dark days. Your timeless Words are extremely wise. They are a lamp that lights my path to prevent me from stumbling. Your timely advice is always right. When I'm too exhausted to think clearly, in the silent night of my soul, speak to me. Tomorrow is sure to be another exhilarating day with more unexpected twists and turns.

Please go ahead of me. I'm utterly dependent on You to lead me through uncertainty and insecurity. It is vital that I remain in constant communication with Your Command Center by reading my Bible and praying. You know the way that will lead me to all the jewels of Jesus. Willingly, I'll take Your strong right hand, and walk through briars, thorns, and thickets. Connected to You, they won't hurt me.

Dear Lord, please give me the courage to hold on tightly, trusting that You know exactly where You're taking me. Following Your reliable instructions, I'll be secure and steadfast when the rest of the world is shaken. Looking forward to the hope of heaven, eternity with You and everlasting happiness, my heart and lips will cheerfully sing a sweet song to the glory of Your dependable name. Amen.

I need God's counsel for __________________________________________. Pray, asking Him for wisdom. Open Your Bible and listen to His Voice. Obey His instruction and He will reward You with divine insight - the Truth! Then, you, too, will know that He is trustworthy and dependable. Praise Him!

Isaiah 9:1-2

2011-12-09T06:57:00.000-05:00

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan-

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.

Matthew 4:12-14
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali- to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah.

God,
Your Word is great! This Christmas as I study the prophecy, I'm awestruck anew by the wondrous way You work! Your thoughts surely are higher than my thoughts, and Your ways are far too superior for my simple understanding. Your infinite timeline is immeasurable and beyond my limited intellectual capacity.

700 years before the Word became flesh the holy prophet predicted precisely where You would go and what You would do. The days were utterly dark and the nation was wasting away from wickedness when he courageously offered these unpopular words of hope that rendered him a fool by public opinion.

Who would have guessed that hundreds of years later Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, would start his ministry in this very same dark district plagued by prostitution - people looking for cheap thrills and quick fixes to life's perplexing problems? Blessed assurance, the promised Light had come to the promised land!

The radiance of Your glory makes my heart throb and swell with joy! Love's Pure Light, in You there is no darkness at all. Locked in the deep dark dungeon on death row, haunted by the demons of his past, man desperately needed his dirty deeds exposed so that he could be restored and released to live differently. And, You, my Everlasting Light, came to do just that!

Thank You for shining the Light of Your love on me. Setting aside my fears and stepping out into it, my chains fell off and I was set free forever because of Your tender mercy. Because You died, went to Hell and came back for me, I never have to walk in darkness again. Blessed assurance!

The days may be dark, but I have the Inextinguishable Light. Thank You for the blessed hope I receive and the lessons I learn when I sit down, open my Bible, and study Holy History with You. Hallelujah! Amen.

Doesn't it make your heart throb and swell with joy, when You consider how faithful God is to His promises?

My prayer is that the fulfilled prophecies that God's showing me will bless you with hope this holiday season. I pray that you will see the Light of Jesus in these dark days. I'm amazed anew, as I carefully study God's Word, that the entire Bible is essentially good vs. evil - light vs. darkness. The times we're living in really aren't that unusual.

In my little sphere of influence within one week: a friend lost her job and is wondering if she'll lose her home; a single-mom lost her benefits including health insurance, life insurance, and retirement - she's not sure what she'll do if she suddenly becomes sick or dies; a classmate of my son could no longer take the pressure to conform and committed suicide; the dreams of five students from a high school varsity basketball team were shattered when they chose to drink alcohol and got caught. The list could go on. Every day, I hear from people who are hurting, hopeless, and just want help. I bet if you'd stop to listen, you'd hear it too.

We need to be the light in the world that leads lost souls to Jesus - the keeper of the key that will set them forever free. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we will have the courage of Isaiah to stand up and speak out so that others will be enlightened and encouraged in troubling times. Where will you carry your light?

Isaiah 61:1

2011-12-08T07:50:00.001-05:00

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners.

Luke 4:21
Jesus said, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

God,
Thank You for the timeless truths in Your Holy Word. 700 years before You were born, in the darkest, most dismal days in Israel's history, the prophet Isaiah predicted that good news was coming for the destitute, destroyed, and detained. People could expect a whole new life. Blessed hope!

Help was on the way! But, it took a long time coming - 700 years. Waiting sure does take a lot of fortitude in our frantic fast-paced, free-wheeling world ruled by instant results and immediate rewards. Blind to the fact that we're spiritually bankrupt, we don't recognize how badly we need an internal overhaul. No amount of money can bail us out of our pecuniary predicament, only the age-old blood of Jesus can. That's the good news people need to hear this Christmas.

Buried beneath the rubble of wrecked relationships, crushed hopes, and shattered dreams our badly bleeding hearts are hidden behind thick-skinned walls of pride. While smugness may conceal the gashes inflicted by Satan, it won't stop the gushing; only Your compression, compassion, and comfort will completely cover and cure the wounds. That's the healing we really need this holiday season.

Controlled by commercialism and easy credit we are a nation held captive by covetousness which will only be compounded this Christmas as we strive to be more significant in our spheres of influence. We don't realize that facades and fears restrain us. Constrained by compulsions, we need You to come set us free with the key to contentment, Jesus.

Imprisoned in the dark dungeons of our past, Satan has locked many of us up and thrown away the key! Good for nothing, we're hopelessly terrified and urgently need You to show up with the key that unlocks the door to everlasting love, life and light. Confessing with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believing in our heart that You raised Him from the dead, our past will be immediately forgiven and forgotten and we will be forever free!

Lord, thank You for the hope You've given me because of Jesus, the long awaited Messiah, who came to teach me, heal me and set me free forever. Hallelujah! Amen.

Hang on to the hope of heaven in these dark and dangerous days. God is true to His Word. We may have to wait a long time, but God will do what He says He will do. We must believe!

Psalm 27:1-5

2011-12-07T06:40:00.001-05:00

The LORD is my light and my salvation--
so why should I be afraid?
The LORD protects me from danger--
so why should I tremble?

When evil people come to destroy me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.

Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will know no fear.
Even if they attack me,
I remain confident.

The one thing I ask of the LORD--
the thing I seek most--
is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
delighting in the LORD's perfections
and meditating in his Temple.

For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock. NLT

High King of Heaven,
Your Holy Word, the Bible, clearly illuminates the way for me. In the light of it, I never have to be afraid. In the dark, things appear distorted and misconstrued. I'm disillusioned, perceiving people and problems as bigger and more threatening than they really are.

Please dear Lord, may I live in the security of Your holy house every day of my life? Looking deep into Your blazing holy eyes, with my Bible open, I'll contemplate Your powerful promises in the temple of my heart. Teach me in Your presence, to remain cool, calm and collect under pressure. At home with You, I'll be safe from the vicious attacks of those seeking to destroy me.

O Lord, my God, I desire nothing more than to live happily in the peace of Your presence for the rest of my life. Please give me more faith to confidently and consistently rely on You, believing that as my beloved Father You will go the extra mile to protect and conceal me for the honor of Your high and holy name. Amen.

David encountered many frightening people and situations, but wasn't provoked by a sinful fear of man. When you're afraid, do as David did, turn to your King. Open your Bible and enter into the holy presence of our great, big God. Your perception will change when you seek His power, peace and protection. What scary person or situation do you need to trust in God for today?

If you can read this Psalm and say that it expresses the desire of your heart, then your fear is not a sinful fear of man.

Titus 2:12-13

2011-12-06T06:39:00.000-05:00

For the grace of God teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

God of Grace,
You are a most excellent Teacher. If only I'd stop, sit still and listen, You'd lead me by Your truth and teach me for You are the God who saved me! School me in Your ways so that I'll turn my back on godless, indulgent living. Take my hand and show me how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life while I wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of the Immortal, Invincible, Incorruptible, Almighty King.

Surely You desire for me to be grounded in the truth of the Bible. Help me to carefully study, prayerfully consider, and aptly apply great wisdom so that I won't be swayed by the smooth rhetoric of false teachers. Expand my knowledge so that I won't be deceived by devastating circumstances. Show me how to think clearly when emotions are tugging on the strings of my heart.

In this heathen and hostile world, instruct me to do Your will. By Your good Spirit, lead me on level ground. Following You, I'll exercise good judgment and carefully control my desires, tongue, and passions. Under Your divine discipline, I'll shine brightly causing others to wonder why I seem so hopeful and happy.

God of Grace, You have been so kind and loving toward me. By Your matchless mercy, You generously gave me a rich new life along with a hefty inheritance. Because You are faithful and true, I eagerly expect that some day soon, You will appear in all Your glory, sweep me off my feet, and carry me away to live with You happily ever after because of Jesus. Amen

Are you struggling with saying "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions? If so, ask the God of grace to teach you. He desires nothing more than for you to be grounded in the truth. Then, open your Bible and carefully study it. Prayerfully consider the Scriptures you've read, and aptly apply them. Practice godly living while you wait for the glorious appearance of the King.

"Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22.

Numbers 24:17

2011-12-05T07:30:00.001-05:00

Balaam, the sorcerer said, "I see him, but not in the present time. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel." NLT

Matthew 2:1-2
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

God,
Your Word is my hope and my light in these dark and dreary days. 1400 years before You gloriously broke through the night sky, Balaam, a stingy sorcerer and soothsayer was well paid to convince Your people to compromise their moral standards. Despite the fact that he was a tool in Satan's hand, You used him to mysteriously point the way to Bethlehem.

Today, the very large and rapidly growing Emerging Church is blindly leading multitudes of biblically illiterate people who claim to be Christians to Hell by the satanically inspired teachings of modern-day Balaams. Their watered-down, seeker-friendly, purpose-driven messages are designed to bring in warm bodies and cold cash. In this New Age era, truth is not only unclear and uncertain, but also is bad for business. No wonder the days are so hopeless and dark! The only true light has been all but extinguished.

Lord, protect me from the secretly destructive heresies and cleverly invented stories that are running rampant through the nation and Church today. At the Living Word Academy, held in the classroom of my heart, teach me by Your Spirit to diligently seek, genuinely love, and absolutely believe the Truth of Your Word. Full of knowledge, I will be like the Magi who recognized a nugget of truth in the middle of a whole lot of fiction, and willingly left their familiar surroundings to follow the Wondrous Star of Heaven.

O Star of Wonder, Star of Light, Star with royal beauty bright, westward leading still proceeding, guide me to Your Perfect Light. Amen.

John MacArthur writes in The Truth War:
Advocating ambiguity, exalting uncertainty, or otherwise deliberately clouding the truth is a sinful way of nurturing unbelief. Every true Christian should know and love the truth. Scripture says one of the key characteristics of "those who perish" is that "they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved" (2 Thessalonians 2:10). The clear implication is that genuine love for truth is built into saving faith. It is therefore, one of the distinguishing qualities of every true believer. In Jesus' words, they have known the truth and the truth has set them free (John 8:32). Nothing in all the world is more important or more valuable than truth.

God's Word is absolute Truth. Abundantly clear, it will be your only hope and light in the blackest night. How well do you know it? Do you love it? Do you believe it?

It's not too late to attend the Living Word Academy. The only textbook required is Your Bible, the Living Word of God. The only Teacher required is the Holy Spirit. Open The Book and start seeking Truth before it's too late.

Peter says, "They (false teachers) have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam who loved the wages of wickedness." 2 Peter 2:15

2 Samuel 7:12-13

2011-12-02T07:06:00.001-05:00

God promised David: "When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."

Luke 1:32-33
The angel said to Mary: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

God,
Your Word is a timeless tapestry of rich and royal hues. Wondrously woven by a Master Artisan, it's an everlasting vision of Your never changing view. Meticulously following the scarlet thread hidden within the completed work, I can see the beautiful plan You designed for man.

One thousand years before Christ was born, You promised David a never ending kingdom. You made the line of identification so clear no imposter might be mistaken for the Messiah. Like a tedious thread on a tapestry, Your Word was not broken over time. O how I marvel at the magnificence and intricacy of Your handiwork.

Upon careful study, the one thing I particularly notice is that good things take a long time, a lot of devotion, and an unwavering faith. Help me dear Lord, to be more like David. Though he committed grievous crimes, he was remorseful, repentant, and will always be remembered as a man who sought Your heart.

Lord, I don't know when You'll return, but my hope is in Your well-woven Word. While I wait, please give me patience to continually trace the scarlet thread on Your Tapestry, remain wholeheartedly devoted to studying it, and maintain unwavering faith for the glory of Your name. Amen.

I marvel at how intricately God has woven the scarlet thread of Jesus Christ through His Word. By carefully studying it, I am seeing His plan being fulfilled before my eyes. Blessed assurance, His Word is my only hope.

David was the youngest of Jesse's eight sons. A little shepherd boy with a humble heart and a whole lot of faith was anointed with power and called to be a great king. Mary, a little peasant girl with the heart of princess and a whole lot of faith, was blessed by God and called to deliver the Most High King.

After hearing the Word of the Lord, both immediately and unquestionably believed, and humbled themselves in heartfelt adoration for the blessed assurance they had received.

If you are feeling small and inadequate, observe how God works. He uses little, unlikely people who have a whole lot of faith, to accomplish His master plan. Humble yourself before Him, believe He can do great things, and watch with wonder at the way He weaves You into His work.

Isaiah 7:14

2011-12-01T06:16:00.000-05:00

All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son. NLT

Luke 1:26-28, 31, 38
God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you! You will conceive and give birth to a son."

Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true."

God of Wonders-
Your Words never cease to amaze me. In the midst of political upheaval and unbelief You graciously blessed Israel with a vision of Your glory. While their backs were blatantly turned on You, and their disaffection was disguised by showy religious rituals and routines, You told them a spectacular secret. "Psst - Listen up! Look for this: A girl who is a virgin will miraculously get pregnant, and give birth to a son." 700 years later, this Word became flesh when You revealed Yourself to a poor peasant girl with an extraordinary princess heart.

Lord, let these words console me during political unrest and unbelief. You know the grave state of affairs not only in this nation, but also in the Church and around the world. Proudly parading as pious people, we're so desperate for change that we've voted for personal prosperity and pleasure separating ourselves from Your peace and protection. Like the Israelites 2700 years ago, we're in the dark about Your riches and our poverty. Unable to perceive that we're lost and perishing, we don't trust You to lead us out of the mess we've made. We want politicians to protect our future, and that's exactly what You've given us.

In the midst of this mayhem, give me unwavering faith to believe that all earthly government is short-lived. One day, and possibly quite soon, You will come back and run the world with honesty and integrity that will never end. While I wait, give me childlike faith and humble adoration, expecting it to happen as You have said it would, without signs and wonders, simply because I believe that all things are possible for You in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Instead of trusting politicians to protect your future, trust the only One who can guarantee you a future - Jesus Christ. Put your hope in heaven.

2 Peter 1:19-21
We have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 9:6

2011-11-30T06:28:00.000-05:00

For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

God,
Your Words light up my life and give me bright hope! My Spirit leaps within me when I consider Your unfailing love and everlasting faithfulness! These verses teach me wonderful truth and firm-up the foundation of my faith.

700 years before Christ's birth, during one of Israel's deepest, darkest depressions, You passionately promised them that the gloom and doom wouldn't go on forever. Their dreary, devastated land would one day burst forth with a dazzling light and they would see Your glory. A special little boy would be born. He would be their Savior and Sovereign Ruler. The weight of the whole world would rest on His shoulders. Blessed assurance!

This little boy would be called Wonderful Counselor because His godly wisdom would preserve their lives and prosper them. Known as Mighty God, His holy power would bind up broken hearts, shatter walls of shame, and pardon people imprisoned to their past. He would be their Everlasting Father. This Prince of Peace would show up to rescue them from the dominion of death and damnation. After saving the warring world, He would rule it forever with fairness and integrity. Blessed hope!

During this holiday season, help me to know You by these endearing names and better understand Your impeccable character. With a fresh revelation of Your faithfulness, I won't falter and fumble through the fearsome fog, but will firmly stand on Your promises trusting that You are who You say You are and will do what You say You will do for the honor of Your name. Amen.

In gloominess God gives us glimpses of His glory. He shows us repeatedly that He is true to His Word and will do what He says He will do.

When was the last time you sought His wonderful counsel? Do you know Him as Mighty God? How have you witnessed His power? Do you believe He is Your Father forever - that He will never abandon you or give up on you? Has the Prince of Peace rescued you from the dominion of death and damnation? Do you believe He is coming to rule the world forever with fairness and integrity?

The more you know Him, the more you'll trust Him! Blessed assurance! Let Him be your hope this holiday season.

2 Peter 1:19-21
We have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Micah 5:2

2011-11-29T07:21:00.000-05:00

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
are only a small village among all the people of Judah.
Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you,
one whose origins are from the distant past. NLT

Luke 2:11
The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! NLT

God,
Thank You for publishing and preserving Your ancient Words. They give me hope and joy in these troubling times. During Israel's darkest days, You announced something major through a minor prophet. Hidden within this tiny little book in the Bible, written by the humble hand of a holy man is a great BIG treasure. The long awaited King would be born in the tiny little town of Bethlehem. The "house of bread" would cradle the "Bread of Life." How amazing is that!? And, after 700 long years of waiting this prophesy was finally fulfilled.

Because of that experience please give me greater confidence in the divinely inspired messages penned by Your spirit-filled scribes. In this age of uncertainty and lawlessness, help me to pay close attention to what they've written. Similarly, more than 2000 years ago, these influential saints clearly expressed the reality of Your imminent return to rule and reign over the entire earth. Under Your godly guidance, they unmistakably proclaimed that one day death would lose its sting and darkness would lose its power.

Admittedly, I am worn out waiting! Through tear-stained eyes, I strain to see Your promises. Yet, Your Word is the only flickering light I have in this place. Help me to hold it up and put my hope in it until it diffuses itself in my mind like the dawning of a new day and shines like a bright morning star in the hollow of my heart. Then, I will carry it like a prophet into my own small town to give others the hope of heaven this holiday season for the glory of Your faithful name. Hallelujah. Amen.

God has given us a great book full of fulfilled prophecy, the Holy Bible, proving that He is faithful. We would be wise to pay attention to it. It may be the only light we have in the coming days, and a candle we can carry into our own crazy communities while we wait for the Lord's impending return.

2 Peter 1:19-21
We have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

John 8:12

2011-11-28T07:32:00.000-05:00

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Jesus, You are the Light of the World,
Your radiance fills the whole earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. Before You created life, You spoke and created light to separate the world from impenetrable darkness. Great are You Lord and mighty in power!

Thank You for leaving the hallowed halls of heaven and stepping out into the wreckage of this cold, dark, and wicked world so that I could see the light of Your love and live. In the light, You exposed the mess I made of my life. Lovingly picking me up, You cleaned me out, filled me with the oil of Your Spirit, and made me into a dazzling luminary to brighten the world. Following You, I can carry the light of life into the dense darkness of death, disease and despair; sickness, suffering and sorrow.

Lord, You know how dark these days are. With the Light of the World eclipsed by heathenism in the hearts of the benighted millions, guide me by the lamp of Your Word. Following You, I won't fumble and stumble through frightening darkness, but will purely, patiently and peacefully illuminate Your love by helping and encouraging those who are lost and alone. Blazing with Your glory this holiday season, use me to lead hopeless, helpless, and hurting people into the light where they will find goodness, grace and an abundant new life. To God be the glory for the radiant gift of Light! Amen.

I don't have to tell you that we're living in dark days of uncertainty. Hordes of people are hopeless, helpless and hurting this holiday season, horrified by the unknown. They're stumbling through the darkness because they can't see the Light. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, don't hide your light. Follow Him. Open your Bible and do the things you see Him doing. His Word is a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. Let the light of life shine brightly through you by helping or encouraging someone for Jesus today.

The Light of the World is Jesus
Philip P. Bliss, 1875

Listen on-line

The whole world was lost
In the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday,
His glory shone in.
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Refrain
Come to the light, 'tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me.
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!

No darkness have we
Who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the light
When we follow our Guide!
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Refrain

Ye dwellers in darkness
With sin blinded eyes,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Go, wash, at His bidding,
And light will arise.
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Refrain

No need of the sunlight
In Heaven we're told;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
The Lamb is the Light
In the city of gold,
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Refrain

1 Chronicles 29:35

2011-11-23T09:00:00.002-05:00

Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.

O Lord, It is a joy to give thanks and bless Your glorious name!

Truthful Teacher, I'm overwhelmed by the truths You teach with me when I open my Bible and my heart. Thank You for correcting my wayward thinking.

Healer of Hearts, there is no Doctor like You in heaven or on earth! Thank You for transplanting Your heart into mine, healing me and giving me a vivacious new life full of love and strength.

Almighty Attorney, You defend me from the allegations brought against me by proud people with personal agendas. Thank You for standing up for me.

Narrator of Life Changing Love Stories, You have written the brilliant biography of my life - a fantastic novel of drama, power, romance, and intrigue. Thank You for my life story.

King of Compassion, approaching Your divine throne, I'm overwhelmed by Your kindness. Your mercy and justice take my breath away. Thank You for your compassion.

Sufficient Supplier, You show me the secret to a satisfying life: Relying on your promises, looking for Your provision, and depending on Your power. Thank You for satisfying the desires of my heart.

Great God who governs from beyond the galaxies, You are the Mighty Magistrate righteously ruling and reigning over all the earth. Patiently, You pardon people who plea with You. Thank You for Your righteousness.

Irresistible Lover of My Soul, You light up my life, making my heart happy. You are absolutely precious to me! Thank You for loving me intimately.

Victorious Lord, You're the Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Blessed Angels. I celebrate the sweet victory You've given me through Jesus Christ. Thank you for the glorious conquest!

Indescribable Light, because You made Your home in my heart the Light is always on. Darkness has disappeared and I never have to stumble again. Thank You for releasing me from darkness.

Negotiator of Great Deals, the bargain You made for me is unbelievable! You'd serve my death sentence so that I could be free. Thank You for defending, saving, and freeing me.

Good and Gentle Shepherd, You are my powerful Protector and one and only Owner. O how Your sweet voice resonates deep within the inner ear of my soul. Thank You for taking care of me.

Prepare your heart for worship this Thanksgiving, by perusing your Bible and thinking about Who God is to you. Thank Him for Who He is.

Psalm 107:22

2011-11-22T06:12:00.001-05:00

Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving
and sing joyfully about his glorious acts.

Father in Heaven,

As a gesture of appreciation for Your matchless mercy toward me, I'll joyfully show the world the wonder of Your amazing love by:

Self-expenditure - I'll gladly abandon my own dreams for absolute loyalty to You, determinedly following You wherever You lead.

Attitude of gratitude - I'll quickly and gratefully stamp out my personal agenda in order to enliven a broken heart.

Crucifixion of self - Deliberately, I'll kill my spirit of intolerance and indifference in order to allow You to freely work through me to do anything You choose.

Radical love - Because of the extravagant love You've shown me, I'll readily demonstrate extreme compassion to those outcast by society.

Immediate obedience - Out of fear and respect of Your almighty authority, I'll willingly do any assignment You give me without hesitating or complaining.

Full devotion - Attached to no one but You, I'll notice the people and situations that burden You.

Individuality broken - In order to effectively aid and assist You, I'll allow You to crush me and shape me into Your perfect image.

Challenge - I'll intentionally accept assignments that may be beyond my mental and physical abilities, fully trusting You to energize and equip me.

Endurance - The power of Your Word, coupled with praise and prayer will strengthen me.

Thank You, Lord for filling me with the sweet aroma of Your love. Let my life pleasantly emulate Your essence this holiday season, attracting others to Your fine fragrance because of Jesus. Amen.

God gave up His Son for Your benefit, ask Him what He wants You to give up for His benefit this holiday season. Then, obey immediately, without hesitating or complaining, cheerfully offering Him your sacrifice with a thankful heart.

O. Chambers writes in My Utmost For His Highest: We know something is right, but we try to find excuses for not doing it immediately. If we are to climb to the height God reveals, it can never be done later - it must be done now ... Always guard against self-chosen service for God ... God chose the test for Abraham, and Abraham neither delayed nor protested, but steadily obeyed.

Psalm 100

2011-11-21T07:05:00.001-05:00

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Almighty, All-bountiful, All-gracious God,
It's sheer pleasure to worship You with heartfelt adoration and undivided attention. Your unfailing love has put a song in my heart, a spring in my step and a smile on my face. I believe that You are Lord, my God, Creator of everything. Thank You for making me intricately and uniquely with Your strong hands. I'm Your most valuable possession. O, how I praise You!

My Good and Gentle Shepherd, knowing You intimately is the greatest joy and blessing. Your voice is music to my ears. Willingly, I follow You. With steadfast devotion, You lead me to the lush, rolling meadows in my Bible where I can devour the rich delicacy of Your Word. Faithfully, You guide me through barren deserts to refreshing streams of Living Water that quench my thirsty soul. Along the way, You staunchly defend me from the wolves of sin and temptation that hound me. Thank You for protecting and providing for me.

With unbridled excitement, I enter the heavenly gate and come into the safety of Your beautiful sanctuary. My thankful heart, tells of Your tender kindness and continuous mercy. I sing of Your infinite goodness and everlasting compassion. Your enduring love has set my feet a dancing. O how I love and worship You for all You've done for me, Jesus, my Wonderful Savior, Redeemer and Friend. Amen

Prepare your heart for Thanksgiving, by pondering God's goodness. Make a list of all the gifts He's given you. Thank Him for each one, offering Him a sacrifice praise!

Psalm 146:3-5

2011-11-18T05:47:00.001-05:00

Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save.
When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD their God.

Governing God of the Universe,

I praise You with the harp of my heart, while my soul sings, "My God how great thou art." You are the Maker of the sky and soil, the ocean and every organism in it. Forever faithful and true, You're absolutely authentic, totally trustworthy, and completely dependable. You will always do what You say You will do.

So, why do we put our trust in activists who know nothing about "real" life to advocate for our quality of life? Why do we trust the government to scoop up billions of dollars in bad mortgages, made by our poor choices, to bail us out from beneath the financial flood? Why do we trust lobbyists and lawyers with liberal agendas to legislate laws that will lighten our load?

While the money we cherish and cling to for dear life is stamped "In God we trust," we've stomped You right out of the picture, choosing instead to trust in the proud princes of Washington and Wall Street who operate self-centered programs based on personal gain and greed and can't guarantee us a dime. When they die their pork-barrel projects and self-motivated plans die with them, leaving us helpless and hopeless. Lord, have mercy on us!

Why do we trust self-serving officials to help us, when we have You, the High King of Heaven who keeps His promises forever and ever? Help me today, to trust more in You than I do in the leaders of this land. You guarantee me a rich inheritance and a home in heaven where I will live in the land of love forever and ever because of Jesus who makes my heart sing. Hallelujah! Amen.

Are you trusting in the government for your future or the God who governs the universe?

God consistently defends those who have been wronged, and always feeds the hungry. Time after time, He releases people imprisoned to their past, gives sight to those who are blinded by deception, and lifts up the fallen. God loves good people, protects strangers, and always sides with orphans and widows. Without fail, He brings to an end the work of the wicked. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and sing His praises.

John 8:1-11

2011-11-17T03:29:00.000-05:00

But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do You say?" They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of You is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned You?"

"No one, sir," she said.

"Then neither do I condemn You," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave Your life of sin."

Gentle Justice-

I humbly and ashamedly bow at Your feet seeking mercy and grace. Forgive me for all the times I have insulted others for their immoral, improper behavior. Trying to show my disapproval, I disgraced and dishonored not only them, but also You. I am no better than the hoity-toity, hypocritical Pharisees! My own inappropriate and indecent behavior is inexcusable!

I've bashed friends, family, and acquaintances with sharp stones of criticism. I've battered, bruised and broken spirits with the heavy rocks I've hurled. I am so sorry, Jesus. Who am I to accuse others when:

I've committed murder by killing Spirits with unkind words
I'm guilty of adultery by flirting with someone of the opposite sex
I've divorced my spouse by not loving him/her biblically
I'm guilty of gossip every time I spread personal information about others
I'm addicted to food, television, sports, shopping, soap operas (name your excessive behavior)
I send and receive personal email at work, robbing my employer of time
I lose my temper with my children, spouse, and/or co-workers
I don't regularly spend time in Bible Study and prayer
I disrespect You by shopping, running errands, and doing chores on Sunday, breaking the Sabbath

The list could go on and on. There is no sin I have not committed in my heart and mind. Like this woman, some day I will stand alone with You. You alone willjudge me. With Your help, I'll graciously accept Your forgiveness and walk away from the temptation that persuades me. By Your grace, I will show the same mercy to others that You've shown to me. Thank You Jesus, for teaching me this important lesson on judgment and forgiveness. Please just give me more Holy Spirit power to apply it to my life for Your namesake. Amen

Who are you accusing? Apply the lesson Jesus taught by dropping your rocks. You are no better than the person you charge.

Romans 3:26

2011-11-16T07:03:00.000-05:00

He is entirely fair and just in this present time when he declares sinners to be right in his sight because they believe in Jesus. NLT

Most High and Holy Judge,

Thank You for making a way for me to get out of the mess I've made of my life. I was worthless, godless, and lifeless until I trusted Your Son to defend me. He graciously took my case even though I couldn't ever pay Him. He didn't care if I was rich or poor, strong or weak, good or bad. It didn't matter if I committed murder, adultery, or was rebellious. It made no difference if I lied, cheated, or stole. He promised to willingly and freely represent anyone who comes to Him, entrusting Him with the true, hard facts of their life. Blessed assurance!

Transferring my case to Him, I believed He would fairly and faithfully represent me to You. I was flabbergasted when You declared me "not guilty". Tears rolled down my face when I learned that my Defense Attorney negotiated an unbelievable deal for me! He would serve my death sentence so that I could be free. That's amazing grace and incredible love.

Thank You, Jesus for defending, saving, and freeing me. Thank You, Your Honor, for Your merciful pardon. Because of the great transaction You made on my behalf, I'm able to stand before You, holy, blameless and pure, no matter who I am or what I've done. Out of deep, heartfelt gratitude, I ask that You empower me to dedicate and live my life for You no matter the price. All glory is Yours forever and ever because of Your unfailing love and faithfulness. Amen.

Do you realize the magnitude of the deal that's been negotiated for you? We deserve to die, but our great Defender took our punishment so that we can go free. We don't deserve that! How will you show gratitude for the most amazing transaction of all time?

Just as I am thou wilt receive

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve

Because thy promise, I believe

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

John 3: 16-18

2011-11-15T06:41:00.003-05:00

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned.

Jesus,
My Divine Savior,

There is none like You. You are the Peace Prize of Heaven sent into the world as a generous gift from God who created me for eternity. No one - not my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children, my pet - can love me like You do. You're extremely passionate about protecting and preserving me. Receiving the Peace of Heaven from Your great big, colossal heart guarantees that I will live happily ever after in the kingdom that never ends.

O Holy Justice, no matter what I've done, I don't have to be afraid of You. With confidence, I can confidently come to Your sacred throne fully expecting to receive infinite mercy and incomparable grace. Instead of punishing me to death as I deserve, in love, You'll pardon and release me to live with You forever because of the Peace of Heaven in my heart, purchased with Your priceless blood. Alleluia! Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

God's Word says there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1) God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it!

Is any man condemning you; making you feel guilty for something you've done but have admitted and accepted responsibility for? Jesus said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

The truth is: God absolutely loves YOU, your sins are forever forgiven and you are completely free to get up, go and LIVE in peace.

Job 16:2-5

2011-11-14T06:25:00.001-05:00

"I have heard many things like these;
miserable comforters are you all!

Will your long-winded speeches never end?
What ails you that you keep on arguing?

I also could speak like you,
if you were in my place;
I could make fine speeches against you
and shake my head at you.

But my mouth would encourage you;
comfort from my lips would bring you relief."

O Lord! Let me learn from this suffering servant, Job. He was a man with a pure heart and right motives who had the utmost love and respect for Your Highness. Living in constant fear of You, he consistently made right choices. While he was a wealthy, confident and strong man, he was also a responsible parent and committed spouse who provided a comfortable lifestyle for his family. Teaching them to honor and glorify you was his passion and purpose.

When his entire world caved in and he was buried deep beneath the debris of depression - despondent and destitute - his friends were horrible comforters. Instead of consolation, they offered him criticism and condemnation. The words they heaped on him hindered his healing. Uncomfortable and uncertain of what to say, rather than silently supporting him, they spit long drawn-out speeches and futile suggestions in his face. There was no empathy or encouragement; only obnoxious, empty opinions.

O Holy Spirit, teach me from this example how to be a comforting friend. Let the words from my lips strengthen and soothe sad souls. When I don't know what to say, give me the grace to stick around, remain silent, and just listen. Give me a gentle and quiet spirit that brings relief to those who are broken by grief. I can't take away their pain, but I can hold their hand, cry and pray with them. My words don't have to be eloquent; they just need to be simple, sincere, and sweet.

Please dear Lord, show me who I can support in their heart struggle today. With a pure heart and right motives, I will go in Your strength and comfort them with kindness to bring glory, honor and praise to Your name. Amen.

Do you know anyone who is devastated and heartbroken? How can you encourage and comfort them with your lips? Be careful that the words you heap on them are helpful and not hurtful. The Devil would love to use you for his vicious attacks like he did Job's friends.

Ask the Lord to set a guard over you mouth, and keep watch over the door of my lips. (Psalm 141:3)

Job 16:19-21

2011-11-11T09:17:00.002-05:00

Even now my witness is in heaven;
my advocate is on high.

My intercessor is my friend
as my eyes pour out tears to God;

on behalf of a man he pleads with God
as a man pleads for his friend.

Almighty Attorney,

I appeal to You in heaven on high where You witness every move I make. You know everything about me. You have searched my heart. There's no hiding anything from You. You know when I stand or sit, when I come in or go out. I'm never, ever out of the sight of Your holy penetrating gaze.

You've seen my sin, suffering and sorrow. You've listened to my friends angrily attack my character. Their arrogant arguments and long-winded lectures have pierced Your perfect ears. Without knowing all the facts, they lay blame on me based on their biased beliefs. Even though I've not intentionally done anything wrong, they attempt to coerce a confession. I've been judged, rejected and ridiculed. Stripped of my status, my shame has not gone unnoticed. Depressed and disgraced, I pour out my tears to You, O God!

I need an Almighty Attorney to defend me from the allegations brought against me by proud people with personal agendas. They don't know my heart; but, You do because You're my heart's Constant Companion. Knowing me personally, intimately, and deeply, You are the Only One who can honestly reveal all the evidence against me. It's only a matter of time until I die and I need my case heard and settled quickly, once and for all.

I am so grateful to have You as my Witness, Advocate, Intercessor and Friend negotiating for me in the presence of God, the Sovereign Justice. Because I have the most Almighty Attorney in all of heaven and earth, Jesus Christ, even though I'm guilty as charged, no accusations against me can stick! I won't receive the punishment I deserve. Alleluia! Praise the Lord! I will absolutely be pardoned because of Your respectable reputation and righteous name. Amen.

When sin, suffering and sorrow seize your soul, the enemy will attack you, disguising himself as your friends. They will blame your problems on your behavior; but God's Word says their accusations carry no weight. In the end He will listen to the evidence presented against you by Jesus who is His One and Only Witness, your Advocate, Intercessor, and Friend. There is nothing more important than being in the right relationship with Him. He will speak on your behalf.

You are going to die. And, it may be very soon. When that happens, you will fall into the holy hands of the Sovereign Justice, God Himself. It is urgent that you set yourself right in His sight - and if possible in the eyes of others. The only way to do that is by trusting in the respectable reputation and righteousness of the Almighty Attorney, Jesus Christ. He is the Only One who can speak in God's Court. You are utterly dependent on Him.

My Faith Has Found a Resting Place

My faith has found a resting place,
Not in device or creed;
I trust the ever living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.

Refrain

I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.

Enough for me that Jesus saves,
This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him,
He'll never cast me out.

Refrain

My heart is leaning on the Word,
The living Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior's Name,
Salvation through His blood.

Refrain

My great Physician heals the sick,
The lost He came to save;
For me His precious blood He shed,
For me His life He gave.

Refrain

Luke 17:1-3

2011-11-10T08:54:00.002-05:00

Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves."

O Lord My God,

Have mercy on me! Increase my faith and change me from the inside out! Search my heart and reveal my weaknesses so that I can be on guard against sin. Because we live in a fallen world surrounded by all sorts of evil and temptation we're bound to stumble and fall. Sometimes I'll set-up the obstacle, other times I'll trip over it.

O righteous God who searches hearts and minds, search me and point out any offensive way in me. Shine Your light on my heart and reveal my weaknesses and vulnerabilities so that I'll notice the obstructions in front of me. With eyes wide open I'll avoid the dangerous pitfalls that I'm most likely to plunge into.

Where I'm strong give me grace to be sensitive to my surroundings so that I won't hinder others. Show me the weaknesses and susceptibilities of my family and friends. Aware of the difficulties that cause them problems, I'll practice love, patience and self-restraint. Woe to me if I cause someone to fall! I'd be better off dead!

Please cover me with humility, kindness and love to stand firm in all situations. I long to please You and glorify our family name. Amen.

Your faith is strong in an area if you can survive contact with sinners without being shaped into their image. It is weak in an area if you must avoid an activity in order to protect yourself from falling. Whenever in doubt, ask yourself: "Can I do it without sinning? Will my attitudes and actions influence others for the good?"

Identify your strengths and weaknesses. One thing I will do today is ____________________ (action) in order to prevent ______________________ (name of a person) from stumbling.

One thing I will do today is stop nagging in order to prevent my child from stumbling.

Psalm 39:4-5

2011-11-09T10:48:00.003-05:00

O Lord, let me know my end and how many days I have to live. Let me know that I do not have long to stay here. You have made each of my days as long as a hand is wide. My whole life is nothing in Your eyes. Every man at his best is only a breath. NLV

Heavenly Father~

Creator of all living things~

Thank You for the fabulous, fragile gift of life. I will cherish every day as a valuable present from You, my loving Father. Forgive me for tossing miracle moments aside to worry about insignificant incidences. Often I spend more time securing my life on earth, than I do thinking about where I will spend eternity.

Life is short! I don't have long to stay here. Enlighten my mind to Your Holy Spirit and fill my heart with more grace so that I'll be ready when You call my loved ones or me home. This is a picture perfect day that You have made. I'll rejoice and be thankful for it. Living in the blessing of each precious moment, I'll joyfully love and serve others because today could be my last chance. Please just give me more of Jesus to focus on the most important matters today for Your namesake. Amen.

You just don't know when your life will be interrupted by a tragic event. It is imperative that you live each day like it's your last. Don't miss an opportunity to tell someone you love them. Give someone a hug today. Call a friend. Be a friend. You too, could find your life suddenly shattered.

Romans 11: 33-36

2011-11-08T17:21:00.000-05:00

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
"Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Wise and Knowledgeable King,

Please expand my view of You. From afar, You are an intriguing blip on the horizon. Reduced by distance, You are too manageable to be marvelous and too small to be significant. However, as I come closer, I am absolutely astonished by the vast view of who You are and what You have done for me.

I marvel at Your extravagance and generosity

I'm awestruck by Your wisdom and knowledge

I'm mesmerized by the hidden treasures in Your Word

I wonder at Your pathways that are too complex to chart

I'm amazed at Your never-ending brilliant mind

I'm captivated with Your constant rightness

I'm stunned at Your unlimited resources

Up close I can see and experience You as the Creator of everything. I can touch the power that makes all things exist. I can be certain that You intend all things for Your glory. Please dear Lord, draw me closer and keep expanding my view of You. I want to be obviously caught-up in knowing You deeply. As my view of You becomes greater, my view of my man will become smaller. Rather than living to please people, in view of Your grace and mercy I will passionately pursue a purposeful life pleasing to You. I will praise and adore You now and forever more. Amen.

What is your view of God? Do you see Him from a distance and unapproachable, or up close and touchable? Walk nearer to Him and He will expand Your view. One thing I see when I come nearer to God is ________________________________.

Ephesians 3:14-19

2011-11-07T06:34:00.001-05:00

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

I kneel before You Father astonished by the rich gifts You've lavished on me: the family name, the family image and the family fortune. Being chosen and adopted into Your family is the highest honor and greatest privilege I'll ever receive. Nothing else will ever come close.

Today I'm claiming the priceless family promise of power to change the way I think and perceive myself. You don't see me the way I see myself: unattractive, unworthy, and unlovable. You see me as Your beloved child. Please give me faith to believe and power to grasp:

The width of Your love: wide enough to reach the whole wide world, while also touching the homosexual, the prostitute, the adulterer, the murderer, the addict, the abuser, the abused, the obsessed, the rich, the poor and much wider than I can imagine.

The length of Your love: long enough to cover my entire life, longer than my rebellion, hatefulness, apathy, arrogance, ignorance, and much longer than I can visualize.

The depth of Your love: deep enough to feel my severely broken heart that no one else understands, deeper than my insecurities and fears, and still deeper than I could ever dream.

The height of Your love: high enough to stretch from heaven to earth to show me the way to all Your hidden treasures and higher than my simple mind can possibly understand.

Father, if I could comprehend and claim Your limitless love, then I'd look to You and You alone for love. I'd stop seeking approval from my parents, spouse, children, and friends. I wouldn't fill my life with trinkets and treasures. I'd no longer crave the desires and lifestyle that once held me captive. I'd long for You and You alone.

Dear Lord, please fill me to overflowing with the inexhaustible love of Jesus today. With all my heart, I want to receive and accept the infinite love You bestow on Your children for the glory of Your name forever and ever. Amen.

Have you received and accepted God's lavish gift of love, promised to His children? He's not waiting for you to be perfect. It's yours to claim today, just as you are. If you don't feel worthy of accepting it, please pray and ask Him to give you the power to accept it. It's a life changing gift.

Hebrews 11: 1, 6

2011-11-04T08:36:00.000-04:00

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Great God in Heaven~

You are the One and Only True and Living God~

You are King of kings, Lord of lords, God of gods~

There is none like You. Ruler of heaven and earth, all authority submits to You. You're the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Just as You empowered, prospered, and protected Noah, Abraham, and Moses, You will empower, prosper, and protect me. Just as You directed and led Joshua, Gideon and David, You will direct and lead me. By studying Your Ancient Words, and paying attention in the classroom of my heart, I've learned that You're always trustworthy and faithful. Though I haven't seen You with my physical eyes, I've seen You with the eyes of my heart. I'm absolutely sure You are who You say You are, and will do what You say You will do. I'm certain You have a special plan for my life that involves something bigger than I can imagine; something only You can do.

Please dear Lord, give me faith to trust You to lead and guide me through tough times and rough terrain to the promised land. Based on history, I'll confidently expect a breathtaking surprise around frightening bends and unfamiliar borders. Earnestly, I'll follow You up the steep peaks of pressure and down the slippery slopes of uncertainty. Please take away my anxiety and fear so that I can enjoy the exhilarating, exciting escapade that leads to rich rewards. With all my heart I want to please You by passionately pursuing You wherever You go. Please bless me today because I believe in the power of Your name. Amen.

How do you know that God exists? What one adjustment will you make in your life to pursue Him today? He promises to reward those who earnestly seek Him.

Isaiah 45:3

2011-11-03T10:21:00.002-04:00

I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness-secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name. NLT

Keeper of the Hidden Treasure,

O how I cherish Your promises! I can be absolutely sure that You'll lead me to the vast cache of valuables that are veiled in the Vault of Your Word.

Taking Your hand, You'll lead me to the precious Pearls of patience perfected in the patriarchs who journeyed through the valley ahead of me. You'll guide me to opulent promises more stunning than rainbow-colored Opals refined in dry and desolate deserts. Steering me through the hidden passages of Scriptures, I'll have unimpeded and unlimited access to Your most precious possessions. In the Treasury of Your Word, I'll be awestruck by:

Truth more timeless than Topaz

Righteousness radiating more richly than Rubies

Everlasting love more beautiful than Emeralds

Almighty Power greater than ancient Amethyst

Saving grace more splendid than Sapphires

Understanding more brilliant than Diamonds

Redemption more reflective than pure gold

Endurance more genuine than Garnets

Security more sure than Spinels

O Lord, I stand in awe of You! You are Sovereign King, Owner of Everything! Your gracious generosity takes my breath away. To find the infinite inheritance of heaven, I simply need to follow You through the intimidating valleys of darkness and intensely dry deserts of despair, accepting Your treasured promises one by one as a token of Your matchless love and kindness toward me, the child You chose and called by name. Alleluia, thank You Jesus. Amen.

God promises to give you treasures that are hidden the Vault of His Word; secrets only unveiled in the valley darkness. If you're presently confused, in the dark, not sure where God's leading you, open your Bible and ask Him to show you what's most valuable to Him today. Consider the Word He gives you a gem of great worth. Claim it. Write it on the tablet of your heart, reflect on it throughout the day, and remember it's a gift to you, the child He chose and called by name.

Spinel is the great impostor of gemstone history: many famous rubies in crown jewels around the world are actually spinels. The most famous is the Black Prince's ruby, a magnificent 170-carat red spinel that now adorns the Imperial State Crown of England in the British Crown Jewels after a long history: Henry V even wore it on his battle helmet! The Timur ruby, a 361-carat red spinel now owned by Queen Elizabeth, has the names of some of the Mughal emperors who previously owned it engraved on its face: an undeniable pedigree! http://www.gemstone.org/

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ME Princess on the Rock

BETH RUDY is a dynamic speaker with a passion that leads others directly to the throne of God. Utilizing her magnetic personality and natural ability to connect with people, Beth focuses her teaching on biblical truths for living a vibrant, godly life that will draw others to the King of kings. She brings God's Truth to life with captivating illustrations and entertaining stories that reveal the freedom and joys believers can experience as children of the Most High King.

Contact Beth about speaking at your next event prayerpal@comcast.net. For Beth's Treasure Trove of Topics Visit: www.dailyprayerpal.blogspot.com

Philippians 4: 6-7

2011-11-02T06:30:00.001-04:00

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

O Great God of Peace~

Humbly I come to You admitting my anxiety and fear. Facing an extreme challenge my stomach is bound in a bundle of knots! By faith, I need to step out, buckle up to You, and grasp Your Word with all my might. With my adrenalin pumping, I need to deeply inhale Your sensational power in preparation for the dreadful drop of uncertainty ahead.

Together, we'll wind through the nauseating twists and turns of trials and tribulations. In the dark tunnel of distress, I'll scream out, tantalized by terror! You'll hear the cry of my heart and bring me into the radiant light of Your presence. Suddenly, I'll see and know that You were always right there beside me; holding me. The safety mechanisms of faith guarded me from danger.

Although I was scared to death, I'll gladly step out of my comfort zone again for the sheer thrill of experiencing the joy of Your inexplicable power and peace. Confident of Your almighty protection, I'll turn my problems to praise, my agony to adoration, and my worry to worship. You didn't bring me this far to let me fall. I believe that You have a plan bigger than I can imagine around the next sharp bend. Please dear Lord, give me courage to face scary situations fearlessly trusting in the power of Your Almighty name. Amen.

What extreme challenge is God asking you to take? Don't be afraid to step out, buckle up to Him and grasp His Word with all your might. Under His protection, you will experience the sensation of His peace and He will bless you with sheer joy as you experience His power!

Psalm 40:1-3

2011-11-01T09:51:00.000-04:00

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.NLT

Faithful God,

I praise and adore Your Holy Word. If I would just slow down and talk to You through prayer, You would faithfully listen to me! If I would just turn around and face You, perusing my Bible, You would speak to me! The problem is I'm too busy wallowing in the ditch of despair. Up to my neck in mud and muck, I'm constantly trying to pull myself out of sticky situations. Unfortunately, the harder I try, the deeper I sink.

I need You, Jesus, to come to my rescue! Come, pull me out of the hopeless pit! Set my feet on solid ground. Wash away the slime of sin. Cleanse me from the miserable mire of my mistakes. Rinse away the froth of fear. Breathe new life into me. Put a joyful song in my heart. Steadily and securely, I'll walk in Your ways, singing praises to the One who sought, found and saved me from severe destruction.

Please dear Lord, pay attention to my plea! Pick me up while I wait. Bless me with joy and peace to go where You send me in Your name, proclaiming the Way, the Truth and the Life. Amen

Are you despondent in the ditch of despair, exhausted trying to dig your way out? Stop digging and wait for Him. Peruse your Bible and pray, asking for His help. Then, He will:

1) Pay attention to your plea

2) Pull you from the pit

3) Plant your feet on solid ground

4) Protect your steps

5) Put a joyful song in your mouth

Waiting patiently on the Lord will pick you up from your despair, causing you to praise Him. It will make you shine like the Son, lighting the way out of the pit for others who are up to their necks in messy situations. In your current circumstances, are you grumbling or glistening for Him?

ME Princess on the Rock
BETH RUDY is a dynamic speaker with a passion that leads others directly to the throne of God. Utilizing her magnetic personality and natural ability to connect with people, Beth focuses her teaching on biblical truths for living a vibrant, godly life that will draw others to the King of kings. She brings God's Truth to life with captivating illustrations and entertaining stories that reveal the freedom and joys believers can experience as children of the Most High King.

Contact Beth about speaking at your next event prayerpal@comcast.net. For Beth's Treasure Trove of Topics Visit: www.dailyprayerpal.blogspot.com

To glorify God, magnify Jesus Christ, and proclaim and explain biblical truths for living a vibrant, godly life that will draw others to the King of k

2011-10-31T07:41:00.000-04:00

Psalm 106:13-15

It wasn't long before they forgot the whole thing,
wouldn't wait to be told what to do.
They only cared about pleasing themselves in that desert,
provoked God with their insistent demands.
He gave them exactly what they asked for-
but along with it they got an empty heart. MSG

O Dear God!

It makes me sick to think how much I'm like the Israelites! I have seen Your mighty works! I too was a slave. Addictions, attractions and afflictions owned me. I was held captive by power, prestige, and possessions. Satisfaction, security, and significance seized me. The excruciating work was unending. I was hopeless and helpless until You came along and miraculously purchased me. Setting me free, You promised me a bigger, better and brighter future - a gloriously beautiful home in heaven, and a fortune beyond my imagination. I was eager and excited to pursue a new life with You.

Sadly, I've lost focus and forgot all that You've done for me. Wandering in the wilderness, I can no longer see heaven on the horizon. The hope I had for a great fortune is gone. I've lost sight of You and am unhappy. I don't like the uncomfortable living conditions. It's not what I expected. Sin, suffering and sorrow have scorched me. I'm parched by problems and pain. Kicking and screaming like a spoiled child, I want to go home! I crave the pleasures and treasures left behind. I can't wait for You! I'm going to do it my way!

O God, have mercy on me for my little faith! I don't want to be like the contentious Israelites! I see what happened to them. You gave them exactly what they asked for - but along with it they got an empty heart! Please don't let my heart be empty! Fill it with to overflowing with Your love and power. Then, in the midst of my misery, I'll rejoice and give thanks to You for accomplishing Your will in my life. I'll be able to sing sweet songs of salvation in my sadness, and powerfully plead for patience during pain. Full of You, I'll smile when I feel like crying and keep walking vigorously toward the heavenly home You promised because of Jesus. Amen.

Are you like me, unable to wait while wandering in the wilderness? I encourage to you to make a list of all the miracles God has done for you. Carry it with you as you walk with Him and remember His promises! He didn't promise it would be easy. He did promise to supply you with sufficient strength to endure all situations. Will you believe Him?

A few of the miracles God has given me:

He set me free from my sins. He adopted me and gave me a new life, despite my deficiencies. He allows me to represent His kingdom on earth. He entrusts me with His Word. He walked with me slowly through the valley of death, allowing me to pick a beautiful bouquet of blessings as we went. He has changed by heart of stone to a heart of flesh. He has been so good to me! I hope I'll always remember!

"Life is hard, but my heart is harder. I'd rather complain than rejoice in my circumstances."

Isaiah 40:31

2011-10-28T09:37:00.000-04:00

Those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Everlasting God~

You are the Creator of everything. Because You have unlimited power, You never grow tired or weary. You are always available to re-energize me and refresh my strength during the seemingly hopeless storms of life. Like an eagle, in the midst of the storm, I spread my wings of faith to embrace the wind. Placing my dependency on You and You alone, I'll experience quiet wonders:

· Your bliss balances my burdens

· Your power pick ups my problems

· Your peace pacifies my pain

· Your tenderness touches my troubled heart

Soaring will become an adventure of discovering just how faithful You are when I'm in the stratosphere over the storm. It will be an exhilarating experience! I'll no longer be content to stay inside where it is relatively safe and secure. I'll want to walk outside and live by faith in the midst of the storm.

Please use the storms in my life:

· To take me higher in my relationship with You

· To fall deeper in love with You

· To grow stronger my faith in You

· To walk more vigorously with You

· To bear more fruit for You

Use the wicked winds of life to grow my wings of faith. Just as the strong gales make it possible for the eagles to soar, so sin, suffering and sorrow make it possible for me to rise above the tempest of temptation. Please dear Lord, just give me more confidence to wait through the mourning with renewed strength, and not grow weary. As I fly, I will focus on Your beautiful face and live for Your future glory because of Jesus. Amen.

What storm are you facing? Are you soaring through it with Holy Spirit power?

Psalm 104:1

2011-10-27T13:11:00.000-04:00

O LORD my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with splendor and majesty.

Autumn's Glory
O Lord, You are incredibly awesome! Wrapped in an elegant garment of brilliant light, You are dressed in golden splendor and sparkling majesty. You stretch out the skies like an unending tent over the entire universe. You send glimmering rays from heaven to glisten on the water. A blazing Holy Spirit Wildfire ignites hearts and souls with Your glory.

As the brisk breeze blows puffy white clouds, You ride them like Your chariots. The winds are Your messenger. Sometimes they quietly whisper, rustling the colorful autumn leaves. Other times they're a thunderous roar rebuking raging rivers into the ravines.

You are an amazingly sophisticated artist. You've wisely designed day and night, land and sea, plants and animals, man and woman, each with a unique purpose for Your pleasure. The earth is full of Your glorious goodness.

How many are Your works O Lord! Your glory endures forever! When I look on the magnificent high, jagged peaks rising abruptly from the flat valley, I am captivated by Your wonderful creativity. Gazing upon spectacular splashing waves suddenly lifting from the deep sea, I am spellbound by Your splendid beauty. Seeing You as You truly are, my only response is to exalt You in the beauty of Your holiness and sing praises to my Creator King. Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, all thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea! Amen.

Take a walk through nature and worship the ground you walk on. It's God's private property.

Isaiah 64:6-7

2011-10-26T06:57:00.001-04:00

We all shrivel up like a leaf,
and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
No one calls on your name
or strives to lay hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us
and made us waste away because of our sins.

O Divine Artist,

The vivid illustrations You paint in Your Word delight my imagination. Over the past several weeks, the dazzling autumn leaves dancing in the brisk fall air have mesmerized me. Their elegant display of rich, stunning colors that seemed so full of life tricked me. Kissed by the warm sun, they quickly withered, weakened and were swept away by a gust of wind. The once stately trees are suddenly lifeless. Dormant, there's nothing pretty about them.

So it is with my life. I try to elegantly display my wonderful works for a watching world. I've wasted endless time and energy trying to impress people. In pursuit of the dreams and desires of my heart, I've neglected to seek the plans and purposes of Your heart for me. Like the shriveled autumn leaves that once thrived with abundant life, I've fallen from the Tree of Life. Blown away by the compulsion to prove my value, my works have become worthless. Fruitless, there's nothing striking about me.

If I want to remain vibrant and productive I need to take time be with You daily. Diligently studying Your Word and communicating with You in passionate, persistent, heartfelt prayer You'll show me what's on Your heart and mind. When I turn around, face You, and accept the blazing Truth, my soul will dance like the autumn leaves. Devoted to You, my life will have a sacred and inexpressible charm about it that will naturally attract others to Your inexplicable beauty. In my life Lord be glorified because of Jesus. Amen.

Our works will shrivel up like the autumn leaves and be blown away; but our worship will last forever. I urge you to get connected to the Tree of Life by spending time in God's Word and passionate, persistent, heartfelt prayer. Ask Him to show you the desires of His heart and watch as He reveals His glory. Then, you will be impressed with Him and His work.

1 Peter 1: 24-25

2011-10-25T06:38:00.001-04:00

"All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
The grass withers and the flowers fall,
because the breath of the LORD blows on them.
Surely the people are grass.
The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God stands forever."

Glorious One,
Thank You for the beautiful lessons of autumn. With a gentle breath from heaven the dry, yellowed grasses wave impassively in the chilly fall air. The leaves, while glistening with dazzling colors, begin to crackle and drop from their branches, blowing here and there. The pretty pallet of posies that peeked in my window all summer has long since faded. As I reflect on the sights of the season, I'm reminded that life is short. Like the flowers, fame and fortune will fade. Good health will eventually wilt and wither. Beauty will flee like the falling leaves.

Only Your Word lasts forever. Your perfect promises are the same today as they were yesterday, and will be tomorrow. I've got to stop looking to people and possessions for pleasure. They could perish in a heartbeat leaving me disappointed and disillusioned. Instead, I need to focus on the power of Your everlasting promises. They are altogether trustworthy and all that I need to live happily ever after in the beautiful kingdom of heaven. Eternal glory is Yours because of Jesus. Amen.

Take a fresh look at the sights of autumn. Life too is fleeting. How will you spend it?

Hebrews 1:3

2011-10-24T06:29:00.000-04:00

Christ is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature. (ESV)

2 Corinthians 3:18

All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. (MSG)

Autumn Bush Creek Park Abbi GreggO Glorious Lord,

Thank You for autumn, the wondrous time of year when You naturally display Your radiant glory. The joyous explosion of color that bursts over the landscape breathes life into my soul. Blazing, multi-colored palettes of fall foliage are a spectacular backdrop for Your jaw-dropping beauty. You are the exact imprint of the stunning vistas that mesmerize me.

As I spend time in Your nature, open the eyes of my heart and enlighten my mind to see the glory of Jesus. Forgive me for the excessive attention I pay to insignificant people and things. Have mercy on me for Christ's sake. Complete the fascinating design You began in me. Make me a showcase to display the magnificent, splendid, wonderful glory of Your grace.

Shine the light of the Gospel into my heart. Set me ablaze like the fall foliage as I focus clearly on Your glorious face. Transform me into Your brilliant, majestic, beautiful image. My blessed hope is in the day when I'll perfectly radiate Your glory because of Jesus. Amen

When I ponder autumn's beauty, I'm acutely aware that it is exceedingly more beautiful than me. I'm deeply moved and humbled. By nature, I do not live beautifully. My heart is too often consumed with concern about my glory rather than God's. This revelation through God's gloriously beautiful creation helps me keep things in perspective: God is BIG and beautiful. People are significantly smaller and less attractive.

Lamentations 3:25-26

2011-10-21T06:30:00.001-04:00

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord.

Merciful Lord,

I'm thankful for Your on-going instruction on how to wait for You. When I feel lost and alone, I shouldn't grumble, complain or make a lot of noise. Rather, I should be still, silently expecting You to lead me to the good fortune I'm seeking.

You'll open up the sacred Treasure Chest of Scripture when we're alone together. Diligently, I'll dig through it perusing each costly command and precious promise. While I wait, I'll ponder them, prayerfully asking You, the Owner, perplexing questions. In response, You'll give me a complete understanding of Your amazing grace and incredible love. I'll discover that there is nothing more valuable than Your priceless blood that purchased my pardon. Accepting it will prosper me with glorious power to endure problems and pressures peacefully. Carrying the bright and beautiful jewels of power, peace and patience in my heart will illuminate the Way through the darkness of difficulty to heaven where I can anticipate living happily ever after with You.

Jesus, You are the Good Fortune that I seek. In You, are all the riches of heaven that will satisfy the deepest desires of my heart. Please give me more patience to seek You while I wait for the glory of Your name. Amen.

What are you seeking while you wait for your trial to end?

I encourage you to peruse your Bible for God's commands and promises while you wait. Examine them carefully. Cover them in prayer. When you do, you'll discover the Good Fortune you've always been seeking and be satisfied.

Psalm 37:1-9

2011-10-20T06:45:00.002-04:00

Do not fret because of evil men
for like the grass they will soon wither,
Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret-it leads only to evil.

For evil men will be cut off,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
or be envious of those who do wrong;
like green plants they will soon die away.

Patient Teacher,

I'm overwhelmed by the secrets You share with me when I open my Bible and my heart. Your Word corrects my wayward thinking. All these years I've been waiting for passing pleasures. Fame and fortune will fade. Good health will eventually wilt and wither. Beauty will flee like a dying flower. The hustle and bustle will come to a screeching halt when I appear before Your holy throne. In the meantime, I'm waiting in the outer courts to see You. In the classroom of my heart You tell me precisely how to be productive while I wait. This is a difficult lesson for my stubborn soul. Please help me to practice until I can perform it beautifully for You.

While I wait, I should:
1. Believe that You'll be faithful to Your promises (v3)
2. Do good deeds (v3)
3. Remain in the place where You put me without wandering off or wishing for greener pastures (v3)
4. Enjoy Your provision and protection (v3)
5. Hang out with You, enjoying Your friendship as I read Your Word and pray (v4)
6. Hand over everything to You - my life, my family, my job, and my possessions - with confident expectation that You will care for them better than I can (v5)
7. Be calm and quiet in the waiting room - no grumbling and complaining about the long wait! (v7)
8. Never be envious, angry, or anxious (v1, 7, 8)

For practicing patience, You promise to give me the desires of my heart - a deeper, more intimate relationship with You. You are the only Way to peace and everlasting happiness! While I wait, You promise to sustain me and keep me safe. You'll make me glow with the purity and warmth of the Son. Please help me practice relying on Your loving kindness and sovereignty. I'll perform beautifully for You, my King, by trusting in Your power, protection and provision day by day. Waiting won't be a waste of time, but a worthwhile investment in the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

What will you do while you wait?

Wow! God taught me several lessons today that will require a lot of extra practice to perform!
1. It's easy to desire someone else's fame, fortune, health or lifestyle. I need to learn to be content where I am, with the things I have.
2. Caught in the hustle and bustle of the world, I realized that my irritation and anxiety while waiting in traffic, doctor offices, and airports is a waste of energy. While I'm huffing and puffing about the situation, I could practice praying!
3. Often, I pursue passing pleasures, without even pondering God's promises!

Minutes after I wrote this, I went to the post office to buy some stamps. I walked in and noticed that the guy in front of me had about six huge boxes to ship! With a big sigh and roll of my eyes, I huffed out the door to the self-service stamp machine.

Two hours later, I found myself in a line at the grocery store with a seemingly incompetent cashier. Again, I found myself irritated and annoyed! Aware of my attitude, I began to pray for her.

This is going to be difficult journey!

Psalm 130:5-6

2011-10-19T08:14:00.002-04:00

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Lord,

I admit I'm a most impatient child! Even though You promise special blessings for those who quietly wait, it's a very difficult assignment for me! I'm living in a fast-paced world where we drive fast cars through fast food restaurants, gobbling the grub as we speed down the freeway. Instant cash at ATM's and instant information on the internet provide for instant gratification. And I wonder why waiting is hard!

Please dear Lord, slow me down! I want off this race track! Rather than speeding to keep up with everyone else, worrying about my security, career and relationships, I want to deliberately depend on Your provision and protection. Instead of pursuing power, prestige, and possessions for pleasure, I want to down shift, allowing You to take me to everlasting happiness. Zooming through life I miss out on opportunities to serve You; consequently, also losing the rich rewards You pay Your workers.

At break-neck speed my perception is poor and my vision distorted as in the darkness of night. I simply can't see clearly! Going at a slower, safer speed I'll begin to see You for who You really are: loving, kind and reliable. I'll come to depend on You for power, provision and protection. I'll learn to trust Your principles, promises and purposes. Concentrating on Your goodness, I'll find peace and hope in Your Word, the Bible.

Please fill me with patience to endure the long, silent night of my soul, eagerly expecting the definitive morning when the Son will rise and warm my heart with heavenly hope for Your namesake. Amen.

Most of us are waiting for something - a promotion or pay increase, a diagnosis or cure, a birth or a death, a trial or a verdict, a wayward child to come home, to overcome an addiction or bad habit, to win the lottery or lose a few pounds, for a voice at Verizon to pick up the phone or a computer to respond ...

What are you waiting for? Are you impatient, like me, trying to devise your own schemes and plans to get ahead? I encourage you to slow down and go with God. In His Word you will find the only Way to peace and everlasting happiness.

Romans 12:1

2011-10-18T13:05:00.001-04:00

Give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. NLT

Thank You, Lord, for showing me the secret path to the high throne of heaven. It is not through weeping or working. It isn't through studying or serving. Offering my time without heartfelt devotion is inadequate. Presenting my talent without wholehearted dedication is insufficient. Halfheartedly giving my treasure out of obligation is inappropriate. You don't want religious ceremonies and showy performances. The only walkway to the peace, contentment and security of a throne-life is to follow You with all my heart.

It will please You when, by faith, I humbly come to the foot of the cross admitting my faults and failures allowing the bond of Your blood to fix and fortify me. Realizing the high price You paid to correct my defects will give me a deeper desire to walk Your way. I'll willingly give up family, friends and freedom in order to spend time getting to know You better. The more I know You, the more readily I'll abandon my ambitions in order to do Your will. Forfeiting my comfortable lifestyle and social status to suffer hardship will perfect my faith, make me shine purer and brighter, and draw others to You.

Believing that I am who You say I am: a chosen child who is holy and blameless in Your sight, today I choose to freely set aside my dreams and desires to follow You to the throne room of heaven where I'll have access to Your almighty power, divine authority and perfect guidance. Claiming my proper position beside You, my eyes will constantly be drawn to You, my strength will only come from You, and my actions will be wholly pleasing to Your name. Hallelujah! Amen.

God is ready and willing to show you the way to the throne room of heaven where you will find peace, contentment, and security in all circumstances. He promises to share the secret path with the humble. (Psalm 25:9, 14)

He doesn't care how much you weep or work; study or serve. He doesn't care how good or bad you've been. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor; neat or unkempt. All He wants is your whole heart devoted to following Him wherever He goes at any cost.

David Wilkerson writes, "This is the sacrifice every believer must make if He is to know the mind of God. The Lord never shares his plans with those who hold onto their own devices. Why would He direct anyone who's determined to go their own way?"

"Dear saint, the throne room is now open to you. Accept what Christ has done, and boldly take your position with him, by faith. He accepts your resigned will. Now, ask Him to open the eyes of your understanding. And confess, 'I believe what the Lord says about me: that I'm a conquering prince. I also believe that I'm where He says I am: in the throne room of heaven. I'm sitting with Him in a place of authority over all of Satan's works. Hallelujah, Amen."

World Challenge Inc., Publications, Time Square Pulpit Series August 2, 2004

Ephesians 5:4, 17

2011-10-17T06:59:00.001-04:00

Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes-these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. Understand what the Lord wants you to do. NLT

Thank You God my Father for clearly differentiating between appropriate laughter and inappropriate laughter. In Your home there is no tolerance for vulgarity.

Laughing at obscene stories, foolish talk and coarse jokes is forbidden. Unfortunately, the world we live in is full of entertainment that is morally repugnant. The movie and television industry either makes comedy of that which is holy, right, and good, or has us cracking-up at the crude, profane, and disgusting. Magazines promote passion and pleasure, while radio blares blaspheme. This momentary humor is merely a short-lived vapor that passes quickly, leaving a void in the soul that will lead to the brink of destruction. Forgive me for finding this kind of filth funny.

Godly laughter on the other hand is an expression of our heartfelt appreciation for the generous gifts You've so graciously given us. As we hang out with You in Bible study and prayer, we'll be entertained with wholesome stories that will build up our character. We'll be amused and amazed by Your transforming touch of greatness on our lives. We'll laugh at things that are good, right and true. Encouraging words that are lovely and admirable will put a smile on our face and a song in our heart. This life-giving laughter will fill the hole in our heart with love, joy, and peace that will lead us to everlasting hope.

Please dear Lord, give me a deeper appreciation for the good gifts You've given me. Help me to avoid being amused by immorality, and anoint my lips with praiseworthy words that will make a soul stooped over from the weight of sorrow smile because of Jesus. Amen.

Laughter speaks louder than words. Can people recognize that you are from the family of God by the things that make you laugh?

Be careful to understand the difference between biblical laughter and worldly laughter. One brings Him the glory, the other defamation.

Ecclesiastes 3:4

2011-10-14T18:11:00.000-04:00

There is a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance.

Loving Father-

Thank You for divinely appointing times to weep and mourn, as well as, times to laugh and dance. When everything around me seems to be falling apart, the only way to find stability and security, peace and joy is to climb up on Your great big lap, pour out my heart, and trust You to work out the details for my good and Your glory.

You are the Creator of tears. They are absolutely precious to You! Collecting them in a bottle, You carefully record each and every one of them in Your book. I'm worn out from sobbing and You know it. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with tears. Overwhelmed by the heavy weight of the burdens You've laid on my back, tears have become my steady diet while proud people knock on my door wondering where in the world You are. Overcome by pain and problems, I cry out to You for grace and mercy. Amazingly, in the midst of complete chaos and confusion, You hear my heart-shattered soul weeping for release, and come to my rescue.

Lovingly You pick up my crushed spirit, and carry me into Your splendid home. Trusting You to tenderly wipe away my tears, my multitude of hurts begin to heal. Gradually, You fill the hole in my heart with love and laughter. With the anguish gone, I can jubilantly jump down from Your great big lap to dance, laugh, and celebrate Your love that is better than life. My lips glorify You, O Lord, the Creator of laughter and tears, who graciously restores broken hearts for the glory of Your name. Amen.

There is a time to weep and mourn, and a time to laugh and dance.

Read through the Psalms and look at the sorrows that made this man after God's own heart weep: He mourns over sin - his own, as well as, the sins of others; in physical anguish, when his bones are crushed, he agonizingly pours out his heart to His Father in heaven; distressed in times of loss, defeat and discouragement he expresses heartfelt sadness. There is an appropriate time to weep and mourn.

On the other hand, God doesn't want us to constantly sulk. He created laughter and dancing and ordered time for them too. The Psalms are full of appropriate times for laughter and dancing - usually after deliverance. Discover them and let your heart sing.

Proverbs 15:13; Proverbs 17:22

2011-10-13T07:01:00.002-04:00

A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit.

A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bone.

Father in Heaven-

I praise You for Your incredible ancient wisdom.

A casual glance at the world, with its wars, hatred, violence and evil makes me sad. Every day I see and hear horrible accounts of hurting people who in turn, inflict injuries on others. It grieves me that so many people in my community are crushed and hopeless. Yet, in the midst of crisis and catastrophe, there are stories and images that provoke a chuckle and a smile.

Thank You for the great gifts of laughter and cheer. A merry heart is used to bring healing and wholeness to that which would otherwise be brittle and broken. You know we need a good dose of cheer in these difficult days to bring a smile to our faces. A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down curing a crushed spirit and broken heart.

Please dear Lord, help me to unwrap Your enduring joy, peace and contentment when everything else around me seems to be falling apart. I don't have to stay in the dark dungeon of despair. Since You sent Your Son to rescue me, my glum days can change to glad days. With my heart, soul and mind focused on living happily ever after in the kingdom of heaven, I'll naturally smile and warmly greet others with a kind and encouraging word. Please make me a bubbling fountain of laughter where people can come, drink and be healed for Your namesake. Amen.

Who can you offer a spoonful of sugar today? There are hurting people everywhere. Take time to stop and notice them. Smile and offer them a kind word of encouragement. It may just be the medicine they need to cure their crushed spirit.

Psalm 33:1-4, 21

2011-10-12T03:35:00.002-04:00

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

Praise the LORD with the harp;
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.

For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.

In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

Creative Composer and Conductor,

You've written a symphonic song in my soul fit for a King. My heart is the harp that harmoniously believes You. Mastering the magnificence of Your mercy, my mind makes a marvelous accompaniment. With clean hands, pure motives, my eyes on You and a lot of practice, I'm able to perform a concerto of thankful praise worthy of Your holy ears.

Long before Handel, Mozart or Beethoven, You orchestrated a work of unequaled portions. Your Holy Word is a classical masterpiece that perfectly expresses truth and righteousness. Larger than life, it contains drama, death, rebirth, strife, and resistance. The fact that it is still published, respected, recognized and read worldwide after thousands of years is a testament to its power and impact. The more I read it and know it, the more impressed I am with it, and the more I appreciate it.

Please dear Lord, help me to develop an exquisite taste for the harmonization of Your Holy Composition. With my eyes fixed on You, my ears tuned to You, and my heart set on You, I'll use every endowment I possess to rhythmically pursue You. My heart will be full of holy joy and goodness as I earnestly love others in Your name, meticulously playing each self-contained movement as an opus of divine praise.

Watching from Your lofty throne in heaven, You won't miss my glorious showing of grace. In unison with You, my heart will perform the Hallelujah Chorus because of Your holy Name. May Your unfailing love rest on me, O Lord, because I put my hope in You. Amen.

Praise is appropriate and fitting of anyone who has clean hands and a pure heart. Even if you can't play an instrument, you ARE the instrument. You are part of God's Great Symphony. You will accompany Him beautifully when your heart is in unison with His.

His Word is the most famous composition ever written. If you haven't developed a keen interest in it, Mozart's biographer says in his book that "The masterpieces of the Romans and Greeks please more and more through repeated reading, and as one's taste is refined - the same is true for both expert and amateur with respect to the hearing of Mozart's music [or classical music]." The bottom line: the more you know a piece the better it becomes.

The same is true of your Bible, God's Holy Composition, the more you read it and know it, the more impressed you'll be with it, and the more you'll appreciate it. Before you know it, you'll have acquired an exquisite taste for it, and be filled with holy joy!

Live a life of praise by following the most Creative Composer and Conductor of all time!

Phil 4: 11-13, 19

2011-10-11T06:17:00.002-04:00

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Jehovah Jireh,
My Sufficient Supplier,
Thank You for showing me the secret to a satisfying life: Relying on your promises, looking for Your provision, and depending on Your power.

Satan tries to seduce me with human solutions to satisfaction, security and significance. Cleverly, he convinces me that I can't be happy without certain possessions. Subtly, he persuades me that I'm insignificant without a prominent position. Masterfully, he manipulates me to look for respect and approval from powerful people. Cunningly, He confuses me, complicating my problems by making them seem bigger than really are. Discontent with who I am, where I'm going, and what I have, it's tempting to reach into his bag of tricks for an instant, momentary solution.

The more I know You, the less likely I'll be to buy into his smooth sales pitch. Full of Your wisdom, I'll be wary of his gimmicks. Relying on Your promises, I'll have a clear perspective. I'll realize that trinkets and treasures can't buy eternal pleasure, only Your precious blood can. Prominent positions aren't as prestigious as they appear when I understand that all authority belongs to You. Suddenly, people I perceived to be strong will appear weak and unimportant. Abruptly, the dimension of my difficulties will diminish when I realize that they're part of Your plan to purify and perfect me for a greater purpose.

I need to hang out with You more frequently by reading Your Word, praying ceaselessly, and socializing with other believers. Then, I'll be able to rest on Your promises. Knowing who You are will supply me with the satisfaction, security and significance I'm seeking. I'll be content when I believe that I am who You say I am: Your beloved child, an heir to an unimaginable inheritance. I'll be satisfied knowing where You're taking me: heaven, my glorious, eternally beautiful home. And, while I wait, I'll be happy with what You've given me: peace, provision and a quiet place for my soul to patiently rest.

Please help me to be joyful and thankful in all circumstances believing that You'll generously supply all my needs in the name of Jesus, Your Son. Amen.

What are you relying on today for your source of satisfaction, security and significance?

Psalm 62:1-4

2011-10-10T08:07:00.000-04:00

I wait quietly before God,
for my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will never be shaken.

So many enemies against one man--
all of them trying to kill me.
To them I'm just a broken-down wall
or a tottering fence.

They plan to topple me from my high position.
They delight in telling lies about me.
They are friendly to my face,
according to what they have done. NLT

Almighty God-

My soul silently waits for You. My rest is in You alone. You are my rock and my salvation. Nothing can ever separate me from You! I run to You for shelter and protection. There, I calmly, quietly, patiently wait for the wicked world to pass.

The world is pursuing me, tempting me to join in the pursuit for power, prestige, possessions, and pleasure. Everywhere I turn, there is another demand for my time, talent, and treasure. The Prince of Darkness fully intends to topple me from my lofty and safe haven with You. All around me, people delight in his lies. They try to lure me by speaking persuasive words that sound good, pleasing and delightful, but in their hearts, they are deceitful. Before getting too excited about new attractive ideas, I will carefully examine the things I hear against Your Word. Please fill me with more knowledge and wisdom so that I can determine if I am hearing the Truth.

The temptation to abandon You can sneak up on me as a whisper of doubt. I will overcome the whisper of temptation by pouring out my heart to You. You will help me as I pray and diligently study Your Word. I will be devoted to You because You are strong, loving and dependable. I will love You with all my heart and soul. I will follow and fear You since You are my hope and my salvation. I will do my best to keep Your commands because I long for the promised reward to those who love and obey You. I believe You when You say, "The Son of Man is going to come in His Father's glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what he has done."

Instead of chasing the world, I am choosing to pursue You, Jesus, the One and Only. Amen.

Who are you chasing the world or the Lord?

A Song of Praise

2011-10-07T06:59:00.002-04:00

A Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name.

B Bless the Lord, O my soul.
All that is within me bless His holy name.

C Come let us adore Him!
Call on His name!

D Declare His glory throughout the whole earth.
Tell the whole world of his wonderful works.

E Enter His gates with thanksgiving.
Extol Him for His excellent greatness!

F Forget not all His benefits.
He faithfully forgives and forgets all our sins.

G Great is the Lord and worthy of praise.
Glory in His holy name.

H Holy! Holy! Holy is the Lord Almighty!
Who was and is and is to come.

I I will sing praise to my great God and King.
I will sing and make music in my heart.

J Joyful, Joyful I adore You,
God of Glory, Lord of Love.

K Know that the Lord is God.
It is He who made us, and we are His.

L Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Let the heavens rejoice, let the whole earth be glad;
Let everyone say, "The Lord reigns!"

M Maker of heaven and earth -
Splendor and majesty are before Him,
Strength and glory are in His sanctuary.

N Not to me O Lord, not to me,
But to Your name be the glory because of You love
and faithfulness.

O Our God is a God who saves!
O Lord My God, how Great thou art!

P Praise be to the Lord;
To God our Savior who daily bears our burdens.

Q Quickly, I'll tell the Good News.
My Lord lives and rules and reigns from heaven on high.

R Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous.
Remember the wonders He has done.

S Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth!
Shout for joy before the Lord , the King.

T To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb,
Be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever.

U Unto You I sing, O Lord;
The One who rides across the ancient heavens,
Whose mighty voice thunders from the sky.
God is awesome in His sanctuary.

V Victory is Yours, O Lord.
You have made me glad with the joy of Your presence.

W Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
To receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength,
And glory and honor and praise.

X Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His holy mountain.
Be exalted, O Lord in Your strength;
We will sing and praise Your might.

Y Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
You are my God and I will give You thanks forever and ever.

Z Zion hears and rejoices!
For You O Lord, are the Most High over all the earth,
You are exalted far above the gods.

A Song of Praise For My King was written by reading the Psalms and making a list from A-Z of various ways the psalmist praised the Lord. It follows the pattern of the psalmist in Psalm 119 where each of 22 sections begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Try writing your own song of praise and adoration. I can guarantee it will put a smile on your face, a song in your heart and a spring in your step!

Isaiah 46: 4, 6-7

2011-10-06T06:02:00.002-04:00

I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Some pour out gold from their bags
and weigh out silver on the scales;
they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god,
and they bow down and worship it.

They lift it to their shoulders and carry it;
they set it up in its place, and there it stands.
From that spot it cannot move.
Though one cries out to it, it does not answer;
it cannot save him from his troubles.

Lord, how much we Americans are like the Israelites - stubborn-hearted and far from righteous! Have mercy on us and teach us to put You in Your proper place.

Captivated by concrete things we can touch and see, we pour out our wealth to build bigger houses to hold our fine collection of treasured possessions. We light them up and show them off like trophies in a display case. At the same time we're erecting the homes of our dreams, we're paying premiums to plastic surgeons to make us new images.

Lifting up our treasures, we proudly carry them around on our broad shoulders bragging about our success as we continually strive to improve and impress. Bogged down beneath the dead weight of debt we cry out from behind our fake faces to our big houses to save us, but they cannot. They are merely inanimate objects that stand still, stiff, solid and silent - cold as concrete.

If we'd only invest our time opening our Bibles and contemplating the Abstract we'd comprehend that You are an amazingly animated Architect who intricately designs human souls with a firm foundation that will stand forever, made to store Your imperishable, invaluable inheritance. Strong and secure, You and You alone will sustain us and carry us through the storms. Bogged down beneath the dead weight of debt when we sincerely cry out to You to save us, You'll rush in and rescue us to display Your glory.

To whom can we compare You or count as Your equal? You are incomparable! You are God and there is no other. There is none like You. Teach us O God to put You in Your proper place, and to trust in the Abstract so that we won't be bogged down by the concrete. Amen.

Strolling along the waterfront in beautiful Balboa Beach, California I was mesmerized by the parade of grandiose homes. Behind the well-lit glass of every house, I gazed and gasped at the fine collections of pretty possessions that were perfectly exhibited for everyone passing by to see. In front of the homes, luxurious boats were docked on the inlet with the moon beams glistening on their masts. Shiny Mercedes, BMWs and Lexuses were parked in the narrow streets. As I walked the town in my basic blue jeans and dollar-store flip-flops, I must have stuck out like a sore thumb, but my soul was satisfied, so it didn't matter.

Leaving town, a vast Cosmetic Surgery Center captured my attention. Enthralled by their large homes, luxury toys, and fake faces, I found myself wondering: Who answers them when they cry out in the storms? They aren't immune to trouble. Who rescues them when the floods come? Sadly, these things will not save them. They are merely concrete.

We would be wise to live simply, build on the Abstract foundation of Jesus Christ, and display His glory. Unbelievers are on the outside looking into our lives. What do they see when they look at you and your lifestyle? Do they see the concrete or the Abstract?

Psalm 34:19

2011-10-05T06:15:00.002-04:00

A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all.

2 Corinthians 1:9-10

Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.

God,

Every time I open the newspaper there's another article relating to cancer. Recently in the local paper there was a gigantic headline: SCARED SICK. It reported that Americans are scared sick of getting cancer.

Everything seems to be harmful to humans - the air, the sun, and a plethora of consumables. Household products like laundry detergent and oven cleaner and pet-flea control contain deadly toxins. Personal items like lipstick, deodorant, and talcum powder are under suspicion. It's not safe to eat processed meat. Fresh fruits and vegetables are coated with contaminants. Plastic baby bottles, granite counter tops, and ordinary office supplies are a health risk. Most recently, the fear-tinged tizzy has been on cell-phones, our artificial appendage.

While the media frantically feeds us fear, one researcher boldly announced, "Cancer scares the Hell out of us." As well it should! Another researcher commented, "As a society we are so focused on the sound bite of getting an answer. We don't dig deeply enough to understand the nuances."

O Lord, have mercy on us! It's easier to focus on fear and seek intellectual answers than it is to dig deeply into Your Word and understand the truth. Your Word is full of promises that have stood the test of time. Those who know You have no reason to be scared sick. You never promised we'd live on Easy Street, but rather reside on Rough Road. A head-on collision with cancer is inevitable - for ourselves or someone we know. But, we don't have to be afraid because we have a Savior!

Indeed in our hearts we'll feel the inescapable sentence of death when we, or someone we love, receives a cancer diagnosis. But, when we know You and Your faithful promises, we'll be confident that it's happened so that we won't rely on our own mind or strength, but fully trust You - the One who raises the dead - to keep us from the doom of eternal damnation. Instead of being scared of it, we'll believe that You'll deliver us through the deadly peril to Heaven where we'll live and reign with You forever and ever because of Jesus our Savior. Hallelujah! Amen.

Are you, like the majority of society, consumed by the fear of cancer? It's wise to live healthy, eat right, exercise regularly and avoid deadly toxins, but there's no reason to be scared sick when you know the Savior. Determine to know your Savior more so that when you receive the inevitable sentence of death, you won't be scared of it, but trust instead, that He will deliver you from it's deadly peril to Heaven where you will live forever.

I know firsthand the truth of God's Word. Both of my parents have received the death sentence. God has delivered my Mom from death's grip and healed her, while delivering my Dad to Heaven's Gate. If anyone is destined for a head-on collision with cancer it's my family and me, but we're not scared of it. We have the hope of heaven - Jesus! Glory, hallelujah!

"In Christ Alone"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music

In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!

My comforter, my all in all-
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid-
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine-
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death-
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;

Till He returns or calls me home-
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.

Luke 13:14-19

2011-10-04T07:11:00.002-04:00

Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler said to the people, "There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath."

The Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Doesn't each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?"

When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

Then Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches."

Kind and Compassionate Healer of Hearts,

So often I miss the wonder and delight in Your marvelous work. Unhappy that someone undesirable has received an unfair advantage, I hurriedly stomp off in a huff. I'd be happier to see an animal untied, than an undeserving human set free. I'd be more contented leading pigs to pond water, than sin-scorched souls to the fountain of forgiveness. I worry more about feeding my Chia Pet protein enriched plant food, than I do about nourishing hungry hearts with eternally rich Bread of Life.

Lord, have mercy on me! I'm no better than the hypocritical religious leaders. When I consider my own lack of compassion, I'm left speechless and ashamed! A person of unclean lips, I'm unworthy of even carrying Your sandals. I need to turn around and look at You.

Please enlarge my heart and bless me with a burden for the hidden treasures of Your heart: the rejects of society. In the garden of my growing heart, plant a tiny, little seed of grace that will gradually develop into a strong limb for disadvantaged people to safely land. Perched on the firm branch of my faith in You, sin-scored souls will drink from the River of Life, Your love, flowing out of me. I'll generously feed their hungry hearts the Bread of Life, Your Word, coated with irresistible honey from the Rock. Nestled securely on Your life-saving limb, they will heal and become whole. Instead of resenting them, I'll rejoice when You restore and release them.

Please show me someone deemed unworthy by society and I'll offer them comfort on my sturdy branch of faith for the benefit of Your beautiful everlasting Kingdom. Amen.

Do you despise people who perpetually receive government handouts? Does it repulse you that your tax dollars pay to incarcerate prisoners? Do you resent when Jesus calls forward the unworthy and unattractive and offers them the same amount of grace He offers you? Do you think you deserve more than them because you have a job or have never been charged with an offense?

Listen to the words of Jesus. He says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." He doesn't promise the kingdom of heaven to the rich and well-kept, but to the needy.

Admit your own hypocritical tendencies. Then, ask the Holy Spirit to enlarge your heart and bless you with a burden for the hidden treasures of His heart. Ask Him to give you the awareness of Christ to notice the undesirables; the compassion to speak to them and for them, and the power to heal them. Then look for an opportunity to let someone land and lodge on the life-saving limb of Your faith in Jesus Christ.

Is your faith strong enough to sustain their heavy load?

Romans 15:1-4

2011-10-03T07:18:00.001-04:00

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

God of Hope,

Your Words are more brilliant than diamonds. Thank You for preserving Ancient History to teach me. In the classroom of my heart I gain knowledge, wisdom and discernment. I develop insight to help me differentiate between right and wrong. Reading and studying Your Great History book, is the wisest thing I could ever do. It prepares me for the biggest test of my life - loving and accepting others.

Fully aware of the facts, I'll know that my selfish pride and prejudice leads to dissension, disagreement, and disconnect. Following Your perfect example, I'll offer my body as broken bread. Just as You gave up Your rights to glory and power, I'll give up my rights to recognition and rewards. Because You left Your lofty, holy and pure position in heaven and came to earth to bear my sin and shame, I'll leave my hoity-toity pedestal of prominence to bear with the faults and failures of others. Since You graciously removed the barrier of sin that separates me from You, I'll voluntarily take down the walls of intolerance that divide me from others. United, we'll glorify You with one heart and one mouth by accepting one another.

Familiarity with the past will help me better understand the future. Primed with faith, I'll have endurance, encouragement, and confidence to keep an optimistic outlook of loving unity throughout each day. As I diligently read and study my Bible, Your Ancient History book, please fill me with joy and peace. I trust that the Hope of Heaven will spill from my heart by the power of the Spirit that is within me. May my attitudes and actions bring praise to our glorious family name forever and ever! Amen.

The lessons we learn from God's Word are tremendous! If we seriously take the time to study and practice our lessons, we'll fulfill our call to be holy. We'll be people of peace and joy. A delight to be around!

What lesson is God teaching you in the classroom of your heart? Are you practicing it? Are you ready for the biggest test of your life - to love and accept others unconditionally?

Romans 7:12-13

2011-09-30T06:45:00.001-04:00

The law itself is holy and right and good.

But how can that be? Did the law, which is good, cause my doom? Of course not! Sin used what was good to bring about my condemnation. So we can see how terrible sin really is. It uses God's good commandment for its own evil purposes.

Righteous King~
Honorable Ruler of Heaven & Earth~
I tremble in fear of Your Highness. Standing in awe of Your holy, right and good law, I praise You with an upright heart. Your spoken Word is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. It's pure joy to my heart, mind and soul, guaranteeing my rich heritage forever.

Completely righteous, fully trustworthy, and thoroughly tested, Your rules awaken my conscience, warning me of dangers. Satan has set a snare for me. Don't let me be lured by his lies, choked by his charm, or suffocated by sin. He wants to use Your wise Words for his wicked ways. He is the twister of truth.

O Lord, open my eyes that I may see all the wonderful things in Your law. Hide Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You. Teach me knowledge and good judgment. Let me understand so that I can obey with all my heart. I don't want sin to rule over me.

When I'm confused, Your law counsels me. When I'm sinking in the sea of sin, it's the life preserver that saves me. When I'm consumed with sorrow and sadness, it comforts me. When I'm weak and weary, it strengthens me. Blinded by the shadow of darkness, Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

I'll delight in Your laws, meditate on them daily, and try to never neglect them. Use them O Lord, to preserve my life, according to Your love through Jesus I pray. Amen.

God's laws aren't meant to restrict us, but protect us. Be thankful for their convicting power because they save your life!

To grasp the goodness, righteousness and holiness of God's Word, I encourage you to read the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119. Highlight all the ways God's laws benefit you.

John 16:7-11

2011-09-29T07:45:00.001-04:00

Jesus said, "But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned."

Jesus~

Your Spirit is my wise and wonderful Counselor sent from the heart of God. While living in our land, You left an enormous legacy for ordinary, uneducated people like me. Your well-preserved Ancient Words recorded by a beloved disciple two thousand years ago, point me to the power of Your Spirit.

When Your Words descended on the open pit of heart like a tongue of fire, they arrested and convinced me that I was heading toward eternal destruction on the highway to Hell. Guilty of violating every one of Your holy standards for living, they fully persuaded me to turn around and pursue a radically different lifestyle.

Certain that You have gone to the Father in Heaven and are watching every move I make, I want to respectfully respond to all kinds of people and consistently make right choices that will result in rich everlasting rewards. As I spend time with You in Bible Study and prayer, clothe me with Your sweet spirit of compassion. Advise me in my daily decisions so that my actions will always be kind and courageous, and my attitudes will always be positive and encouraging, proving that the ruler of godless living, Satan himself, has been rightly judged, convicted and condemned.

With Your help, I will quietly leave a legacy of love that points others to the life changing power of Your Spirit, and honors Your time-tested wise and wonderful advice. All glory to my Counselor, Comforter, Helper and Friend. Amen.

Jesus left the legacy of His Sweet Spirit for you. What legacy will you leave for others: one of love or one of nagging condemnation?

We'll never persuade people to stop pursuing worldly pleasures with long-winded arguments. We'll never convince people that they're going down a dangerous road to death and destruction. Heeding the wise and wonderful advice of God's Spirit is the only way to change the world. Following Him, our attitudes and actions will speak louder than words.

Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with more of His power and love. Full of His goodness, you will be known for your pure heart and honest motives, proving that the ruler of this godless world has been judged, tried, and convicted.