Eph 2:4

Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. NLT

Romans 2: 1-4 1You, 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. 2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? NIV

Father God-
Thank You for being mercifully patient with me despite my multitude of sins. I am not worthy of Your forgiveness, yet You graciously pardon me. Please anoint me with priceless patience to be tender and tolerant with my brothers and sisters who argue, aggravate, and annoy me. Often the sins I notice in others are the ones that have taken root in my own life in a more socially acceptable form. Sin is sin and all sin requires Your grace. Since You showed love to me while I was still a sinner, I will reciprocate by letting mercy guide my response.

You alone are the righteous judge with authority to determine truth. In the throne room of grace, You examine hearts and minds. There, my sins are overlooked by Your abundant mercy and forgiveness. Better is one day in Your courts than thousands elsewhere! Forgive me for passing judgement. The riches of Your long suffering is my salvation. Thank You Jesus!
I will look for Your presence and believe You will win the battle for me. Leaning on the mind of Christ and not relying on my own understanding, I will lay aside human weapons that kill spirits. Protected by the full armor of God, I will use the powerful weapons of prayer and forgiveness to win spiritual battles in our family.

Father, in this family, as in my earthly family, we will not always agree, but we can still get along. We can live together harmoniously despite our differences when we are of one mind, united in thought and purpose. Please just give us more patience to love one another for Your namesake. Amen.

How can you become more patient with the people in your life?

1 Peter 3:

all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. (NLT)

Matthew 11: Jesus said, 29"Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle."(NLT)

Dear Father-
I rejoice that You have chosen me to live in Your holy place with all my Christian brothers and sisters. We will be filled with the good things of Your holy house when we love You and obey Your commands. In the safety of Your home, we can rest peacefully. Here in Your shelter, we are able to love the fear out of each other. We can comfort and confront, warm and warn, cherish and challenge within an atmosphere of supportive safety.

In the sanctuary of our hearts, Your Son teaches us to support each other with gentleness and humble minds. As He encourages us, we encourage one another. It is ok to have a bad day, be tired, admit our mistakes, confess our sins, share our fears, grieve our loss, acknowledge our frustrations, and declare our doubts. It is ok to be REAL in Your home.
In the protection of Your presence, we observe true humility. There we learn to appreciate our own value in Christ and recognize our unique purpose. Secure and assure, we can gladly celebrate the successes of others knowing that You bless each of us in different ways at different times.

Father, I will demonstrate a tender heart when I weep with those who weep. I will show a humble mind when I rejoice in the blessings of others as though they were my own. I will lend strength to my family by seeing them for what they can be, and not for what they appear to be now because I know by One gift You are making each of us perfect forever. Amen.

Whom can you support today with gentleness and a humble mind?

Romans 12:10

Love each other as Christian brothers. Show respect for each other. (NLV)

Matthew 11: Jesus said, 29"Follow My teachings and learn from Me. I am gentle and do not have pride." NLV

Father God,
I love the house where You live, the place where Your glory dwells. I long to stay in Your home forever and gaze upon Your beauty. I love You Father. Out of love and respect for You, I will love and respect my brothers and sisters. Please give me a godly perspective so that I can see them with eternal eyes. Open my spiritual ears so that I can genuinely listen with a heart of compassion to their hidden hurts and heartaches, their deepest dreams and desires. Father, as You attentively listen to me, I will carefully listen others.

I will protect the reputation and dignity of our family by not gossiping. I will practice remarkable integrity by being honest and speaking the truth in love. Before I talk, I will think of kind words that build up rather than tear down. Please help me to be sensitive to other’s feelings, understand them, and bring out the best in them. I do not want to be judgmental. I just want more of Jesus so that I will be gentle and full of grace for His namesake. Amen.

Open your spiritual ears and take time to listen to the heart of a brother or sister today.

Romans 14: 19

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. NIV

Heavenly Father-
How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty. As a member of Your royal family, I am a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. I praise You Father because I belong in Your household with every other Christian. Our lives are interwoven, interconnected, and interdependent. I will love the family as Jesus does by honoring our Christian name.

Our family commitment and loyalty will prove that we love You and belong to You. We are so richly blessed because we are Your children. Each one of us has been uniquely created by You to be a vessel of grace. In the splendor of Your majestic home lavish us with grace to love no matter what. Create in us a desire to be there to listen, support and encourage each other. May we graciously and generously share the incredible gifts You have given us to benefit our family. You are so good to us!

Bind us together in love so that no matter what happens we will stick together for Your namesake. Amen

Have you ever gone to anyone, besides your spouse and children, and said, "I want you to know that I will always be there for you? I want to grow close to you as a friend." Would you do that to a brother or sister in the Christian family today?

Romans 12:5

... so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Father in Heaven-
Thank You for adopting me into Your spiritual family. The gifts You have given me are astounding: the family name, the family likeness, family privileges, and the family fortune. Being in Your family is the highest honor and greatest privilege I will ever receive. Nothing else comes close!

Our home is the classroom for practicing selfless, sacrificial, sympathetic love. There, we will train to become like Christ. In the learning lab we will grow up spiritually by fulfilling our family responsibilities to: love, encourage, and pray for one another; admonish, greet, and serve each other; teach, accept and honor one another; support, submit and forgive each other. Setting aside our pride and individualism, we will admit our need for one another. As we discover and develop our spiritual gifts, we will demonstrate them by being the hands and feet of Jesus to each other.

Please create an atmosphere in our home that is secure, comfortable, and loving. Give us confident assurance of our belonging. Show us our need for each other by binding us together in love for Your namesake. Amen.

How can you treat other believers like members of your own family?

1 John 3:18

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

Luke 10: 30-37
30Jesus 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. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He 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. 35The 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.’
36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

Sweet Jesus-
O how I love You! You are a wonderful teacher! Thank you for reminding me who my neighbor is! Forgive me for:

• All the times I’ve injured someone and walked away like the robber.
• All the times I’ve chosen to pass by and ignore those in need because of self-righteous like the religious leaders.
• All the times I’ve tried to justify my lack of love by standing around and talking about it like the expert in the law.
• All the times I’ve seen a need and tried to capitalize on it like the innkeeper.

Help me to be like the Samaritan who was the least among all of these, yet the greatest. Please change my heart of stone to a heart of flesh. Show me an injured soul today – someone who is different from me in race, creed, or social background. I will stop and help even if it is inconvenient. With my corrected vision, I will see interruptions as divine opportunities to show Your love to people in desperate need. May my service flow like a river because of the love of Jesus flowing in me. Amen.

Who can you share the love of Christ with in a practical way today?

Romans 15:7

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. MSG

Romans 12: 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all! MSG

Matthew 9: 10-13 10While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?"

12On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Father God-
I still rejoice and marvel at the fact that You love, chose, and adopted me despite my indecent life, impure motives, and improper attitudes. You accept me as Your beloved child. After adopting me, You turned me into a beautiful masterpiece in Your heavenly workshop. Now I am useful to do the good things You planned for me.

By Your grace, use me as an instrument of peace to reach out to unbelievers. The new eyes You have given me will look past their sin and see the person You created them to be. You know everything we have done, said, and thought, and yet accept, redeem and forgive us.

Unnoticed unhealthy people all around me are dying for the gift of friendship. Like Matthew, I will lay aside my reputation and invite them to my home for dinner. I will find common ground with them. In my home, Your healing balm will touch and transform them into a unique work of art for Your purpose and pleasure.

Father, forgive me for making this life a popularity contest. It is not about ME. It’s all about YOU. Please show me who needs a miracle makeover today and I will obediently reach out to them in the spirit of friendship because of Jesus. Amen.

Invite a nonbeliever 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.

1 Peter 4:9

Open your homes to each other without complaining. TEV

Luke 14:12-14
12Then 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. 13But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." NIV

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 beautiful well kept home, 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 shelter 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.

Have you had your neighbors into your home lately? If not, what is keeping you from doing it? Consider setting aside your agenda for that of Christ.

My Testimony

Luke tells a story in Chapter 5 of his book: One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. And, the power of the Lord was present to heal the sick. Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."

In 1979, I was an unnoticed, undesirable, and unpopular crippled girl.
That’s when I ended up in my high school guidance counselor’s office, completely broken, crying my heart out because I was an ugly, hurting outcast. He listened with a heart of compassion and told me that God doesn’t make trash. Then he carried me to Jesus where I was miraculously healed.

For many years, I walked with a limp because I wasn’t walking with God. I was pursuing power, prestige, and possessions trying to live a life of perfection, pleasing people. I was arrogant, conceited and proud.

After I had two children and was exhausted from trying to please people, I gave up my career to work from home. I began longing for "something" more. Not sure what I was seeking, I started talking to God.

In 1998, I was finally obedient to God, baptized as a believer, and joined the church. As I was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended on me in a new and fresh way. I was healed of my limp and began to grow in faith.

20 years after accepting the gift of salvation, I began participating in Bible studies. Before this, I had never opened my Bible except on Sunday morning at church. God led me to Henry Blackaby’s Experiencing God. There I developed the discipline of being in God’s Word every day. As I studied God’s Word and came to know him personally, I began experiencing him in amazing ways! Since then, I have been in God’s Word every day seeking a deeper and more intimate relationship with Jesus. He’s the King of my heart, Lord of my life and my best Friend.

I was burning a Holy Spirit flame after being in God’s Word continuously for almost three years when He nudged me to step out and facilitate a women’s Bible study. This was way outside my comfort zone, but I heard Him call me to "Come". Obediently, I stepped out of the boat, and like Peter began walking on water. Week by week, God increased my confidence as I trusted and obeyed him.

A year later, God again called me to step out of the boat. This time to coordinate a prayer group at work to pray for our workplace and co-workers. Praying aloud with others was awkward and uncomfortable for me. I had never done it. Again, the Holy Spirit enabled me. I practiced and developed the discipline of prayer. I studied intercessory prayer and fasting on my own. The Holy Spirit taught me how to pray scripture. Again, I experienced God in a richer way.

In December 2003, God laid it on my heart to find the friend who carried me to Jesus. I had no idea if he was still in the area, walking with the Lord, dead or alive. My first attempts to locate him via email failed.

In the fall of 2004, my church held two weeks of revival services. We were encouraged to confront our past sins and seek forgiveness. I had nothing to confront since I regularly confess my sins, but God laid it on my heart to find my spiritual dad and thank him for the incredible gift of my salvation. If he hadn’t carried me to Jesus that day, I might still be crippled, living a pitiful life of shame. Obediently, I sent my three-page testimony to all the individuals w/ his name listed in the phone book with a note on the top: "This letter is intended for the former guidance counselor. If you are not that person and choose to read on, may God richly bless you." To protect my identity, I kept all personal information out of the letter and gave only my email address.

A few days later, I received a reply that melted my heart! A spiritual father and daughter were re-connected after 25 years! We spoke on the telephone a few days later and I discovered that he was persecuted for sharing his faith with students at that school. He eventually lost his job. You cannot imagine the overwhelming emotions that flooded from my heart as I realized that God had used me in a powerful way to reveal His glory. It truly was a mountaintop experience.

Because of a single act of obedience, God has richly blessed our lives. He’s connected two families and two churches. He is expanding my ministries beyond my expectations and dreams. I now have a strong spiritual dad standing in the gap with me, encouraging me to continue stepping out in faith. He gives me godly guidance, wisdom, and counsel. I hear God calling me loud and clear to teach, write, and lead women’s ministries. God has used my spiritual dad to connect me with godly women who are now mentoring me in those areas. I don’t know what the future holds, but I will stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and I will walk in it. There I will find rest for my soul. (Jer 6:16)

In my heart I am dancing, leaping, and praising God for the remarkable things He has done in my life. This is not my story but His story and all glory goes to Him, the Author and perfector of my faith.

Phil 1: 27

27Above all else, you must live in a way that brings honor to the good news about Christ. … you are working together and struggling side by side to get others to believe the good news. CEV

Luke 10: 1-3
1After this the Lord … sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3Go! I am sending you..." NIV

Jesus-
You are such an awesome teacher! I marvel at the way You teach me each day as I take time to sit at Your feet. Thank you that I am not called to "go" alone. You send companions with me in the work of the gospel. You have shown me that two are better than one. We can provide strength and encouragement to one another. We can pick each other up after a fall. We can protect and hold one another accountable. As a team who has witnessed Your miracles, our testimony is more powerful. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.

The harvest is right here in my community. Please dear Lord, help me to mobilize a prayer team and send other faithful disciples to join me in reaching out to my unsaved neighbors. May they see Jesus in me through my words and actions. I trust You for an abundantly fruitful harvest because of Jesus. Amen.

Who is ripe for picking among your family and friends? Ask your brothers and sisters to begin praying for them. Think of a creative way to show them Jesus and pluck the fruit.

There Is No Friend Like Jesus

Several years ago I began to earnestly seek Jesus. He developed a sweet, intimate friendship with me as I spent intense time alone with Him each day reading and reflecting on His Word, the Bible. As I drew near to Him with a sincere heart in complete confidence of His promised faithfulness, He lavished on me His everlasting love. As He spoke to me—face to face, as a man speaks to His friend--I began to fall passionately in love with Him. He has become my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

Jesus is an all-inspiring, all-knowing, all-wise Counselor. In the classroom of my heart, He teaches me valuable lessons. Studying His amazing History book, I gain understanding of His will for my life. He offers me spiritual wisdom so that my life will honor and please Him as I do good things for others. All the while, I am learning to know Him better. Mercifully patient, He repeats a lesson until it finally penetrates my brain. His counsel is wonderful and His wisdom magnificent. There is no Friend more intelligent, honest, or patient.

My Mighty God holds me tightly in His grip of grace and never lets me go. He is an upright, unshakable and unmovable solid rock of infinite protection. I climb the pinnacle of His marvelous wonder and hide in the shelter of His presence. Calamities cannot consume me. Deadly plagues cannot devour me. Venomous vipers cannot make me their victim. He whispers in my ear, "I am here. Take courage, and do not be afraid." I peacefully rest in the safety of His presence. There is no Friend more powerful, steadfast, or reliable.

My loving Father chose, adopted, and redeemed me. His mercy and forgiveness run so deep. I am not worthy to be in His presence, yet He calls me His beloved child! In my rebellion, selfishness, and greed, I ran away from home and squandered my inheritance on worldly pleasures. Yet, when I came home hanging my head with shame, He accepted me with open arms just as I was–the dirt and smell telling of my escapades. He washed me and properly clothed me in a robe of righteousness for the party He threw in honor of my homecoming. Lavished with everlasting love, I am secure and serene with Him. Here at home in my heart, He lights a fire and tells me stories that teach me how to grow in spirit and strength. There is no Friend more loving, devoted, or merciful.

My Father delights in giving His children good and perfect gifts. As we walk hand-in-hand, He grants me indescribable peace, which guards my heart and mind. The world and all it’s "stuff" cannot compete with this priceless commodity. It is His present to me when I trust and obey. As I unwrap the incredible gift of His Word and gratefully accept it, the Holy Spirit hides it in the hollow of my heart. When waves of suffering buffet me and winds of affliction toss me about, His Son, the Prince of Peace rescues me. There is no Friend more faithful, trustworthy, or dependable.

Jesus is my best Friend. He does not judge me as the world judges. He accepts me just as I am—dirty and grimy, hurting and crippled, needy and poor in spirit. He is slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. I wait and listen for Him every day in the living room of my heart. At the sound of His voice, joy fills my mind. There is no Friend more precious, valuable, or dear. Because He is my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace, I enjoy a sweet, intimate friendship with Him every day of my life.

Col. 4: 5-6

5Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone. NLT

Col. 3: 12-17
12Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

16Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father. NLT

Holy God~
Thank you for showing me the way to eternal life. I now have the responsibility to show others the way. When You brought the message to me it was not only with words but also with power. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead gave me full assurance of my salvation. Assure of the facts, I will confidently let people know what I believe when I tell my story.

Everything I do and say is a witness for or against You. People every where are watching me, waiting for my response. Before I go out of the house each day, please dress me in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Clothe me with an even-temper and quickness to forgive. Never allow me to leave home without wearing LOVE or tucking peace in the pocket of my heart.

Walking hand-in-hand with my brothers and sisters, I will appreciate the family You have given me. I will praise, encourage, and respect them. Open my mind to Your holy Word spoken to me through older and wiser siblings. I will use their experiences to make sensible choices. Whatever I do or say, let it be as a representative of Your family. I want to please and honor You.

Help me to make the most of every opportunity. People will die today not knowing the way to eternal life. I have the answer. Give me faith to share it. Because You have shown me the true meaning of love, I will graciously, tenderly, and effectively show it to others. For the cause of Jesus … Amen.

Will anyone be in heaven because of you?

1 Peter 2: 17

Love your brothers and sisters in God’s family. NCV

Eph 1: 3-8 3How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ. 4Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure.

6So we praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on us because we belong to his dearly loved Son. 7He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven. 8He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. NLT (Emphasis mine)

Father God-
Thank you for loving, choosing, and adopting me into your family. I belong with You. Thank you for purchasing my freedom through the blood of your dearly loved Son. You are so rich in kindness! My sins are completely forgiven. Your mercy runs deeper than I can imagine. That you would accept a former pit dweller like me as your beloved child is beyond my comprehension.

In my rebellion, selfishness, and greed, I ran away from home and squandered my inheritance on worldly pleasures. Yet, when I came home hanging my head in shame, You accepted me with open arms just as I was – the dirt and stench telling of my escapades. You washed me and properly clothed me in a robe of righteousness for the party You threw in honor of my homecoming. You are a loving, devoted and merciful Father.

Here at home in my heart, please light the fire and tell me stories that teach me how to grow in spirit and earnestly love my brothers and sisters. Give us the wisdom and understanding necessary to trust, accept and serve one another. Help us develop healthy relationships, godly character, and important biblical values so that people will know we belong to Your royal family.

Father, when a lost sibling returns let us not be envious, bitter, or angry, but cheerfully join in the homecoming celebration! It is through your dear Son, the Prince of Peace I pray. Amen.

How devoted are you to your brothers and sisters in Christ?

1 John 3: 14, 16

16If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to eternal life. But a person who has no love is still dead ...16We know what real love is because Christ gave up His life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters. NLT

Luke 23:33-34 … 33 they crucified him … 34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." NIV

Father God,
I love You because You hear and answer my prayers. When I was staring death in the face, and hell was hard on my heels I did not know which way to turn. I cried out to You for help. In Your gracious compassion and mercy, You saved my life. You are faithful, kind, and good.

Thank you for the lesson I learn at the cross. As Your precious Son hung there in excruciating pain, exhausted, and asphyxiated, He begged You to forgive those who drove the nails into his hands. Let these Words penetrate the hollow of my heart and sink deep into my brain so that I will not sin against you.

I believe that Jesus died on the cross for me and that You raised Him from the dead. I believe that no matter what I have done in the past, I am completely forgiven. I believe you want me to apply this same principle to those people who have caused me agony. No pain I endure on earth can compare to the cost you paid for me on the cross. Thank you, Father, for giving me Your Son!

Please give me more of the Holy Spirit so that I will have the power to love others like Jesus. Because of the blessing you poured out on me, I will give back to you love for my Christian brothers and sisters. May Your love shape my life and make me a blessing today. In the blessed name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

I will choose to love _________________________ and with Your help express it. Fill in the blank and obey.

1 John 4: 19-20

19We love each other as a result of his loving us first. 20If someone says, "I love God," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we have not seen? NLT

Father,
Thank you for teaching me biblical love. Your love is so incredible and divine. Teach me to understand it so that I can adapt and apply it to my brothers and sisters. Give me the power to set aside my own needs in order to meet the needs of others. Forgive me for judging people according to their appearances. Help me to see the unattractive, unfriendly, and undesirable with heavenly eyes. We are all precious in Your sight. We are all sinners in need of a Savior. Not one of us is worthy to come into Your presence.

By Your grace, I will demonstrate my deep love for You by obeying Your Word. It is my heart’s desire to live a Christ-like life. Help me to grow in Your love, so that I can grow in love with others. Please give me more of Your Holy Spirit to love urgently, consistently, and expectantly because today could be my last chance. I love You, Lord and am committed to love like Jesus. For Your Namesake, Amen.

God is constantly placing people right in front of you so you can demonstrate love. Look for the opportunity today and act on it.

John 13: 34-35

Jesus said, 34So now I am giving You a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved You, You should love each other. 35Your love for one another will prove to the world that You are my disciples." NLT (emphasis mine)
1 John 3: 16-23 16We know what real love is because Christ gave up His life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters. 17But if anyone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need and refuses to help--how can God's love be in that person?
18Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions. 19It is by our actions that we know we are living in the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before the Lord... 22And we will receive whatever we request because we obey Him and do the things that please Him. 23And this is His commandment: We must believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. NLT (emphasis mine)

Father in Heaven-
You are a loving Father. O how I love Your law! It is more valuable to me than gold and silver. All Your commands are trustworthy. Studying Your amazing ancient History book teaches me that You are faithful and true.

Joseph’s jealous, cold-hearted brothers despised him. They hid him in a dark, dingy, disgusting cistern. They sold him to the Ishmaelites who took him to Egypt where he became a slave. Because he loved You with all his heart, he was able to show love to his masters. For his obedience, You blessed him with power, prestige and possessions. He then showed amazing love to the same belligerent brothers who betrayed him. Let his extraordinary love me an example to me.

I believe You put arrogant, callous brothers and sisters in my life to teach me Your laws. Help me to put love into action by actively, consistently, deeply loving difficult people. Loving them is not a choice. It is a command. Teach me dear Lord, to love selflessly, sacrificially and submissively. You show love by reaching out to the undeserving, unpleasant, and unkind. The only way I can love the unlovable is by believing Your Word.

Father, I believe that You loved me so extravagantly, that You gave Your Son, Jesus Christ to suffer and die for me. I am unworthy of Your love, yet You lavish me with it. I believe Your command to love others as You have loved me. Teach me to set aside my personal agenda and interests in order to express the exceptional love of Christ to my brothers and sisters.

May I live a life of such vibrant faith that it will be contagious and prove to the world that I am Your child. Lord, You are mine! I promise to obey You because I love and revere You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

How can you show the selfless love of Christ to an unlovable person today?

1 John 4: 9-11

1 John 4: 9-11
9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Lord of Love~
Thank you for Your amazing love. I cannot fathom it’s depth, comprehend it’s width or imagine it’s height. Gratefully, I accept it. You sent Your One and Only Son into the world as the perfect sacrificial lamb to atone for my sins. Please give me a beautiful heart that reflects love, kindness, and goodness. Open my spiritual eyes to see someone who is downcast, downhearted, or downtrodden. I will obediently and selflessly love that person through Jesus today. All glory is Yours because of Your extravagant Love. Amen.

Who can you love extravagantly today?

Prayer Pals for the next six weeks will be based on Rick Warren's, Better Together, What on earth are we here for? 40-Days of Community. May the prayers from my heart help you to grow in love with your brothers and sisters in Christ wherever you are in the world. Let your light shine brightly so that others may see Jesus shining through you and believe.

Psalm 145

Reflections from Psalm 145

Holy God~
I have been on the mountaintop and seen your glory, splendor, and majesty. I exalt you my God the King. Great are you Lord and most worthy of praise! Your greatness I cannot comprehend. It’s beyond my imagination. I will tell of your mighty acts …

• You found me in my pathetic condition and called me to come forward. I was crippled and bent over from humiliation, shame, and rejection. I could not stand up straight for many years. My back ached horribly. I was dirty and smelly because I could not clean myself properly. I was helpless! In your gracious, compassionate, rich love you found me, focused on me, and fixed me. You immediately cured me and restored me. You washed me with Living Water and purified me. I am a living miracle and I will extol you Mighty God!

I will speak of your marvelous wonders. I will meditate on your wonderful works. They are awesome. You have done great things. I am celebrating your abundant goodness! I am delighting in your righteousness.

I will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your mighty acts so that others will know there is a cure for their infirmity. I will bring others to your everlasting kingdom for a touch of your greatness.

You are faithful to all your promises and loving toward all you have made. You uphold me when I fall down. You lift me up when I am bent over from sin. Your timing is impeccable when you supply my needs. You satisfy the desires of my heart. You are righteous in all your ways. You are near to those who believe you and call on your name. You hear my cry and save me. You watch over me because of my deep love for you. I will praise your name forever and ever because of Jesus. Amen.

What mighty act or wonderful work has God done in your life? Read through Psalm 145 and praise Him for it.

Matthew 17: 1-9

1After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

4Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters–one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

5While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

6When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don't be afraid.” 8When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don't tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” NIV

Jesus, Son of God~
I love and adore you. You are more than a great leader and awesome teacher. You are the Son of God. All power and authority is yours. My only adequate response is to bow down and worship you in the beauty of your holiness.

I am like Peter. You invited him to be with you on the mountain, but he wasn't content unless he was busy doing something ... building you a shelter. So it is with me. You tell me to just be still and know that you are God. You invite me to come just as I am to worship you. But, like Peter I am not comfortable with silence and my natural response is to do something. Teach me dear Lord to come into your presence quietly. By your grace I will be quiet and listen. I revere you and respect you, Son of God.

Thank you for taking me with you to the top of the highest mountain. There, I have experienced awesome moments of wonder and have seen your glory and power. Away from the reality and problems of life, I do not want to leave. It is good to be there. Struggles await me in the valley. I do not like conflict. On the mountain with you, the enemy cannot come near me. You command me to "go and not be afraid." Out of fear and respect, I will bravely go to the valley to minister to others. I will go with your power and strength. Thank you that your Word is available to me. Help me dear Lord, grasp the truth so that I can be a powerful witness in the valley. God, please show me people who need Jesus. I will testify to the glory of the Son of God because of my mountain top experiences. Amen.

Have you seen God's glory on the mountain top? If so, take it into the valley and share it with someone today.

John 13: 4-5, 12-17

4He got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13"You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." NIV


Jesus,
You are the model servant. You are the perfect Son of God, Teacher and Lord. You reign in power with full authority over heaven and earth. Yet you left your heavenly kingdom and became human to identify with me. You voluntarily laid aside your own rights and privileges out of love for your Father. Thank you for stooping down to wash filthy, dirty, feet in order to teach me how to humbly serve you. If you can take on the menial task of washing stinky, muddy feet then who am I to stand around, watch, and wait for someone else to do the dirty work? Humble my heart today. Fill me with a willing spirit and give me power to get up and go do whatever needs done for your glory. Make me a servant, humble and meek. Lord, let me lift up those who are weak, and, may the prayer of my heart always be "make me a servant today."

Give me power to …

• Concentrate on the work you’ve called me to do and not what others are doing
• Based my identity in Christ and not seek the approval of man
• Think like a servant and not a master
• See my ministry as an opportunity and not an obligation
  

Father, I want to be more like Jesus. Open the eyes of my heart and show me who I can serve today. I will obey because I love you and anticipate the reward you will some day give me because of Jesus. Amen

Who can you stoop down and serve today?

Matthew 14: 22-33

22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.

27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."

29"Come," he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." NIV

Jesus,
Truly you are the Son of God. I bow down and worship you in the beauty of your holiness. You have revealed your glory to me during the storms of life. Waves of pain, fear, and suffering have buffeted me. The wind of sin and affliction has violently tossed me around and threatened to throw me into the wicked sea of unrighteousness. I was terrified. When suddenly you appeared and told me to, "Come." You gave me courage to lay aside my fear and step out of the boat. Thank you Jesus. By faith, I was able to exercise the power to walk on water with my eyes steadfastly fixed on you.

Then I realized the wind was still blowing and the storm hadn’t dissipated. What was I doing walking on water? I looked away in sudden fear and began to drown in the pitiful sea. Forgive me Jesus for taking my eyes off you. I’ve doubted the power even though I’ve experienced it before. You graciously reached out your hand and rescued me despite my wavering faith. Thank you Jesus.

Lord, you know my difficult situations. You know the challenging circumstances I face and the sin to which I am most prone. You know my aching heart. You know my every need. Come to me Jesus! Rescue me! Increase my faith through the storms of life. When the wind is blowing and the waves are pounding in my heart give me more of your power to focus on Jesus, the One and Only, author and perfector of my faith. It’s through your powerful name I pray. Amen.

Is a storm surrounding you? Do you feel the wind blowing and the waves slapping? Do you feel like you’re going to be swallowed by the sea? Cry out to Jesus and listen as he says, "Take courage. Do not be afraid. Come." Will you risk stepping out of the boat or remain in the boat gripped with fear? I encourage you to fix your eyes on Jesus and step out of the boat. With your eyes fixed on him, he will give you the power to walk on water too.

Hebrews 12: 1-4

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. NIV

Father in Heaven-
Thank you for your amazing History book. I love reading it and learning about the wonderfully intriguing heroes of faith. They are a great cloud of witnesses that surround me: Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Rahab … I do not have time to list them all. They were tortured, faced jeers and flogging, were chained and put in prison. They were stoned and sawed in two, and put to death by the sword. They were persecuted and mistreated. And, they were applauded for their faith even though none of them had received what they were promised in their lifetime on earth. Thank you for preserving ancient History so that I can look back and see that you are true to your promises. You are believable and trustworthy.

Father; help me to identify the sin to which I am most prone so that it will not hinder my relationship with you. I want to run the race for Christ with patience and endurance. Please give me a strong and healthy heart full of the Holy Spirit to overcome the things that zap my motivation and cause defeat. By your grace when I am tired and weary from running, I will focus on Jesus and his suffering. I will steadfastly look at Him for strength and energy. What are my little trials compared to the agony he endured? Help me to see my afflictions as Divine discipline by you, my gracious and loving Father, for my spiritual growth.

Many have already made it through life enduring hardships and circumstances that are far more difficult than mine. Let me view these experiences as a training ground for maturity to develop my patience, perfect my faith, and make the final victory sweet. Lord, with the Holy Spirit in my heart, I will fix my eyes on Jesus today and run the race for the joy of my salvation for your namesake. Amen.

What difficulties are you facing today? Is Jesus your focus or the circumstance your focus? Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith.

Matt 5: 44-45

Jesus said, "I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous." NIV

Father in Heaven-
Thank you for the sun and springtime showers. They cause things that were dead to come alive reminding me of your death and resurrection. They also remind me of my death to self and new life in Christ. Please dear Lord rain down on me today:

• More love that sacrifices self to love those who offend me
  
• More power to overcome evil and temptation
  
• More joy in my salvation
  
• More peace to guard my heart, as I trust in you
  
• More mercy to not judge or criticize my adversaries
  
• More compassion to love the unlovable
  
• More opportunities to do good deeds in the name of Jesus even to those who hate me
  
• More faith to BELIEVE you
  
• More humility to admit when I’m wrong
  
• More self-control to tame my tongue

Then dear Lord make your Son shine on the fertile soil of my heart and I will grow to be more like Jesus. Amen

Allow the Lord to rain down on you today. What do you need more Son shine to grow? Bask in the warmth of His love and you too will grow up to be more like Jesus.