1 John 4: 9-11
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Lord of Love~
Your amazing love is steady and unchanging! I can’t fathom its depth, comprehend its width or imagine its height. While I was unfriendly, unkind and unappreciative You sent Your One and Only Son, the Living Christ, into the world to offer His body and blood as a sacred sacrifice for me. Mercifully, You touched and softened my calloused heart. You lovingly restored our broken relationship making me right with You. Thank You Jesus! I adore You!
I’m eternally grateful for the beautiful, new heart You graciously gave me. It reflects Your sweet love, tender kindness, and generous goodness. It’s an honor and a blessing to live differently through You. Please open my spiritual eyes to see someone who is destitute, depressed, or demoralized. I will obediently and selflessly love that person through Jesus today. All glory is Yours because of Your extravagant Love. Amen.
Look around and find someone who is destitute, depressed, or demoralized to love extravagantly today. It’s not optional if you are the recipient of God’s love.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Peace in the House of god
Psalm 122:1, 6-9
I rejoiced with those who said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the LORD."
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels."
For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, "Peace be within you."
For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.
Great God of Glory!
I can hardly wait to go to Your holy house this Sunday! It’s a joy and delight to worship You with other believers. Having practiced loving others actively and deeply this week, I can confidently come into Your presence with peace of mind and a pure heart expecting to see Your beautiful face. Please anoint my lips with grace to speak kind, encouraging words to others in the church family. With a sweet song in my heart I’ll lift heavy spirits and soothe sad souls. I’ll praise and adore You for the great things You’ve done through me in the name of Jesus, Your Son. All glory to God in the highest!
God of Peace, as we gather together in the splendor and majesty of Your holy presence, please fill the temple of our hearts with perfect peace. Satan wants nothing more than to wreck and ruin our fellowship with You and each other. Please place a throng of angels around our sanctuary to protect our precious family time. Hang a life size portrait of Jesus, Your Son, on the wall of each mind to remind us of the prosperity of Your presence.
As we come together to bless and adore You, give us endurance and encouragement, along with a gentle spirit of unity. Fill us with joy, peace and the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit as we trust You. Then with one heart and voice, we’ll enter into Your presence with our lives singing harmoniously. Overflowing with love, we’ll glorify You, our heavenly Father and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Do you delight in going to the house of the Lord? Do you enjoy the sweet fellowship God intends for your church family?
If you find going to God’s house a chore, then perhaps there is unconfessed sin in your life or your love for God has turned cold. Pray and ask God to search your heart and shine the light of His love on any dark places in your life. Ask Him to rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
If you’re close to God and enjoy His presence, you won’t want to miss the chance to praise and worship Him.
I rejoiced with those who said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the LORD."
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels."
For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, "Peace be within you."
For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.
Great God of Glory!
I can hardly wait to go to Your holy house this Sunday! It’s a joy and delight to worship You with other believers. Having practiced loving others actively and deeply this week, I can confidently come into Your presence with peace of mind and a pure heart expecting to see Your beautiful face. Please anoint my lips with grace to speak kind, encouraging words to others in the church family. With a sweet song in my heart I’ll lift heavy spirits and soothe sad souls. I’ll praise and adore You for the great things You’ve done through me in the name of Jesus, Your Son. All glory to God in the highest!
God of Peace, as we gather together in the splendor and majesty of Your holy presence, please fill the temple of our hearts with perfect peace. Satan wants nothing more than to wreck and ruin our fellowship with You and each other. Please place a throng of angels around our sanctuary to protect our precious family time. Hang a life size portrait of Jesus, Your Son, on the wall of each mind to remind us of the prosperity of Your presence.
As we come together to bless and adore You, give us endurance and encouragement, along with a gentle spirit of unity. Fill us with joy, peace and the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit as we trust You. Then with one heart and voice, we’ll enter into Your presence with our lives singing harmoniously. Overflowing with love, we’ll glorify You, our heavenly Father and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Do you delight in going to the house of the Lord? Do you enjoy the sweet fellowship God intends for your church family?
If you find going to God’s house a chore, then perhaps there is unconfessed sin in your life or your love for God has turned cold. Pray and ask God to search your heart and shine the light of His love on any dark places in your life. Ask Him to rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
If you’re close to God and enjoy His presence, you won’t want to miss the chance to praise and worship Him.
God's Special Treasure
Malachi 3:16-18
Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and loved to think about him. "They will be my people," says the LORD Almighty. "On the day when I act, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.
My Dear Father in Heaven,
Your Words are dear to my heart. O how I’m blessed when I stop, sit and listen to You. It tickles me to hear You say that I’m Your special treasure. My worth doesn’t come from accomplishments or accumulated wealth; it comes from being Your dearly loved child. I’m a glittering jewel in Your treasury because Jesus paid for me with His life. I’m valuable because of Your love and mercy, not because of my personal successes or failures.
Lord, You know I’m living in a time of rampant ungodliness just like the prophet Malachi when he penned these words. All around me arrogant people are proud of their achievements, flaunting their possessions, and seemingly enjoying a rich luxurious lifestyle. Those of us who are dedicated to You are growing weary waiting and wondering if walking with You is worth it.
Thank You for telling us how to persevere through troubling times of temptation. We need to hang out with other believers, openly talk about our struggles, and encourage one another. Rather than fussing and fretting about what we don’t have, we need to give thanks and praise You for what we do have – a rich inheritance and a guaranteed place in Your palace in Paradise where we’ll live happily ever after with You and each other.
It’s frightening to think that you listen to every conversation we hold and notice the way we treat each other. Admittedly, I don’t always sparkle with compassion! Because You write down and remember every kind word spoken, every pleasant phone call made, every cheerful letter written, every effort to gently console the downcast, we ought to generously and intentionally spread more love, mercy, and peace. Then, we will twinkle like treasured diamonds in the darkness.
Please dear Lord, show me someone who’s at their end of their rope and ready to give up on You. I’ll joyfully refresh their spirit with an extra dose of encouragement for the honor of Your worthy name. Amen.
Are you complaining that you don’t have a calling or ministry? Stop fretting and find someone who’s hurting. Refresh them with a kind word, a phone call, a letter or email. There are many discouraged and disheartened people in your church family who are longing to have their spirits lifted. Brighten someone’s life today with a kind word. God is listening and you will be blessed!
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve but your grief will turn to joy.”
Do you believe the truth?
Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and loved to think about him. "They will be my people," says the LORD Almighty. "On the day when I act, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.
My Dear Father in Heaven,
Your Words are dear to my heart. O how I’m blessed when I stop, sit and listen to You. It tickles me to hear You say that I’m Your special treasure. My worth doesn’t come from accomplishments or accumulated wealth; it comes from being Your dearly loved child. I’m a glittering jewel in Your treasury because Jesus paid for me with His life. I’m valuable because of Your love and mercy, not because of my personal successes or failures.
Lord, You know I’m living in a time of rampant ungodliness just like the prophet Malachi when he penned these words. All around me arrogant people are proud of their achievements, flaunting their possessions, and seemingly enjoying a rich luxurious lifestyle. Those of us who are dedicated to You are growing weary waiting and wondering if walking with You is worth it.
Thank You for telling us how to persevere through troubling times of temptation. We need to hang out with other believers, openly talk about our struggles, and encourage one another. Rather than fussing and fretting about what we don’t have, we need to give thanks and praise You for what we do have – a rich inheritance and a guaranteed place in Your palace in Paradise where we’ll live happily ever after with You and each other.
It’s frightening to think that you listen to every conversation we hold and notice the way we treat each other. Admittedly, I don’t always sparkle with compassion! Because You write down and remember every kind word spoken, every pleasant phone call made, every cheerful letter written, every effort to gently console the downcast, we ought to generously and intentionally spread more love, mercy, and peace. Then, we will twinkle like treasured diamonds in the darkness.
Please dear Lord, show me someone who’s at their end of their rope and ready to give up on You. I’ll joyfully refresh their spirit with an extra dose of encouragement for the honor of Your worthy name. Amen.
Are you complaining that you don’t have a calling or ministry? Stop fretting and find someone who’s hurting. Refresh them with a kind word, a phone call, a letter or email. There are many discouraged and disheartened people in your church family who are longing to have their spirits lifted. Brighten someone’s life today with a kind word. God is listening and you will be blessed!
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve but your grief will turn to joy.”
Do you believe the truth?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Family Gatherings
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You Lord, for my church family! I’m ecstatic for the opportunity we have to freely and regularly meet together to worship You. Forgive me for taking this great benefit for granted. Christians in many countries do not have this precious liberty. Because You have blessed me with this privilege I’ll willingly go out of my way to be kind to others.
I eagerly anticipate our regular family gatherings. Getting together to share our unique life stories honestly and openly is a wonderful way to worship You. It gives us the chance to persuade each other to persevere through problems. Noticing someone has strayed from the right path, we can gently lead them back. When someone falls we can tenderly pick them up and wash their wounds. Not only do we encourage those who are hurting, but we also celebrate with those who are happy. When Your children gather together the fellowship should be delightful, like the aroma of precious perfume.
Please dear Lord, teach me to be an imitator of Your love. Fill me to overflowing with Your merciful patience, kindness and goodness so that You splash out of my onto others. The day is quickly approaching when You will return. I want nothing more than for You to find us living harmoniously, blessing and praising Your glorious name despite our differences! Amen.
What is one way you can urge other believers on toward loving God and each other?
What is one way you can encourage other believers on toward good deeds?
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You Lord, for my church family! I’m ecstatic for the opportunity we have to freely and regularly meet together to worship You. Forgive me for taking this great benefit for granted. Christians in many countries do not have this precious liberty. Because You have blessed me with this privilege I’ll willingly go out of my way to be kind to others.
I eagerly anticipate our regular family gatherings. Getting together to share our unique life stories honestly and openly is a wonderful way to worship You. It gives us the chance to persuade each other to persevere through problems. Noticing someone has strayed from the right path, we can gently lead them back. When someone falls we can tenderly pick them up and wash their wounds. Not only do we encourage those who are hurting, but we also celebrate with those who are happy. When Your children gather together the fellowship should be delightful, like the aroma of precious perfume.
Please dear Lord, teach me to be an imitator of Your love. Fill me to overflowing with Your merciful patience, kindness and goodness so that You splash out of my onto others. The day is quickly approaching when You will return. I want nothing more than for You to find us living harmoniously, blessing and praising Your glorious name despite our differences! Amen.
What is one way you can urge other believers on toward loving God and each other?
What is one way you can encourage other believers on toward good deeds?
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Living Harmoniously
Psalm 133
How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
Loving Lord and Prince of Peace,
Your Words ooze with wonder! They persuade me to live my life for You! There’s nothing more pleasant or beautiful than living in harmony with my Christian brothers and sisters.
Brotherly love is like precious perfume to the sick and sad soul. It’s expensive! I pay for it every time I give up my selfish desires and mist others with mercy. The high price is well worth it because the delightful fragrance cheers my spirit as I pour out loving thoughts on others. The rich, heavenly scent flows from their head to their heart, uplifting their spirits.
O Lord, I long for the prosperous blessings You generously give to those who live together harmoniously. Please show me someone who is sick or sad today and I will lavish them with the precious perfume of Your love. Misting them with mercy will bless Your sweet and holy name. Amen.
It is wonderful, but not always easy, to live harmoniously in the family of God. Find someone to lavish His love on today. Mist someone with mercy. Be a blessing, and you’ll receive a blessing.
Today I will bless __________________________________ with God’s love and mercy.
I dedicate this Prayer Pal to my small group. I cherish these dear brothers and sisters with all my heart and I’m extremely thankful for the love, patience and kindness they show not only me, but also each other! They are living proof of good and pleasant living in the family of God.
How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
Loving Lord and Prince of Peace,
Your Words ooze with wonder! They persuade me to live my life for You! There’s nothing more pleasant or beautiful than living in harmony with my Christian brothers and sisters.
Brotherly love is like precious perfume to the sick and sad soul. It’s expensive! I pay for it every time I give up my selfish desires and mist others with mercy. The high price is well worth it because the delightful fragrance cheers my spirit as I pour out loving thoughts on others. The rich, heavenly scent flows from their head to their heart, uplifting their spirits.
O Lord, I long for the prosperous blessings You generously give to those who live together harmoniously. Please show me someone who is sick or sad today and I will lavish them with the precious perfume of Your love. Misting them with mercy will bless Your sweet and holy name. Amen.
It is wonderful, but not always easy, to live harmoniously in the family of God. Find someone to lavish His love on today. Mist someone with mercy. Be a blessing, and you’ll receive a blessing.
Today I will bless __________________________________ with God’s love and mercy.
I dedicate this Prayer Pal to my small group. I cherish these dear brothers and sisters with all my heart and I’m extremely thankful for the love, patience and kindness they show not only me, but also each other! They are living proof of good and pleasant living in the family of God.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The King's Friends
Proverbs 22:11
He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the King for his friend.
Jesus,
You are my King and Beloved Friend! A pure heart is what I seek! As I read Your Word, speak to me softly showing me how to stay wholesome. Teach me Your rules for clean-heart living. I’ll recite them and rejoice in them more than riches. Reflecting on every morsel of wisdom from You, I’ll relish everything You tell me about life in order to resist doing wrong. I’ll give You my fullest respect by being submissive. Please write Your Words on my heart, O Lord, so that I can live decently as Your cherished friend.
Anoint my lips with grace so that the words that flow from them will bring dignity and honor to You. I want to speak softly and tenderly proclaiming truth, humility and righteousness. Tame my tongue to talk pleasantly and peacefully. I only want to express things that are good and helpful to build others up and bless them. With love and forgiveness on my lips, I will praise You, my King.
O King of my heart, I know that You love what is good and hate what is wrong. Create in me a clean heart. Give me a gracious tongue. Your throne endures forever and I want to be known as Your forever friend because of Jesus. Amen.
Do you have a pure heart and gracious speech? Jesus says, “For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” What are you putting into your heart?
This verse made me think of a little childhood tune …
O be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little ears what you hear
For the Father up above is looking down in love
So be careful little ears what you hear.
O be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
So be careful little eyes what you see.
O be careful little tongue what you say
O be careful little tongue what you say
For the Father up above is looking down in love
So be careful little tongue what you say.
O be careful, dear reader, what you hear, see and say! Fill your ears and eyes with things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy then what comes out of your mouth will please the King.
To learn how to have a pure heart, I suggest reading Psalm 119:9-15.
To learn how to have gracious speech, I suggest reading Ephesians 4:17-32.
He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the King for his friend.
Jesus,
You are my King and Beloved Friend! A pure heart is what I seek! As I read Your Word, speak to me softly showing me how to stay wholesome. Teach me Your rules for clean-heart living. I’ll recite them and rejoice in them more than riches. Reflecting on every morsel of wisdom from You, I’ll relish everything You tell me about life in order to resist doing wrong. I’ll give You my fullest respect by being submissive. Please write Your Words on my heart, O Lord, so that I can live decently as Your cherished friend.
Anoint my lips with grace so that the words that flow from them will bring dignity and honor to You. I want to speak softly and tenderly proclaiming truth, humility and righteousness. Tame my tongue to talk pleasantly and peacefully. I only want to express things that are good and helpful to build others up and bless them. With love and forgiveness on my lips, I will praise You, my King.
O King of my heart, I know that You love what is good and hate what is wrong. Create in me a clean heart. Give me a gracious tongue. Your throne endures forever and I want to be known as Your forever friend because of Jesus. Amen.
Do you have a pure heart and gracious speech? Jesus says, “For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” What are you putting into your heart?
This verse made me think of a little childhood tune …
O be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little ears what you hear
For the Father up above is looking down in love
So be careful little ears what you hear.
O be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
So be careful little eyes what you see.
O be careful little tongue what you say
O be careful little tongue what you say
For the Father up above is looking down in love
So be careful little tongue what you say.
O be careful, dear reader, what you hear, see and say! Fill your ears and eyes with things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy then what comes out of your mouth will please the King.
To learn how to have a pure heart, I suggest reading Psalm 119:9-15.
To learn how to have gracious speech, I suggest reading Ephesians 4:17-32.
Monday, June 23, 2008
I am a Friend of God
Psalm 25:14
Friendship with the LORD is reserved for those who fear him.
With them he shares the secrets of his covenant. NLT
Living and Loving God,
In awe of Your greatness, I marvel at the affection You show me. Thank You for giving me the key to Your friendship.
While You are altogether perfect and pure, I’m completely crushed and cruddy. Humbly, I come to You with my broken and contrite heart. You carefully pick up and save the pieces of my life shattered by sin. Meticulously, You fix me with the bond of Your redeeming blood. Gently, You immerse me in the sparkling Living Water of Your Word, scrubbing away the scum until I glitter and glisten with Your glory. Fixed and flushed, You fill me with Your powerful purifying presence, making me fit to be Your dearly beloved friend.
I can’t wait to hear Your Voice. You’re my Prayer Pal! When I call out to You in prayer, You always answer. Trusting You, I open my Bible and You clearly speak to me. You show me Your thoughts and plans. You give me wisdom and knowledge to understand Your unfamiliar and mysterious ways. Respectfully, I listen to Your wise counsel and commands. Looking up to You, I believe every Word You say. I want to please and obey You. Impressed with who You are, I don’t want to desecrate Your name or berate Your reputation. You are Holy God and I am merely a sinner in need of grace!
Because I honor and respect You, You invite me to come be with You, just as I am. Beside the warm fire in my heart, You share with me Your secrets and promises. I’m consumed by Your persistent love for me. You never lose Your patience! You’re always kind and forever faithful! Gently, You take my hand and guide me to Your hidden treasure. O the irresistible joy that fills my heart when I see all the riches You have for me! I just want to stay near You! I never want to break away from this sweet fellowship! I am tickled that You have chosen to confide in me! I am Your beloved friend because of Jesus! Hallelujah! Amen!
Wow – what a promise! God guarantees us His friendship when we love and respect Him! Friendship with a Holy God is almost unimaginable! It’s the most valuable gift we’ll ever receive when we choose to believe Him!
If you haven’t accepted God’s priceless gift of friendship, I encourage you to go to Him in prayer. Give Him your sin shattered life and tell Him you want to be His lifelong companion. Then, spend time cultivating the relationship by reading Your Bible, praying, and fellowshipping with His other friends. Obey Him and He will fill you with overwhelming joy!
Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:14
Friendship with the LORD is reserved for those who fear him.
With them he shares the secrets of his covenant. NLT
Living and Loving God,
In awe of Your greatness, I marvel at the affection You show me. Thank You for giving me the key to Your friendship.
While You are altogether perfect and pure, I’m completely crushed and cruddy. Humbly, I come to You with my broken and contrite heart. You carefully pick up and save the pieces of my life shattered by sin. Meticulously, You fix me with the bond of Your redeeming blood. Gently, You immerse me in the sparkling Living Water of Your Word, scrubbing away the scum until I glitter and glisten with Your glory. Fixed and flushed, You fill me with Your powerful purifying presence, making me fit to be Your dearly beloved friend.
I can’t wait to hear Your Voice. You’re my Prayer Pal! When I call out to You in prayer, You always answer. Trusting You, I open my Bible and You clearly speak to me. You show me Your thoughts and plans. You give me wisdom and knowledge to understand Your unfamiliar and mysterious ways. Respectfully, I listen to Your wise counsel and commands. Looking up to You, I believe every Word You say. I want to please and obey You. Impressed with who You are, I don’t want to desecrate Your name or berate Your reputation. You are Holy God and I am merely a sinner in need of grace!
Because I honor and respect You, You invite me to come be with You, just as I am. Beside the warm fire in my heart, You share with me Your secrets and promises. I’m consumed by Your persistent love for me. You never lose Your patience! You’re always kind and forever faithful! Gently, You take my hand and guide me to Your hidden treasure. O the irresistible joy that fills my heart when I see all the riches You have for me! I just want to stay near You! I never want to break away from this sweet fellowship! I am tickled that You have chosen to confide in me! I am Your beloved friend because of Jesus! Hallelujah! Amen!
Wow – what a promise! God guarantees us His friendship when we love and respect Him! Friendship with a Holy God is almost unimaginable! It’s the most valuable gift we’ll ever receive when we choose to believe Him!
If you haven’t accepted God’s priceless gift of friendship, I encourage you to go to Him in prayer. Give Him your sin shattered life and tell Him you want to be His lifelong companion. Then, spend time cultivating the relationship by reading Your Bible, praying, and fellowshipping with His other friends. Obey Him and He will fill you with overwhelming joy!
Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:14
Friday, June 20, 2008
Wheat or Weeds
Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43
Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
"The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'
"'An enemy did this,' he replied. "The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'
"'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' "
Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field."
He answered, "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
"As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
Jesus,
I love the stories You tell! You create a vibrant vision of Your glory. The pictures You paint with Words are crisp and clear. Perusing and pondering them, I will discover the Only Way to eternal life and happily-ever-after living.
Two kinds of people appear to be members of Your Kingdom. Those who BELIEVE You and those who believe IN You. Thank You for showing me the difference.
The good seed are those individuals who know You as their friend. You’ve sown the seed of Your Word in the soft soil of their soul. They believe what You say and grow as children of the kingdom. They’re fertilized with the Holy Spirit and watered with the Truth. The Son shines on them. They grow and multiply, spreading the good seed of Your Word in the world where it produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness. They are the rich golden grain of wheat that glistens and glows with Your glory.
The bad seed are the people who are familiar with You. The seed of Your Word falls on them but never takes root. They don’t know You personally; therefore, they can’t understand You. Sadly, they are children of the Devil. They are fed watered down truth and sugar coated lies by false teachers. They grow and multiply, spreading the shallow seed of deceptive philosophy that depends on human traditions and worldly principles. Outwardly, they look exactly like the wheat planted by You. However, upon careful examination after the harvest, You notice that their grain doesn’t glisten or glow with Your glory. Instead, it is black as night and of no value to Your Kingdom. You separate and throw these weeds into the fiery furnace where they will burn with eternal weeping and everlasting misery.
Lord, since the wheat and the weeds are growing together in the same field and impossible to differentiate with the naked eye, please help me to be non-judgmental. Only You can verify the weeds, and only You have the right to pull them. Forgive me for all the times, I’ve tried to uproot unbelievers and ripped out Your tender plants instead! Lord, I want to love You and everyone You’ve planted in the field surrounding me. Then, You will recognize me during the harvest by my glistening glow of Your glory. Amen.
At the harvest on Judgment Day will God recognize you as a glistening golden wheat or a wild weed? How can you be sure?
God has impressed on me recently that there are two types of church members - those who are friends with Jesus and know Him personally, and those who are merely acquainted with Him. There’s a huge difference:
His beloved friends will admit their sin, believe that He died and rose to save them from destruction, and commit to following Him. They’ll trust and obey Him. Believing that He is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do, they’ll live their lives to please Him. At the harvest, He will recognize them by their golden glow. If you are God’s good seed, you will love Him and others unconditionally. You will set aside your selfish interests for the benefit of others. What will you do today to show Him how much you love Him?
Acquaintances are only familiar with Him. They believe in Him, but don’t take Him at His Word. Denying the reality of sin, they twist the truth to make themselves and others feel good. Because they do not trust and obey Him, at the harvest, He will recognize them by the black grain they produce. If you’re growing as a weed in the field, it is of utmost importance that you befriend Jesus quickly or you will be thrown into the fiery furnace, guaranteed! God says so! Surrender yourself to Him today by:
Admitting with your mouth that you’re a sinner in need of His grace
Believing in your heart that He died and rose again to save you from destruction
Committing to follow Him from this day forward
Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
"The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'
"'An enemy did this,' he replied. "The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'
"'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' "
Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field."
He answered, "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
"As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
Jesus,
I love the stories You tell! You create a vibrant vision of Your glory. The pictures You paint with Words are crisp and clear. Perusing and pondering them, I will discover the Only Way to eternal life and happily-ever-after living.
Two kinds of people appear to be members of Your Kingdom. Those who BELIEVE You and those who believe IN You. Thank You for showing me the difference.
The good seed are those individuals who know You as their friend. You’ve sown the seed of Your Word in the soft soil of their soul. They believe what You say and grow as children of the kingdom. They’re fertilized with the Holy Spirit and watered with the Truth. The Son shines on them. They grow and multiply, spreading the good seed of Your Word in the world where it produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness. They are the rich golden grain of wheat that glistens and glows with Your glory.
The bad seed are the people who are familiar with You. The seed of Your Word falls on them but never takes root. They don’t know You personally; therefore, they can’t understand You. Sadly, they are children of the Devil. They are fed watered down truth and sugar coated lies by false teachers. They grow and multiply, spreading the shallow seed of deceptive philosophy that depends on human traditions and worldly principles. Outwardly, they look exactly like the wheat planted by You. However, upon careful examination after the harvest, You notice that their grain doesn’t glisten or glow with Your glory. Instead, it is black as night and of no value to Your Kingdom. You separate and throw these weeds into the fiery furnace where they will burn with eternal weeping and everlasting misery.
Lord, since the wheat and the weeds are growing together in the same field and impossible to differentiate with the naked eye, please help me to be non-judgmental. Only You can verify the weeds, and only You have the right to pull them. Forgive me for all the times, I’ve tried to uproot unbelievers and ripped out Your tender plants instead! Lord, I want to love You and everyone You’ve planted in the field surrounding me. Then, You will recognize me during the harvest by my glistening glow of Your glory. Amen.
At the harvest on Judgment Day will God recognize you as a glistening golden wheat or a wild weed? How can you be sure?
God has impressed on me recently that there are two types of church members - those who are friends with Jesus and know Him personally, and those who are merely acquainted with Him. There’s a huge difference:
His beloved friends will admit their sin, believe that He died and rose to save them from destruction, and commit to following Him. They’ll trust and obey Him. Believing that He is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do, they’ll live their lives to please Him. At the harvest, He will recognize them by their golden glow. If you are God’s good seed, you will love Him and others unconditionally. You will set aside your selfish interests for the benefit of others. What will you do today to show Him how much you love Him?
Acquaintances are only familiar with Him. They believe in Him, but don’t take Him at His Word. Denying the reality of sin, they twist the truth to make themselves and others feel good. Because they do not trust and obey Him, at the harvest, He will recognize them by the black grain they produce. If you’re growing as a weed in the field, it is of utmost importance that you befriend Jesus quickly or you will be thrown into the fiery furnace, guaranteed! God says so! Surrender yourself to Him today by:
Admitting with your mouth that you’re a sinner in need of His grace
Believing in your heart that He died and rose again to save you from destruction
Committing to follow Him from this day forward
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Grafted In
Romans 11:17-18
If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for another wonderful word picture to teach me who You are, and who I am. You are the Divine Gardner. Jesus is the solid trunk with deep roots, wounded for me. I am nothing but a dead branch that’s been gently and graciously grafted to Him. Completely connected to You, the sap of Your Spirit nourishes every part of my being – heart, mind, and soul. Drinking from the deep spring of Living Water, I’ll grow in Your everlasting light and never die. Saturated with the fertilizer of Your Word, I will produce luscious fruit for You.
Though I stand tall, radiant and confident, I have no grounds for bragging. Apart from You I’m nothing but deadwood. I’m totally dependent on Your strong root system to give me abundant life. I know that You will ruthlessly cut off every unproductive limb and preserve it for future grafting.
O Holy Gardener, prune me and clip me, even though it hurts. Shape me into the fruitful branch You want me to be. Cultivate me to produce baskets full of sweet succulent fruit to adorn Your glorious temple. In Your hands, carefully and skillfully tend to my branch making me the shoot that displays changed lives for the glory and splendor of Your name. Amen.
The only reason you’re on the Divine Tree is because your graft “took:” when you believed, and because you’re connected to the belief-nurturing root. So, don’t be cocky or arrogant. How can you be humbly mindful of the root that gives you life?
If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for another wonderful word picture to teach me who You are, and who I am. You are the Divine Gardner. Jesus is the solid trunk with deep roots, wounded for me. I am nothing but a dead branch that’s been gently and graciously grafted to Him. Completely connected to You, the sap of Your Spirit nourishes every part of my being – heart, mind, and soul. Drinking from the deep spring of Living Water, I’ll grow in Your everlasting light and never die. Saturated with the fertilizer of Your Word, I will produce luscious fruit for You.
Though I stand tall, radiant and confident, I have no grounds for bragging. Apart from You I’m nothing but deadwood. I’m totally dependent on Your strong root system to give me abundant life. I know that You will ruthlessly cut off every unproductive limb and preserve it for future grafting.
O Holy Gardener, prune me and clip me, even though it hurts. Shape me into the fruitful branch You want me to be. Cultivate me to produce baskets full of sweet succulent fruit to adorn Your glorious temple. In Your hands, carefully and skillfully tend to my branch making me the shoot that displays changed lives for the glory and splendor of Your name. Amen.
The only reason you’re on the Divine Tree is because your graft “took:” when you believed, and because you’re connected to the belief-nurturing root. So, don’t be cocky or arrogant. How can you be humbly mindful of the root that gives you life?
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Healing for the Repentant
Hosea 14
Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for your sins have brought you down. Bring your petitions, and return to the Lord. Say to him, “Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you the sacrifice of praise. Assyria cannot save us, nor can our strength in battle. Never again will we call the idols we have made ‘our gods.’ No, in you alone do the orphans find mercy.”
The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your idolatry and faithlessness, and my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever! I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven. It will blossom like the lily; it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars in Lebanon. Its branches will spread out like those of beautiful olive trees, as fragrant as the cedar forests of Lebanon. My people will return again to the safety of their land. They will flourish like grain and blossom like grapevines. They will be as fragrant as the wines of Lebanon.
“O Israel, stay away from idols! I am the one who looks after you and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green, giving my fruit to you all through the year.”
Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those who are discerning listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But sinners stumble and fall along the way.
God of Grace, have mercy on me! Admittedly, I’m conceited and controlling, insisting on having my own way. Thoughtless and inconsiderate, I’m absolutely self-absorbed, self-assured, self-righteous, self-reliant, self-seeking and just plain SELFISH. Demanding my own rights, I’m completely disrespectful and irreverent, denying Your supreme authority over my life. Vigilantly looking for virtues in others, I cease to be virtuous myself. O Lord, how I’ve disappointed You. Please be gracious, forgive me, and accept my sweet sacrifice of praise.
Heal me of my selfish idolatry and faithlessness. Let Your limitless love fall fresh on me like silver teardrops from heaven. Watered by them, I’ll burst up from the dirt of despair like a lovely lily in springtime. My roots will go down deep and I’ll stand firm, free and fragrant like a tall cedar in Lebanon. I’ll produce many off-shoots and become a sheltering forest where others will find relief from the heat of hell. My beauty will be widespread like that of a hearty, ancient olive tree. I’ll grow gracefully like a golden grain of wheat. My vine will be famous for producing fresh, flavorful fruit.
O Lord, my God, You are the everlasting Tree of Life. You protect me and provide for me. Everything I need is found in You. In the shelter of Your presence give me wisdom to fully understand Your generosity and goodness. Carefully listening to Your time-proven, trustworthy teaching, I’ll stand firm on Your powerful promises. My heart’s desire is to live well by You and grasp all the blessings You bestow on those who walk close beside You. Following You, I will be faithful, fulfilled and fruitful and Your holy name will be glorified. Amen.
Confess your waywardness, asking the God of Grace to forgive and heal you. Then, claim all the powerful promises contained in these verses. Following Him, you will be faithful, fulfilled and fruitful.
Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for your sins have brought you down. Bring your petitions, and return to the Lord. Say to him, “Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you the sacrifice of praise. Assyria cannot save us, nor can our strength in battle. Never again will we call the idols we have made ‘our gods.’ No, in you alone do the orphans find mercy.”
The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your idolatry and faithlessness, and my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever! I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven. It will blossom like the lily; it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars in Lebanon. Its branches will spread out like those of beautiful olive trees, as fragrant as the cedar forests of Lebanon. My people will return again to the safety of their land. They will flourish like grain and blossom like grapevines. They will be as fragrant as the wines of Lebanon.
“O Israel, stay away from idols! I am the one who looks after you and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green, giving my fruit to you all through the year.”
Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those who are discerning listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But sinners stumble and fall along the way.
God of Grace, have mercy on me! Admittedly, I’m conceited and controlling, insisting on having my own way. Thoughtless and inconsiderate, I’m absolutely self-absorbed, self-assured, self-righteous, self-reliant, self-seeking and just plain SELFISH. Demanding my own rights, I’m completely disrespectful and irreverent, denying Your supreme authority over my life. Vigilantly looking for virtues in others, I cease to be virtuous myself. O Lord, how I’ve disappointed You. Please be gracious, forgive me, and accept my sweet sacrifice of praise.
Heal me of my selfish idolatry and faithlessness. Let Your limitless love fall fresh on me like silver teardrops from heaven. Watered by them, I’ll burst up from the dirt of despair like a lovely lily in springtime. My roots will go down deep and I’ll stand firm, free and fragrant like a tall cedar in Lebanon. I’ll produce many off-shoots and become a sheltering forest where others will find relief from the heat of hell. My beauty will be widespread like that of a hearty, ancient olive tree. I’ll grow gracefully like a golden grain of wheat. My vine will be famous for producing fresh, flavorful fruit.
O Lord, my God, You are the everlasting Tree of Life. You protect me and provide for me. Everything I need is found in You. In the shelter of Your presence give me wisdom to fully understand Your generosity and goodness. Carefully listening to Your time-proven, trustworthy teaching, I’ll stand firm on Your powerful promises. My heart’s desire is to live well by You and grasp all the blessings You bestow on those who walk close beside You. Following You, I will be faithful, fulfilled and fruitful and Your holy name will be glorified. Amen.
Confess your waywardness, asking the God of Grace to forgive and heal you. Then, claim all the powerful promises contained in these verses. Following Him, you will be faithful, fulfilled and fruitful.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Praise Turns to Fruit
Psalm 67:5-6
Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.
Then the earth shall yield her increase;
God, our own God, shall bless us. NKJV
O Glorious God, You are my God!
Thank You for Your Living Word that tells us exactly how to work the land to produce bountiful blessings! We need to join together as believers and plow the field with praise even in the midst of our own problems and pain. Then the whole world will see how You work. The godless will see how You save. We need to joyfully shout:
S Our God is a God who saves! (Ps. 68:20)
A Awesome are You, O God!
You give power and strength to Your people. (Ps. 68:35)
L Your love stands firm forever. (Ps. 89:2)
You’re eagerly waiting to give the gift of eternal life to everyone! (Rom. 5:17)
V You will rescue the weak from violence. (Ps. 72:14)
You will give them victory and crush their enemies. (Ps. 60:12)
A Direct access to Your wide open spaces of grace and glory are available to all who know Your Son. (Rom. 5:2, Heb. 4:16)
T You will take Your people into glory; (Ps. 73:24)
And, free them from tyranny and torture. (Ps. 72:14)
I Instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance;
They will inherit unimaginable blessings and everlasting joy! (Isa. 61:7)
O You will rescue the oppressed, because their lives are precious to You. (Ps 72:14)
N There is no condemnation for those who belong to You! (Rom. 8:1)
O Lord, let us together be happy and shout for joy because You judge us fair and square. Even though You’ve seen the depth of our debt, You’ve graciously paid it in full with the blood of Your Son.
Display Your exuberance in us, O God! Let Your face shine on us. Mark us with grace and blessing so that the whole world will witness what a wonderful Savior You are! Hallelujah! Amen!
Jesus says you will be judged by the fruit you bear. (Matthew 7:17-19)
God’s Word clearly tells us how to be blessed with everlasting fruit. We, the people of God, all of us together, need to start singing His praises!
Instead of complaining we ought to be complimenting.
Instead of arguing we ought to be agreeing.
Instead of blaming we ought to be blessing.
Instead of grumbling we ought to be grateful.
Instead of accusing we ought to be interceding.
At all times we should praise Him with our words. Then, the whole world, not just our individual communities, will see how He works. As we shout for joy during our difficulties people will hear and be saved!
Join me in plowing the fields with praise! Together we will be blessed with fruit that lasts forever. When we intentionally turn our complaints to praise, God will surely smile on us and bless our hearts.
God’s Smile – His affirmation comes in the form of grace and blessing. When God smiles on you, you can feel it in every part of your life. – Henry Blackaby.
Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.
Then the earth shall yield her increase;
God, our own God, shall bless us. NKJV
O Glorious God, You are my God!
Thank You for Your Living Word that tells us exactly how to work the land to produce bountiful blessings! We need to join together as believers and plow the field with praise even in the midst of our own problems and pain. Then the whole world will see how You work. The godless will see how You save. We need to joyfully shout:
S Our God is a God who saves! (Ps. 68:20)
A Awesome are You, O God!
You give power and strength to Your people. (Ps. 68:35)
L Your love stands firm forever. (Ps. 89:2)
You’re eagerly waiting to give the gift of eternal life to everyone! (Rom. 5:17)
V You will rescue the weak from violence. (Ps. 72:14)
You will give them victory and crush their enemies. (Ps. 60:12)
A Direct access to Your wide open spaces of grace and glory are available to all who know Your Son. (Rom. 5:2, Heb. 4:16)
T You will take Your people into glory; (Ps. 73:24)
And, free them from tyranny and torture. (Ps. 72:14)
I Instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance;
They will inherit unimaginable blessings and everlasting joy! (Isa. 61:7)
O You will rescue the oppressed, because their lives are precious to You. (Ps 72:14)
N There is no condemnation for those who belong to You! (Rom. 8:1)
O Lord, let us together be happy and shout for joy because You judge us fair and square. Even though You’ve seen the depth of our debt, You’ve graciously paid it in full with the blood of Your Son.
Display Your exuberance in us, O God! Let Your face shine on us. Mark us with grace and blessing so that the whole world will witness what a wonderful Savior You are! Hallelujah! Amen!
Jesus says you will be judged by the fruit you bear. (Matthew 7:17-19)
God’s Word clearly tells us how to be blessed with everlasting fruit. We, the people of God, all of us together, need to start singing His praises!
Instead of complaining we ought to be complimenting.
Instead of arguing we ought to be agreeing.
Instead of blaming we ought to be blessing.
Instead of grumbling we ought to be grateful.
Instead of accusing we ought to be interceding.
At all times we should praise Him with our words. Then, the whole world, not just our individual communities, will see how He works. As we shout for joy during our difficulties people will hear and be saved!
Join me in plowing the fields with praise! Together we will be blessed with fruit that lasts forever. When we intentionally turn our complaints to praise, God will surely smile on us and bless our hearts.
God’s Smile – His affirmation comes in the form of grace and blessing. When God smiles on you, you can feel it in every part of your life. – Henry Blackaby.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Reproduced Blessing
Driving down through the beautiful, bucolic farmlands of south central Pennsylvania, I noticed the gloriously golden wheat fields and pondered these words spoken by Jesus.
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But, if it dies, it produces many seeds. John 12:24
Glorious Father-Thank you for this beautiful word picture. Like a grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies to live anew, I lay down all my dreams and worldly desires to follow you. Plant me wherever you want to produce a harvest for your Kingdom. Press down on me, crush me, and break me. Soften me and release me to press upward to reproduce an enormous multiplication of blessings.
God please crucify me with Jesus – fully yielded, completely surrendered, totally submitted. Use the problems and challenges that are part of my every day life to put me to death. Then raise me, like a kernel of wheat to an abundant ... victorious ... blessed ... fruitful ... powerful ... Christ-like ... Spirit-filled life. I love you Lord and want to be more like you! In Jesus name, I surrender all. Amen.
What do you need to surrender in order to reproduce abundant blessings for the Kingdom of God?
Make a deliberate determination to be interested only in what interests God. Intentionally, remove everything from your life that keeps you from following God’s dreams and plans. Concentrate on the Son who did not give up when He had to suffer shame and die on a cross. He knew of the joy that would be His later. This joy will be yours too, if only you will die to yourself and devote your life to Him.
O. Chambers writes (06/19) in My Utmost For His Highest, “The secret of a disciple’s life is devotion to Jesus Christ, and the characteristic of that life is its seeming insignificance and its meekness. Yet it is like a grain of wheat that “falls into the ground and dies” – it will spring up and change the entire landscape.
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But, if it dies, it produces many seeds. John 12:24
Glorious Father-Thank you for this beautiful word picture. Like a grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies to live anew, I lay down all my dreams and worldly desires to follow you. Plant me wherever you want to produce a harvest for your Kingdom. Press down on me, crush me, and break me. Soften me and release me to press upward to reproduce an enormous multiplication of blessings.
God please crucify me with Jesus – fully yielded, completely surrendered, totally submitted. Use the problems and challenges that are part of my every day life to put me to death. Then raise me, like a kernel of wheat to an abundant ... victorious ... blessed ... fruitful ... powerful ... Christ-like ... Spirit-filled life. I love you Lord and want to be more like you! In Jesus name, I surrender all. Amen.
What do you need to surrender in order to reproduce abundant blessings for the Kingdom of God?
Make a deliberate determination to be interested only in what interests God. Intentionally, remove everything from your life that keeps you from following God’s dreams and plans. Concentrate on the Son who did not give up when He had to suffer shame and die on a cross. He knew of the joy that would be His later. This joy will be yours too, if only you will die to yourself and devote your life to Him.
O. Chambers writes (06/19) in My Utmost For His Highest, “The secret of a disciple’s life is devotion to Jesus Christ, and the characteristic of that life is its seeming insignificance and its meekness. Yet it is like a grain of wheat that “falls into the ground and dies” – it will spring up and change the entire landscape.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Psalm 126
When the LORD restored his exiles to Jerusalem,it was like a dream!
We were filled with laughter,and we sang for joy.And the other nations said,"What amazing things the LORD has done for them."
Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us!What joy!
Restore our fortunes, LORD,as streams renew the desert.
Those who plant in tearswill harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,but they sing as they return with the harvest. NLT
How Great You are O Sovereign King! There is none like You! There is no God but You! I have heard You with my own ears.
Lord, overwhelming sorrow tries to take me away from You. Battered and bruised by the battle with the enemy, a fountain of tears flow from my eyes. Wounded and worn out, I weep. Gripped by grief, I’m a miserable mess. In anguish I cry out to You: “Here I am. Rescue me! Restore my fortune! Swing open the heavenly gates! Bring me back to Your pleasant palace.”
Graciously, You answer me and restore me to the prosperity of Your presence. You tell me to sow the seed of Your Word in the ground around my grief. You promise a huge harvest!
Obediently, I plant kernels of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and discipline in the soil surrounding my sadness. I water them with the steady stream of tears that flow down my soft face. And, then I patiently wait through the season of sorrow for the promised heavenly harvest.
When I joyfully return with baskets full of bountiful blessings I will share a foretaste of glory divine with those around me. They will notice that You have done amazing things for me! Together, we will sing, laugh and celebrate a yield of sweet succulent spiritual fruit. I believe that You will turn my hard situation into an enormous reward for the praise of Your glory! Amen.
What has taken you away from your Sovereign King? It could be sin, addiction, false teaching, idolatry, ministering to someone needy, transition, a new job, busyness, or love to name a few. Identify the thing that holds you captive and break free! Plant the seed of His Word in the soil of your situation, water it with your tears and patiently endure while it grows. Then reap the bountiful blessed harvest and celebrate the amazing things the Lord has done!
When the LORD restored his exiles to Jerusalem,it was like a dream!
We were filled with laughter,and we sang for joy.And the other nations said,"What amazing things the LORD has done for them."
Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us!What joy!
Restore our fortunes, LORD,as streams renew the desert.
Those who plant in tearswill harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,but they sing as they return with the harvest. NLT
How Great You are O Sovereign King! There is none like You! There is no God but You! I have heard You with my own ears.
Lord, overwhelming sorrow tries to take me away from You. Battered and bruised by the battle with the enemy, a fountain of tears flow from my eyes. Wounded and worn out, I weep. Gripped by grief, I’m a miserable mess. In anguish I cry out to You: “Here I am. Rescue me! Restore my fortune! Swing open the heavenly gates! Bring me back to Your pleasant palace.”
Graciously, You answer me and restore me to the prosperity of Your presence. You tell me to sow the seed of Your Word in the ground around my grief. You promise a huge harvest!
Obediently, I plant kernels of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and discipline in the soil surrounding my sadness. I water them with the steady stream of tears that flow down my soft face. And, then I patiently wait through the season of sorrow for the promised heavenly harvest.
When I joyfully return with baskets full of bountiful blessings I will share a foretaste of glory divine with those around me. They will notice that You have done amazing things for me! Together, we will sing, laugh and celebrate a yield of sweet succulent spiritual fruit. I believe that You will turn my hard situation into an enormous reward for the praise of Your glory! Amen.
What has taken you away from your Sovereign King? It could be sin, addiction, false teaching, idolatry, ministering to someone needy, transition, a new job, busyness, or love to name a few. Identify the thing that holds you captive and break free! Plant the seed of His Word in the soil of your situation, water it with your tears and patiently endure while it grows. Then reap the bountiful blessed harvest and celebrate the amazing things the Lord has done!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Fruitful Tree
Jeremiah 17:5-8
This is what the LORD says:
“Cursed is the one who trusts in man,
who depends on flesh for his strength
and whose heart turns away from the LORD.
He will be like a bush in the wastelands;
he will not see prosperity when it comes.
He will dwell in the parched places of the desert,
in a salt land where no one lives.
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."
My Wise and Wonderful King,
You are an amazing word artist. Your illustrations are quite clear. I see a crossroad with two distinct choices: I can fear people or I can fear You.
If I choose to depend on my family and friends to make difficult decisions, and carry me through my dilemmas, I’ll be dry and lifeless like a stunted shrub in the desert. Impoverished and spiritually weak, I won’t have any strength to be productive. My hard work will be in vain and my blessing basket will be empty.
However, if I choose to rely on You, the Divine Gardener, I will flourish like a lush green tree planted by a gaily flowing spring of fresh water. Spending time in Your Word, my Bible, will nourish and strengthen me. When I allow others who are rooted in You to be my support system, I won’t bend and break under the pressure of problems. Drawing deep into the steady Source of Living Water, Your Spirit flowing in and through me, I’ll be exceptionally fruitful in scorching seasons of intense pain. Not only will I have enough vigor to meet my own needs, but I’ll also have energy to meet the needs of others.
Thank You for Your wise instruction. At the crossroads, I want to make the right choice: to follow Your Word and Your wisdom. Please give me a greater desire to dig deeper into Your presence so that I’ll take the way of Your will during tough and troubling times. I want to confidently face challenges, believing that You will bless me with peace, protection, and power in Your holy presence for the honor and glory of Your blessed name. Amen.
The more we allow those who ridicule God to affect our thoughts and attitudes, the more we separate ourselves from the Source of nourishment. Delight in spending time in God’s Word and develop a support system of people who love the Lord. Then, you will have the strength to stand up under the pressure of difficult people, problems and pain. You will be blessed with the delicious juicy fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Full of the Spirit, your countenance will be happy even when your heart is sad.
This is what the LORD says:
“Cursed is the one who trusts in man,
who depends on flesh for his strength
and whose heart turns away from the LORD.
He will be like a bush in the wastelands;
he will not see prosperity when it comes.
He will dwell in the parched places of the desert,
in a salt land where no one lives.
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."
My Wise and Wonderful King,
You are an amazing word artist. Your illustrations are quite clear. I see a crossroad with two distinct choices: I can fear people or I can fear You.
If I choose to depend on my family and friends to make difficult decisions, and carry me through my dilemmas, I’ll be dry and lifeless like a stunted shrub in the desert. Impoverished and spiritually weak, I won’t have any strength to be productive. My hard work will be in vain and my blessing basket will be empty.
However, if I choose to rely on You, the Divine Gardener, I will flourish like a lush green tree planted by a gaily flowing spring of fresh water. Spending time in Your Word, my Bible, will nourish and strengthen me. When I allow others who are rooted in You to be my support system, I won’t bend and break under the pressure of problems. Drawing deep into the steady Source of Living Water, Your Spirit flowing in and through me, I’ll be exceptionally fruitful in scorching seasons of intense pain. Not only will I have enough vigor to meet my own needs, but I’ll also have energy to meet the needs of others.
Thank You for Your wise instruction. At the crossroads, I want to make the right choice: to follow Your Word and Your wisdom. Please give me a greater desire to dig deeper into Your presence so that I’ll take the way of Your will during tough and troubling times. I want to confidently face challenges, believing that You will bless me with peace, protection, and power in Your holy presence for the honor and glory of Your blessed name. Amen.
The more we allow those who ridicule God to affect our thoughts and attitudes, the more we separate ourselves from the Source of nourishment. Delight in spending time in God’s Word and develop a support system of people who love the Lord. Then, you will have the strength to stand up under the pressure of difficult people, problems and pain. You will be blessed with the delicious juicy fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Full of the Spirit, your countenance will be happy even when your heart is sad.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Broken Fence
Proverbs 24:30-34
One day I walked by the field of an old lazybones,
and then passed the vineyard of a lout;
They were overgrown with weeds, thick with thistles,
all the fences broken down.
I took a long look and pondered what I saw;
the fields preached me a sermon and I listened:
"A nap here, a nap there, a day off here,
a day off there, sit back, take it easy—
do you know what comes next?
Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life,
with poverty as your permanent houseguest!" MSG
Wise and Wonderful Lord,
Your Words paint a powerful picture that cause me to stop and think about what my life will look like if I neglect spending time with You. Unattended, wild grass and weeds will grow up everywhere. The roots of thick prickly briars, my unconfessed sin, will choke out what was at one time vibrant vegetation. When I become indifferent and inattentive to Your Word, my life will fall apart like the broken down fence. O Lord have mercy on me! Show me how to guard against neglect. Don’t let me become sluggish or lazy in my walk with You.
You are the Divine Gardener. Your Word, the Holy Bible, is pure Miracle Grow for my withering soul. Every time I come to You, You faithfully water me with miracle food that perks me up, filling me with vitality. You pull the weeds and prevent them from strangling me every time I admit my mistakes. You immediately repair the broken pieces of my life when I bring them to You in prayer. When I miss a day or two, I begin to imperceptibly droop. When I miss three or four days, I really sag downward. Eventually, I’ll die spiritually. O Lord help me to be responsible in my daily walk with You! My life depends on it.
There’s a world of wrecked believers all around me. They are lying in ruins like the broken picket fence, choked out by the unattended weeds of their own sin and shame. Many have neglected their responsibility to You for so long that they’re virtually dead. Please show me a believer who needs miraculous new life today and I’ll use the gifts You’ve given me to immerse them in Jesus, reviving their spirit for Your name sake. Amen.
How is your relationship with Christ? Are you guarding it carefully? Are you leaning on Him in the hard times, or have you abandoned Him?
Jesus loves you! He hasn’t turned from you. You’re redeemed and forgiven. He’s wants to restore you. Will you allow Him to? Cry out to Him in prayer. He will hear you. Open your Bible and look for Him. He will reveal Himself to you.
One day I walked by the field of an old lazybones,
and then passed the vineyard of a lout;
They were overgrown with weeds, thick with thistles,
all the fences broken down.
I took a long look and pondered what I saw;
the fields preached me a sermon and I listened:
"A nap here, a nap there, a day off here,
a day off there, sit back, take it easy—
do you know what comes next?
Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life,
with poverty as your permanent houseguest!" MSG
Wise and Wonderful Lord,
Your Words paint a powerful picture that cause me to stop and think about what my life will look like if I neglect spending time with You. Unattended, wild grass and weeds will grow up everywhere. The roots of thick prickly briars, my unconfessed sin, will choke out what was at one time vibrant vegetation. When I become indifferent and inattentive to Your Word, my life will fall apart like the broken down fence. O Lord have mercy on me! Show me how to guard against neglect. Don’t let me become sluggish or lazy in my walk with You.
You are the Divine Gardener. Your Word, the Holy Bible, is pure Miracle Grow for my withering soul. Every time I come to You, You faithfully water me with miracle food that perks me up, filling me with vitality. You pull the weeds and prevent them from strangling me every time I admit my mistakes. You immediately repair the broken pieces of my life when I bring them to You in prayer. When I miss a day or two, I begin to imperceptibly droop. When I miss three or four days, I really sag downward. Eventually, I’ll die spiritually. O Lord help me to be responsible in my daily walk with You! My life depends on it.
There’s a world of wrecked believers all around me. They are lying in ruins like the broken picket fence, choked out by the unattended weeds of their own sin and shame. Many have neglected their responsibility to You for so long that they’re virtually dead. Please show me a believer who needs miraculous new life today and I’ll use the gifts You’ve given me to immerse them in Jesus, reviving their spirit for Your name sake. Amen.
How is your relationship with Christ? Are you guarding it carefully? Are you leaning on Him in the hard times, or have you abandoned Him?
Jesus loves you! He hasn’t turned from you. You’re redeemed and forgiven. He’s wants to restore you. Will you allow Him to? Cry out to Him in prayer. He will hear you. Open your Bible and look for Him. He will reveal Himself to you.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Remain in Love
John 15: 9-11
Jesus said, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
Holy Gardener & Divine Vinedresser,
Cultivate my heart to produce exuberant, extravagant, extraordinary love. I long for Your amazing love to exude from my pores so that it will be seen and felt by everyone I come in contact with. Saturate me with Living Water. Fertilize me with Your Word. Graft me permanently to You so that I will produce delicious juicy fruit for Your kingdom. As I grow in my relationship with You, submitting to Your snips and clips, Jesus will propagate from me into the lives of others.
Filled with Jesus Joy, my face will shine, my eyes will sparkle, my mouth will laugh, and my feet will dance. O Holy Gardener, please shape me in such a way that people will keep coming back to pluck more of the plump, luscious fruit produced from my branch. Create in those around me a ravenous hunger for more Jesus Juice! Make me a healthy source of spiritual nourishment. Release the flow of Divine Sap through the branch of my life as I rest and grow on Your glorious Vine. I am Yours O Lord, because of Jesus! Amen
Do you hear the words of Jesus? He says that He loves you. Do you believe Him? You will demonstrate that you believe Him when you obey His commands. If you remain in his loving hands and submit to doing His will His way, you will produce extravagant love and exuberant joy. Apart from Him your branch will be brittle and broken by bitterness and fear. Claim God’s promise and release the everlasting sweet “sap” of His Spirit into your life.
Jesus said, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
Holy Gardener & Divine Vinedresser,
Cultivate my heart to produce exuberant, extravagant, extraordinary love. I long for Your amazing love to exude from my pores so that it will be seen and felt by everyone I come in contact with. Saturate me with Living Water. Fertilize me with Your Word. Graft me permanently to You so that I will produce delicious juicy fruit for Your kingdom. As I grow in my relationship with You, submitting to Your snips and clips, Jesus will propagate from me into the lives of others.
Filled with Jesus Joy, my face will shine, my eyes will sparkle, my mouth will laugh, and my feet will dance. O Holy Gardener, please shape me in such a way that people will keep coming back to pluck more of the plump, luscious fruit produced from my branch. Create in those around me a ravenous hunger for more Jesus Juice! Make me a healthy source of spiritual nourishment. Release the flow of Divine Sap through the branch of my life as I rest and grow on Your glorious Vine. I am Yours O Lord, because of Jesus! Amen
Do you hear the words of Jesus? He says that He loves you. Do you believe Him? You will demonstrate that you believe Him when you obey His commands. If you remain in his loving hands and submit to doing His will His way, you will produce extravagant love and exuberant joy. Apart from Him your branch will be brittle and broken by bitterness and fear. Claim God’s promise and release the everlasting sweet “sap” of His Spirit into your life.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Divine Vine
One Saturday morning I was on my knees in the strawberry patch picking sweet, delicious fruit from the never ending vines when this verse came to my mind.
John 15:5
Jesus said, “If you remain in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
Heavenly Gardener-
You are the Divine Vinedresser. Jesus is the never ending Vine with deep roots. I am the branch. Apart from Him I am nothing but deadwood. Connected to Him, the sweet "sap" of the Spirit flows to my heart, mind and soul producing plump, juicy, succulent fruit.
O Lord, while I remain in Your care, please cultivate in me more of Your extravagant love so that I’ll have a soft spirit of forgiveness. Even when I’m shaded by the darkness of difficulty, put a smile on my face and sunshine in my heart, reflecting the joy of Jesus, my Hope of Heaven.
Grow peace in the soil of my soul as I yield to Your painful pruning. Produce in me patience that becomes more luscious with each irritating snip. Let the moisture of my tears develop delicious fruit resulting in a prosperous harvest of grace and mercy. Use the clippings from my branch to transplant kindness in the dirt of despair, and goodness in the soil of sorrow.
Pick up my leaves when they get dirty and wash them. Cleanse me, Jesus! Saturate me with the fertilizer of Your Word and increase my faith. As I spend time under Your care, please keep the soil of my soul tender and teachable. Constantly pull the weeds of faulty thinking that threaten to choke my mind. O please, Divine Gardener, do whatever it takes to grow everlasting fruit from me for the glory of Your kingdom. Amen.
Ask the Heavenly Gardener to cultivate everlasting fruit from your branch on the Vine. It will require you to succumb to His painful sheers as He snips and shapes the unruly shoots. Fully surrendered to His care, you will be astonished at the incredible crop Christ creates from you.
John 15:5
Jesus said, “If you remain in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
Heavenly Gardener-
You are the Divine Vinedresser. Jesus is the never ending Vine with deep roots. I am the branch. Apart from Him I am nothing but deadwood. Connected to Him, the sweet "sap" of the Spirit flows to my heart, mind and soul producing plump, juicy, succulent fruit.
O Lord, while I remain in Your care, please cultivate in me more of Your extravagant love so that I’ll have a soft spirit of forgiveness. Even when I’m shaded by the darkness of difficulty, put a smile on my face and sunshine in my heart, reflecting the joy of Jesus, my Hope of Heaven.
Grow peace in the soil of my soul as I yield to Your painful pruning. Produce in me patience that becomes more luscious with each irritating snip. Let the moisture of my tears develop delicious fruit resulting in a prosperous harvest of grace and mercy. Use the clippings from my branch to transplant kindness in the dirt of despair, and goodness in the soil of sorrow.
Pick up my leaves when they get dirty and wash them. Cleanse me, Jesus! Saturate me with the fertilizer of Your Word and increase my faith. As I spend time under Your care, please keep the soil of my soul tender and teachable. Constantly pull the weeds of faulty thinking that threaten to choke my mind. O please, Divine Gardener, do whatever it takes to grow everlasting fruit from me for the glory of Your kingdom. Amen.
Ask the Heavenly Gardener to cultivate everlasting fruit from your branch on the Vine. It will require you to succumb to His painful sheers as He snips and shapes the unruly shoots. Fully surrendered to His care, you will be astonished at the incredible crop Christ creates from you.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Blanket of Peace
Romans 15:33
The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
God of Peace~
I’m in awe of Your power packed letter to the Romans. Even in these eight little words there are two important instructions. First, when I have nothing left to say, I can carry my friends and family to You in prayer, covering them with the warm comfort of peace. Please dear Lord, fill my family and friends with Your precious peace today.
Second, You are the God of Peace who will be with me on life’s complicated journey. Trusting You, I won’t have to worry about the threats and terror that lie ahead in unknown territory. Believing You’re in control of all things, I’ll confidently and courageously tell You my concerns and qualms. Then, Your peace, which is beyond my wildest imagination, will be present to protect my heart and mind along the way. Putting into practice all the lessons I’ve learned in the classroom of my heart, will give me power to persist through peril until I reach the Promised Land. Please dear Lord, fill me with Your priceless peace today, always and forever. Amen.
Who do you need to pray a comfort of peace over? Carry your friends and loved ones to the God of peace right now.
Trust the God of peace to be with you always!
The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
God of Peace~
I’m in awe of Your power packed letter to the Romans. Even in these eight little words there are two important instructions. First, when I have nothing left to say, I can carry my friends and family to You in prayer, covering them with the warm comfort of peace. Please dear Lord, fill my family and friends with Your precious peace today.
Second, You are the God of Peace who will be with me on life’s complicated journey. Trusting You, I won’t have to worry about the threats and terror that lie ahead in unknown territory. Believing You’re in control of all things, I’ll confidently and courageously tell You my concerns and qualms. Then, Your peace, which is beyond my wildest imagination, will be present to protect my heart and mind along the way. Putting into practice all the lessons I’ve learned in the classroom of my heart, will give me power to persist through peril until I reach the Promised Land. Please dear Lord, fill me with Your priceless peace today, always and forever. Amen.
Who do you need to pray a comfort of peace over? Carry your friends and loved ones to the God of peace right now.
Trust the God of peace to be with you always!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Disruptions, Delays and Detours
Romans 15: 25, 30
Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
Jesus,
Just as You knew what was waiting for You in Jerusalem: betrayal, rejection, suffering and ultimately death yet set Your face resolutely on the challenge and conquered it, so did Paul. Despite the possibility of peril, he persisted. Setting aside his ambitious dream of taking the Good News to Spain, he opted for the potentially difficult and dangerous detour to Jerusalem. Courageously, he accepted the unsafe assignment, urging his friends and family to pray for him. Covered in prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, he conquered his fear of the hateful, hostile Sadducees. Humbly, he went anticipating antagonism. Serving His Master was more important than his personal safety and comfort. Willingly, he risked his life to fulfill Your mission in Jerusalem.
Likewise, there are times that You ask me to lay aside my hopes and plans to follow You. Forgive me for grumbling and complaining about disruptions, delays and detours. I’m sorry for all the excuses I make to avoid difficulty, distress and even death to self. Give me courage to gratefully say, "Yes, Lord" to every challenging task I’m assigned. Give me humility to ask for prayer. Covered in the warm prayers of others, I’ll be able to endure rejection, humiliation and execution to self. Fulfilling the mandatory mission for my Master will be more important to me than my personal comfort and protection. Willingly, I’ll risk my life to serve You.
O Lord, please fill me with more Holy Spirit power to be selfless and courageous like Paul. As I trust You, please keep Your mighty hand on me. Strengthen and empower me. Deliver me from evil and temptation along the way. I long to live in the fullness of Your blessing and will go where You send me in the name of Jesus. Amen.
What difficult assignment has the Master asked you to do? Are you making excuses to avoid it? If so, ask God to fill you with Holy Spirit power to be selfless and courageous like Paul.
Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
Jesus,
Just as You knew what was waiting for You in Jerusalem: betrayal, rejection, suffering and ultimately death yet set Your face resolutely on the challenge and conquered it, so did Paul. Despite the possibility of peril, he persisted. Setting aside his ambitious dream of taking the Good News to Spain, he opted for the potentially difficult and dangerous detour to Jerusalem. Courageously, he accepted the unsafe assignment, urging his friends and family to pray for him. Covered in prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, he conquered his fear of the hateful, hostile Sadducees. Humbly, he went anticipating antagonism. Serving His Master was more important than his personal safety and comfort. Willingly, he risked his life to fulfill Your mission in Jerusalem.
Likewise, there are times that You ask me to lay aside my hopes and plans to follow You. Forgive me for grumbling and complaining about disruptions, delays and detours. I’m sorry for all the excuses I make to avoid difficulty, distress and even death to self. Give me courage to gratefully say, "Yes, Lord" to every challenging task I’m assigned. Give me humility to ask for prayer. Covered in the warm prayers of others, I’ll be able to endure rejection, humiliation and execution to self. Fulfilling the mandatory mission for my Master will be more important to me than my personal comfort and protection. Willingly, I’ll risk my life to serve You.
O Lord, please fill me with more Holy Spirit power to be selfless and courageous like Paul. As I trust You, please keep Your mighty hand on me. Strengthen and empower me. Deliver me from evil and temptation along the way. I long to live in the fullness of Your blessing and will go where You send me in the name of Jesus. Amen.
What difficult assignment has the Master asked you to do? Are you making excuses to avoid it? If so, ask God to fill you with Holy Spirit power to be selfless and courageous like Paul.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Renew Your Mind
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
O Great God,
You are the most famous artist of all time. I could search the whole wide world and find no one as creative or talented as You.
Unscrupulous con artists continually corrupt Your creation. The world presses people into cookie cutter patterns that perform for power, possessions and pleasure. It uses symbols of status to stamp us with success. When we conform to their hard pressed image we become heartless, mindless and lifeless like plastic toys and trinkets.
You however, have a unique technique for sculpting original works of art that are eternally beautiful, valuable and useful. All we have to do is stay soft and pliable in Your meticulous hands every day. Throughout the lifelong process, our eyes will turn toward You, our Designer, when we open our Bibles. Meditating on Your sacred Scriptures will form our true character. They’ll expose the rough spots of rebellion that need to be scraped away. They’ll correct our cracks, flaws, and blemishes. They’ll squeeze us and change us into Your perfect plan. Through the heat of life we’ll come out of the fiery furnace glazed with Your glory.
With Your Holy Word permanently etched on my heart, my mind will be altered to live Your way. Please don’t let con artists squeeze me into the rigid mold of the world. I want to remain soft and pliable in Your skillful hand where I can be shaped into a pleasantly perfect pot to pour out Your extraordinary love. Please dear Lord, transform my mind today, making me an eternally beautiful, valuable vessel for the praise of Your most creative name. Amen.
What pattern of the world is pressing you today? What will you do differently to prevent con artists from corrupting you?
Turn your eyes toward Jesus by opening your Bible and meditating on His sacred Scriptures. He will transform your mind enabling you to demolish the stronghold of sin and temptation and take captive your thoughts making them obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
O Great God,
You are the most famous artist of all time. I could search the whole wide world and find no one as creative or talented as You.
Unscrupulous con artists continually corrupt Your creation. The world presses people into cookie cutter patterns that perform for power, possessions and pleasure. It uses symbols of status to stamp us with success. When we conform to their hard pressed image we become heartless, mindless and lifeless like plastic toys and trinkets.
You however, have a unique technique for sculpting original works of art that are eternally beautiful, valuable and useful. All we have to do is stay soft and pliable in Your meticulous hands every day. Throughout the lifelong process, our eyes will turn toward You, our Designer, when we open our Bibles. Meditating on Your sacred Scriptures will form our true character. They’ll expose the rough spots of rebellion that need to be scraped away. They’ll correct our cracks, flaws, and blemishes. They’ll squeeze us and change us into Your perfect plan. Through the heat of life we’ll come out of the fiery furnace glazed with Your glory.
With Your Holy Word permanently etched on my heart, my mind will be altered to live Your way. Please don’t let con artists squeeze me into the rigid mold of the world. I want to remain soft and pliable in Your skillful hand where I can be shaped into a pleasantly perfect pot to pour out Your extraordinary love. Please dear Lord, transform my mind today, making me an eternally beautiful, valuable vessel for the praise of Your most creative name. Amen.
What pattern of the world is pressing you today? What will you do differently to prevent con artists from corrupting you?
Turn your eyes toward Jesus by opening your Bible and meditating on His sacred Scriptures. He will transform your mind enabling you to demolish the stronghold of sin and temptation and take captive your thoughts making them obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
God's Unmistakable Reputation
Psalm 89:15-17, 24
Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship,
for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD.
They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation.
They exult in your righteousness.
You are their glorious strength.
Our power is based on your favor.
My faithfulness and unfailing love will be with him,
and he will rise to power because of me. NLT
O Lord God Almighty!
There is none like You!
You are my glory and my strength! Walking in the light of Your presence, I’m pleased to proclaim Your wonderful works. Pondering what You’ve done sets my heart a dancing! I was weak and unworthy of even the simplest spiritual assignment when You chose me, changed me and charged me with telling people everywhere about Your unmistakable reputation for changing lives.
An ordinary person with no extraordinary talent or training, I was inadequate and unqualified for the job. Nevertheless, You persistently pursued me, promising to empower me. When I finally stopped and surrendered, You sent the Holy Spirit to train me. Using the Bible, You taught, tested and equipped me. In the brilliant light of Your presence, I learned to trust Your wisdom and seek Your advice. Soon my empty mind was filled with knowledge and my hollow heart was filled with Your unending love. Your vivacious energy gave me the courage and confidence to conquer my fears.
Before I knew it, I was doing the impossible. Surprisingly, my accomplishments were exceeding my expectations! Knowing who You are and what You can do was the secret to my success. Apart from You I am incompetent and incapable, but with You I can achieve unbelievable things. All that I am and have I owe to You, my Glorious Strength. Blessed be Your wonderful name! Amen.
God calls us to perform tasks we can’t do with our own brains or abilities to prove his unfailing love and faithfulness. What extreme challenge has He given you? Has He asked you to take the test of sickness and suffering? Or are you experiencing a job loss and financial challenges? Maybe your assignment involves legal matters that are complex and beyond your comprehension. Perhaps He’s asking you to move to a new job, state, or country. Whatever the assignment, stop arguing and agree to the task. Admit your weakness and ask Him to teach, test and equip you. As you learn to trust His wisdom and seek His advice, you too will accomplish unbelievable things and people everywhere will witness God’s unmistakable reputation for changing lives.
Apart from Him you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship,
for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD.
They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation.
They exult in your righteousness.
You are their glorious strength.
Our power is based on your favor.
My faithfulness and unfailing love will be with him,
and he will rise to power because of me. NLT
O Lord God Almighty!
There is none like You!
You are my glory and my strength! Walking in the light of Your presence, I’m pleased to proclaim Your wonderful works. Pondering what You’ve done sets my heart a dancing! I was weak and unworthy of even the simplest spiritual assignment when You chose me, changed me and charged me with telling people everywhere about Your unmistakable reputation for changing lives.
An ordinary person with no extraordinary talent or training, I was inadequate and unqualified for the job. Nevertheless, You persistently pursued me, promising to empower me. When I finally stopped and surrendered, You sent the Holy Spirit to train me. Using the Bible, You taught, tested and equipped me. In the brilliant light of Your presence, I learned to trust Your wisdom and seek Your advice. Soon my empty mind was filled with knowledge and my hollow heart was filled with Your unending love. Your vivacious energy gave me the courage and confidence to conquer my fears.
Before I knew it, I was doing the impossible. Surprisingly, my accomplishments were exceeding my expectations! Knowing who You are and what You can do was the secret to my success. Apart from You I am incompetent and incapable, but with You I can achieve unbelievable things. All that I am and have I owe to You, my Glorious Strength. Blessed be Your wonderful name! Amen.
God calls us to perform tasks we can’t do with our own brains or abilities to prove his unfailing love and faithfulness. What extreme challenge has He given you? Has He asked you to take the test of sickness and suffering? Or are you experiencing a job loss and financial challenges? Maybe your assignment involves legal matters that are complex and beyond your comprehension. Perhaps He’s asking you to move to a new job, state, or country. Whatever the assignment, stop arguing and agree to the task. Admit your weakness and ask Him to teach, test and equip you. As you learn to trust His wisdom and seek His advice, you too will accomplish unbelievable things and people everywhere will witness God’s unmistakable reputation for changing lives.
Apart from Him you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
God's Unmistakable Reputation
Psalm 89:15-17, 24
Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship,
for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD.
They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation.
They exult in your righteousness.
You are their glorious strength.
Our power is based on your favor.
My faithfulness and unfailing love will be with him,
and he will rise to power because of me. NLT
O Lord God Almighty!
There is none like You!
You are my glory and my strength! Walking in the light of Your presence, I’m pleased to proclaim Your wonderful works. Pondering what You’ve done sets my heart a dancing! I was weak and unworthy of even the simplest spiritual assignment when You chose me, changed me and charged me with telling people everywhere about Your unmistakable reputation for changing lives.
An ordinary person with no extraordinary talent or training, I was inadequate and unqualified for the job. Nevertheless, You persistently pursued me, promising to empower me. When I finally stopped and surrendered, You sent the Holy Spirit to train me. Using the Bible, You taught, tested and equipped me. In the brilliant light of Your presence, I learned to trust Your wisdom and seek Your advice. Soon my empty mind was filled with knowledge and my hollow heart was filled with Your unending love. Your vivacious energy gave me the courage and confidence to conquer my fears.
Before I knew it, I was doing the impossible. Surprisingly, my accomplishments were exceeding my expectations! Knowing who You are and what You can do was the secret to my success. Apart from You I am incompetent and incapable, but with You I can achieve unbelievable things. All that I am and have I owe to You, my Glorious Strength. Blessed be Your wonderful name! Amen.
God calls us to perform tasks we can’t do with our own brains or abilities to prove his unfailing love and faithfulness. What extreme challenge has He given you? Has He asked you to take the test of sickness and suffering? Or are you experiencing a job loss and financial challenges? Maybe your assignment involves legal matters that are complex and beyond your comprehension. Perhaps He’s asking you to move to a new job, state, or country. Whatever the assignment, stop arguing and agree to the task. Admit your weakness and ask Him to teach, test and equip you. As you learn to trust His wisdom and seek His advice, you too will accomplish unbelievable things and people everywhere will witness God’s unmistakable reputation for changing lives.
Apart from Him you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship,
for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD.
They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation.
They exult in your righteousness.
You are their glorious strength.
Our power is based on your favor.
My faithfulness and unfailing love will be with him,
and he will rise to power because of me. NLT
O Lord God Almighty!
There is none like You!
You are my glory and my strength! Walking in the light of Your presence, I’m pleased to proclaim Your wonderful works. Pondering what You’ve done sets my heart a dancing! I was weak and unworthy of even the simplest spiritual assignment when You chose me, changed me and charged me with telling people everywhere about Your unmistakable reputation for changing lives.
An ordinary person with no extraordinary talent or training, I was inadequate and unqualified for the job. Nevertheless, You persistently pursued me, promising to empower me. When I finally stopped and surrendered, You sent the Holy Spirit to train me. Using the Bible, You taught, tested and equipped me. In the brilliant light of Your presence, I learned to trust Your wisdom and seek Your advice. Soon my empty mind was filled with knowledge and my hollow heart was filled with Your unending love. Your vivacious energy gave me the courage and confidence to conquer my fears.
Before I knew it, I was doing the impossible. Surprisingly, my accomplishments were exceeding my expectations! Knowing who You are and what You can do was the secret to my success. Apart from You I am incompetent and incapable, but with You I can achieve unbelievable things. All that I am and have I owe to You, my Glorious Strength. Blessed be Your wonderful name! Amen.
God calls us to perform tasks we can’t do with our own brains or abilities to prove his unfailing love and faithfulness. What extreme challenge has He given you? Has He asked you to take the test of sickness and suffering? Or are you experiencing a job loss and financial challenges? Maybe your assignment involves legal matters that are complex and beyond your comprehension. Perhaps He’s asking you to move to a new job, state, or country. Whatever the assignment, stop arguing and agree to the task. Admit your weakness and ask Him to teach, test and equip you. As you learn to trust His wisdom and seek His advice, you too will accomplish unbelievable things and people everywhere will witness God’s unmistakable reputation for changing lives.
Apart from Him you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
Monday, June 02, 2008
Wise Counsel
Psalm 16:7-8
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.
Secure and Steadfast God,
All You do is just and good! Thank You for graciously counseling me. Your timeless Words are very wise. Your timely advice is always right. Teach me to make good decisions that will please You. Tune my ears to recognize Your Voice, my mind to understand Your Words, and my heart to obey Your Ways. When I’m too exhausted to think clearly, in the silence 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 Your wise guidance to lead me through uncertain situations. It is vital that I remain in constant communication with You by reading my Bible and praying. You know the way that will lead me to all Your hidden promises. Willingly, I’ll take Your strong right hand, walking through briars, thorns, and thickets. I won’t try to avoid pain, trouble and failure. 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. Looking forward to the riches of heaven, eternity with You and everlasting happiness, my heart and lips will cheerfully sing a sweet song to the glory of Your holy, awe-inspiring 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 Words from heaven – the Truth! Then, you, too, will know that He is trustworthy and dependable. Praise Him!
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.
Secure and Steadfast God,
All You do is just and good! Thank You for graciously counseling me. Your timeless Words are very wise. Your timely advice is always right. Teach me to make good decisions that will please You. Tune my ears to recognize Your Voice, my mind to understand Your Words, and my heart to obey Your Ways. When I’m too exhausted to think clearly, in the silence 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 Your wise guidance to lead me through uncertain situations. It is vital that I remain in constant communication with You by reading my Bible and praying. You know the way that will lead me to all Your hidden promises. Willingly, I’ll take Your strong right hand, walking through briars, thorns, and thickets. I won’t try to avoid pain, trouble and failure. 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. Looking forward to the riches of heaven, eternity with You and everlasting happiness, my heart and lips will cheerfully sing a sweet song to the glory of Your holy, awe-inspiring 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 Words from heaven – the Truth! Then, you, too, will know that He is trustworthy and dependable. Praise Him!
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