Blessed Suffering

1 Peter 3:13-15
13Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't be afraid and don't worry. 15Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. NLT

Great God in Heaven,
I rejoice that Jesus is sitting right beside You at this very moment, talking to You on my behalf. He has the last word on everything and everyone. All the angels, authorities and powers submit to Him. Blessed assurance! So, if I know that He is in control of all things and all people, why do I worry and fret about what people will do to me?
With my eyes fixed on You, I’ll be richly blessed by:

• Being affectionately sensitive and caring to all kinds of people
• Living harmoniously with everyone
• Encouraging others and rejoicing in their accomplishments
• Sympathizing with the needs of the brokenhearted
• Seeing and loving people as if they were my own brothers and sisters
  

People will see You in me when I refrain from retaliating against those who say unkind things about me. Rather than lashing out with malicious words of blame, my lips will glorify You by blessing those who seek to damage my reputation.

With my eyes staring straight at You, I’ll see the cross and the suffering You endured even though You were completely blameless. Remembering the great price You paid to restore my friendship with You will behoove me to react and respond mercifully to those who want to destroy my life. As long as I do what’s right, the shells being fired at me may sting, but they’ll be empty and harmless, embarrassing the enemy trying to annihilate me.

O Jesus, please set me apart as holy, ready to do what’s right in all situations and circumstances. With my heart at attention, in adoration and awe of Your extreme authority and power, my words and actions will honor You as Lord of my life and King of my heart, bringing glory to Your sacred name. Amen.

Who is trying to damage your reputation and destroy your life? Do you retaliate and seek revenge? It’s our human nature to want to fight back. However, your attitudes and actions show who you fear.

Rather, than fighting back with vicious words, go to God in prayer. Talk to him about your avenger. Relinquish control of the situation to Him. As you spend time in His Training Camp, Your Bible, He will begin to rule your thoughts and emotions, giving you the right strategy to fend off the stinging attacks. Surround yourself with an army of believers who can support you in the battle.

The Crossroads

Jeremiah 17:5-8
5 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.

6 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.

7 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.

8 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 God and His Word. 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. When the sweetness of God’s Spirit pours out of you, your countenance will be happy even when your heart is sad.

Turn to the King

Psalm 27:1-5
The LORD is my light and my salvation--
so why should I be afraid?
The LORD protects me from danger--
so why should I tremble?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you can read this Psalm and say that it expresses the desire of your heart, then your fear is not a sinful fear of man. –Ed Welch, When People are Big and God is Small

Intimidating Giants

Numbers 13:28, 31, 33
But the people living there are powerful, and their cities and towns are fortified and very large. …"We can't go up against them! They are stronger than we are!" …We even saw giants there... We felt like grasshoppers next to them, and that's what we looked like to them!" NIV

Merciful Father,
You are compassionate and gracious; slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, forgiving our wickedness and rebellion. Your Words remind me repeatedly how much I’m like the Israelites. You’re leading me on the journey of a lifetime. You’ve promised me prosperous blessings and a full life. I’ve witnessed incredible wonders – a drastically transformed life, miraculous healing, release from problems that have plagued me for years, freedom from addictions and much more. Yet, I still listen to and believe the naysayers. Forgive me O God, for not believing You.

I’m surrounded by powerful people who try to prevent me from advancing Your kingdom. They devour me with doubt and discouragement. They attack my abilities and adequacy. Their criticism makes me feel unworthy and unacceptable. They preoccupy me, stealing my time, talent, and treasure. Exaggerating the risk, they tell me the mission is too dangerous or too difficult. Anxiety and apprehension besiege me. Their negative opinions have caused me confusion and chaos, robbing me of my hope and my joy. O God have mercy on me for forgetting who You are, magnifying these individuals and allowing them to control my life.

Please dear Lord, set me free from the devastating control that people have on me. Fill me with more of Your mighty power so that in Your strength I’ll courageously stand up against the opposition. Help me to make right choices based on Your wisdom, not intimidation. When "big" people confront me, please turn my eyes toward You. Gazing at Your awesome majesty, I can’t look at myself or others. Focused on You, I’ll be able to march forward victoriously, claiming blessed new territory for Your kingdom, honor and glory because of Jesus. Amen.

Who must you break free from in order to move forward to the land of blessing God has promised you? Who’s holding you back, casting doubts on your dreams? Will you believe them or turn to God, trusting Him and Him alone to prosper and protect you on the journey?

Did you know that the command, "Do not be afraid" appears 65 times in the NIV Bible?

Being afraid is not wrong in itself. As creatures living in a sinful world we should be afraid at times. The problem is when fear forgets God. – Ed Welch, When People are Big and God is Small.

Fear of Man

John 12:42-43
42Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43for they loved praise from men more than praise from God. NIV

Eternal and Righteous God,
Thank You for opening the eyes of my heart to see my faults and shortcomings. Have mercy on me! I’m as guilty as the legalist Jewish leaders of the early church. I call myself a Christian in my heart, but am afraid to admit it in front of people. I too, love the praise of man more than praise from You. The truth is, I rarely think of pleasing You.

Frightened of losing my prestigious place in the community, I temporarily hide my faith in the closet where I can conveniently access it during a crisis. People might think I’m a fool, ignoring and criticizing me, if I admit I’m Your follower, so I conceal it. I want to be liked and respected by everyone. A people pleaser, I’m too scared of ridicule to stand out and publicly acknowledge the great distance You went and the exorbitant price You paid to save me. Forgive me, O God for I have disappointed You.

I refuse to speak up, terrorized by the thought that I won’t communicate clearly and will look stupid before my family and friends. I fear being rejected by them more than I fear eternal separation from You. I admit that I’m a coward and plead with You to pardon me for being more concerned with what others will think of me than about disobeying, dishonoring, and disrespecting You.

O Lord, will you kindly change my timid heart? Fill me with fresh power to boldly proclaim the Way, the Truth and the Life right where You’ve placed me even if it means I’ll offend someone. You’re not interested in my popularity; You’re concerned about rescuing dead and decomposing lives buried beneath the rubble of trouble and shame. Whenever I open my mouth to speak, please give me the right words to confidently communicate the message of Your amazing love. O Lord, help me to get my eyes off myself and love others enough to risk my life and reputation to save them for the glory of Your name. Amen.

Are you like me, afraid to share your faith for fear of rejection and ridicule from family and friends? If so, Jesus has some strong words for us: "If anyone acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will openly acknowledge that person before my Father in heaven. But if anyone denies me here on earth, I will deny that person before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10:32-33 NLT

In the biblical sense, what we fear shows our allegiances. It shows were we put our trust. It shows who is big in our lives.

Jesus stood in stark contrast to this Pharisaic concern. He did not show favoritism; instead he reached out to male and female, rich and poor, and all races and ages. His teaching was not done by first taking a poll of what was popular; instead, he spoke truth that was often unpopular but could penetrate the heart. – Ed Welch, When People Are Big and God Is Small

Confess your sin of unbelief. Being aware of it is a great blessing and one way to begin to remove the fear of other people.

The Gaze of God

Proverbs 29:25
Fearing people is a dangerous trap,
but to trust the LORD means safety.

Psalm 33:18
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.

Great God Almighty,
You are bigger than my feeble mind can imagine. From Your majestic throne in the lofty skies, You look around at all the people You’ve made, watching over everything we do. You know us personally, deeply and intimately because You shaped each one of us with Your hands. As Your treasured possessions, You’ve promised us a prominent place in Your kingdom where we’ll live safely and happily ever after.

With this heavenly hope, why, O God, am I so consumed with fear of what people will think of or do to me? Forgive me for seeing people as "bigger" than You. Have mercy on me for allowing people to rule over me, giving them the right to tell me what to think, feel and do. Afraid of their thoughts and opinions, fearful that they will see my flaws and failures; I hide behind thick walls built with money, recognition, accomplishments, and busyness. God, deep within my heart, I want to be perceived as great at something!

I’m sorry Lord for fearing the eyes of other people when the gaze I ought to fear is Your holy gaze. O Lord, You know everything about me. You have searched my heart. There’s no hiding anything from You. You know when I stand up or sit, when I come in or go out. I’m never, ever out of the sight of Your penetrating holy gaze. Therefore, I should tremble in fear of You, and Your holy judgment. When Your Word convicts me of wrongdoing and I confess my mistakes, You’ll pardon me generously. Entering the safety of Your presence, You promise to change me, making me holy and unashamed by covering me with the blood of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ.

Please help me stay away from the dangerous trap set by man. O Lord, will You kindly give me a fresh perspective of who You are and who I am in You so that I can confidently live my life authentically before You and others? Please let my heart brim over with contagious joy as I step out from behind the wall of shame to claim the beauty of Your own holy name. Amen.

How is your private life different from your public life? Are you hiding behind a wall of shame; afraid of what other people will see in you? I encourage you to come out in the open, talk to God in the light of His Word, and admit your weaknesses. Entering into the safety of His presence, He will cover all your past, present, and future flaws and failures with blood of His own dear Son.
A clear conscience is a great blessing and one way to begin to root out the fear of other people. – Ed Welch, When People Are Big and God Is Small

Building Up

Acts 11:23-24
23When he (Barnabas) arrived (in Antioch) and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

My Loving & Encouraging Father,
Your stories motivate me to action! The characters inspire me to exercise the power of my believing faith. Barnabas challenges me to extinguish those attitudes and opinions that dampen others. From his example, I’m compelled to develop the skills of a fine Carpenter – the ability to build up from the rubble of wrecked lives, helping other believers become the beautiful masterpieces You created them to be.

Please fill me with more of your holy goodness and divine power so that I will demonstrate my strong faith by:

• Keeping my eyes wide open to see Your light shining in the darkest situations
• Tuning my ears to attentively listen to the hurts of others
• Using my hands to gently touch a troubled soul
• Confidently communicating Your great love and infinite mercy

I ask that You give me a spirit of discernment to clearly see where You are at work in the church. Like Barnabas, I’ll joyfully work with You to urge my Christian brothers and sisters to remain faithful to You with all their hearts. I pray that the positive changes in the people I’m influencing will shine through like a neon light leading multitudes to the Source.


O that I would be known as a Child of Encouragement, a good person, full of the Holy Spirit and faith who led many people to Your glorious kingdom. Please show me how I can be a Barnabas and build up my church family today. I will gladly set aside my own agenda to help others grow in their faith and knowledge of You for the glory and praise of my Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Who has been a Barnabas to you, encouraging you to grow in faith? Send that person an email or write them a letter telling them the difference they've made in your life.

Because that person cared enough to encourage you, will you pass on the support to another believer by building them up in Jesus Christ?

• Think of someone with a negative perception. Find a way to compliment him or her.
• Use your eyes to look for the good in a bad situation
• Tune your ears to listen attentively to someone’s hurts.
• Touch and heal a broken heart with kindness.
• Tell someone they are loved and special to not only you, but also, more importantly, to the High King of Heaven, God, our Father.
  

Changed Hearts

Acts 9:26-27
26When he (Saul/Paul) came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

My Dear King of Hearts,
I love hearing Your stories of blessed changed souls! They give me hope and light in this dark world swarming with wicked, despicable people. If you could miraculously transform the cold, hard heart of Paul, an executioner of Christians, surely You can change the hideous, hateful hearts of people in my life.

I believe You do break the power of Satan’s strong grip and set his prisoner’s free. Your pure and perfect blood makes the foulest offender clean. You are the King who chooses, cleanses, and changes hearts!

Please dear Lord give me the courage of Barnabas to reach out to a believer with a tarnished reputation. Open my eyes to see beyond their past to their potential. Then, I’ll quietly go into my prayer closet, ask You to remove my fleshly fear, and don a cloak of courage. Full of divine power, I’ll risk my life and reputation to restore them for the glory of Your name. Amen.

Barnabas fearlessly befriended Paul, the most hideous, hateful offender of Christians. After hearing Paul, the former persecutor, prove that Jesus was the Messiah; Barnabas risked his life and reputation to come along side of him. He convinced the apostles that their former enemy was now a vibrant new believer.

Paul went on to write much of the New Testament. Wouldn’t you like to be a Barnabas? He had no idea the impact Paul would have on the church. He simply saw beyond Paul’s past to his potential and befriended him.

Today, I encourage you to look around and find someone with a great big stain on their heart and start encouraging them. You can’t imagine the impact your simple act of kindness could have on the future of the church. That person just might become a 21st century Paul with a powerful life-changing testimony leading many lost souls to Jesus while writing history. Would that not be an amazing blessing? Who will you be a Barnabas to today?

Excessive Giving

This is the first in a multi-part series on one of my favorite superheroes of the Bible, Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement.

Acts 4:36-37
36Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), 37sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

God of Wonders,
Your thrilling story, the Bible, is full of real superheroes – people who possess extraordinary power and abilities, along with a strong moral code including a willingness to risk one’s own safety in the service of good without expecting rewards or recognition. When called to duty, they respond immediately, eagerly and valiantly. One such hero is Barnabas, a quiet man remembered for his feats of courage and nobility. Named Joseph at birth, the apostles gave him a colorful new name to reflect his character – Son of Encouragement. A respected leader in the church, he set out to defeat his archenemy, Satan, using his strong faith, kindness, and encouragement.

Barnabas is a role model to me. All around me, believers are fighting discouragement, deception and disappointment. The tireless mission of rescuing lost souls in a careless society has burned them out. Draw me like a mighty magnet to them. Full of Your extraordinary power, I will promptly step out in faith to back them up with support.

Help me to be generous in giving to meet the personal, physical, and financial needs of missionaries serving You in my community, country and world. As was the case in the early church, today’s special servants have given up their comfortable way of life and livelihood to follow You. They’re totally dependent on the generosity of the church, of which I’m a vital part, for financial support. Please dear Lord, show me who I can be a Barnabas to today. I will gladly sell some of my possessions, laying the money at their feet for the glorious building of Your kingdom. May my ministry of encouragement be so great that You would call me a Child of Encouragement because of Jesus. Amen.

In America we are blessed with excess. Unfortunately, we often use that surplus to fulfill our own never-ending wish lists, without giving any consideration to Christ’s servants who have given up their comfortable standard of living and financial security in order to serve Him. The Holy Spirit has recently made me acutely aware of servants of God who are required to raise their own financial support.

One such organization that has forever changed my life is Life Action Revival Ministries. If it weren’t for these humble servants of Christ, I would probably not be publishing Prayer Pal today. There are thousands of individuals and organizations worldwide who have committed their lives to serving the Lord and are counting on us for financial support.

From your excess, what can you sell to make a difference for the Kingdom of Heaven? Who can you be a Barnabas to today?

Excessively Contented

For many years, I was (and still am in many ways) a material girl living in a material world. I would only wear ridiculously expensive name brand clothes that I typically purchased at full retail price because I didn’t have time or patience to wait for a sale. I never thought twice about sending $700 - $800 at a time to adorn myself with pretty garments. Not only was I addicted to exquisite clothes, but also I was attracted to fine jewelry. My outward appearance determined my beauty and self-worth.

Fortunately, as I grew in my relationship with the Lord, He replaced my constant craving for food, another excessive habit, with a hunger for more of Him. Eventually, I lost a substantial amount of weight and needed a whole new wardrobe. Convicted of my compulsion, I made a needy co-worker very happy when I gave my entire lovely wardrobe to her. I replaced it with more modestly priced apparel that was equally nice-looking, and haven’t been on an extreme shopping spree in more than three years!

Just last week I had a "30% Off Friends and Family Pass" to shop at another store I revered for years. I walked in, looked at a price tag, and walked out empty handed. With my eyes open to the needs around me, I simply could not justify spending even the discounted price on something so frivolous.

Giving up my obsession for designer fashions has blessed me with the ability to help others financially. I look and feel good in my "ordinary" clothes because God has given me a miracle makeover that fits me perfectly. My self-worth and beauty no longer come from the label in my clothes; it comes from my identity in Christ.

Another one of my former fixations was collecting expensive baskets. Several years ago, the Holy Spirit broke my heart over orphans in Russia. Convicted of my misplaced priorities, I was compelled to sell hundreds (that’s right, hundreds) of my beloved baskets at auction to support an orphanage there. While I still enjoy the beauty of these treasured keepsakes, giving up my passion for them has allowed me to channel my resources to more noble causes. I’ve been blessed 100 times over for giving up my addiction!

I encourage you to take a hard look at where you’re spending your money. Jesus says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

Having nice things isn’t the problem. Excessively desiring nice things is the issue. Misplaced, self-centered priorities were my hang up. I was hooked on "things". Retail therapy gave me a temporary high. As I began spending more time with God, He shined the light of His Word on my cold, dark heart. In the light of His Word, I could clearly see what mattered most to Him. Daily, I ask Him to replace my wants and wishes with a spirit of contentment so that I can be a Barnabas to others.

I’m far from perfect. God isn’t finished with me yet, but He has brought me a great distance from where I was six years. To Him be the glory forever and ever!

Taking Off Pride

Luke 18:9-14
9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

My Father in Heaven,
Holy is Your name. There is no God like You in heaven or earth. I am unworthy to come into Your awesome presence. I come humbly, to the Most Holy Place as a despised and despicable person in need of divine mercy. Unable to face You, I bow down, crying out, "Have mercy on me, a sinner!" I lift my hands to You, Lord, to show my desperate need for grace!

Lord, forgive me for all the times I am full of myself like the Pharisee. I trust in my own abilities. I look down on others with contempt and disrespect. It makes me sick to think of how haughty and proud I can be of my accomplishments and myself. My heart is deceitful above all things. It is beyond cure!

Please give me a gentle and quiet spirit. Keep my heart humble and teachable. With an attitude of gratitude, I will put humility on my mind and wrap the Truth, Your Word around my heart. Covered in gentleness, I will:

• Ensure that my actions bring glory to You and not me
• Honor others above myself
• Refuse to be judgmental
• Forgive as You have forgiven me
• Risk failure to conquer unfamiliar territory for You
• Take You more seriously, and others and myself less seriously
• Admit my weaknesses to a friend, and seek help, advice and prayer
  

Please dear Lord, teach me wisdom so that I can honor You with humility. Then, I will experience Your glory. Not to me, O Lord, not to me, but to Your name be the glory because of Your love and faithfulness. Justify me through Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Pride gets the best of everyone from time to time. Do you need to take off pride and put on humility? If so, will you do it immediately before you fall?

A Challenging Test of Faith

2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?

John 21: 15-19
15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

17The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

18Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

King of Glory!
I adore You because You are a God of second chances! Even when I fail You miserably, You redeem me, like You did Peter. O how I praise You for teaching me exactly how to test my faith.

First, I should ask myself, "Do I love You more than anyone else in my life? More than my family and friends? More than my church and my pastor? More than anyone?" I’ll show You that I love You above everyone else in my life when I take time to sit down and teach little children and new believers the stories and simple truth of the Bible.

Then, I should ask myself, "Do I love You more than anything else? More than my position, power, possessions, portfolio, plans, and pastimes?" You will know that I truly love You when I immediately put everything on hold to take care of Your sheep – those believers who have wandered from the flock and are lost, those who are entangled in the brambles of problems, pain and pressures, sickness, sorrow, and shame.

Next, I should ask, "Do I like You more than myself? More than my beauty and body, security and comfort? Am I willing to risk my life and reputation for You? Are You even my Friend?" Pondering these things makes me squirm, like Peter. Of course, Lord, You know all things and You know that I love You as much as I’m capable of loving You! I’ll demonstrate my love when I feed the starving sheep around me, mature believers, the Bread of Life, Your Word. Gladly, I’ll open my heart and home so that we can graze and grow together.

Finally, You extend to me the ultimate challenge! Am I willing to endure the cross of submissive obedience to do Your will, even if it means suffering and hardship, and things I don’t feel like doing? O Lord, with all of my heart, I desire to seek Your will, Your Way, Your Word and Your wisdom so that I can claim the crown of victory for the glory of Your name!

Thank You, O God for teaching me these things! Now, empower me by the Holy Spirit to put my faith into practice so that in my life, Lord, You’ll be exalted and glorified. Amen.

Jesus was instructing Peter how to guard against neglect. He was saying, in essence, "I want you to forget about your failures and how far you drifted from me. You’ve come back to me now. I’ve forgiven, forgotten and fixed you. So, it’s time to get your focus off your doubts, fears, failures, and problems. And the way to do that is to minister to the needs of my people. As my Father sent me, I’m sending you."

Is there a new believer or child in your life? Take time, sit down and talk to them about Jesus. Tell them the stories and simple truth about the Bible.

Identify one hurting or lost believer in your flock and tend to their needs immediately.

Spend time fellowshipping with other believers, but don’t just go for the grub, share what He’s given you

The Unattended Garden

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 causes 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 confess to 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 droop imperceptibly. 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 waiting for You to turn back to Him

Life Saving Truth

Hebrews 2: 1-3
1So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. 2The message God delivered through angels has always proved true, and the people were punished for every violation of the law and every act of disobedience. 3What makes us think that we can escape if we are indifferent to this great salvation that was announced by the Lord Jesus himself? It was passed on to us by those who heard him speak. NLT

My Life Preserving Lord,
O how I love Your Word! It is the Truth that saves my life. Completely right, fully trustworthy, and thoroughly tested, it awakens my conscience, warning me of dangers. I shudder to think that I could become lazy, spiritually negligent, caught up in prayerlessness, and go for days without seeking You!

I need You, Jesus! Securely fastened to You, I won’t be afraid when I flow down the river of difficulty. Clinging to You, I won’t drift away and drown in the sea of despair. When I’m confused Your Words will counsel me. Consumed with sadness and sorrow, they will comfort me. When I’m weak and weary, ready to quit the fight, Your Words will give me strength to persevere. O Lord, how can I flee the consequences if I disobediently drift away from You? Surely, I will sink in the sea of sin!

Please give me a deeper desire to diligently seek You daily! I don’t want to let life’s craziness and confusion distract or disturb our friendship. Help me to listen carefully through the constant noise and commotion so that I won’t be carried away by false teachers and fall from my secure position. I need to hear the Truth with my heart, stand on it, read it, pray it, obey it, and walk in the light of it every single day of my life!

Growing in the truth and knowledge of my Life Preserving Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I’ll gladly give You all the glory and honor from now until the end of time! Amen.

The Bible clearly warns that it’s possible for devoted believers to drift from Jesus.

What will you do today to draw closer to God? If you aren’t taking active steps to stick by Him, through Bible Study and prayer then you’re drifting into dangerous, unchartered water without a Life Preserver!

1 Corinthians 10:12
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!

2 Peter 3:17
Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.

Persistent Prayer

Luke 18: 1-8
1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'

4"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "

6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

Honorable Judge~
Your great compassion and mercy are unending. I am dreadfully needy like the widow, but have not been as persistent with my prayer life. Rather than constantly complaining to You about my on-going problems and pressures, I easily give up and give in. Forgive me for my lack of faith! Thank You for reminding me that I should always pray and not quit! If an unjust person buckles under my continuous badgering how much more will an honorable and patient Judge like You pity me when I keep pestering?

Please dear Lord, increase my faith so that I’ll persistently plead with You like the widow. I’m worn down by my physical and spiritual battles. Enduring a barrage of troubles and heartache, I’m tired of the stress and weary from the fight. I’m ready to give up! I long for an easier way! It’s tempting to slip away to a place far from people, away from my problems and struggles; to a place where things are quiet and peaceful. But, Lord, I don’t want to miss the blessings You have for those who stick with You through the trials.

By faith, I’ll hang around and incessantly cry out to You day and night. As I persevere, please develop my character, faith, and hope. In time, when You’re sick and tired of hearing me You’ll respond with the right answer to my situation. Please have mercy on me, Your chosen child. Hear my prayers and answer quickly! Give me faith to endure and believe that You won’t put me off permanently. I know that You love me deeply because of Jesus. Amen.

Is there something that you’ve given up praying for because you feel like God isn’t listening? Don’t give up! Be persistent like the widow. God may postpone answering, but His delays always have good reason. If you stick with Him, He will develop your character, faith and hope. You’ll see justice in due time.

If you know that God loves you, you must believe He will hear your cry for help.

All Creation Worships

Job 37: 22-24 Out of the north he comes in golden splendor; God comes in awesome majesty. The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power … therefore, men revere him for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart?

God of All Creation-
You are holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All creation worships You! Thank You Lord, for showing me Your pristine beauty and majesty. I’m in awe of Your magnificent creation. You are a God of many wonders.

You take my breathe away as my eyes gaze in utter amazement at the fantasyland of dramatic and spectacular weather-sculptured high buttes, spires and rock formations in crimson, rust, tan and cream. From the top of a copper-colored canyon, nearly 7000 feet in the azure celestial skies there is wonder in everything I see. The pillar of cloud coming off the mountains speckled with emerald green oaks and pines reaches toward heaven making Your presence and power known.

My heart dances for joy at the sight of the little stream splashing gaily down the mountain, tumbling over smooth rocks. As I silently stand marveling at my surroundings, I hear Your quiet whisper in the gentle breeze, "This is Your church, this beautiful land. Worship me here."
From the mountaintop, I look down on the creation of the most awe-inspiring artist of all time. It is Your pleasure to give me these delightful sights. In Your divine presence, my heart is filled with gladness. Witnessing Your sovereignty over all nature, I’m reminded that You are sovereign over my life. Thank You God for revealing Your golden splendor and awesome majesty to me. I’m celebrating the beauty of Your holiness. Amen.

If you traveled to the beach or mountains for vacation this summer, did you take time to notice God's pristine beauty, and worship Him in His magnificent creation? Take a walk this weekend, notice His amazing creation, and worship Him.

The magnificent landscape in Sedona, AZ inspired me to write this Prayer Pal in February 2005. I’m looking forward to worshipping God at the beach this weekend. Prayer Pal will resume next week.

Photo Artist Unknown

Extravagent Love

Luke 7:36-50
36 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to come to his home for a meal, so Jesus accepted the invitation and sat down to eat. 37 A certain immoral woman heard he was there and brought a beautiful jar filled with expensive perfume. 38 Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.

Jesus said, "47I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love." 48 Then Jesus said to the woman, "Your sins are forgiven."

50 And Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

Precious Lord,
You are King of my heart and Lord of my life. I seek You with all that is within me! Willingly, I risk ridicule and rejection from my family and friends who can’t see beyond my reputation. I’m not worthy to come into Your pure, perfect presence. My past is embarrassing, but I humbly come looking for Your promised mercy and grace. O Lord, my God, I admit that I have done many wrong things. Even my best attempts to make right choices and do good works fall far short of Your high standard. Like this dear woman, I bow down at Your feet.

Confessing my mistakes, I pour out my broken heart, on You. My fresh tears of remorse fall like rain on Your feet as I weep over my shameful life. My behavior has offended You. I’m sorry, Lord, have mercy on me! I need You, Jesus, to change me and pardon me from my past!

I love You and want to be in right relationship with You. I want You to sit on the throne of my heart and reign over my life. Because of Your unending love and ceaseless compassion, I’ll give my life to You as priceless perfume. My praise and adoration will be a sweet and fragrant offering, when I bow down to touch other immoral outcasts with mercy and grace. I’ll kiss Your feet every time I show kindness to those who offend me. Reviving and restoring broken hearts will be my expression of gratitude. Please show me someone who is friendless or fallen and I’ll gladly risk ridicule and rejection to restore their reputation for the glory of Your name. Amen.

Jesus has rescued all of His followers whether they’re extremely wicked or exceptionally good, from death and destruction. There is no sin He won’t forgive, if we humbly come to Him and admit our mistakes. Do you need to seek His forgiveness? If so, I urge you to go promptly to Him. Fall at His feet. Accept responsibility for your actions. He is faithful and just, promising to forgive your sins and heal your hurts, no matter how bad or how deep.

Do you appreciate the depth of His mercy? Are you grateful for His forgiveness? If so, how will you offer yourself extravagantly to Him?

Hanging on to Hope

Lamentations 3:22-33
22The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. 23Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. 24I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!"

25The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. 26So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. 27And it is good for the young to submit to the yoke of his discipline.

31For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever. 32Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion according to the greatness of his unfailing love. 33For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow. (NLT)

Faithful and Merciful God-
I rejoice in Your infinite love and compassion. I’m alive and well today because of Your amazing grace. Just as You faithfully turn the darkness of night to bright morning light, I trust You to revive and restore my broken heart. At the end of my rope, I’m hanging on to You because there’s simply nothing left. You are my only hope!

Because You are constantly good and always right, I seek You with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. Quietly, I wait for You to work out Your plan and purpose for my life. My Great Instructor, I willingly and silently sit under Your wise counsel expecting You to teach me an important lesson through this present hardship.

Please fill me with more of Your holy power to control my attitudes and actions in the face of adversity. I need Your strength to persevere. Helpless, I’m depending on Your endless supply of love to sustain me. Quiet my heart, calm my soul, and open my mind to receive Your abundant love and mercy. I desperately want to trust You to turn my present darkness to extraordinary brightness through Jesus, the Perfect Light. Amen.

Are you hopelessly at the end of your rope? When you’re helpless, what do you hang on to? If you hang on to God, He promises to sustain you with His unfailing love and compassion. Connected to Him you’ll be able to persevere under pressure.

Preparing for the Future

Jude 1:20-28
20Dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

22Be merciful to those who doubt; 23snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

24To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Blessed Lord,
Thank You for teaching us exactly how to live a life devoted to You in preparation for the future when we’ll live with You forever in Paradise.

First, we should build ourselves up in our "most holy faith," by opening our Bibles, Your Holy Word spoken to us. Through it, You entrust us with Your priceless treasury of promises. We build an incredible fortune when we believe and obey Your costly commands. Safeguarding the invaluable Truth in our hearts will change us profoundly, pervasively, and permanently into Your holy likeness.

In addition to opening our Bibles, we are to pray in the Holy Spirit. We should confidently come to You, just as we are, broken, weak and poor. Speechless, because of pounding pain or overwhelming joy, You’ll translate our inarticulate sighs, praying for us. Blessed assurance!
We should surround ourselves with Your love. In the shelter of Your strong arms, You’ll protect, prosper and prepare us. We’ll be closest to You every time we open our Bibles, pray, and hang out with other believers.

Encased in Your extravagant love, we need to witness to the world by telling our life changing stories to everyone. We need to patiently persevere with those who hesitate to believe us, get down to business rescuing those who are on the road to destruction, and show loving kindness to those who are corrupt and callous without becoming like them.

Lord, let me take these lessons seriously, putting my most holy faith into action while I wait to live happily ever after in Your magnificent kingdom. All glory to You, O God, who can keep me from stumbling. I rejoice that I can stand tall in Your luminous presence, holy and pure because of Jesus my Savior who alone is worthy of glory, majesty, and power from now until the end of time. Amen.

God’s Word tells us exactly how to prepare for the future.

• Build up your faith
• Pray in the Holy Spirit
• Surround yourself with His love
• Witness to the world
  

Do you believe Him? What one thing will do differently today to prepare for tomorrow?

Worship the King

Psalm 95:1-7
1 Come, let us sing to the LORD!
Let us give a joyous shout to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving.
Let us sing him psalms of praise.
3 For the LORD is a great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 He owns the depths of the earth,
and even the mightiest mountains are his.
5 The sea belongs to him,
for he made it.His hands formed the dry land, too.
6 Come, let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the LORD our maker,
7 for he is our God. NLT

Lord, You are a great and awesome God! You are King of kings! Maker of mighty mountains and surging seas! Owner of the depths of the earth and lofty skies! You rule and reign from heaven on high!

In reverent awe, I come just as I am, humble, meek, and poor, to worship You in the splendor of Your sovereignty. I’m not worthy to climb the mighty majestic mountain into Your presence. I can’t stand on this holy ground without purifying my heart. With a clear conscience, I’ll enter the beauty of Your holiness to adore You with deep devotion.

Because Your precious Son bought me with His priceless blood, I’ll come before You with thanksgiving exalting You above the heavens. Seeing Your radiant face, I’ll kneel before Your throne and anoint Your feet with the sweet aroma of joyful praise.

With my hands, I’ll extol You. With my lips, I’ll lift You up. With my feet, I’ll serve You. With my tongue, I’ll sing of Your unfailing love and faithfulness. Gladly, I’ll give my life to You in worship. Please receive my humble sacrifice of praise because I love and adore You above all, my great God and King. Alleluia. Amen.

Prepare your heart for corporate worship by focusing on God’s reverence. Then, go in awe of Him and be blessed!

Christian Family Rules

Romans 12:9-16
9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Father in Heaven~
Thank You for clearly posting the Christian Family Rules:

1. Unconditionally love your brothers and sisters even when they’re unlovable, undeserving, and unresponsive
2. Don’t feed your mind evil thoughts; instead fill it with truth, righteousness, and purity.
3. Lay aside selfishness; delight in treating each other with respect and common courtesy.
4. Never give up!
5. Serve me enthusiastically.
6. Persevere under pressure.
7. Let your hope of heaven make you glad.
8. Never stop praying.
9. Take care of each other.
10. Welcome strangers into your home.
11. Ask me to bless everyone who mistreats you.
12. Be happy when others are happy.
13. Be sad when others are sad.
14. Be friendly with everyone.
15. Don’t be proud.
16. Be willing to do menial tasks.
17. Be willing to interact with people who are different from you.
18. Don’t be a know it all.

Father, only by Your grace can I stand before You as Your beloved child, adopted, redeemed, and forgiven. Because I love and respect You with all of my heart, I will do my best to obey the rules of Your house. Please fill me with more of Your love, grace and power. Show me who I can love in Your name today. Amen.

Which of these rules do you have a hard time obeying? Ask God to fill you with more of His power to overcome your selfish desires. Then, look for an opportunity to enthusiastically serve someone in a difficult situation.

Today I will lay aside my selfish desires and love ______________________________ in the name of Jesus. (fill in the name of someone whom you will show God’s love.)

The Debt of Love

Romans 13:8-10
8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Luke 6:31
Jesus said, "Do to others as you would have them do to you."

Lord of Love,
The only way I can begin to pay You back for Your infinite love is to love others. In love You came down from heaven to bless, choose, adopt, accept, redeem, and forgive me while I was unattractive, unworthy, and unlovable. The least I can do is obey You.
I won’t let myself starve; therefore, I need to feed the hungry.

• I make sure that I’m properly clothed before leaving the house; therefore, I’m expected to dress the destitute.
• I put a warm and cozy roof over my head; therefore, I’m required to find shelter for the homeless.
• I don’t want to be cheated or deceived; therefore, it’s necessary for me to be honest and fair to others.
• I despise being stabbed with hateful, hurtful words; therefore, I can’t kill the spirits of others with my own unkind works.
• I’d be angry if someone tried to interfere with my marriage; therefore, I’m obligated to stay out of someone else’s marriage.

I don’t want anyone to covet my possessions; therefore, I can’t be jealous when someone has something bigger or better than me.

The only way I can properly respond to Your immeasurable, inexhaustible love is to behave decently as a Christian child by fully obeying Your law of love. Please dear Lord, clothe me with power and love to make a difference where it matters today because tomorrow may be too late. Open my eyes to see someone who needs love today and I will obey no matter the cost because I appreciate the high price of the love You lavished on me. To You who rules on the throne of my heart forever and ever be the glory. Amen.

In light of God’s incredible gift of love given to you, what will you do today to obey His command to love your neighbor as yourself? Admit your own selfishness. Repent and reach out in love to someone in a difficult situation. Do it today because tomorrow may be too late.

Today I will reach out in love by _________________________________ as a token of appreciation for the high price Jesus paid for my pardon. I will do it today because tomorrow may be too late

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

Psalm 122:6-8
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure.

7 May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels."

8 For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, "Peace be within you."

9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.

This Scripture has very special meaning to me. A very dear friend asked me to pray for the peace of Jerusalem for her family. I had no idea what that meant, but the Holy Spirit taught me through a very wise old man and this Scripture that it means we should pray for peace, protection and the prosperity of God’s presence for one another. What a blessing and a privilege it is to carry one another to the King’s throne in prayer!

I wrote this Prayer Pal for my friend and her family. You can pray it for your friends and family too.

Prince of Peace,
What a joy and privilege it is to carry my hurting friend to You in prayer. You know how much she adores You. Her family is precious to You. You know the depth of the trials they face daily. You understand their anguish and heart ache. Precious Savior, be real and active in their lives today. Let Your truth rule their minds. Guard their hearts with perfect peace. In the safety of Your presence, let them live happily, assure of Your divine protection.

Why should they fear man, when You went a great distance to save them from death and destruction? After paying an exorbitant price for them with Your life, You won’t abandon them now. Why should they be afraid when You command and calm the winds and waves? Why should they lose heart when they know how magnificent You are? Why should they give up on You when they know You have a loving plan to take care of them and give them a bright future? Please give them faith to trust in Your promises today.

Father in Heaven, watch over their lives. Keep them from harm. Give them courage and strength to bravely face each new challenge. As they seek Your touch of greatness, make them rich with good health and godly friends. Be kind and gracious to them because they love You more than life itself.

Lord, one thing I ask today – please bless my friend and her family with Your holy presence, perfect peace, and divine protection so that wherever they go unbelievers will notice their beautiful spirit and pursue the same peace they possess because of Jesus. Amen.

Too often we are quick to pray for our own needs and desires, and forget to intercede for others. Who will you intercede for today? Pray for their peace, protection, and prosperous presence of God.

Pray this Scripture for your church too! See the Prayer Pal from Friday, August 12, 2006.

Lighten the Load

Psalm 68:19
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.

Galatians 6:2
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

John 13: 34-35 Jesus said, 34"So now I am giving You a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved You, You should love each other. 35Your love for one another will prove to the world that You are my disciples."

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

Miraculously, You healed me and gave me a vivacious new life full of love and strength. You promised that I can cast all my problems and pressures on You any time, any day, any place. If I lean on You, I won’t stumble and fall from the weight of my anxieties. I’ll stand up tall under stress, affectionately praising Your mighty power!

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

If you know someone who’s struggling financially, deliver groceries to their door. I often use the buy one get one free specials at the grocery store, buying one for my family, giving the free items to someone less fortunate.

If you’re aware that someone has received devastating news, pick up the phone and call them. Just tell them you’re thinking of them and ask them to let you know how you can help.

Go visit an elderly or disabled person. Take along a balloon bouquet to brighten their surroundings.

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

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

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

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

Delighted to Worship

Psalm 122:1, 6-8
1 I rejoiced with those who said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the LORD."

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure.
7 May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels."
8 For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, "Peace be within you."
9 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 for You. 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 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 Your prosperous 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 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.

Romans 15:5, 6, 13
5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Loving Magnificently

1 John 3:16-23
16We know what real love is because Christ gave up His life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters. 17But if anyone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need and refuses to help--how can God's love be in that person?
18Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions. 19It is by our actions that we know we are living in the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before the Lord, 20even if our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
21Dear friends, if our conscience is clear, we can come to God with bold confidence. 22And we will receive whatever we request because we obey Him and do the things that please Him. 23And this is His commandment: We must believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. NLT

Dearest Father in Heaven-
Your divine love is incredibly amazing! That You would leave Your beautiful, majestic, celestial home in heaven to come to this wretched, ugly, hell-hole on earth to rescue detestable, antagonistic humans is unfathomable. I might die for someone really special, like my spouse or my child, but I’d never die for someone who despises me. Yet that’s exactly what You did for me. While I was Your vilest offender, You intentionally died for me.

In light of the high price You paid to secure my freedom, I ought not think twice about giving up my comfortable lifestyle for unpleasant, unattractive, and despicable people. I believe You put arrogant, obnoxious, mean-spirited individuals in my life to teach me to love Your way. Remind me daily of my own idiosyncrasies. I don’t like to admit it, but You know I’m far from perfect. Instead of uttering idle, meaningless chatter, help me to actively, consistently, deeply love nasty, unlikable people the way You love me. Recognizing my own unworthiness, will be my first step toward tolerating and showing mercy to them.

Practicing extravagant love will clear my conscience and purify my heart. Then, I can worshipfully, penitently, and joyfully come to You with confident expectation that You will hear my problems, doubts, fears, and needs. Rejoicing in my childlike faith that believes in the name of Jesus, Your Son, You will reward my obedience by responding to my urgent requests.

Please dear Lord, fill me with so much of Your magnificent love and mighty power that my vibrant faith will be contagious, proving to the watching world that I am Your beloved child. Because I long to make You happy, I’ll try my best to obey You by loving others in the name of Jesus. Amen.

How can you show the selfless love of Christ to an unlovable person today? It’s not easy and it’s not optional. It’s a command from the High King of Heaven who has paid a high price for you. It’s the least you can do to honor and glorify Him.

Jesus didn’t come to rescue good people, he came to save sinners. He expects us to love them too; after all, we’re amongst the throng!

Showing the Way

Colossians 4:5-6
5Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone. NLT

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

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

Holy God~
I praise You for showing me the Way to eternal life. I now have the responsibility to show others the Way. When You brought the message to me it was not only with words but also with all-consuming power. Assure of who You are and the great distance You went to rescue me from death and decay, I’ll confidently point others in the right direction by my attitudes and actions.

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

Walking hand-in-hand with my brothers and sisters, I’ll appreciate the family You’ve given me. I’ll praise, encourage, and respect them. Open my mind to Your Holy Word spoken to me through older and wiser siblings. Listening to their real life experiences will help me make sensible choices.

I want to make the most of every opportunity to be a witness for You. People will die today without knowing the Way to live happily ever after. I have the answer that will save them from an eternity of misery. You are the One and Only Way. Please give me courage to share Your love with a lost soul today. Because You have shown me true love, I’m obligated to graciously, tenderly, and effectively show it to others through my words and conduct for the sake of our glorious family name. Amen.

Do your words and conduct truly represent our Christian family name? People are watching us, waiting to see how we’ll react to situations. Pay attention to how you respond to people and circumstances today. It is your witness to a watching world. Will anyone see Jesus in you? What will you do to live wisely, making the most of every opportunity to represent the Kingdom of Heaven on earth today?

Extravagent Love

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

Lord of Love~
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 sweet sacrifice for me. Mercifully, You touched my callused heart, removing my hostility. You lovingly restored the damage that was done to our relationship making me right with You. Thank You Jesus!

I adore 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.

Bending Your Knee

John 13: 4-5, 12-17
4He got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

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


Jesus, Humble Servant,
You are the perfect Teacher and Lord. You reign in power with full authority over heaven and earth. Yet willingly, You left Your heavenly kingdom, becoming human to identify with me. Out of love for Your Father, You voluntarily laid aside Your own rights and privileges. Stooping down to wash filthy, dirty feet, You taught me how to serve others meekly. If You, High King of Heaven, can take on the menial task of cleaning stinky, muddy feet then who am I to stand around, watching and waiting for someone else to do the dirty work?

Make me a servant, humble and meek. Lord, let me lift up those who are weak, and, may the prayer of my heart always be "make me a servant today."

Please give me a willing spirit and power to …

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

Father, I want to be more like Jesus. Open the eyes of my heart and show me who I can bend down to serve today in Your name. I will obey because I love You and anticipate the prosperous reward You will give me because of Jesus. Amen

Who can you stoop down and serve today?

Reflect on the words to this catchy little chorus. If you know the tune, make it the song of your heart today!

Make me a servant
Humble and meek
Lord let me lift up those who are weak
And, may the prayer of my heart always be
Make me a servant
Make me a servant
Make me a servant today.
© 1982 Maranatha! Music Words and Music by Kelly Willard

Encouraging Others

Malachi 3:16-18
16Then 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. 17"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. 18 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 hoarded 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. We have a powerful King enthroned in our hearts, a rich inheritance and a guaranteed place in Your palace 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?

Gettin' Ready

2 Peter 3: 10-18
10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
11Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming … make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation…17… be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. 18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. NLT

Truthful God and Righteous Judge,
You tell it like it is … You’re poised and ready to speak again! This time You’ll give the signal for the judgment and destruction of desecrating doubters. I don’t want to be among them! Please help me to:

• Be holy by spending time with You each day in intimate friendship, reading Your Word, praying and making friends with other believers. I want to know and recognize You.

• Be godly by demonstrating love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I want You to know me and recognize me by my Christ-like characteristics.
  
• Be watching by remaining alert and paying attention so that I won’t be surprised or alarmed when You show up.
  
• Quickly, go tell the story of Your dramatic rescue to everyone and anyone who will listen because You’re not coming until everyone’s heard the message.
  
• Make every effort to be spotless, pure and at peace with everyone.
  
• Believe the truth about Your mercy and patience. You don’t want anyone to perish.
  
• Be on guard so that I won’t be misled by false teachers with a feel good message that twists the truth and justifies inappropriate activities.
  
• Keep growing deeper in my understanding of You and Your amazing kindness.
  

Since everything here today will be gone tomorrow, it is essential that I live my life for You. Joyfully, I look forward with great hope to my new home in heaven where I’ll live happily ever after with You, my Lord and King. Thank You for warning me of what’s to come and telling me precisely how to prepare! I praise You Jesus for Your wonderful Words! Amen.

God clearly tells us that He will come at an unexpected time. Do You believe Him? Are you ready if He comes tonight? How will you prepare to meet Him? Will you recognize Him? Will He recognize You?

A Special Visitor

Luke 12: 35-40
Jesus said, 35"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. 39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

Dear Jesus-
In the classroom of my heart, there are so many valuable lessons when You’re the Teacher. Please help me to concentrate and apply the things I learn. Sometimes it’s hard to believe You, but all I have to do is look in my Bible and know that You will do the things You say You will do. I know You’re coming back. I want to be dressed and ready for service. I want my lamp to be burning brightly with a Holy Spirit flame so that no matter when You come You will see the light on and know that I’m expecting You. When You knock I’ll immediately open the door, recognize You, and joyfully welcome You inside.

I’ll prepare my heart by:

• Being authentic and sincere
• Being ready to witness with bold courage
• Trusting You and not worrying or fussing about unimportant things
• Being generous with my time, talent, and treasures
• Being diligent about the work You have given me to do
  

Please dear Lord create in me an acute awareness of who You are so that I will know You. I don’t want to be caught off guard when You show up. When You come I hope You will find me living out my faith, doing something that pleases You so that I will not be ashamed. Amen.

What do you need to do to get the home of your heart ready for a special visitor who may show up today?

Family Gatherings

Hebrews 10:24-25
24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let 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.

High King of Heaven,
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 helpful and kind to others any chance I get. It’s the least I can do to serve and honor You for rescuing me from death and destruction.

Because of Your amazing love, I’ll 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 with the light of love. 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 sweet 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 me 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?

Living Together Happily

Psalm 133
1 How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!
2 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.
3 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 are wonderful! 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 comforting, sweet perfume to the sick and sad soul. It’s expensive! I pay for it every time I give up my selfish desires. It’s well worth the high price because the delightful fragrance cheers my spirit as I pour out Your love. The rich, heavenly scent uplifts the thoughts of the recipient, flowing from their head to their heart. Please dear Lord, give me a gracious tongue to speak pleasantly and peacefully, lavishing love, like sweet perfume on my brothers and sisters today for the glory of Your name.

Your love is like cool moisture falling fresh on sin scorched souls. As I’m around my brothers and sisters, let me shower them with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-discipline. Let Your blessings fall like dew from heaven watering and reviving us to live happily ever after with You.

O Lord, I long for the prosperous blessings You generously give to those who live harmoniously in Your family. Please show me someone who is sick or sad today and I will lavish them with the sweet perfume of Your love. Show me someone whose soul is scorched by sin and I will mist them with mercy for the blessing of Your beautiful, majestic 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. Comfort someone who is sick or sad. Show mercy to someone who has hurt you. Encourage someone who’s discouraged. Be a blessing!

Today I will bless __________________________________ with God’s love.

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.

Ready For Use

Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me, melt me, mold me, fill me, use me ...

Isaiah 6:1-8
1In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. 2Hovering around him were mighty seraphim, each with six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with the remaining two they flew. 3In a great chorus they sang, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty! The whole earth is filled with his glory!" 4The glorious singing shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire sanctuary was filled with smoke.

5Then I said, "My destruction is sealed, for I am a sinful man and a member of a sinful race. Yet I have seen the King, the LORD Almighty!"

6Then one of the seraphim flew over to the altar, and he picked up a burning coal with a pair of tongs. 7He touched my lips with it and said, "See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven."

8Then I heard the Lord asking, "Whom should I send as a messenger to my people? Who will go for us?"

And I said, "Lord, I'll go! Send me." NLT

Living God,
You are holy and mighty,
You are King of my heart and
Lord of my life
I have mysteriously seen Your divine glory in the temple of my heart when Jesus came in and freed me from my sin. Seated high on the throne of my soul, Your Holy Spirit flame continuously burns away all the impurities within me. You crush me from my sinful nature. You reshape me repeatedly until I’m Your perfect pot. Then You wash away my guilt and shame with the precious blood of Jesus, forgiving my sins and shortcomings. When I’m clean, You fill me to overflowing with extravagant peace, Jesus joy, and heavenly hope. The painful purification process sets me apart as holy, ready to do Your will.

Purified others can see the face of my King exalted in me. Lord, I am shining for You. Please send me! I will go in the name of Jesus so that others will see and believe. You are my God and my King. All glory to You for the changes in me! Amen.

Are you willing to allow God to destroy you and reshape you for His use? If so, cry out to him, admitting your sin and weakness. Surrender to His power and He will use you.

Full of Joy & Peace

Spirit of the Living God fall fresh on me … Melt me, Mold me, Fill me…

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Living Water,
Pure,
Crystal Clear,
Refreshing …
Fall on me! Wash me! Fill me!
I am a dirty cup, O God. Wash me with sparkling Living Water, the priceless blood of Jesus, so that I shine radiantly. I trust You to wash away the bitter brew of criticism, rejection, and humiliation. Replace it with the pleasant taste of peace. I trust You to remove the pungent solution of pride, perfection, and conceit. Replace it with the delightful taste of joy.

Filled with unexplainable peace and glorious joy, the hope of my heavenly home will spill out of me into the world in which I live, work, and play. Glistening with Jesus joy, I will invite people to come and drink from my cup full of luscious Living Water. When they sip the sweetness of my salvation, and realize that my hope is in heaven, they too will long to be cleansed by Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Please dear Lord, crush me, shape me and fill me to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus. Amen.

What is contaminating your cup? Will you hand it over to the maker and allow Him to wash it with the Living Water of Jesus? Then, you will glisten with Jesus joy and precious peace.

The Perfect Pot

Spirit of the Living God fall fresh on me ... Melt me, Mold me ...

Jeremiah 18: 1- 6
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD : "Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message." So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the LORD came to me: "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD . "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand."

Living God,
You are the Perfect Potter. I am clay in Your hands. Let Your Spirit fall on me. Mold me into a treasured vessel You can use. Keep my heart soft and pliable. I want to be responsive to Your touch of greatness.

Father, into Your hands I go! Crush me. Shape me. Infuse me with grace. Cover all my defects and imperfections with Your gentle hands of mercy. Willingly and receptively I surrender myself to You. Please make me a valuable container to hold more of Jesus. Conform me into an instrument that is holy, blameless, and pure.

In the hands of my Perfect Potter, I will mold into the Perfect Pot. Just let Your Spirit fall on me, making me more flexible for Your glory. Amen

Are you willing to allow the Potter to crush you and mold you even if it requires major sacrifices?

Refiner's Fire

Spirit of the Living God fall fresh on me … Melt me

Malachi 3: 2, 3
He will be like a blazing fire that refines metal or like a strong soap that whitens clothes. 3He will sit and judge like a refiner of silver, watching closely as the dross is burned away. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold or silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the LORD. NLT

Living God,
Almighty Lord, You are the greatest Refiner in the world. Let Your Spirit fall on me and melt me. Although the process is excruciatingly painful, the result is gloriously beautiful. As I melt under the intense flame of the Holy Spirit, You skim off my impurities that rise to the surface. Only purity and holiness remain. Cleanse me with the blazing fire of my afflictions. Separate me from the corruption that renders me worthless and useless. With the dross removed, Your reflection appears in the smooth, pure surface of my soul. Others see it shining through.

Thank You Lord for the perfection process. Because of Your unfailing love and compassion, the melting procedure will not consume me. I will look with hope to my fabulous future when I am perfect in Christ Jesus. Show me Your ways. Teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth. You are my Perfect Savior. I long to be holy, like You. Fall on me. Melt me for Your name sake. Amen.

Are you willing to surrender yourself to the Refiner’s fire?