Luke 5: 17-26
17One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick. 18Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 20When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."
24He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home."
25Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. 26Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."
Sweet Jesus-
I love the lessons you teach me when I take time to be with You. I’ve heard this story repeatedly, but today it has fresh meaning. I’m acutely aware of the friends who had the compassion and strength to carry me to You when I was too weak to walk. They relentlessly stuck with me until I met You face to face. Now, I’ll be that friend to someone else. Many people in my church family are paralyzed from terrible tragedies, crushing circumstances, and devastating diagnoses. Crippled by crisis, they need carried to You. I resolve to be the faithful friend who lifts them up and finds a way to bring them to You.
When others are too brokenhearted to speak, I’ll be the voice that persistently carries them to You in prayer. Trusting in Your promises, I’ll believe You’ll hear, answer and inexplicably revive them.
When others are too grief-stricken to stand, I’ll doggedly transport them to the Steadfast Pillar of Strength, allowing them to lean on me. By Your mighty hand, I’ll be the faithful friend who supports and upholds them, expecting You to perform a miracle.
When others are blinded by tears, I’ll determinedly lead them to the stream of Living Water where they can immerse their thoughts in things that are noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Amazingly, You’ll use my faith and encouragement to restore their sight.
Hopelessness will turn to happiness when, together; we experience Your wonderful touch of greatness. We’ll be in awe of You because of the remarkable things You’ve done in us and through us, as we carry our friends to You for healing in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Do you know someone who needs healing, physically, emotionally, or spiritually? Will you be the persistent friend who sticks with them until they encounter Jesus? Imagine the immense blessing for the men who went above and beyond to get their friend to Him. You, too, could receive an immeasurable reward, for your faithfulness.
The key to their success was their persistent faith. They believed Jesus could help their desperate friend. They developed a plan around their obstacles and went above and beyond get him in front of Jesus. Follow their example, and you too, may have a story to tell.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
Resolve to Build Bridges
Daniel 1: 3-4, 17, 19
3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility- 4 young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.
17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service.
Most High King of Heaven,
I praise You for choosing and adopting me into Your royal family. Because You’ve made me righteous, I have no defects. All of my deformities were concealed at the foot of the cross where You turned my brokenness into beauty. You lavished me with wisdom and understanding to know the mysteries of Your good, pleasing and perfect will. Now, I’m qualified to serve You, my high and heavenly King.
This world is not my home. My home is in heaven. Like Daniel, I am a foreigner in a strange place. The wholesome language I speak is uncommon here. The Christian literature I’m familiar with is abnormal. It’s imperative that I adapt to the way of life in the community where I live, work and play.
You’ve put me here to spread the Good News that Your kingdom is available to everyone who believes. I can only do that by earning the trust and respect of those around me. Please give me the desire to be like Daniel. I need to go beyond the pleasant walls and protection of my church and immerse myself in the community. Clinging to my faith and trusting in Your power, I’ll infiltrate people with the truth about You in words they’ll understand. By developing meaningful relationships and clear communication, I’ll build bridges for them to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Please dear Lord, give me a courageous heart and determined mind to follow You beyond my perceived limits. Give me extraordinary wisdom and knowledge to fluently speak to those who differ from me. Use me to connect my community to Your glorious kingdom for the praise of Your name. Amen.
You don’t have to go to another land to learn a new language. Study the current culture in your community. You’ll probably discover that they don’t speak or act like you. In order to serve them for God, you need to know their values and traditions.
Resolve to build bridges with non-believers by asking God to give you the wisdom, knowledge and courage of Daniel to boldly live out your life in your neighborhood. Find a non-church related group and begin interacting with them.
3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility- 4 young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.
17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service.
Most High King of Heaven,
I praise You for choosing and adopting me into Your royal family. Because You’ve made me righteous, I have no defects. All of my deformities were concealed at the foot of the cross where You turned my brokenness into beauty. You lavished me with wisdom and understanding to know the mysteries of Your good, pleasing and perfect will. Now, I’m qualified to serve You, my high and heavenly King.
This world is not my home. My home is in heaven. Like Daniel, I am a foreigner in a strange place. The wholesome language I speak is uncommon here. The Christian literature I’m familiar with is abnormal. It’s imperative that I adapt to the way of life in the community where I live, work and play.
You’ve put me here to spread the Good News that Your kingdom is available to everyone who believes. I can only do that by earning the trust and respect of those around me. Please give me the desire to be like Daniel. I need to go beyond the pleasant walls and protection of my church and immerse myself in the community. Clinging to my faith and trusting in Your power, I’ll infiltrate people with the truth about You in words they’ll understand. By developing meaningful relationships and clear communication, I’ll build bridges for them to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Please dear Lord, give me a courageous heart and determined mind to follow You beyond my perceived limits. Give me extraordinary wisdom and knowledge to fluently speak to those who differ from me. Use me to connect my community to Your glorious kingdom for the praise of Your name. Amen.
You don’t have to go to another land to learn a new language. Study the current culture in your community. You’ll probably discover that they don’t speak or act like you. In order to serve them for God, you need to know their values and traditions.
Resolve to build bridges with non-believers by asking God to give you the wisdom, knowledge and courage of Daniel to boldly live out your life in your neighborhood. Find a non-church related group and begin interacting with them.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Resolve to Rest
Isaiah 58:13-14
13 “Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly. 14 Then the Lord will be your delight. I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
Lord of the Sabbath,
You are holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and You have spoken to me! You know that I’m stressed out, burned out and need time out! Thank You for designing a day for me to rest! Forgive me for neglecting it.
You set the pace by working hard for six days to make the entire universe. Then, You stopped and enjoyed the fruit of Your labor. The problem is my work is unending. I keep going and going and going, until all of my energy’s spent and there’s nothing left for You, my family or me. If You, the infinite source of energy, needed a day to rest, how much more do I need it?
Help me, by the power of Your Spirit, to intentionally make time to unwind. When I’m worn out, I make poor decisions that desecrate Your holy name, and hurt my family and me. Slow me down, Lord!
Setting aside my long to-do list, I’ll deliberately spend an entire day quietly reflecting on what went well and what went wrong in my week. I’ll thank You for my successes, admit my failures, and plan to do better next week. Letting go of everything, I’ll concentrate on honoring You in everything I say and do. With my heart at ease and my mind clear, it will be a pleasure to praise and worship You for Who You are and what You’ve done.
Spending time with You, I’ll discover remarkable peace and inexplicable joy. Free from obligations, my weary soul will enjoy a quiet day. My rich reward will be a revived heart, re-energized Spirit, and renewed strength. Rested, I’ll consistently make right choices that bring glory to Your name. The noticeable change in my heart will draw others to You, the perfect designer of the day of rest. Amen.
The Lord has commanded, “Keep the Sabbath day holy!” Hard as that is in our current culture, it’s not optional. To disobey is to dishonor the Lord of the Sabbath.
For one month, intentionally keep every Sunday open. Take a nap. Read a book. Take a walk. Play games. Visit the sick or elderly. It's very difficult, but you'll notice a remarkable difference in your demeanor and long for that day of rest each week.
13 “Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly. 14 Then the Lord will be your delight. I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
Lord of the Sabbath,
You are holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and You have spoken to me! You know that I’m stressed out, burned out and need time out! Thank You for designing a day for me to rest! Forgive me for neglecting it.
You set the pace by working hard for six days to make the entire universe. Then, You stopped and enjoyed the fruit of Your labor. The problem is my work is unending. I keep going and going and going, until all of my energy’s spent and there’s nothing left for You, my family or me. If You, the infinite source of energy, needed a day to rest, how much more do I need it?
Help me, by the power of Your Spirit, to intentionally make time to unwind. When I’m worn out, I make poor decisions that desecrate Your holy name, and hurt my family and me. Slow me down, Lord!
Setting aside my long to-do list, I’ll deliberately spend an entire day quietly reflecting on what went well and what went wrong in my week. I’ll thank You for my successes, admit my failures, and plan to do better next week. Letting go of everything, I’ll concentrate on honoring You in everything I say and do. With my heart at ease and my mind clear, it will be a pleasure to praise and worship You for Who You are and what You’ve done.
Spending time with You, I’ll discover remarkable peace and inexplicable joy. Free from obligations, my weary soul will enjoy a quiet day. My rich reward will be a revived heart, re-energized Spirit, and renewed strength. Rested, I’ll consistently make right choices that bring glory to Your name. The noticeable change in my heart will draw others to You, the perfect designer of the day of rest. Amen.
The Lord has commanded, “Keep the Sabbath day holy!” Hard as that is in our current culture, it’s not optional. To disobey is to dishonor the Lord of the Sabbath.
For one month, intentionally keep every Sunday open. Take a nap. Read a book. Take a walk. Play games. Visit the sick or elderly. It's very difficult, but you'll notice a remarkable difference in your demeanor and long for that day of rest each week.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Resolve to Represent God
Philippians 3:17
Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom
Jesus, You are the Perfect Pattern for godly living. I long to model my life after Yours.
Help me to understand and obey the rules of Your magnificent kingdom. Do not let me wander away from them. I want to reflect Your beauty in everything I say and do. In the laboratory of love, show me any aspect or activity in my life that will tarnish my image. Concentrating on You, I’ll accept Your gentle instruction, allowing You to polish me.
With Your Words, in all their richness, alive in me, I’ll accurately represent the kingdom of heaven on earth. Love and patience will show my strong faith. Peace will reign in my heart. Praise and thanksgiving will always be on my lips. My kindness and humility will give others an honest impression of You.
Please send godly people into my life so that I can see Your principles in practice and apply them to my own life. Seeing others imitating You will help me to grow in Your likeness. Hearing them tell about Your work in their lives will inspire me to persevere. As I study Your Word and watch others, I’ll become a living Bible, persuading and motivating others to bring glory, honor and fame to You. Amen.
What impression do people have of Christ when they see or talk with you? What changes do you need to make in your life to honor Him?
As Christians, we are to represent Christ. When those around us say, “I didn’t know you were a Christian,” we have failed to represent him as we should. We are not merely Christ followers; we are his representatives to others.
2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors.
Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom
Jesus, You are the Perfect Pattern for godly living. I long to model my life after Yours.
Help me to understand and obey the rules of Your magnificent kingdom. Do not let me wander away from them. I want to reflect Your beauty in everything I say and do. In the laboratory of love, show me any aspect or activity in my life that will tarnish my image. Concentrating on You, I’ll accept Your gentle instruction, allowing You to polish me.
With Your Words, in all their richness, alive in me, I’ll accurately represent the kingdom of heaven on earth. Love and patience will show my strong faith. Peace will reign in my heart. Praise and thanksgiving will always be on my lips. My kindness and humility will give others an honest impression of You.
Please send godly people into my life so that I can see Your principles in practice and apply them to my own life. Seeing others imitating You will help me to grow in Your likeness. Hearing them tell about Your work in their lives will inspire me to persevere. As I study Your Word and watch others, I’ll become a living Bible, persuading and motivating others to bring glory, honor and fame to You. Amen.
What impression do people have of Christ when they see or talk with you? What changes do you need to make in your life to honor Him?
As Christians, we are to represent Christ. When those around us say, “I didn’t know you were a Christian,” we have failed to represent him as we should. We are not merely Christ followers; we are his representatives to others.
2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Resolve to Be a Good Neighbor
Luke 10: 30-37
30Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Jesus, You are the Perfect Teacher!
Thank you for teaching me who my neighbors are! They are the people around me who have been stripped of their dignity. Kicked by random acts of cruelty, punched by persistent problems, and knocked unconscious by bullies, their spirits have been left to disgracefully die.
Forgive me for all the times I’ve:
30Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Jesus, You are the Perfect Teacher!
Thank you for teaching me who my neighbors are! They are the people around me who have been stripped of their dignity. Kicked by random acts of cruelty, punched by persistent problems, and knocked unconscious by bullies, their spirits have been left to disgracefully die.
Forgive me for all the times I’ve:
- Hurt someone and walked away like the robber
- Unkindly passed by someone suffering because of my arrogance like the religious leaders
- Reasoned my lack of love by standing around and talking about it like the experts in the law
- Tried to capitalize on a bad situation like the innkeeper
Teach me to be merciful like the Samaritan who was the smallest among all of these men, yet had the biggest heart. Please remove the scales from my eyes and show me an injured soul today – someone who is different from me in race, creed, or social background. I will stop and nurse their wounds no matter the cost. With corrected vision, I will see interruptions as divine opportunities to show Your love to people in distress. May mercy flow like a river through me because of Your amazing love. Amen.
Open your eyes and look for someone to share the love of Christ with in a practical way today whether it's convenient or not.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Resolve to Be A Servant
John 13: 4-5, 14-15
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.
Jesus said to them, 14"Now 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.”
Jesus, My Lora and Teacher,
You reign in power with full authority over heaven and earth. Yet You left Your heavenly kingdom and became fully human to teach me Your ways. Out of deep devotion to Your Father, You voluntarily laid aside Your own rights and privileges to model the attitude of a servant.
Thank You for stooping down to wash filthy feet in order to teach me how to humbly serve You and others. If You, the Prince of Heaven, can take on the unappealing task of washing muddy feet then who am I to stand around, watching, and waiting for someone else to do the dirty work?
Humble my heart today. Fill me with a willing spirit and power to get up and go do whatever needs done for Your glory. Full of Your power, I will …
Are you willing to follow Christ’s example? Whom can you serve today?
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.
Jesus said to them, 14"Now 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.”
Jesus, My Lora and Teacher,
You reign in power with full authority over heaven and earth. Yet You left Your heavenly kingdom and became fully human to teach me Your ways. Out of deep devotion to Your Father, You voluntarily laid aside Your own rights and privileges to model the attitude of a servant.
Thank You for stooping down to wash filthy feet in order to teach me how to humbly serve You and others. If You, the Prince of Heaven, can take on the unappealing task of washing muddy feet then who am I to stand around, watching, and waiting for someone else to do the dirty work?
Humble my heart today. Fill me with a willing spirit and power to get up and go do whatever needs done for Your glory. Full of Your power, I will …
- Shamelessly stoop down to do unpleasant tasks
- Eagerly serve others even when it’s untimely
- Risk my reputation to reach out and touch the unattractive
- Value the dignity of human life more than my power or position in the community
- Express the full extent of Your love, even to the unappreciative
Father, with all my heart I want to be more like Jesus. Open my eyes to see who I can serve today. Out of love and respect, I will do whatever You ask, anticipating the rich reward You will give me because of Jesus. Amen
Are you willing to follow Christ’s example? Whom can you serve today?
Monday, January 22, 2007
Resolve to Be Non-Judgmental
Romans 2: 1-4
1You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.
Holy & Righteous Judge,
Forgive me for donning the robe, stepping behind the desk, and pounding down the gavel to announce the “guilty” verdict. I am just as bad! I have no excuse! It’s easier to look straight ahead at someone else, than it is to look down at myself. If I point a finger at others, four fingers are pointing back at me.
When I put on Your holy robe and thump Your sacred gavel, playing judge, I’m setting myself up for discipline. You do not like when I step behind Your divine desk because I’m unworthy and unqualified to be there. Forgive me for filtering Your grace through my opinion, and watering down Your mercy with my own narrow-mindedness. I can’t understand Your holy standard, let alone reach it!
I don’t know the whole story. How can I judge a book when the chapters aren’t all written? Only You know the whole truth. You are the Amazing Author of every story and uniquely write each ending. If You began a good story about someone, You will finish it with a perfect ending. I believe You.
I think of the thief dying on the cross next to You. In the last paragraph of his life story, he acknowledged You and asked You to remember him. In the end, You pounded the gavel and proclaimed him “not guilty”, assuring him a place in Paradise. While the watching world convicted him, You patiently pardoned him. You are so kind and merciful. Teach me, Your Honor, to be non-judgmental for Your name sake. Amen.
God is the Father of many chances. He holds back His judgment on us, allowing us time to change our mind. He expects us to do the same to others. Talk to God about who you need to show mercy today. Then, step aside, remove the robe, put down the gavel and let Him announce the verdict. He alone is worthy.
1You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.
Holy & Righteous Judge,
Forgive me for donning the robe, stepping behind the desk, and pounding down the gavel to announce the “guilty” verdict. I am just as bad! I have no excuse! It’s easier to look straight ahead at someone else, than it is to look down at myself. If I point a finger at others, four fingers are pointing back at me.
When I put on Your holy robe and thump Your sacred gavel, playing judge, I’m setting myself up for discipline. You do not like when I step behind Your divine desk because I’m unworthy and unqualified to be there. Forgive me for filtering Your grace through my opinion, and watering down Your mercy with my own narrow-mindedness. I can’t understand Your holy standard, let alone reach it!
I don’t know the whole story. How can I judge a book when the chapters aren’t all written? Only You know the whole truth. You are the Amazing Author of every story and uniquely write each ending. If You began a good story about someone, You will finish it with a perfect ending. I believe You.
I think of the thief dying on the cross next to You. In the last paragraph of his life story, he acknowledged You and asked You to remember him. In the end, You pounded the gavel and proclaimed him “not guilty”, assuring him a place in Paradise. While the watching world convicted him, You patiently pardoned him. You are so kind and merciful. Teach me, Your Honor, to be non-judgmental for Your name sake. Amen.
God is the Father of many chances. He holds back His judgment on us, allowing us time to change our mind. He expects us to do the same to others. Talk to God about who you need to show mercy today. Then, step aside, remove the robe, put down the gavel and let Him announce the verdict. He alone is worthy.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Resolve to Do What's Right
Isaiah 32:15-18
15 till the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest.
16 Justice will dwell in the desert and righteousness live in the fertile field
17 The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.
18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
Rushing River of Life,
Pour over me like fresh falling rain from heaven. Expose the ruins of my unresponsive heart. Dredge up the debris from my dreadful decisions. In the current of Your merciful love, sweep away my damaged reputation. Then, rise up like a cool spring in the desert. Flow over the badland of my soul, and cultivate it into a fertile field.
In the center of the field, build Your home. Move onto the lush land of my heart. Plant the good seed of Your Word in the soil of my soul. Thoroughly, water it with divine wisdom and grace. Tend to me patiently, teaching me to grow Your way. Raise me up to make right choices and produce good fruit. Rooted in You, others will clearly see the beauty of Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and restraint growing in me.
In Your presence, I’ll quietly rest, knowing that I’ve done what’s right. I’ll always trust You to protect me from the prickly weeds of proud, power-hungry people that threaten to disturb my peace. Under Your tender loving care, I’ll live a secure, serene and satisfied life.
Holy Spirit, rain down on me! Water the waste land of my heart with Your amazing grace, carry away the awful debris from my past and raise me up to consistently make right choices that will bless Your holy and righteous name. Amen.
Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and show you the damage caused by your poor choices. Humbly acknowledge your mistakes and resolve to consistenly do what's right this year.
The rewards will be rich: peace, quietness, and confidence forever.
15 till the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest.
16 Justice will dwell in the desert and righteousness live in the fertile field
17 The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.
18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
Rushing River of Life,
Pour over me like fresh falling rain from heaven. Expose the ruins of my unresponsive heart. Dredge up the debris from my dreadful decisions. In the current of Your merciful love, sweep away my damaged reputation. Then, rise up like a cool spring in the desert. Flow over the badland of my soul, and cultivate it into a fertile field.
In the center of the field, build Your home. Move onto the lush land of my heart. Plant the good seed of Your Word in the soil of my soul. Thoroughly, water it with divine wisdom and grace. Tend to me patiently, teaching me to grow Your way. Raise me up to make right choices and produce good fruit. Rooted in You, others will clearly see the beauty of Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and restraint growing in me.
In Your presence, I’ll quietly rest, knowing that I’ve done what’s right. I’ll always trust You to protect me from the prickly weeds of proud, power-hungry people that threaten to disturb my peace. Under Your tender loving care, I’ll live a secure, serene and satisfied life.
Holy Spirit, rain down on me! Water the waste land of my heart with Your amazing grace, carry away the awful debris from my past and raise me up to consistently make right choices that will bless Your holy and righteous name. Amen.
Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and show you the damage caused by your poor choices. Humbly acknowledge your mistakes and resolve to consistenly do what's right this year.
The rewards will be rich: peace, quietness, and confidence forever.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Resolve to Be More Merciful
Matthew 9:10-13
10While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”
12On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Merciful Father-
I continuously marvel at the fact that You love, chose, and adopted me despite my indecent life, impure motives, and improper attitudes. Mercifully accepting my broken life, You took me into Your heavenly workshop and turned me into a sacred masterpiece fit for a King. My beautiful new eyes will easily recognize lost and lonely souls. With a divine perspective, I’ll be able to see beyond their faults to their possibilities.
Unnoticed, unhealthy people all around me are dying for the gift of friendship. Like Matthew, I’ll find common ground with them. Risking my reputation, I’ll spend time mixing and mingling with them, showing them Your tender mercies. Exposed to You they may be radically changed into valuable works of art for Your purpose and pleasure.
Father, forgive me for making this life a popularity contest. Often I’m more concerned about my rituals, routines, and reputation than I am about restoring relationships. It’s not about ME. It’s all about YOU. Please enlarge my heart and fill it with more of Your merciful love. Open my eyes to see who needs a touch of Your greatness today and I’ll obediently reach out to them in the spirit of friendship because of Jesus. Amen.
Invite a lost and lonely soul into the core of your life today. Be courteous and authentic to them. Spend frequent time with them. Allow the Master to touch them through you.
God says, three times in his Word, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Matthew 9:13, 12:7 and Hosea 6:6. He doesn’t want our rituals and routines! He wants our relationship! And, when our hearts are enlarged, full of Him, we’ll have a spirit of forgiveness and restoration.
10While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”
12On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Merciful Father-
I continuously marvel at the fact that You love, chose, and adopted me despite my indecent life, impure motives, and improper attitudes. Mercifully accepting my broken life, You took me into Your heavenly workshop and turned me into a sacred masterpiece fit for a King. My beautiful new eyes will easily recognize lost and lonely souls. With a divine perspective, I’ll be able to see beyond their faults to their possibilities.
Unnoticed, unhealthy people all around me are dying for the gift of friendship. Like Matthew, I’ll find common ground with them. Risking my reputation, I’ll spend time mixing and mingling with them, showing them Your tender mercies. Exposed to You they may be radically changed into valuable works of art for Your purpose and pleasure.
Father, forgive me for making this life a popularity contest. Often I’m more concerned about my rituals, routines, and reputation than I am about restoring relationships. It’s not about ME. It’s all about YOU. Please enlarge my heart and fill it with more of Your merciful love. Open my eyes to see who needs a touch of Your greatness today and I’ll obediently reach out to them in the spirit of friendship because of Jesus. Amen.
Invite a lost and lonely soul into the core of your life today. Be courteous and authentic to them. Spend frequent time with them. Allow the Master to touch them through you.
God says, three times in his Word, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Matthew 9:13, 12:7 and Hosea 6:6. He doesn’t want our rituals and routines! He wants our relationship! And, when our hearts are enlarged, full of Him, we’ll have a spirit of forgiveness and restoration.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Resolve to Look Up
Psalm 123:2
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the LORD our God. NKJV
Merciful Master in Heaven,
I am Your humble servant who looks up to You with respect and admiration. Under Your control, You treat me with loving kindness. You assign my work and reward me. While working for You is hard, it’s also a joy and a delight.
Looking upward, I’ll have a vast view of You. From Your vantage point, my perspective will be fundamentally different. I’ll find You in the doctor’s office and the law office. I’ll see You in the parking lot and the shopping mall. You’ll be in the board room, as well as, the play room and classroom. You’ll be on the plane soaring across the skyway and in the car zooming down the highway. I’ll notice You on the production line and in the check-out line. I’ll spot You in my pain, as well as, my pleasure. I’ll even see You in the darkest people and places. You’ll be in my home and in my heart.
Watching You, I’ll clearly see signals to do Your work. Sometimes You’ll simply tell me to pray. Other times, You’ll instruct me to lovingly encourage and comfort. Occasionally, You’ll ask me to boldly speak out for what’s right. You’ll likely expect me to show mercy and kindness to intolerable people. You’ll probably require me to go outside of my comfort zone to do tasks that don’t come easily. Wherever I see You Lord, I’ll stop, listen, and do whatever You ask to bring glory to Your high and holy name.
Open the eyes of my heart Lord! I want to see You! You are my Master and immediate obedience is necessary. For my hard work, You will richly reward me with the tender mercies of Your Son. Amen.
Your focus should continually be on the Lord. If your eyes are wandering you’ll miss encounters with Him.
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the LORD our God. NKJV
Merciful Master in Heaven,
I am Your humble servant who looks up to You with respect and admiration. Under Your control, You treat me with loving kindness. You assign my work and reward me. While working for You is hard, it’s also a joy and a delight.
Looking upward, I’ll have a vast view of You. From Your vantage point, my perspective will be fundamentally different. I’ll find You in the doctor’s office and the law office. I’ll see You in the parking lot and the shopping mall. You’ll be in the board room, as well as, the play room and classroom. You’ll be on the plane soaring across the skyway and in the car zooming down the highway. I’ll notice You on the production line and in the check-out line. I’ll spot You in my pain, as well as, my pleasure. I’ll even see You in the darkest people and places. You’ll be in my home and in my heart.
Watching You, I’ll clearly see signals to do Your work. Sometimes You’ll simply tell me to pray. Other times, You’ll instruct me to lovingly encourage and comfort. Occasionally, You’ll ask me to boldly speak out for what’s right. You’ll likely expect me to show mercy and kindness to intolerable people. You’ll probably require me to go outside of my comfort zone to do tasks that don’t come easily. Wherever I see You Lord, I’ll stop, listen, and do whatever You ask to bring glory to Your high and holy name.
Open the eyes of my heart Lord! I want to see You! You are my Master and immediate obedience is necessary. For my hard work, You will richly reward me with the tender mercies of Your Son. Amen.
Your focus should continually be on the Lord. If your eyes are wandering you’ll miss encounters with Him.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Resolve to Trust God
Luke 12: 22-23
22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.”
Jesus-
You are such a tender loving Teacher. This is a hard lesson for me to learn. Please stick with me until I figure it out! Every day I worry about:
Life – What if this or that happens?
Food – What should I put in my stomach today? Low fat or low carbs? How many calories and how much fiber does it contain?
Body – Am I too short, too tall, too fat, or too skinny? What will people think of me?
Clothing – What should I wear today? Black, brown, blue, white, blue, green, red, yellow? Do I look good?
Forgive me for wasting my time worrying about insignificant things. I should be more concerned with where I’ll spend eternal life, what I’ll feed my mind, and the condition of my heart. Instead of looking at fads and fashions, I should thoughtfully walk through a field of wildflowers, gazing with wonder on their fabulous form. They never spend one minute primping or shopping; yet, they look dazzling.
Lord, I desperately need more faith to believe that I’m more valuable than flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow. Rather than worrying about my life, I resolve to trust You more this year. Living in Your presence, I’ll realize the magnitude of Your love and follow Your perfect plan, trusting You to take care of all my needs day by day.
Giving my entire attention to what You’re doing at the moment, I won’t get worked up about the future. When tough times come, I’ll trust You to sustain me for the glory and honor of Your life-giving name. Amen.
What temporal things are you worried about? What do you gain from worrying about these things? Resolve to trust God more this year by looking at life from an eternal perspective.
You can exercise rigorously, eat right, put on a pretty face and dress in the latest fashions, but it’s all meaningless if you don’t have a pure heart. When you appear before God’s throne, He’s not going to look at your fine physique, pretty face and fashionable wardrobe. He’s going to examine your heart. Work out with Him by reading your Bible carefully. Feed on His power packed promises. Clothe yourself in righteousness, humility and love from the armoire of God. Then, you'll have nothing to worry about because you'll look and feel splendid.
22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.”
Jesus-
You are such a tender loving Teacher. This is a hard lesson for me to learn. Please stick with me until I figure it out! Every day I worry about:
Life – What if this or that happens?
Food – What should I put in my stomach today? Low fat or low carbs? How many calories and how much fiber does it contain?
Body – Am I too short, too tall, too fat, or too skinny? What will people think of me?
Clothing – What should I wear today? Black, brown, blue, white, blue, green, red, yellow? Do I look good?
Forgive me for wasting my time worrying about insignificant things. I should be more concerned with where I’ll spend eternal life, what I’ll feed my mind, and the condition of my heart. Instead of looking at fads and fashions, I should thoughtfully walk through a field of wildflowers, gazing with wonder on their fabulous form. They never spend one minute primping or shopping; yet, they look dazzling.
Lord, I desperately need more faith to believe that I’m more valuable than flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow. Rather than worrying about my life, I resolve to trust You more this year. Living in Your presence, I’ll realize the magnitude of Your love and follow Your perfect plan, trusting You to take care of all my needs day by day.
Giving my entire attention to what You’re doing at the moment, I won’t get worked up about the future. When tough times come, I’ll trust You to sustain me for the glory and honor of Your life-giving name. Amen.
What temporal things are you worried about? What do you gain from worrying about these things? Resolve to trust God more this year by looking at life from an eternal perspective.
You can exercise rigorously, eat right, put on a pretty face and dress in the latest fashions, but it’s all meaningless if you don’t have a pure heart. When you appear before God’s throne, He’s not going to look at your fine physique, pretty face and fashionable wardrobe. He’s going to examine your heart. Work out with Him by reading your Bible carefully. Feed on His power packed promises. Clothe yourself in righteousness, humility and love from the armoire of God. Then, you'll have nothing to worry about because you'll look and feel splendid.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Resolve to Be More Generous
Matthew 6: 19-21
Jesus commanded: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus,
You are my most valuable Treasure. You are more lustrous than pearls, more majestic than sapphires, and more radiant than rubies. I rejoice in the richness of my relationship with You. Knowing You is more precious than the most brilliant diamond. Rare and beautiful, You’ve caught my interest and captivated my heart!
Like a fool, I’ve invested my money in worthless possessions, accumulating assets that could be destroyed in a heart beat. My warm and cozy home is full of meaningless treasures that could easily be stolen. Blessed with an overabundance of food, I’m never hungry. I’ve spent a small fortune on an extravagant wardrobe that I wash, wear and waste. Forgive me, Father, for overindulging in useless pleasures when others are just looking for a simple roof over their head, begging for a mere morsel to eat, and wearing my worn out wardrobe.
Because my heart and all that I have belong to You, I resolve to be more generous this year. Please touch my wallet with Your love. Show me who I can bless financially today. Willingly and wisely, I’ll open my heart and my wallet, making a secure investment in Your heavenly kingdom. In return, You’ll bless me with the everlasting riches of Your glorious name. Amen.
Thank God for all that He’s given you. Consider all the ways you extravagantly spend money on unnecessary items while others struggle to survive. Out of heartfelt gratitude, resolve to be more generous and find someone to share your wealth with today.
Jesus commanded: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus,
You are my most valuable Treasure. You are more lustrous than pearls, more majestic than sapphires, and more radiant than rubies. I rejoice in the richness of my relationship with You. Knowing You is more precious than the most brilliant diamond. Rare and beautiful, You’ve caught my interest and captivated my heart!
Like a fool, I’ve invested my money in worthless possessions, accumulating assets that could be destroyed in a heart beat. My warm and cozy home is full of meaningless treasures that could easily be stolen. Blessed with an overabundance of food, I’m never hungry. I’ve spent a small fortune on an extravagant wardrobe that I wash, wear and waste. Forgive me, Father, for overindulging in useless pleasures when others are just looking for a simple roof over their head, begging for a mere morsel to eat, and wearing my worn out wardrobe.
Because my heart and all that I have belong to You, I resolve to be more generous this year. Please touch my wallet with Your love. Show me who I can bless financially today. Willingly and wisely, I’ll open my heart and my wallet, making a secure investment in Your heavenly kingdom. In return, You’ll bless me with the everlasting riches of Your glorious name. Amen.
Thank God for all that He’s given you. Consider all the ways you extravagantly spend money on unnecessary items while others struggle to survive. Out of heartfelt gratitude, resolve to be more generous and find someone to share your wealth with today.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Resolve to Be Content
1 Timothy 6: 6-8
6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Life Giving God,
You are the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords. You are immortal and live in unapproachable light. No eye has ever seen You. Highest honor, everlasting power, and interminable dominion are Yours forever and ever!
I’m exceedingly happy because of your incredible provision! You have given me so much more than I need. Help me to be content with what I have. It’s difficult to flee from the advertising induced need for every new gadget and gizmo. In a materialistic world, distinguishing between wants and needs is tough. Teach me by Your Spirit to live a genuinely simple life, fulfilled with fewer belongings. I want to be rich in faith, hope and love.
All too often I take for granted the spectacular mysteries of life, failing to recognize Your stupendous provision. The vast beauty, splendor and majesty of creation are always there for me to enjoy. Family and friends are irreplaceable blessings to be cherished and protected. Best of all, You’ve given me the priceless gift of eternal life through Your Son. I have so much more than food and clothing to be thankful for!
Rather than chasing after meaningless possessions, I resolve to pursue a satisfying life of wonder, consistently working at what’s right and pleasing to You, my Creator, who daily enriches me with amazing grace and everlasting love. Amen.
How will you simplify your life this year? How will you consistently work at what’s right and pleasing to God?
6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Life Giving God,
You are the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords. You are immortal and live in unapproachable light. No eye has ever seen You. Highest honor, everlasting power, and interminable dominion are Yours forever and ever!
I’m exceedingly happy because of your incredible provision! You have given me so much more than I need. Help me to be content with what I have. It’s difficult to flee from the advertising induced need for every new gadget and gizmo. In a materialistic world, distinguishing between wants and needs is tough. Teach me by Your Spirit to live a genuinely simple life, fulfilled with fewer belongings. I want to be rich in faith, hope and love.
All too often I take for granted the spectacular mysteries of life, failing to recognize Your stupendous provision. The vast beauty, splendor and majesty of creation are always there for me to enjoy. Family and friends are irreplaceable blessings to be cherished and protected. Best of all, You’ve given me the priceless gift of eternal life through Your Son. I have so much more than food and clothing to be thankful for!
Rather than chasing after meaningless possessions, I resolve to pursue a satisfying life of wonder, consistently working at what’s right and pleasing to You, my Creator, who daily enriches me with amazing grace and everlasting love. Amen.
How will you simplify your life this year? How will you consistently work at what’s right and pleasing to God?
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Resolve to Be More Hospitable
1 Peter 4: 9
Open your homes to each other without complaining.
Luke 14:12-14
Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Father in Heaven-
Thank you for giving me the miracle of a Christian home. This home is not mine. It belongs to You. Often the details of entertaining consume me. I want to impress people with my meticulous well kept home, my clever decorating, and my gourmet cooking. I am so busy with the preparations that I forget WHO I am serving.
Empower me to put people before things. Instead of putting away the dirt, I will put away my pride and allow others to see my humanness. Shape my home into a place free of false pretensions where people can relax and be themselves.
Open my heart to a needy family in my community. I will obediently open my home as a place of rest and healing for them. It is my desire to use the gifts You’ve lavished on me to glorify You. I am Your humble servant, please show me how to practice biblical hospitality for Jesus name sake. Amen.
The root word of hospitality is “hospital.” Hospitals are places to rest and heal. Our homes should be places where people can come to rest and heal. Do you receive exquisite meals at a hospital? Are hospitals fussily decorated? Do hospitals only serve friends and family?
Think of your home as a hospital. Consider inviting to your home: the elderly neighbor who is always alone, the neighbor who’s recovering from surgery, the family that just received devastating news, the neighbor that’s unemployed, or someone new to your community.
What’s keeping you from demonstrating biblical hospitality? Resolve to aside your agenda to be more hospitable this year.
Open your homes to each other without complaining.
Luke 14:12-14
Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Father in Heaven-
Thank you for giving me the miracle of a Christian home. This home is not mine. It belongs to You. Often the details of entertaining consume me. I want to impress people with my meticulous well kept home, my clever decorating, and my gourmet cooking. I am so busy with the preparations that I forget WHO I am serving.
Empower me to put people before things. Instead of putting away the dirt, I will put away my pride and allow others to see my humanness. Shape my home into a place free of false pretensions where people can relax and be themselves.
Open my heart to a needy family in my community. I will obediently open my home as a place of rest and healing for them. It is my desire to use the gifts You’ve lavished on me to glorify You. I am Your humble servant, please show me how to practice biblical hospitality for Jesus name sake. Amen.
The root word of hospitality is “hospital.” Hospitals are places to rest and heal. Our homes should be places where people can come to rest and heal. Do you receive exquisite meals at a hospital? Are hospitals fussily decorated? Do hospitals only serve friends and family?
Think of your home as a hospital. Consider inviting to your home: the elderly neighbor who is always alone, the neighbor who’s recovering from surgery, the family that just received devastating news, the neighbor that’s unemployed, or someone new to your community.
What’s keeping you from demonstrating biblical hospitality? Resolve to aside your agenda to be more hospitable this year.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Resolve to Live for Today
Psalm 39:4-5
4'O Lord, let me know my end and how many days I have to live. Let me know that I do not have long to stay here. 5You have made each of my days as long as a hand is wide. My whole life is nothing in Your eyes. Every man at his best is only a breath. NLV
Heavenly Father~
Creator of all living things~
Thank You for the fabulous, fragile gift of life. I will cherish every day as a valuable present from You, my loving Father. Forgive me for tossing miracle moments aside to worry about insignificant incidences. Often I spend more time securing my life on earth, than I do thinking about where I will spend eternity.
Life is short! I don’t have long to stay here. Enlighten my mind to Your Holy Spirit and fill my heart with more grace so that I’ll be ready when You call my loved ones or me home. This is a picture perfect day that You have made. I’ll rejoice and be thankful for it. Living in the blessing of each precious moment, I’ll joyfully love and serve others because today could be my last chance. Please just give me more of Jesus to focus on the most important matters today for Your namesake. Amen.
You just don’t know when your life will be interrupted by an unexpected tragedy. Resolve to live each day like it’s your last. Don’t miss an opportunity to tell someone you love them. Give someone a hug today. Call a friend. Be a friend.
4'O Lord, let me know my end and how many days I have to live. Let me know that I do not have long to stay here. 5You have made each of my days as long as a hand is wide. My whole life is nothing in Your eyes. Every man at his best is only a breath. NLV
Heavenly Father~
Creator of all living things~
Thank You for the fabulous, fragile gift of life. I will cherish every day as a valuable present from You, my loving Father. Forgive me for tossing miracle moments aside to worry about insignificant incidences. Often I spend more time securing my life on earth, than I do thinking about where I will spend eternity.
Life is short! I don’t have long to stay here. Enlighten my mind to Your Holy Spirit and fill my heart with more grace so that I’ll be ready when You call my loved ones or me home. This is a picture perfect day that You have made. I’ll rejoice and be thankful for it. Living in the blessing of each precious moment, I’ll joyfully love and serve others because today could be my last chance. Please just give me more of Jesus to focus on the most important matters today for Your namesake. Amen.
You just don’t know when your life will be interrupted by an unexpected tragedy. Resolve to live each day like it’s your last. Don’t miss an opportunity to tell someone you love them. Give someone a hug today. Call a friend. Be a friend.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Resolve to Slow Down
Psalm 130:5-6
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Lord,
I admit I’m a most impatient child! Even though You promise special blessings for those who quietly wait, it’s a very difficult assignment for me! I’m living in a fast-paced world where we drive fast cars through fast food restaurants, gobbling the grub as we speed down the freeway. Instant cash at ATM’s and instant information on the internet provide for instant gratification. And I wonder why waiting is hard!
Please dear Lord, slow me down! I want off this race track! Rather than speeding to keep up with everyone else, worrying about my security, career and relationships, I want to deliberately depend on Your provision and protection. Instead of pursuing power, prestige, and possessions for pleasure, I want to down shift, allowing You to take me to everlasting happiness. Zooming through life I miss out on opportunities to serve You; consequently, also losing the rich rewards You pay Your workers.
At break-neck speed my perception is poor and my vision distorted as in the darkness of night. I simply can’t see clearly! Going at a slower, safer speed I’ll begin to see You for who You really are: loving, kind and reliable. I’ll come to depend on You for power, provision and protection. I’ll learn to trust Your principles, promises and purposes. Concentrating on Your goodness, I’ll find peace and hope in Your Word, the Bible.
Please fill me with patience to endure the long, silent night of my soul, eagerly expecting the definitive morning when the Son will rise and warm my heart with heavenly hope for Your namesake. Amen.
Most of us are waiting for something – a promotion or pay increase, a diagnosis or cure, the death of a loved one, a trial and verdict, a wayward child to come home, to overcome an addiction or bad habit, to win the lottery or lose a few pounds, for a voice to pick up the phone or a computer to respond …
What are you waiting for? Are you impatient, like me, trying to devise your own schemes and plans to get ahead? I encourage you to slow down and go with God. In His Word you will find the only Way to peace and everlasting happiness.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Lord,
I admit I’m a most impatient child! Even though You promise special blessings for those who quietly wait, it’s a very difficult assignment for me! I’m living in a fast-paced world where we drive fast cars through fast food restaurants, gobbling the grub as we speed down the freeway. Instant cash at ATM’s and instant information on the internet provide for instant gratification. And I wonder why waiting is hard!
Please dear Lord, slow me down! I want off this race track! Rather than speeding to keep up with everyone else, worrying about my security, career and relationships, I want to deliberately depend on Your provision and protection. Instead of pursuing power, prestige, and possessions for pleasure, I want to down shift, allowing You to take me to everlasting happiness. Zooming through life I miss out on opportunities to serve You; consequently, also losing the rich rewards You pay Your workers.
At break-neck speed my perception is poor and my vision distorted as in the darkness of night. I simply can’t see clearly! Going at a slower, safer speed I’ll begin to see You for who You really are: loving, kind and reliable. I’ll come to depend on You for power, provision and protection. I’ll learn to trust Your principles, promises and purposes. Concentrating on Your goodness, I’ll find peace and hope in Your Word, the Bible.
Please fill me with patience to endure the long, silent night of my soul, eagerly expecting the definitive morning when the Son will rise and warm my heart with heavenly hope for Your namesake. Amen.
Most of us are waiting for something – a promotion or pay increase, a diagnosis or cure, the death of a loved one, a trial and verdict, a wayward child to come home, to overcome an addiction or bad habit, to win the lottery or lose a few pounds, for a voice to pick up the phone or a computer to respond …
What are you waiting for? Are you impatient, like me, trying to devise your own schemes and plans to get ahead? I encourage you to slow down and go with God. In His Word you will find the only Way to peace and everlasting happiness.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Resolve to Help Others
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. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” NLT
Glorious Lord,
You are my wonderful Savior! When I stumbled and fell over shame, You found me, and compassionately picked me up in Your strong arms. Injured and weak from the fall, You resiliently carried my wounds on Your body to Calvary. There, You disinfected my sore soul with Living Water from the gash in Your side and cleansed me with the antiseptic of Your blood. You covered every mistake I ever made and ever will make.
Miraculously, You healed me and gave me a vivacious new life full of love and strength. You promised to continually carry all of my problems. Leaning on You, I won’t stumble and fall from the weight of my anxieties. I’ll stand up tall under stress, affectionately praising Your mighty power!
All around me are indignant, hurting people who have stumbled and can’t get up. The weight of their troubles is more than they can bear. Please enlarge my heart. Fill me with a spirit of compassion to notice the fallen people in my path. Just as You mercifully care for me daily, I resolve to graciously stoop down, pick them up, and carry their load. Since You went a great distance to save and strengthen me, I’ll go the extra mile to lift up needy people. I’ll voluntarily go out of my way to attentively listen to them, boosting their spirits with kind words of encouragement and prayer. Make me a mighty magnet to draw others to You for mercy. In doing so, I’ll fulfill Your command to love others, and show the watching world that I belong to Jesus through whom I live and pray. Amen.
If you know someone who’s struggling financially, deliver groceries to their door. Secretly pay their utility bill or their rent.
If you’re aware that someone has received devastating news, pick up the phone and call them. Tell them you’re thinking of them and ask how you can help.
Go visit an elderly or disabled person. Take along a balloon bouquet to brighten their surroundings. Your presence will make their day.
Relieve weary parents of small children by taking the children for an afternoon.
Write a letter to a prisoner who’s been forgotten by society. Tell them about God’s forgiveness. Show them His mercy.
Offer to pray for someone who is hurting and do it on the spot. It will bless their heart to hear their name being carried to the throne!
Ask God to give you a spirit of forgiveness and forbearance. Ask for an enlarged heart and a spirit of compassion. He will be delighted to give you these things! Then, open your eyes. Look around and you will see someone close by who has fallen and needs your help. Show them that you are a Christ follower by lightening their load today.
Find someone with a load heavier than your own, and help them carry it today. It’s not optional!
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. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” NLT
Glorious Lord,
You are my wonderful Savior! When I stumbled and fell over shame, You found me, and compassionately picked me up in Your strong arms. Injured and weak from the fall, You resiliently carried my wounds on Your body to Calvary. There, You disinfected my sore soul with Living Water from the gash in Your side and cleansed me with the antiseptic of Your blood. You covered every mistake I ever made and ever will make.
Miraculously, You healed me and gave me a vivacious new life full of love and strength. You promised to continually carry all of my problems. Leaning on You, I won’t stumble and fall from the weight of my anxieties. I’ll stand up tall under stress, affectionately praising Your mighty power!
All around me are indignant, hurting people who have stumbled and can’t get up. The weight of their troubles is more than they can bear. Please enlarge my heart. Fill me with a spirit of compassion to notice the fallen people in my path. Just as You mercifully care for me daily, I resolve to graciously stoop down, pick them up, and carry their load. Since You went a great distance to save and strengthen me, I’ll go the extra mile to lift up needy people. I’ll voluntarily go out of my way to attentively listen to them, boosting their spirits with kind words of encouragement and prayer. Make me a mighty magnet to draw others to You for mercy. In doing so, I’ll fulfill Your command to love others, and show the watching world that I belong to Jesus through whom I live and pray. Amen.
If you know someone who’s struggling financially, deliver groceries to their door. Secretly pay their utility bill or their rent.
If you’re aware that someone has received devastating news, pick up the phone and call them. Tell them you’re thinking of them and ask how you can help.
Go visit an elderly or disabled person. Take along a balloon bouquet to brighten their surroundings. Your presence will make their day.
Relieve weary parents of small children by taking the children for an afternoon.
Write a letter to a prisoner who’s been forgotten by society. Tell them about God’s forgiveness. Show them His mercy.
Offer to pray for someone who is hurting and do it on the spot. It will bless their heart to hear their name being carried to the throne!
Ask God to give you a spirit of forgiveness and forbearance. Ask for an enlarged heart and a spirit of compassion. He will be delighted to give you these things! Then, open your eyes. Look around and you will see someone close by who has fallen and needs your help. Show them that you are a Christ follower by lightening their load today.
Find someone with a load heavier than your own, and help them carry it today. It’s not optional!
Friday, January 05, 2007
Resolve to Lose Weight
Matthew 11:28-30
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” NLT
Jesus, You are my Personal Trainer.
Thank You for inviting me to come work out with You. I’m exhausted and bulging with burdens. I admit that I’ve lazily neglected my spiritual needs and put off coming, afraid of repeat failure. Loveless and loaded with lies, I’m tired of living like this. My heart and mind have been fed empty calories by false teachers preaching shallow theology. My soul is suffering from the stress and stain of tragedy and trouble. Constant problems and pressure have packed on the pound and I’m absolutely miserable. I’ve been weighed down with worries and full of fear for too long. Lord, I’m sick and tired of carrying around this excess baggage! Because I don’t want to spend the rest of my life feeling this lousy I resolve to lose weight this year.
In Your precise training program, You’ll gently teach me a lifestyle that totally reflects who You are. Determined to get rid of this heavy load, I’m dedicated to Your demanding daily discipline. I’ll eagerly get up and access the godly equipment in Your gymnasium every day. Actively using my Bible, I’ll consume reasonable portions of strength enhancing nutrients. Vigorously working through Your Words will stimulate my messed up mind to perform perfectly. Coupled with the power of persistent prayer and praise, my bulging burdens will slowly shrink as I transfer the weight of them to You.
Completely trusting You with my problems will give me more energy and freedom to effectively serve and love others. Under Your gentle control my heart and mind will miraculously heal. Resting on Your powerful promises will inspire me to continue working hard toward my life long goal of being shaped into Your remarkable image. In my life, Lord, be magnified so that I can be more productive for You. Amen.
Have you resolved to lose weight this year? Consider giving the weight of your worries to Jesus. He’s inviting you to “Come,” work out with Him. He’s offering to take your load and teach you to live differently. As you trust Him completely with your heart problems, the physical pounds may dissipate too.
Give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you. Psalm 55:22 NLT
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” NLT
Jesus, You are my Personal Trainer.
Thank You for inviting me to come work out with You. I’m exhausted and bulging with burdens. I admit that I’ve lazily neglected my spiritual needs and put off coming, afraid of repeat failure. Loveless and loaded with lies, I’m tired of living like this. My heart and mind have been fed empty calories by false teachers preaching shallow theology. My soul is suffering from the stress and stain of tragedy and trouble. Constant problems and pressure have packed on the pound and I’m absolutely miserable. I’ve been weighed down with worries and full of fear for too long. Lord, I’m sick and tired of carrying around this excess baggage! Because I don’t want to spend the rest of my life feeling this lousy I resolve to lose weight this year.
In Your precise training program, You’ll gently teach me a lifestyle that totally reflects who You are. Determined to get rid of this heavy load, I’m dedicated to Your demanding daily discipline. I’ll eagerly get up and access the godly equipment in Your gymnasium every day. Actively using my Bible, I’ll consume reasonable portions of strength enhancing nutrients. Vigorously working through Your Words will stimulate my messed up mind to perform perfectly. Coupled with the power of persistent prayer and praise, my bulging burdens will slowly shrink as I transfer the weight of them to You.
Completely trusting You with my problems will give me more energy and freedom to effectively serve and love others. Under Your gentle control my heart and mind will miraculously heal. Resting on Your powerful promises will inspire me to continue working hard toward my life long goal of being shaped into Your remarkable image. In my life, Lord, be magnified so that I can be more productive for You. Amen.
Have you resolved to lose weight this year? Consider giving the weight of your worries to Jesus. He’s inviting you to “Come,” work out with Him. He’s offering to take your load and teach you to live differently. As you trust Him completely with your heart problems, the physical pounds may dissipate too.
Give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you. Psalm 55:22 NLT
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Resolve to Exercise
1 Timothy 4:8
Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. NLT
My Divine Coach and Trainer,
Here I am – weak, out of shape and ready to get rid of the unnecessary stress and strain in my life. This year I resolve to get firm and fit with You. I know this fitness program will be extremely challenging, excruciatingly painful and very expensive, but the end result will be well worth it. Willingly, I’m surrendering my entire life to You, absolutely determined to improve my image from the inside out.
Giving You my best effort will be easiest if I have a few spiritual friends to train with me. Together, we’ll encourage each other to persevere through the pain and doggedly practice the difficult maneuvers You teach us. Shutting out every other thought, we’ll keep our eyes on You, and do exactly what we see You doing. As our hearts beat in rapid unison with Yours, we’ll breathe in Your sensational power and blow out Your extraordinary strength.
Frequently refreshing with Living Water from the deep well of our Bibles will make us excitingly different. As we monitor our hearts and measure our progress, the noticeable change will motivate us to keep working out our faith with fear and trembling. Under Your rigorous daily discipline, we’ll become firm and fit forever, taking on the strong physique of Your Son.
Going to the gymnasium is useful, but exercising a disciplined life with You daily is far more beneficial. When You are magnified in our bodies, we won’t be ashamed and will have the stamina to endure all kinds of problems and pressures. Others will instantly recognize the drastic improvement in us and naturally be attracted to Your fitness program too. Amen.
Have you resolved to get more physical exercise this year? God’s Word says that training for godliness is even more beneficial. What will you do to get firm and fit with Jesus?
Even if it’s as little as 10 minutes a day, you can’t afford to not train with Him. Find a study buddy and commit to working out together by doing a daily devotion. Share with each other what the Lord’s teaching you. Together, you’ll improve your image as you grow in His strength.
Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. NLT
My Divine Coach and Trainer,
Here I am – weak, out of shape and ready to get rid of the unnecessary stress and strain in my life. This year I resolve to get firm and fit with You. I know this fitness program will be extremely challenging, excruciatingly painful and very expensive, but the end result will be well worth it. Willingly, I’m surrendering my entire life to You, absolutely determined to improve my image from the inside out.
Giving You my best effort will be easiest if I have a few spiritual friends to train with me. Together, we’ll encourage each other to persevere through the pain and doggedly practice the difficult maneuvers You teach us. Shutting out every other thought, we’ll keep our eyes on You, and do exactly what we see You doing. As our hearts beat in rapid unison with Yours, we’ll breathe in Your sensational power and blow out Your extraordinary strength.
Frequently refreshing with Living Water from the deep well of our Bibles will make us excitingly different. As we monitor our hearts and measure our progress, the noticeable change will motivate us to keep working out our faith with fear and trembling. Under Your rigorous daily discipline, we’ll become firm and fit forever, taking on the strong physique of Your Son.
Going to the gymnasium is useful, but exercising a disciplined life with You daily is far more beneficial. When You are magnified in our bodies, we won’t be ashamed and will have the stamina to endure all kinds of problems and pressures. Others will instantly recognize the drastic improvement in us and naturally be attracted to Your fitness program too. Amen.
Have you resolved to get more physical exercise this year? God’s Word says that training for godliness is even more beneficial. What will you do to get firm and fit with Jesus?
Even if it’s as little as 10 minutes a day, you can’t afford to not train with Him. Find a study buddy and commit to working out together by doing a daily devotion. Share with each other what the Lord’s teaching you. Together, you’ll improve your image as you grow in His strength.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Resolve to Live By the Spirit
Galatians 5:25
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Father in Heaven,
Thank You for compassionately choosing me to be Your beloved child and adopting me into Your great big diverse family when I was an utterly rebellious brat. When you found me I was absolutely loveless, kicking, screaming and demanding my own way. Fiercely in pursuit of fame and fortune, I was rudely pushing and shoving anyone in my path. My all-consuming desires were never satisfied! A mountain of putrid garbage had accumulated in my mind and soul. Amazingly, You picked me anyway, and sent Your infinitely powerful Spirit to tame me from my wild and wicked ways.
Vitally dependent on Your divine discipline to break my bad habits, I resolve to relinquish control of my life to Your Spirit this year. Fully submitted to Your authority, I’ll recognize Your commanding voice when I purposely read my Bible. Resolutely, I’ll follow Your step-by-step instructions for functioning Your way. With Your Words embedded in my mind, Your love will be behind my actions and Your power will control my egocentric desires.
Under Your wise counsel and watchful eye, I’ll learn to imitate Your unrestricted love. My heart will joyfully dance and my mind will peacefully sing as I tag along with You through all kinds of stress and strain. Firmly in Your grip of grace, I’ll persistently endure difficult people and situations by repeatedly demonstrating Your undeniable loving kindness. Making the most of every opportunity, I’ll welcome interruptions to help carry the burdens of others I encounter along the way. Trusting You to gently lead and guide me by Your Spirit, I’ll live a drastically different life that magnetically draws others to the life changing power of Your Almighty Spirit. Amen.
Will you resolve to live by the Spirit this year by fully submitting to His authority and respectfully following Him step-by-step every day?
Can people recognize you as a child of God by your attitudes and actions? If not, humbly admit that you’re a spoiled rebellious brat who needs tamed by His almighty power. Ask Him to teach you in the way you should go. Listen carefully to His instructions and willingly follow them no matter how difficult.
When you keep in step with the Spirit, the outgrowth of the Spirit will be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Father in Heaven,
Thank You for compassionately choosing me to be Your beloved child and adopting me into Your great big diverse family when I was an utterly rebellious brat. When you found me I was absolutely loveless, kicking, screaming and demanding my own way. Fiercely in pursuit of fame and fortune, I was rudely pushing and shoving anyone in my path. My all-consuming desires were never satisfied! A mountain of putrid garbage had accumulated in my mind and soul. Amazingly, You picked me anyway, and sent Your infinitely powerful Spirit to tame me from my wild and wicked ways.
Vitally dependent on Your divine discipline to break my bad habits, I resolve to relinquish control of my life to Your Spirit this year. Fully submitted to Your authority, I’ll recognize Your commanding voice when I purposely read my Bible. Resolutely, I’ll follow Your step-by-step instructions for functioning Your way. With Your Words embedded in my mind, Your love will be behind my actions and Your power will control my egocentric desires.
Under Your wise counsel and watchful eye, I’ll learn to imitate Your unrestricted love. My heart will joyfully dance and my mind will peacefully sing as I tag along with You through all kinds of stress and strain. Firmly in Your grip of grace, I’ll persistently endure difficult people and situations by repeatedly demonstrating Your undeniable loving kindness. Making the most of every opportunity, I’ll welcome interruptions to help carry the burdens of others I encounter along the way. Trusting You to gently lead and guide me by Your Spirit, I’ll live a drastically different life that magnetically draws others to the life changing power of Your Almighty Spirit. Amen.
Will you resolve to live by the Spirit this year by fully submitting to His authority and respectfully following Him step-by-step every day?
Can people recognize you as a child of God by your attitudes and actions? If not, humbly admit that you’re a spoiled rebellious brat who needs tamed by His almighty power. Ask Him to teach you in the way you should go. Listen carefully to His instructions and willingly follow them no matter how difficult.
When you keep in step with the Spirit, the outgrowth of the Spirit will be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Resolve to Live Differently
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Dearest Father in Heaven,
I’m eternally grateful that You’ve saved my life by deliberately removing my dysfunctional, diseased heart and intentionally replacing it with the strong, healthy heart of Your dear Son. My heart now beats in vital unison with Yours. Since You munificently recreated my miserable old life into a magnificent new one full of love and power, I resolve to live a drastically different life this year by being:
What radical difference has Christ made in your life? The above resolutions are from 1 Corinthians 13. Can you boldly stand in the light of God’s truths without squirming and evading them? If not, continue surrendering yourself daily to the Great Physician until His heart is fully implanted in yours.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Dearest Father in Heaven,
I’m eternally grateful that You’ve saved my life by deliberately removing my dysfunctional, diseased heart and intentionally replacing it with the strong, healthy heart of Your dear Son. My heart now beats in vital unison with Yours. Since You munificently recreated my miserable old life into a magnificent new one full of love and power, I resolve to live a drastically different life this year by being:
- Receptive of people who are fundamentally different from me
- Empathetic, polite and kind rather than rude, arrogant and obnoxious
- Content with the things You’ve given me instead of envying what others have
- Recognizant of the good in bad circumstances
- Ecstatic with the truth instead of misled by deception
- Accepting of people’s faults as opposed to being critical and judgmental
- Tolerant of abrasive people and harsh conditions
- Even-tempered and calm even when I’m angry, resentful and mistreated
- Devoted, protective, persistent, hopeful and trusting to the end
Thank You, Father, for opening my heart and implanting Your Son. Radically changed, I’ll graciously look beyond the diseased, dysfunctional lives of others. Generously, I’ll pour out Your infinite mercy and amazing love on hurting, helpless, and hopeless people bringing glory to You through the new life You’ve magnanimously given me through Jesus, Your Son. Amen.
What radical difference has Christ made in your life? The above resolutions are from 1 Corinthians 13. Can you boldly stand in the light of God’s truths without squirming and evading them? If not, continue surrendering yourself daily to the Great Physician until His heart is fully implanted in yours.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Divine Healing
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Jehovah-rapha, Healing Lord,
How great You are! There is no Doctor like You in heaven or on earth! You compassionately and lovingly take care of Your patients who pursue You with all their heart. Thank You God for my heart transplant. Through intricate surgery, You made a Most Holy Place in my heart for Your Name. When my heart was open, You placed Your sacred laws in me. God, I rejoice that You will dwell there forever.
Divine Doctor, as I spend time with You this year, examine my heart. Find the diseases that are devouring me. Make a diagnosis. Open my mind to receive it with acceptance. Then, let the medication of Your glory fill my sick soul. Breathe new life into me. Resuscitate me and I’ll follow Your prescription for healing:
Open your heart for examination, listen and accept the diagnosis, no matter how painful, and you will receive the healing balm sent from heaven.
Deadly Diseases from A-Z
Abscess of Anger, Arrogance, Adultery, Alcoholism
Blisters of Bitterness, Boasting
Cut of Criticism, Complaining, Complacency
Disease of Death, Deceit, Divorce, Disrespect
Epidemic of Envy, Evil Tongue
Fever of Fear, Fornication
Gash of Gossip, Greed, Gluttony, Gambling
Hemorrhage of Hate, Hypocrisy, Homosexuality
Irritation of Immorality, Impatience, Idolatry, Impurity, Irreverence
Joints that ache from Jealousy, Judging
Kink of Killjoy, Knavery
Lesion of Lying, Laziness, Lack of Love, Lust
Malignancy of Murder
Nausea of Nagging, Nastiness
Oppression of Oblivion, Obnoxiousness, Obstinacy
Pain of Praylessness, Procrastination, Pride, Pornography
Queasiness of a Quick Temper
Rash of Rebellion, Retaliation
Sting of Sorrow, Selfishness
Toxin of Temptation
Ulcer of Unforgiveness, Ungratefulness, Unbelief
Virus of Vanity, Vengeance
Wounds of Worry, Wrong Friends, Worldly Entertainment
Yaws of Yelling
Zits of Zero Time With You
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Jehovah-rapha, Healing Lord,
How great You are! There is no Doctor like You in heaven or on earth! You compassionately and lovingly take care of Your patients who pursue You with all their heart. Thank You God for my heart transplant. Through intricate surgery, You made a Most Holy Place in my heart for Your Name. When my heart was open, You placed Your sacred laws in me. God, I rejoice that You will dwell there forever.
Divine Doctor, as I spend time with You this year, examine my heart. Find the diseases that are devouring me. Make a diagnosis. Open my mind to receive it with acceptance. Then, let the medication of Your glory fill my sick soul. Breathe new life into me. Resuscitate me and I’ll follow Your prescription for healing:
- Humbly admitting that I’m ill and in need of Your care
- Prayerfully asking You to wash my wounds and heal my hurts
- Continually seeking Your advice by spending time in Your Word, the Holy Bible
- Daily bringing my afflictions to You.
Open your heart for examination, listen and accept the diagnosis, no matter how painful, and you will receive the healing balm sent from heaven.
Deadly Diseases from A-Z
Abscess of Anger, Arrogance, Adultery, Alcoholism
Blisters of Bitterness, Boasting
Cut of Criticism, Complaining, Complacency
Disease of Death, Deceit, Divorce, Disrespect
Epidemic of Envy, Evil Tongue
Fever of Fear, Fornication
Gash of Gossip, Greed, Gluttony, Gambling
Hemorrhage of Hate, Hypocrisy, Homosexuality
Irritation of Immorality, Impatience, Idolatry, Impurity, Irreverence
Joints that ache from Jealousy, Judging
Kink of Killjoy, Knavery
Lesion of Lying, Laziness, Lack of Love, Lust
Malignancy of Murder
Nausea of Nagging, Nastiness
Oppression of Oblivion, Obnoxiousness, Obstinacy
Pain of Praylessness, Procrastination, Pride, Pornography
Queasiness of a Quick Temper
Rash of Rebellion, Retaliation
Sting of Sorrow, Selfishness
Toxin of Temptation
Ulcer of Unforgiveness, Ungratefulness, Unbelief
Virus of Vanity, Vengeance
Wounds of Worry, Wrong Friends, Worldly Entertainment
Yaws of Yelling
Zits of Zero Time With You
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Extravagant Love
Ephesians 5:1-2
1Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him. NLT
John 12:3
3Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus' feet with it and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with fragrance. NLT
Extravagant Lord of Love,
I am excited to receive another extraordinary gift from You! Delicately wrapped in a soft blanket, exhibited in an extremely simple wooden box, was the most exceptionally expensive Jar of Jesus, Heaven Scent. It contained an unusually costly ingredient – Your life. To experience its heavenly fragrance, the elegant Jar of Jesus was delivered to a young girl with a princess heart, in a smelly stable. It became her most valuable possession. Until one day, at Your exact time, the beautiful Jar of Jesus was broken to extend its sweet contents on a putrid world.
Thank You for pouring out Your extravagant onto me this Christmas. Bathe my heart in the sweetness of Your essence. Purify me with the fragrance of Your hallowed presence. Fill me with the rich aroma of Your perfume. With Your costly cologne emptied on me, I’ll experience peace in my pain and power in my problems. With the love of Jesus, I’ll exude a delightful aroma attracting others to You.
Washed in Your extravagant love, with a pure white Christmas Heart, I’ll humbly let down my hair. Without hesitation, I’ll gratefully break the bottle of my body and pour out my most precious possession for You. Selflessly serving family, friends and others this year will be a pleasing act of love and worship. Any time, any place, any price, I’ll invest all of my life in You so that the sweet fragrance Heaven Scent, will fill my surroundings. My love and adoration will beautifully honor You as Christ the glorious new born King. Amen.
Bathe your smelly heart in the sweet essence of Jesus Heaven Scent so that others will detect the delightful odor and be drawn to Christ the glorious new born King.
1Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him. NLT
John 12:3
3Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus' feet with it and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with fragrance. NLT
Extravagant Lord of Love,
I am excited to receive another extraordinary gift from You! Delicately wrapped in a soft blanket, exhibited in an extremely simple wooden box, was the most exceptionally expensive Jar of Jesus, Heaven Scent. It contained an unusually costly ingredient – Your life. To experience its heavenly fragrance, the elegant Jar of Jesus was delivered to a young girl with a princess heart, in a smelly stable. It became her most valuable possession. Until one day, at Your exact time, the beautiful Jar of Jesus was broken to extend its sweet contents on a putrid world.
Thank You for pouring out Your extravagant onto me this Christmas. Bathe my heart in the sweetness of Your essence. Purify me with the fragrance of Your hallowed presence. Fill me with the rich aroma of Your perfume. With Your costly cologne emptied on me, I’ll experience peace in my pain and power in my problems. With the love of Jesus, I’ll exude a delightful aroma attracting others to You.
Washed in Your extravagant love, with a pure white Christmas Heart, I’ll humbly let down my hair. Without hesitation, I’ll gratefully break the bottle of my body and pour out my most precious possession for You. Selflessly serving family, friends and others this year will be a pleasing act of love and worship. Any time, any place, any price, I’ll invest all of my life in You so that the sweet fragrance Heaven Scent, will fill my surroundings. My love and adoration will beautifully honor You as Christ the glorious new born King. Amen.
Bathe your smelly heart in the sweet essence of Jesus Heaven Scent so that others will detect the delightful odor and be drawn to Christ the glorious new born King.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
The Triumphant Gift of Righteousness
Romans 5:17
The sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over us, but all who receive God's wonderful, gracious gift of righteousness will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. NLT
Holy Child,
You are the triumphant gift of righteousness given to me with love by my Father in Heaven. Sincerely sent when I was slick, slippery and slimy from sin, it was a surprise to receive such a splendid parcel. Naked, exposed and ashamed, I eagerly opened the box.
A soft smile curled from my lips when I saw the contents. There in the unadorned, wooden box, packed in straw was the most beautiful, elegant robe made by the most famous Designer of all time, You, Jesus. No amount of money could buy such a costly coat. Instantly, I tried it on to cover my shame. Admirably, it was just the right size! A perfect fit!
Clothed and unashamed, I’ll confidently stand up for what is right even when it’s painfully difficult. Wearing this gorgeous garment, bought with Your priceless blood, I’ll gracefully show Your softness and beauty to the grumpy and grouchy. Zealously zipped with love, I’ll victoriously forgive my foes, as You have forgiven me. Even when the pain is excruciating, I’ll follow Your example by exercising self-control. The most valuable gift I’ve received this Christmas is Your generous gift of righteousness.
Please dear Lord, help me to gleefully accept the unadorned box sent from heaven. With thanksgiving, I need to eagerly take out the beautiful Designer Robe of Righteousness, Jesus, packed in straw, and bought with His life. Wearing it with humility, I’ll love and serve others for the honor and glory of Your triumphant name. Amen.
The unadorned package has been sent to you. Don’t let it go unnoticed and unopened. Graciously receive the robe of righteousness and humbly wear it for the glory of the One who sincerely sent it.
For additional reading on righteous living read 1 Peter 2:21-25.
The sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over us, but all who receive God's wonderful, gracious gift of righteousness will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. NLT
Holy Child,
You are the triumphant gift of righteousness given to me with love by my Father in Heaven. Sincerely sent when I was slick, slippery and slimy from sin, it was a surprise to receive such a splendid parcel. Naked, exposed and ashamed, I eagerly opened the box.
A soft smile curled from my lips when I saw the contents. There in the unadorned, wooden box, packed in straw was the most beautiful, elegant robe made by the most famous Designer of all time, You, Jesus. No amount of money could buy such a costly coat. Instantly, I tried it on to cover my shame. Admirably, it was just the right size! A perfect fit!
Clothed and unashamed, I’ll confidently stand up for what is right even when it’s painfully difficult. Wearing this gorgeous garment, bought with Your priceless blood, I’ll gracefully show Your softness and beauty to the grumpy and grouchy. Zealously zipped with love, I’ll victoriously forgive my foes, as You have forgiven me. Even when the pain is excruciating, I’ll follow Your example by exercising self-control. The most valuable gift I’ve received this Christmas is Your generous gift of righteousness.
Please dear Lord, help me to gleefully accept the unadorned box sent from heaven. With thanksgiving, I need to eagerly take out the beautiful Designer Robe of Righteousness, Jesus, packed in straw, and bought with His life. Wearing it with humility, I’ll love and serve others for the honor and glory of Your triumphant name. Amen.
The unadorned package has been sent to you. Don’t let it go unnoticed and unopened. Graciously receive the robe of righteousness and humbly wear it for the glory of the One who sincerely sent it.
For additional reading on righteous living read 1 Peter 2:21-25.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Redeeming Love
Luke 2: 37-38
37She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming up to them (Mary and Joseph) at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Redeeming Child of God!
I’ll never leave the temple of my heart! Day and night I’ll worship You with fasting and deep heartfelt prayers! Ceaselessly, I’ll give thanks to You for Your rich redeeming grace. With Your life, You’ve made a hefty deposit for me in the Kingdom of Heaven. My room is paid in full and guaranteed, signed and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Blessed assurance!
Continually, I'll praise You by telling everyone about Your redeeming love:
Graciously accept God’s promised gift of redemption this Christmas. He’s given up His life to save your life! That’s reason enough to worship Him day and night in the temple of your heart. Praise Him for it by telling others what He has done for you.
Claim the redeeming promises in Isaiah 43:1-5.
Isaiah 43
The Savior of Israel
1 But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom;
I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you.
5 “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
I will gather you and your children from east and west.
37She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming up to them (Mary and Joseph) at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Redeeming Child of God!
I’ll never leave the temple of my heart! Day and night I’ll worship You with fasting and deep heartfelt prayers! Ceaselessly, I’ll give thanks to You for Your rich redeeming grace. With Your life, You’ve made a hefty deposit for me in the Kingdom of Heaven. My room is paid in full and guaranteed, signed and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Blessed assurance!
Continually, I'll praise You by telling everyone about Your redeeming love:
- You gave up Your life to save my life.
- You called me by name and adopted me into Your royal family.
- You will be with me through all kinds of trials, troubles and tragedies.
- I belong to you.
- I am precious to You.
- I am privileged.
- You love me.
Graciously accept God’s promised gift of redemption this Christmas. He’s given up His life to save your life! That’s reason enough to worship Him day and night in the temple of your heart. Praise Him for it by telling others what He has done for you.
Claim the redeeming promises in Isaiah 43:1-5.
Isaiah 43
The Savior of Israel
1 But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom;
I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 Others were given in exchange for you.
I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
You are honored, and I love you.
5 “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
I will gather you and your children from east and west.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Taste and See
God’s Words are sweeter to my taste than the finest chocolate in all the world! He is so good! This Christmas He has given me His irresistibly delicious concoction of promises and commands in the story of the Shepherds allowing me to taste and see divine delicacies I never noticed before.
These ordinary, scruffy men were minding their own business, tending their flock on an ordinary night when an angel of the Lord appeared before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them. For one full week, I basked in the glory of the envisioning the powerful dazzling light from heaven reflecting God’s moral beauty, perfection and presence.
These strong, unkempt men who were normally brave enough to fight off the most brutal of beasts were terrified of the magnificently bright light coming out of the sky. God’s powerful presence is terrifying, but in the midst of the stunning radiant beams from heaven afar are the angel and the heavenly hosts giving us a magnificent message from our Father in Heaven.
First the angel tells us to not be afraid of God’s powerful presence.
Next he tells us that Jesus has been born “to you” – in our hearts.
Third, the angel delivers us God's immeasurable peace - not the superficial peace of the world, but God's perfect peace - the peace that calms storms.
Jesus is in the manger of your heart saving you from any fear, shame, ridicule, rejection, humiliation, mistakes, failures, pain, suffering. He is there because God's Word says so, and His Word is always right! This is irresistibly delicious concoction of promises and commands that enables us to sing His praises at all time … including troubling times.
The light can be terrifying - and perhaps it should be because it's the glory of God – His felt presence. However, we are his children, blessed, chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed and forgiven ... and therefore, we have nothing to fear! We don't have to shrink back or belittle ourselves. Because God’s favor rests on us, He has given us the peace of Jerusalem. That is why we can boldly stand in the light, glorifying God in the highest with our praise and worship even in the midst of our troubles and fears.
This Christmas celebrate that you’ve been chosen by God to receive the Good News. With Him in the manger of your heart, you can boldly stand in the light of His love, free from fear. Wow! What a gift!
I encourage you to treasure up all these things and ponder them in your heart ... then glorify and praise God for all the things you have heard and seen, which were just as He said they would be in His Word.
May you have the most joyous Christmas ever!
These ordinary, scruffy men were minding their own business, tending their flock on an ordinary night when an angel of the Lord appeared before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them. For one full week, I basked in the glory of the envisioning the powerful dazzling light from heaven reflecting God’s moral beauty, perfection and presence.
These strong, unkempt men who were normally brave enough to fight off the most brutal of beasts were terrified of the magnificently bright light coming out of the sky. God’s powerful presence is terrifying, but in the midst of the stunning radiant beams from heaven afar are the angel and the heavenly hosts giving us a magnificent message from our Father in Heaven.
First the angel tells us to not be afraid of God’s powerful presence.
Next he tells us that Jesus has been born “to you” – in our hearts.
Third, the angel delivers us God's immeasurable peace - not the superficial peace of the world, but God's perfect peace - the peace that calms storms.
Jesus is in the manger of your heart saving you from any fear, shame, ridicule, rejection, humiliation, mistakes, failures, pain, suffering. He is there because God's Word says so, and His Word is always right! This is irresistibly delicious concoction of promises and commands that enables us to sing His praises at all time … including troubling times.
The light can be terrifying - and perhaps it should be because it's the glory of God – His felt presence. However, we are his children, blessed, chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed and forgiven ... and therefore, we have nothing to fear! We don't have to shrink back or belittle ourselves. Because God’s favor rests on us, He has given us the peace of Jerusalem. That is why we can boldly stand in the light, glorifying God in the highest with our praise and worship even in the midst of our troubles and fears.
This Christmas celebrate that you’ve been chosen by God to receive the Good News. With Him in the manger of your heart, you can boldly stand in the light of His love, free from fear. Wow! What a gift!
I encourage you to treasure up all these things and ponder them in your heart ... then glorify and praise God for all the things you have heard and seen, which were just as He said they would be in His Word.
May you have the most joyous Christmas ever!
The Greatest Gift of Christmas
John 3:16
Jesus said, 16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Father in Heaven~
Your extravagant love is wonderful! It’s a wonder that You’d love a wicked and wrecked world so much that You’d gave us Your One and Only dear Son. He is all we really need this Christmas!
Today I open my hands and gratefully receive the incredible, indescribable gift sent personally to me from the hallowed halls of heaven. Claiming this costly cargo saved my life. Sunken in the scratchy sack of straw is Your sweet Son, my Savior.
The day I opened the door and brought You into my mixed up, messed up life, You promised to stay with me forever. Although I was a pitifully destitute ragamuffin, You lovingly chose, adopted, and accepted me as Your dearly loved child. You tenderly scrubbed away the dirt and grime from my past until I sparkled with purity. Then, You gave me an expensive robe of righteousness to cover my indignity.
Spotless and shameless, You graciously reserved a room for me in Your heavenly home where, as an heir, I’ll live and worship You forever. It’s paid for in full, guaranteed by Your Family seal that’s etched on my heart. This Christmas I’ll celebrate my abundant, everlasting life with You.
Realizing the magnitude of Your excessive love, I’ll burst with excitement! When I exhibit the manger on the mantle of my mind year round, I’ll remember to eagerly offer the extreme gift of grace to an imperfect, immoral and impious world. With the Star of Heaven hovering over my heart, every day will be Christmas. I’ll glorify You in heaven on high by demonstrating peace on earth and good will toward mankind. Thank You Father, for giving me Your Son! He is all I ever need and it is through Him I pray. Amen.
I hope the prayers from my heart resonate in your heart this Christmas. All we really need is Jesus!
If you’ve never opened the door of your heart to Him, He is standing out in the cold, knocking, waiting to come in and give you all these glorious gifts. Open the door and invite Him in by praying a simple prayer: "Jesus, thank you for dying for my sins. Right now I open the door and invite you to come into my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me an eternal relationship with you."
Whatever is going on in your world this Christmas, there is no greater gift you could give yourself than to receive the One who came to earth for us.
If you prayed this prayer, I would love to hear about it!
Merry Christmas from my heart to yours.
Jesus said, 16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Father in Heaven~
Your extravagant love is wonderful! It’s a wonder that You’d love a wicked and wrecked world so much that You’d gave us Your One and Only dear Son. He is all we really need this Christmas!
Today I open my hands and gratefully receive the incredible, indescribable gift sent personally to me from the hallowed halls of heaven. Claiming this costly cargo saved my life. Sunken in the scratchy sack of straw is Your sweet Son, my Savior.
The day I opened the door and brought You into my mixed up, messed up life, You promised to stay with me forever. Although I was a pitifully destitute ragamuffin, You lovingly chose, adopted, and accepted me as Your dearly loved child. You tenderly scrubbed away the dirt and grime from my past until I sparkled with purity. Then, You gave me an expensive robe of righteousness to cover my indignity.
Spotless and shameless, You graciously reserved a room for me in Your heavenly home where, as an heir, I’ll live and worship You forever. It’s paid for in full, guaranteed by Your Family seal that’s etched on my heart. This Christmas I’ll celebrate my abundant, everlasting life with You.
Realizing the magnitude of Your excessive love, I’ll burst with excitement! When I exhibit the manger on the mantle of my mind year round, I’ll remember to eagerly offer the extreme gift of grace to an imperfect, immoral and impious world. With the Star of Heaven hovering over my heart, every day will be Christmas. I’ll glorify You in heaven on high by demonstrating peace on earth and good will toward mankind. Thank You Father, for giving me Your Son! He is all I ever need and it is through Him I pray. Amen.
I hope the prayers from my heart resonate in your heart this Christmas. All we really need is Jesus!
If you’ve never opened the door of your heart to Him, He is standing out in the cold, knocking, waiting to come in and give you all these glorious gifts. Open the door and invite Him in by praying a simple prayer: "Jesus, thank you for dying for my sins. Right now I open the door and invite you to come into my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me an eternal relationship with you."
Whatever is going on in your world this Christmas, there is no greater gift you could give yourself than to receive the One who came to earth for us.
If you prayed this prayer, I would love to hear about it!
Merry Christmas from my heart to yours.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Wonderful Wisdom
Matthew 2:12
When it was time to leave, they went home another way, because God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
Wonderful Counselor,
You are an all-inspiring, all-knowing and all-wise Advisor. The depth of Your wisdom and knowledge is incomprehensible. You are always right – never wrong. In the classroom of my heart, You patiently teach me valuable life lessons repeatedly until they penetrate my brain. If I pay attention to The Book of Ancient History, I will receive the wonderful treasure of wisdom. Bound with boldness, stitched with faith, I will heed your warnings no matter how ridiculous they seem! I will remember Noah, who when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear, built an ark to save his family. How foolish he looked to the world, but in the end his reward was the richness of his life.
You will always steer me away from trouble if I will just slow down, humble myself and listen. Your Word is my directional map to the hidden treasure. When I wander off the highway of holiness, Your commands are the compass that correct me. Your laws illuminate the way and lead me. Your instructions are the gauges that guide me. Your promises protect me on the journey.
All I really want for Christmas is the wonderful treasure of wisdom wrapped in the richness of Your Word. Open to Your intelligent insight and superb suggestions, I too will boldly choose to take the unfamiliar, alternate route trusting You as my reliable Co-Pilot. Listening to Your commands, I will avoid danger, disaster, and even death.
Following You down the highway to heaven, I will shine with the brightness of Your glory leading others on the Journey to Jesus, for Yours is wisdom, knowledge, and understanding forever. Amen.
God has graciously given you the treasure of wisdom, The Book of Ancient History, The Bible. Will you take it off the shelf, dust it off, and follow Him? It may require that you take an unfamiliar detour, but the rich reward of life will be worth it.
Daniel 12:3
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of heaven.
When it was time to leave, they went home another way, because God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
Wonderful Counselor,
You are an all-inspiring, all-knowing and all-wise Advisor. The depth of Your wisdom and knowledge is incomprehensible. You are always right – never wrong. In the classroom of my heart, You patiently teach me valuable life lessons repeatedly until they penetrate my brain. If I pay attention to The Book of Ancient History, I will receive the wonderful treasure of wisdom. Bound with boldness, stitched with faith, I will heed your warnings no matter how ridiculous they seem! I will remember Noah, who when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear, built an ark to save his family. How foolish he looked to the world, but in the end his reward was the richness of his life.
You will always steer me away from trouble if I will just slow down, humble myself and listen. Your Word is my directional map to the hidden treasure. When I wander off the highway of holiness, Your commands are the compass that correct me. Your laws illuminate the way and lead me. Your instructions are the gauges that guide me. Your promises protect me on the journey.
All I really want for Christmas is the wonderful treasure of wisdom wrapped in the richness of Your Word. Open to Your intelligent insight and superb suggestions, I too will boldly choose to take the unfamiliar, alternate route trusting You as my reliable Co-Pilot. Listening to Your commands, I will avoid danger, disaster, and even death.
Following You down the highway to heaven, I will shine with the brightness of Your glory leading others on the Journey to Jesus, for Yours is wisdom, knowledge, and understanding forever. Amen.
God has graciously given you the treasure of wisdom, The Book of Ancient History, The Bible. Will you take it off the shelf, dust it off, and follow Him? It may require that you take an unfamiliar detour, but the rich reward of life will be worth it.
Daniel 12:3
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of heaven.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Offering for the King
Matthew 2:10-11
10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
Holy Child of God-
I have seen Your splendor and majesty brilliantly beaming down from heaven on high. Under the glowing streams of glory is the wonderful gift of worship. In awe of Your radiant reflection, I fall on my knees in adoration praising Your great and awesome name!
Rose of Bethlehem
Son of God Most High
Light of the World
Living Word
Messiah
Emmanuel
Wonderful Counselor
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace
Lover of My Soul
King of Kings
Lord of Lords
And, my Best Friend
You are the worthy of the best I have to offer.
If You have found the gift of the Christ Child in your heart, will you bow down and worship him? Give Him the tarnished gold of your life. He can make it beautiful. Present him the sweet scent of your prayers and praise. Offer him the bitterness of your suffering and sorrow. Then find someone who needs the heart of Christmas and offer them the Child of Christmas.
10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
Holy Child of God-
I have seen Your splendor and majesty brilliantly beaming down from heaven on high. Under the glowing streams of glory is the wonderful gift of worship. In awe of Your radiant reflection, I fall on my knees in adoration praising Your great and awesome name!
Rose of Bethlehem
Son of God Most High
Light of the World
Living Word
Messiah
Emmanuel
Wonderful Counselor
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace
Lover of My Soul
King of Kings
Lord of Lords
And, my Best Friend
You are the worthy of the best I have to offer.
- Generously, I give you the tarnished gold of my life. Purify me. Remove the grime, and I will glitter and glimmer becoming incredibly valuable to You. Selflessly, surrendered to You my King, I will sparkle when I sincerely worship You with a life of service.
- Freely, I offer You my fragrant frankincense of faithful prayers flowing heavenward. The sweet sound of the song in my heart will be a pleasant perfume of praise to You, O Sovereign God.
- Boldly, I bring to You the bitter myrrh of my brokenness. In the shining strength and splendor of Your sanctuary, You graciously accept the sacrifice of my suffering and shame, restoring my righteousness with heavenly healing.
If You have found the gift of the Christ Child in your heart, will you bow down and worship him? Give Him the tarnished gold of your life. He can make it beautiful. Present him the sweet scent of your prayers and praise. Offer him the bitterness of your suffering and sorrow. Then find someone who needs the heart of Christmas and offer them the Child of Christmas.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Searching for Knowledge
Matthew 2:1-2
1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
Numbers 24:17
I see him, but not in the present time.I perceive him, but far in the distant future.A star will rise from Jacob;a scepter will emerge from Israel. NLT
Wondrous Star of Heaven-
God’s pure and perfect Light, Balaam an ancient sorcerer prophesied You 1400 years before You broke through the night sky. This was not to make sorcery acceptable, but to show that You are in control, and that good can come from evil.
All I really want this Christmas is knowledge of Your Holy Book. The Bible is more than a collection of creative fables and fairytales about princes and paupers in far away places. It’s Your precise Words, clearly and concisely written by holy people to speak to me. Within it are inspiring stories about real people, majestic poetry and songs, direct messages and prophesies, and most importantly Your story of visiting earth in the Person of Jesus. Thank You for making this incredible gift available to me.
At the Living Word Academy, held in the classroom of my heart, I will begin to understand the mysteries of Your will. With the Holy Spirit as my Teacher, I will learn that You are altogether authentic, totally truthful, and really reliable. As I spend time researching and studying, I will start to comprehend Your magnificent splendor. When I’m paying attention, Your words will leap to life and light the way, answering life’s deepest and most difficult questions. With problems and pressures crushing me, I will fearlessly remember Your decisions, discipline and deliverance. Reverently, I will recall Your promises, wonders, and blessings.
Full of knowledge, I will be like the Magi who knew and remembered ancient history, recognized and believed prophesy, and willingly left their familiar surroundings to follow the Wondrous Star of Heaven.
O Star of Wonder, Star of Light, Star with royal beauty bright, westward leading still proceeding, guide me to Your Perfect Light. Amen.
The Bible clearly prophesies that Christ will return to reign as King over all the earth (Revelations 22:7). Do you know and remember ancient history well enough to recognize the fulfillment of this prophesy? It’s not too late to attend the Living Word Academy. The only textbook required is Your Bible, the Living Word of God. The Teacher is the Holy Spirit. Open The Book and start studying so that you won’t miss the signs.
2 Peter: 1: 16-21
16For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his coming again. We have seen his majestic splendor with our own eyes. 17And he received honor and glory from God the Father when God's glorious, majestic voice called down from heaven, "This is my beloved Son; I am fully pleased with him." 18We ourselves heard the voice when we were there with him on the holy mountain.
1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
Numbers 24:17
I see him, but not in the present time.I perceive him, but far in the distant future.A star will rise from Jacob;a scepter will emerge from Israel. NLT
Wondrous Star of Heaven-
God’s pure and perfect Light, Balaam an ancient sorcerer prophesied You 1400 years before You broke through the night sky. This was not to make sorcery acceptable, but to show that You are in control, and that good can come from evil.
All I really want this Christmas is knowledge of Your Holy Book. The Bible is more than a collection of creative fables and fairytales about princes and paupers in far away places. It’s Your precise Words, clearly and concisely written by holy people to speak to me. Within it are inspiring stories about real people, majestic poetry and songs, direct messages and prophesies, and most importantly Your story of visiting earth in the Person of Jesus. Thank You for making this incredible gift available to me.
At the Living Word Academy, held in the classroom of my heart, I will begin to understand the mysteries of Your will. With the Holy Spirit as my Teacher, I will learn that You are altogether authentic, totally truthful, and really reliable. As I spend time researching and studying, I will start to comprehend Your magnificent splendor. When I’m paying attention, Your words will leap to life and light the way, answering life’s deepest and most difficult questions. With problems and pressures crushing me, I will fearlessly remember Your decisions, discipline and deliverance. Reverently, I will recall Your promises, wonders, and blessings.
Full of knowledge, I will be like the Magi who knew and remembered ancient history, recognized and believed prophesy, and willingly left their familiar surroundings to follow the Wondrous Star of Heaven.
O Star of Wonder, Star of Light, Star with royal beauty bright, westward leading still proceeding, guide me to Your Perfect Light. Amen.
The Bible clearly prophesies that Christ will return to reign as King over all the earth (Revelations 22:7). Do you know and remember ancient history well enough to recognize the fulfillment of this prophesy? It’s not too late to attend the Living Word Academy. The only textbook required is Your Bible, the Living Word of God. The Teacher is the Holy Spirit. Open The Book and start studying so that you won’t miss the signs.
2 Peter: 1: 16-21
16For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his coming again. We have seen his majestic splendor with our own eyes. 17And he received honor and glory from God the Father when God's glorious, majestic voice called down from heaven, "This is my beloved Son; I am fully pleased with him." 18We ourselves heard the voice when we were there with him on the holy mountain.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Spead the Word
Luke 2: 16-18
16The shepherds hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed.
Glorious Lord~
I feel the energy and enthusiasm of the shepherds as they rushed off to find the Holy Child, Lamb of God, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. When they saw him they exploded with excitement. They could not contain the Good News! It erupted from their hearts with great force. People were amazed! Jesus Christ was born! The long awaited Messiah. The promised King. Their Redeemer and Saving Grace had been born to set them free! On a normal night they witnessed a miracle as the greatest event in history happened right before their eyes.
I too have witnessed this miracle on an ordinary day. I have seen Jesus as:
A tender baby in the manger of my heart
A studious boy in the temple of my heart
An intellectual man in the classroom of my heart
On the cross suffering for my heart
Resurrected to save my heart
Ask the Holy Spirit for the gift of energy and enthusiasm to share the excitement of Jesus with someone this Christmas.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Powerful Light
Luke 2:8-11
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Father in Heaven,
Today I received the loveliest greeting card from You. When I was walking through a dark valley, a brilliant array of brightness burst through the night sky, startling me. An angel surrounded by radiant beams from Your holy face, joyfully delivered a magnificent message to me. He told me I do not have to be afraid of Your powerful presence because You’ve been born in the Bethlehem of my heart to save me from fear, shame, ridicule, rejection, humiliation, mistakes, failure, pain and suffering.
I have nothing to fear because I am Your child – blessed, chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed and forgiven. I do not have to shrink back or belittle myself. I am free to confidently step into Your holy presence. Standing boldly in the dazzling light of Your glory I’ll shine intensely for You. No matter who I am or what I’ve done, with You in the manger of my heart, I possess immeasurable power to live valiantly in the light – the same spectacular array of pure light the shepherds saw that night on a hill far away in Bethlehem.
Thank You for sending me this blessed Christmas greeting. Because I’ve heard Your magnificent message, and seen the light of Your love, Your praise will always be on my lips. When anxiety attacks me and sorrow besieges me, I’ll unreservedly step out of the darkness into the glorious streams from heaven afar. Vibrantly shining with the glory of Christ this Christmas, others will unconsciously walk into the powerful liberating light of Your presence to be set free from the tantalizing troubles that terrorize them for the praise of Your luminous name. Amen.
This Christmas celebrate that you’ve been chosen by God to receive the Good News. Jesus Christ has been born in the Bethlehem of your heart. This is the good news that brings joy, empowering you to sing His praises at all times … including troubling times. With Him in the manger of your heart, you can boldly stand in the light of His love, free from fear. Wow! What a gift!
What are you afraid of? Step into the powerful light of Jesus. There's nothing to fear. The angel is with you.
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Father in Heaven,
Today I received the loveliest greeting card from You. When I was walking through a dark valley, a brilliant array of brightness burst through the night sky, startling me. An angel surrounded by radiant beams from Your holy face, joyfully delivered a magnificent message to me. He told me I do not have to be afraid of Your powerful presence because You’ve been born in the Bethlehem of my heart to save me from fear, shame, ridicule, rejection, humiliation, mistakes, failure, pain and suffering.
I have nothing to fear because I am Your child – blessed, chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed and forgiven. I do not have to shrink back or belittle myself. I am free to confidently step into Your holy presence. Standing boldly in the dazzling light of Your glory I’ll shine intensely for You. No matter who I am or what I’ve done, with You in the manger of my heart, I possess immeasurable power to live valiantly in the light – the same spectacular array of pure light the shepherds saw that night on a hill far away in Bethlehem.
Thank You for sending me this blessed Christmas greeting. Because I’ve heard Your magnificent message, and seen the light of Your love, Your praise will always be on my lips. When anxiety attacks me and sorrow besieges me, I’ll unreservedly step out of the darkness into the glorious streams from heaven afar. Vibrantly shining with the glory of Christ this Christmas, others will unconsciously walk into the powerful liberating light of Your presence to be set free from the tantalizing troubles that terrorize them for the praise of Your luminous name. Amen.
This Christmas celebrate that you’ve been chosen by God to receive the Good News. Jesus Christ has been born in the Bethlehem of your heart. This is the good news that brings joy, empowering you to sing His praises at all times … including troubling times. With Him in the manger of your heart, you can boldly stand in the light of His love, free from fear. Wow! What a gift!
What are you afraid of? Step into the powerful light of Jesus. There's nothing to fear. The angel is with you.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Room In My Heart
Luke 2:6-7
6The time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Beautiful Baby Jesus,
On a busy night in Bethlehem, You left Your throne and crown in heaven to come to earth for me. Because of the hustle and bustle of the season, there was no room for you at the village inn. No one in the crowded community recognized You as God. Rejected, You were offered the dark and dirty stable.
Not much has changed in 2000 years. We’re still too self-absorbed to notice You in our midst. Caught up in materialism, we’re busy buying presents, baking cookies, trimming trees, and hosting parties. We’ve forgotten the reason for the season. Today, You’re rejected at the inn of our hearts, left outside in the cold dark world.
This Christmas I just want room in my heart for You. Please come in and warm up. Every room in this heart of mine is available to You. Some of the rooms have been tightly locked for years. Behind those dark doors that won’t budge are hurt, confusion, and sorrow. I’ve been avoiding the mess in these rooms for a long time. Cleaning and removing the rubbish is hard work. I’d rather be doing fun things like shopping, baking, decorating, and entertaining.
Today, I’m inviting you to enter those secret chambers. In the hallway of hurt, wash my wounds. Show me the hidden treasure in my pain. Soak my sorrow in Your soothing solution of comfort and love. Turn my mourning to joy. Plunge beyond the locked door of my past. Purify me in the fountain of forgiveness. In your ceaseless compassion and mercy, I will discover peace in my pain and power in my problems. I will allow You to carefully pick up the shattered pieces of my past and masterfully restore my radiance.
As long as I keep You out of these dark and dirty rooms, I am rejecting You. This Christmas, I am inviting You to enter into all of my life. Here’s my heart, Lord, take and seal it, seal for thy courts above. Amen.
Where do you have the Keep Out sign posted? What messy room in your life has been tightly locked for many years? This Christmas give Jesus the key and let Him in. He will clean it beautifully.
6The time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Beautiful Baby Jesus,
On a busy night in Bethlehem, You left Your throne and crown in heaven to come to earth for me. Because of the hustle and bustle of the season, there was no room for you at the village inn. No one in the crowded community recognized You as God. Rejected, You were offered the dark and dirty stable.
Not much has changed in 2000 years. We’re still too self-absorbed to notice You in our midst. Caught up in materialism, we’re busy buying presents, baking cookies, trimming trees, and hosting parties. We’ve forgotten the reason for the season. Today, You’re rejected at the inn of our hearts, left outside in the cold dark world.
This Christmas I just want room in my heart for You. Please come in and warm up. Every room in this heart of mine is available to You. Some of the rooms have been tightly locked for years. Behind those dark doors that won’t budge are hurt, confusion, and sorrow. I’ve been avoiding the mess in these rooms for a long time. Cleaning and removing the rubbish is hard work. I’d rather be doing fun things like shopping, baking, decorating, and entertaining.
Today, I’m inviting you to enter those secret chambers. In the hallway of hurt, wash my wounds. Show me the hidden treasure in my pain. Soak my sorrow in Your soothing solution of comfort and love. Turn my mourning to joy. Plunge beyond the locked door of my past. Purify me in the fountain of forgiveness. In your ceaseless compassion and mercy, I will discover peace in my pain and power in my problems. I will allow You to carefully pick up the shattered pieces of my past and masterfully restore my radiance.
As long as I keep You out of these dark and dirty rooms, I am rejecting You. This Christmas, I am inviting You to enter into all of my life. Here’s my heart, Lord, take and seal it, seal for thy courts above. Amen.
Where do you have the Keep Out sign posted? What messy room in your life has been tightly locked for many years? This Christmas give Jesus the key and let Him in. He will clean it beautifully.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Blessed Fellowship
Luke 1: 39- 47
39At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me … 45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior …
Lord,
This is a beautiful picture of blessed fellowship. Bewildered, Mary, having just received the incredible news that she would deliver Your Son, the Holy Child, into the cold dark world, ran to find an empathetic friend, Elizabeth. I can only imagine their mixed emotions, confusion and elation as they warmly greeted one another.
Elizabeth who was blessed with her own miracle wasn’t jealous that Mary’s miracle was superior. Instead, filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, she welcomed the young pregnant virgin and blessed her with encouraging words. Her baby leaped within her as she exalted You, Most High God.
Mary responded with her own magnificent blessing – even greater than Elizabeth’s! Together they worshipped, glorified and praised You for their astonishing wonders! What an amazing model they are for Christian fellowship!
All I really want this Christmas is the cherished gift of fellowship! Father, You have lovingly welcomed me into Your spiritual family. Being in Your family is the highest honor and greatest privilege. Nothing else comes close! In the protection of Your presence, we observe true humility. There, like Mary and Elizabeth, we learn to appreciate our own value in Christ and recognize our unique purpose. Secure and assure, we can gladly celebrate each other’s successes, knowing that You bless each of us in different ways at different times.
I will demonstrate a tender Christmas heart when I weep with those who weep. I will show a humble Christmas mind when I rejoice in the blessings of others as though they were my own. I will exemplify the true Spirit of Christmas by looking beyond someone’s past to their potential because I know by One gift You are making each of us perfect forever. Amen.
Who’s knocking on the door of your heart, seeking support and encouragement this Christmas? Open the door and warmly welcome them even if they look or speak different than you. Show them the warmth of Christmas love. Give them the precious gift of fellowship.
39At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me … 45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior …
Lord,
This is a beautiful picture of blessed fellowship. Bewildered, Mary, having just received the incredible news that she would deliver Your Son, the Holy Child, into the cold dark world, ran to find an empathetic friend, Elizabeth. I can only imagine their mixed emotions, confusion and elation as they warmly greeted one another.
Elizabeth who was blessed with her own miracle wasn’t jealous that Mary’s miracle was superior. Instead, filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, she welcomed the young pregnant virgin and blessed her with encouraging words. Her baby leaped within her as she exalted You, Most High God.
Mary responded with her own magnificent blessing – even greater than Elizabeth’s! Together they worshipped, glorified and praised You for their astonishing wonders! What an amazing model they are for Christian fellowship!
All I really want this Christmas is the cherished gift of fellowship! Father, You have lovingly welcomed me into Your spiritual family. Being in Your family is the highest honor and greatest privilege. Nothing else comes close! In the protection of Your presence, we observe true humility. There, like Mary and Elizabeth, we learn to appreciate our own value in Christ and recognize our unique purpose. Secure and assure, we can gladly celebrate each other’s successes, knowing that You bless each of us in different ways at different times.
I will demonstrate a tender Christmas heart when I weep with those who weep. I will show a humble Christmas mind when I rejoice in the blessings of others as though they were my own. I will exemplify the true Spirit of Christmas by looking beyond someone’s past to their potential because I know by One gift You are making each of us perfect forever. Amen.
Who’s knocking on the door of your heart, seeking support and encouragement this Christmas? Open the door and warmly welcome them even if they look or speak different than you. Show them the warmth of Christmas love. Give them the precious gift of fellowship.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Fabulous Gift of Faith
Luke 1: 35, 38, 45
35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God."
38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."
45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
God of Wonders-
You never cease to amaze me with the things You do. The world was expecting the long promised King to appear with pomp and circumstances in a plush palace, born to a rich virgin princess. Instead, the Promised One came in an unadorned package to an ordinary girl with an extraordinary princess heart, in the rural countryside, far from the royal palace.
You revealed Yourself to this normal young girl who could have been my own daughter. Though she was merely a child, she had faith to believe You. I can only imagine her fear when the angel appeared with the incredible news that she would give birth to the Son of God Most High. Yet she did not waiver in her faith. She simply believed that nothing was impossible for You. She humbly accepted the gift You gave her, and the responsibility that came with it. Then, she found a faithful friend and worshipped You with a joyful heart.
If You are pleased with me and want to grant my request, all I really want for Christmas is faith like Mary’s to believe You. I want to recognize the no-frills, wonderful gift of faith. When You speak to me through Bible study, prayer, friends, and circumstances I want to marvel at the mysteries of Your will. Confidently and graciously, I’ll accept the unembellished truth believing that its divine power will overshadow me. With the humble faithful heart of a servant, I’ll willingly accept the responsibility entrusted to me by delivering Jesus, the Holy Son of God Most High to a cold, dark, dreary world.
With a song in my heart and praise on my lips, I worship You, my adoring Heavenly Father, for offering me the fabulous gift of faith. Amen.
Have you truly received the gift of faith? If so, the angel of God Most High has spoken to you. Deliver the Holy Child to someone this Christmas … share the Good News with a lost soul, serve someone needy, love the unlovable, forgive the unforgivable, reach out and give someone Jesus.
35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God."
38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."
45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
God of Wonders-
You never cease to amaze me with the things You do. The world was expecting the long promised King to appear with pomp and circumstances in a plush palace, born to a rich virgin princess. Instead, the Promised One came in an unadorned package to an ordinary girl with an extraordinary princess heart, in the rural countryside, far from the royal palace.
You revealed Yourself to this normal young girl who could have been my own daughter. Though she was merely a child, she had faith to believe You. I can only imagine her fear when the angel appeared with the incredible news that she would give birth to the Son of God Most High. Yet she did not waiver in her faith. She simply believed that nothing was impossible for You. She humbly accepted the gift You gave her, and the responsibility that came with it. Then, she found a faithful friend and worshipped You with a joyful heart.
If You are pleased with me and want to grant my request, all I really want for Christmas is faith like Mary’s to believe You. I want to recognize the no-frills, wonderful gift of faith. When You speak to me through Bible study, prayer, friends, and circumstances I want to marvel at the mysteries of Your will. Confidently and graciously, I’ll accept the unembellished truth believing that its divine power will overshadow me. With the humble faithful heart of a servant, I’ll willingly accept the responsibility entrusted to me by delivering Jesus, the Holy Son of God Most High to a cold, dark, dreary world.
With a song in my heart and praise on my lips, I worship You, my adoring Heavenly Father, for offering me the fabulous gift of faith. Amen.
Have you truly received the gift of faith? If so, the angel of God Most High has spoken to you. Deliver the Holy Child to someone this Christmas … share the Good News with a lost soul, serve someone needy, love the unlovable, forgive the unforgivable, reach out and give someone Jesus.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Immortal, Invincible, Immanuel
Matthew 1:23
23 "Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and he will be called Immanuel
(meaning, God is with us)."
Holy Child of Bethlehem, You were sent down from our Father in heaven to be with me today. There is no gift more impressive than immortal, invincible Immanuel, Your beautiful baby boy born to bless me.
You graciously sent this treasured gift to me when I was Your enemy. I was hateful, fearful, and prideful when You knocked on the door of my heart. Inconvenienced and irritated by the interruption, I objectionably opened the door to find Your gentle hands reaching out to give me a priceless vessel of love. The beauty of the gift You extended to me snuffed out the anger, arrogance and apprehension. I couldn’t resist receiving it and inviting You in to be with me.
In the living room, I cautiously opened Your offering by the flickering flame in my heart. I gladly received the poignant promises You gave me. You promised to live with me and be my faithful, forever Friend. You showed me that You are greater and stronger than any one or any thing I have ever known. Trustworthy and dependable, You came to defend me. With You on my side, no one could be against me! Because You live with me, all fear is gone.
Immanuel, You are with me and You are all I need this Christmas. Since You breathed the air that I breath, and experienced agony, disgrace and sorrow, You can commiserate with me. You promise to hold me up by Your mighty hand. Because You live with me, I can triumphantly face tomorrow’s tough times and tragedies.
When the decorations are dismantled, and the daily difficulties of life resume, I must not forget the priceless vessel of love I received one Christmas in the blazing fire of my heart. Daily I must cling to Immanuel, celebrating my Mighty God who will be with me until the very end of the age for it’s through His glorious gift of grace that I live and pray. Amen.
If you have received the impressive gift of immortal, invincible Immanuel, celebrate that God is with you always! Because He is with you:
23 "Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and he will be called Immanuel
(meaning, God is with us)."
Holy Child of Bethlehem, You were sent down from our Father in heaven to be with me today. There is no gift more impressive than immortal, invincible Immanuel, Your beautiful baby boy born to bless me.
You graciously sent this treasured gift to me when I was Your enemy. I was hateful, fearful, and prideful when You knocked on the door of my heart. Inconvenienced and irritated by the interruption, I objectionably opened the door to find Your gentle hands reaching out to give me a priceless vessel of love. The beauty of the gift You extended to me snuffed out the anger, arrogance and apprehension. I couldn’t resist receiving it and inviting You in to be with me.
In the living room, I cautiously opened Your offering by the flickering flame in my heart. I gladly received the poignant promises You gave me. You promised to live with me and be my faithful, forever Friend. You showed me that You are greater and stronger than any one or any thing I have ever known. Trustworthy and dependable, You came to defend me. With You on my side, no one could be against me! Because You live with me, all fear is gone.
Immanuel, You are with me and You are all I need this Christmas. Since You breathed the air that I breath, and experienced agony, disgrace and sorrow, You can commiserate with me. You promise to hold me up by Your mighty hand. Because You live with me, I can triumphantly face tomorrow’s tough times and tragedies.
When the decorations are dismantled, and the daily difficulties of life resume, I must not forget the priceless vessel of love I received one Christmas in the blazing fire of my heart. Daily I must cling to Immanuel, celebrating my Mighty God who will be with me until the very end of the age for it’s through His glorious gift of grace that I live and pray. Amen.
If you have received the impressive gift of immortal, invincible Immanuel, celebrate that God is with you always! Because He is with you:
- You can face suffering
- You can face devastating loss
- You can face a broken heart
- You can face financial difficulties
- You can face legal challenges
- You can face persecution
- You can face betrayal
- You can face your cross
Matthew 28:20
Jesus said, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Revelations 21:3
I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God."
Friday, December 08, 2006
The Bountiful Gift of Forgiveness
Matthew 1:21
The angel told Joseph, "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
Romans 5:15-16
15And what a difference between our sin and God's generous gift of forgiveness. For this one man, Adam, brought death to many through his sin. But this other man, Jesus Christ, brought forgiveness to many through God's bountiful gift. NLT
Luke 23: 33, 34 … they crucified him, along with the criminals. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
My Faithful Father~
The bountiful gifts You give are unbelievable! Thank You for the wonderful gift of forgiveness. It arrived when I was wondering aimlessly, staring death in the face, and destined for hell. Not knowing which way to turn, I desperately cried out to You for help. In Your infinite compassion and mercy, You heard my plea and answered, leading me to Your Son.
Laying down all the shattered pieces of my life, I knelt at the foot of the cross. There, Your precious Son shamefully hung in excruciating pain, exhausted, and asphyxiated. As the crimson blood and pure water from His open wounds dripped on me, He begged You to forgive those who drove the nails into his hands. Sadly, I was one of them! My sins held Him there!
Let those Words, "Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they’re doing," penetrate the hollow of my heart and sink deep into my brain this Christmas. No matter what I’ve done in the past, I am completely forgiven. At the foot of the cross, You gently, meticulously and painstakingly picked up each devastated piece of my life and masterfully restored my lustrous allure.
This Christmas I want to accept the wonderful gift of forgiveness. It comes with a huge responsibility. If I accept it, I must give it away. Because You bought it for me with Your bruised, battered, and broken body, You expect me to pardon people who have inflicted me with pain. No hurt I endure on earth can compare to the agony of Your death on the cross. Thank you, Father, for giving me Your Son to save me from the absolute misery of eternal punishment. I am utterly unworthy of such an inconceivable gift.
Since my sins have been forgiven in Your name, please empower me to pass the wonderful gift of forgiveness to someone undeserving this Christmas for the honor of Your glorious name! Amen.
Because I have accepted Your gift of forgiveness, I will forgive ______________________ for the glory of Your name. Fill in the blank and obey, for it is written: "if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14
The angel told Joseph, "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
Romans 5:15-16
15And what a difference between our sin and God's generous gift of forgiveness. For this one man, Adam, brought death to many through his sin. But this other man, Jesus Christ, brought forgiveness to many through God's bountiful gift. NLT
Luke 23: 33, 34 … they crucified him, along with the criminals. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
My Faithful Father~
The bountiful gifts You give are unbelievable! Thank You for the wonderful gift of forgiveness. It arrived when I was wondering aimlessly, staring death in the face, and destined for hell. Not knowing which way to turn, I desperately cried out to You for help. In Your infinite compassion and mercy, You heard my plea and answered, leading me to Your Son.
Laying down all the shattered pieces of my life, I knelt at the foot of the cross. There, Your precious Son shamefully hung in excruciating pain, exhausted, and asphyxiated. As the crimson blood and pure water from His open wounds dripped on me, He begged You to forgive those who drove the nails into his hands. Sadly, I was one of them! My sins held Him there!
Let those Words, "Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they’re doing," penetrate the hollow of my heart and sink deep into my brain this Christmas. No matter what I’ve done in the past, I am completely forgiven. At the foot of the cross, You gently, meticulously and painstakingly picked up each devastated piece of my life and masterfully restored my lustrous allure.
This Christmas I want to accept the wonderful gift of forgiveness. It comes with a huge responsibility. If I accept it, I must give it away. Because You bought it for me with Your bruised, battered, and broken body, You expect me to pardon people who have inflicted me with pain. No hurt I endure on earth can compare to the agony of Your death on the cross. Thank you, Father, for giving me Your Son to save me from the absolute misery of eternal punishment. I am utterly unworthy of such an inconceivable gift.
Since my sins have been forgiven in Your name, please empower me to pass the wonderful gift of forgiveness to someone undeserving this Christmas for the honor of Your glorious name! Amen.
Because I have accepted Your gift of forgiveness, I will forgive ______________________ for the glory of Your name. Fill in the blank and obey, for it is written: "if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Spirit of Peace
John 14:27 Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Good and Generous Father,
You and You alone are the giver of all good and perfect gifts. Thank You for sending the perfect gift of peace from Your heart to mine this Christmas. Choosing to walk hand-in-hand, day-by-day, minute-by-minute trusting You, I’ll unwrap its infinite power. A vicious cyclone of conflict, chaos and confusion deeply agitates my soul, but You leave me with YOUR undisturbed peace to calm my heart and mind. I claim it by:
- Receiving it from You, my heavenly Father, who lovingly adopted and accepted me into the royal family of God, bestowing me with bountiful blessings.
- Trusting the power of the Holy Spirit, the endless ribbon that securely ties the package of peace to my heart and mind.
- Believing the Truth of Your Word, sincerely written by a devoted Father to his beloved child as a beautiful gift card.
- Accepting Your Son, sent directly to me from the heart of my Father to pay the ultimate price for it.
Please cover me completely with more of Your unconstrained holy peace for protection during the turbulent storms of difficulty and uncertainty. Embraced by Your love and secured to Your unlimited power, I’ll respond with an unusually quiet contentment during pressure and pandemonium. Miraculously others will notice Your immeasurable peace through my spectacular strength, attracting them to Your Son, the only real Source of Peace. Amen.
Unwrap the gift of peace: Receive it from the Father, trust in the Holy Spirit, believe the Words He’s written to You, and be thankful that Jesus paid the price for it.
The peace of Christ freely flows to all who are determined to trust the Holy Spirit to shape them into the image of Christ.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Truth & Guidance
John 16:13-14
Jesus said, "When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you."
Holy Spirit,
You are an incredibly intellectual instructor who meets me in the classroom of my heart. When I earnestly seek You as a devoted student, I’m imparted with wisdom, knowledge and understanding of Your good, pleasing and perfect will. Please give me patience to sit still and pay attention to Your teaching. I have so much to learn and am eager to discover all the things You want me to know. The more time I spend under Your instruction, the brighter I become. Speak to me, Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus. Speak to me and teach me all things.
When I’m informed of important things, send me into the learning lab of life. Give me opportunities to test my skills through situations and circumstances surroundings me. Confident of the knowledge I’ve comprehended in Your classroom, I’ll trust You to remind me of everything I need to do Your will, Your way. The more hands on experience I get, the brighter I become. Guide me, Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus. Guide me every step of the way.
Knowing that You will only tell me what You hear from the Father, I will faithfully rely on Your textbook, the Holy Bible, to be my sole resource and reference manual. Whenever I’m uncertain of what to do next, I’ll silently sit and studiously search it. I’ll constantly communicate with You through prayer, watching and waiting until You clearly make known to me the way I should go. As I serve wherever I’m sent this Christmas, others will see the brightness of Christ illuminated in me. Be glorified, Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus. Be glorified in me. Amen.
Will you meet God in the classroom of your heart today? He’s waiting for you to show up and eager to teach you all things. I encourage you to take your Bible and go quickly. There’s so much to learn, and so little time. Start practicing the lessons and Christ will shine brightly through you this Christmas.
Jesus said, "When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you."
Holy Spirit,
You are an incredibly intellectual instructor who meets me in the classroom of my heart. When I earnestly seek You as a devoted student, I’m imparted with wisdom, knowledge and understanding of Your good, pleasing and perfect will. Please give me patience to sit still and pay attention to Your teaching. I have so much to learn and am eager to discover all the things You want me to know. The more time I spend under Your instruction, the brighter I become. Speak to me, Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus. Speak to me and teach me all things.
When I’m informed of important things, send me into the learning lab of life. Give me opportunities to test my skills through situations and circumstances surroundings me. Confident of the knowledge I’ve comprehended in Your classroom, I’ll trust You to remind me of everything I need to do Your will, Your way. The more hands on experience I get, the brighter I become. Guide me, Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus. Guide me every step of the way.
Knowing that You will only tell me what You hear from the Father, I will faithfully rely on Your textbook, the Holy Bible, to be my sole resource and reference manual. Whenever I’m uncertain of what to do next, I’ll silently sit and studiously search it. I’ll constantly communicate with You through prayer, watching and waiting until You clearly make known to me the way I should go. As I serve wherever I’m sent this Christmas, others will see the brightness of Christ illuminated in me. Be glorified, Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus. Be glorified in me. Amen.
Will you meet God in the classroom of your heart today? He’s waiting for you to show up and eager to teach you all things. I encourage you to take your Bible and go quickly. There’s so much to learn, and so little time. Start practicing the lessons and Christ will shine brightly through you this Christmas.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Hope of Heaven
Romans 5: 1-5
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Hope of Heaven~
You are my heart’s desire! I’m thankful for the perfect gift of peace You placed in my heart the moment I first believed. Accepting it placed me in a position of privilege to come into Your holy presence where mercy and grace abound. I love You, believe in You, and am filled with Your inexpressible and glorious joy!
Hidden within the gift of peace is the precious Jewel of Jesus, my Hope of Heaven. My eyes glisten as I gaze upon Your radiant glory. Through the lustrous allure, I see the brilliance of Heaven coming down from Your heart to mine. Shining brighter than the summer sun on my soul, I’m thrilled with the inconceivable gift You’ve placed on the platform of my heart.
With the Hope of Heaven in my heart, I can cheerfully embrace problems and persist through suffering. Difficulties will purify and perfect my personality, allowing me to gracefully show Your divine love to a watching world. No matter how busy, frustrated, or tired I am this holiday season, please help me to keep smiling and respond with patience and kindness.
Let the Hope of Heaven spill from my heart as I magnificently display the precious jewels of Your character this Christmas. When others see the Hope of Heaven sparkling in me, they’ll experience the true Spirit of Christmas and Christ will be magnified, exalted, and honored above all. Amen.
What a priceless gift! How will you display the Hope of Heaven this Christmas?
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. - Romans 15:13
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Hope of Heaven~
You are my heart’s desire! I’m thankful for the perfect gift of peace You placed in my heart the moment I first believed. Accepting it placed me in a position of privilege to come into Your holy presence where mercy and grace abound. I love You, believe in You, and am filled with Your inexpressible and glorious joy!
Hidden within the gift of peace is the precious Jewel of Jesus, my Hope of Heaven. My eyes glisten as I gaze upon Your radiant glory. Through the lustrous allure, I see the brilliance of Heaven coming down from Your heart to mine. Shining brighter than the summer sun on my soul, I’m thrilled with the inconceivable gift You’ve placed on the platform of my heart.
With the Hope of Heaven in my heart, I can cheerfully embrace problems and persist through suffering. Difficulties will purify and perfect my personality, allowing me to gracefully show Your divine love to a watching world. No matter how busy, frustrated, or tired I am this holiday season, please help me to keep smiling and respond with patience and kindness.
Let the Hope of Heaven spill from my heart as I magnificently display the precious jewels of Your character this Christmas. When others see the Hope of Heaven sparkling in me, they’ll experience the true Spirit of Christmas and Christ will be magnified, exalted, and honored above all. Amen.
What a priceless gift! How will you display the Hope of Heaven this Christmas?
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. - Romans 15:13
Monday, December 04, 2006
Heart Ablaze
Luke 3:16
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
2 Timothy 1:6
Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in You.
Holy Spirit,
You are a raging fire that cannot be contained! Light the match of Your holy love and breathe Your divine power on me! With intense heat, burn away all the problems and pain from my past.
F ear may dampen my relationship with You, but a flickering flame can be fanned into radiant light again. Fan into flame the powerful gift that is in me.
I dolatry may diffuse my affection for You. Rekindle the glow by taking captive my time and thoughts and making them obedient to You.
R ebellion may smother my ability to behold Your regal glory. Ignite my faith with courage to believe and obey You.
E gotism may extinguish the flame of intimacy. Throw the fuel of Truth on it to show me how wretched, pitiful, blind and naked I am.
Melt my cold, hard heart until it’s completely malleable. Then, cast a stunning new heart for me in Your perfect image.
Utterly impassioned by You, I’ll be spiritually combustible this Christmas! Exploding with love, I’ll be tenderhearted and merciful. Bursting with joy for all that You’ve done for me, my goodness and generosity will glow brilliantly. As I crackle with unexpected kindness, people will experience the true Spirit of Christmas. Please show me someone who needs the warmth of Your love and I’ll fan into flame the fire in my heart on them for the glory of Your name. Amen.
I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to ignite a fire in your heart so that others will experience Christ when they encounter you this Christmas.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
2 Timothy 1:6
Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in You.
Holy Spirit,
You are a raging fire that cannot be contained! Light the match of Your holy love and breathe Your divine power on me! With intense heat, burn away all the problems and pain from my past.
F ear may dampen my relationship with You, but a flickering flame can be fanned into radiant light again. Fan into flame the powerful gift that is in me.
I dolatry may diffuse my affection for You. Rekindle the glow by taking captive my time and thoughts and making them obedient to You.
R ebellion may smother my ability to behold Your regal glory. Ignite my faith with courage to believe and obey You.
E gotism may extinguish the flame of intimacy. Throw the fuel of Truth on it to show me how wretched, pitiful, blind and naked I am.
Melt my cold, hard heart until it’s completely malleable. Then, cast a stunning new heart for me in Your perfect image.
Utterly impassioned by You, I’ll be spiritually combustible this Christmas! Exploding with love, I’ll be tenderhearted and merciful. Bursting with joy for all that You’ve done for me, my goodness and generosity will glow brilliantly. As I crackle with unexpected kindness, people will experience the true Spirit of Christmas. Please show me someone who needs the warmth of Your love and I’ll fan into flame the fire in my heart on them for the glory of Your name. Amen.
I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to ignite a fire in your heart so that others will experience Christ when they encounter you this Christmas.
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