Godly Wisdom

      Looking ahead to the new year, one of the best things we can do is to ask for Godly wisdom. God works from the inside out. Everything is a matter of the heart to Him. Godly wisdom will shut our mouths when we want to shout. Godly wisdom will bring patience over speeding ahead. Godly wisdom will take us to His Word and away from the world. Godly wisdom will shine light in the darkest recesses of our heart.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

     Ask for Godly wisdom and His attributes will begin to show through in your life.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17

Lord,

We ask for Your wisdom throughout this next year. You promise to give to us generously. Teach us to wait for Your ways, instead of rushing ahead into the things of this world that are not from You.

In Jesus name,

Amen
Happy New Year!  Back on the 3rd of the new year.

Along Unfamiliar Paths

     Transforming change is right around the next corner, or the next, or the next.  God takes us one step at a time into a bright and hope-filled future. Stay patient. Move slowly. Listen to His voice. When you can’t see ahead, trust God. He moves in ways we don’t always understand. He takes us up steep slopes and over rocky paths in order for us to find the right path.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them. I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do. I will not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16

     Take God at His wonderful word. He will make those rough places smooth. The path may seem unfamiliar and appear a bit scary, but God will never leave us or forsake us and the darkness will become light because of Him.

Lord,

Keep us patient for Your way to be made clear. You hold us in Your hand and You guide us along paths unfamiliar to us. Keep us steadfast on the solid ground of our faith as we move into a future known only by You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Letting Go/Straining Forward

     As we count down to the end of 2016 and look forward to a brand-new yea, do you long to let go of something or someone? Is there something from your past you need to forgive either in yourself or in someone else? Is there an unhealthy relationship you need to break off? How about letting it all go and promising yourself to begin to trust God more and allow Him to set you on a path of peace and joy?

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do. Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Philippians 3:13

     Pray to let go of all that is past and harmful. As you let go, God will never let go of you.

I give them eternal life and they shall never perish. No one will snatch them out of My hand. John 10:29

Father,

We pray to let go of past hurts, of present harm and move with purpose into a future filled with hope. You are the author and finisher of our faith. Give us a brand-new start.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Quiet and Wonder

     Do you need to stop and take a deep breath? The holiday season finding you exhausted? The lines can be long, the gift-giving expensive, the preparations for guests time-consuming. The humble beginnings of Jesus cast a shocking comparison to the Christmas around us today.

     The hustle and bustle surrounding us stand in direct contrast to the quiet night of Jesus’ birth. The star shone over the fields. The shepherds stood in awe. The wise men bowed in worship, Joseph and Mary sat surrounded by animals and their sweet child, the Messiah, wondered at all that had been prophesied by God.

Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright.

     Take a breath. Read the Christmas story one more time. You will find it in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2. Enjoy the hustle and bustle, but stop with your family and friends and acknowledge the true meaning of the season. The birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us quiet ourselves and bow in worship to the Lord.

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker. Psalm 95:6

Dear Lord,

Remind us of the magnitude of Your birth, the moment when the Creator came to earth. We ask for Your blessing over our homes and families as we gather together. Remind us to bow down and worship the Lord, our Maker.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Merry Christmas!!!  The blog will return on Tuesday, December 27^th.

My Friend Phyllis

     One of my very best friends is 85 years old. I am 61. I hope you have older friends and younger friends. Both can be inspiring. Phyllis and I, and another good friend, have prayed together weekly for almost fifteen years. Along with prayer, we have done a variety of Bible studies together. She has taught us much. On Saturday, Phyllis suffered an aortic dissection and endured almost six hours of surgery. The recovery will be slow and will progress over a long period of time.

     So much can change in a split second. Have you experienced the same in your life or in the life of someone you love? When something so sudden affects our lives so dramatically it causes us to stop in the midst of life and ask those deep questions. The life and death questions we often want to avoid.

     Phyllis has never shied away from those questions. And she has a firm and honest answer. “Jesus  is my Savior and He loves me. I know I am going to heaven and I don’t worry about those things.” She has a true peace and a true joy that are contagious. She has taught us well, about love, about the power of prayer, about filling other lives with joy, about pausing to appreciate all we have  and about compassionate care. All of us who love her are blessed.

     Many friends and family members are praying for her. We hope to share the earth with her for a long time to come. But when the day arrives for her to meet Jesus, we will have peace. Just as she did, with the joy and hope of heaven.

 Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, would I have told you? I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. John 14:1-3

Father,

Thank You for Phyllis and all of Your followers who continue to show us the way to peace and joy and hope. Keep Phyllis wrapped safely in Your arms, both now and forevermore.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Worship

     Jesus changes everything. I heard a pastor recently talk about the fact that everyone worships something. As our idols become more important than our Savior, we become like the idol we worship. As we deepen our relationship with Christ, as we study His Word, as we pray intimately in our relationship with Him, as we ask Him to guide our lives, our image beomces more and more, Christ-like. Miraculously, the Holy Spirit within us guides our attitudes, our motives, along with the things we choose to do.

     What is keeping you from placing Jesus first? Too busy? The pleasures of making yourself happy? The pursuit of a career? Sports? Alcohol? The list is endless. Think about what you think about over the next few days. Jesus always makes life more purposeful, more abundant, more peace-filled, more loving.

And we all, with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Jesus,

We invite Your Holy Spirit into our lives, to teach and guide and to keep transforming us more and more into Your likeness. It seems impossible to fathom, but the miraculous love You have shared with us can transform our lives.

Amen

The Lord

     This week we touched on Jesus, the humble baby, the human boy, our heavenly servant. Jesus gave up His status for us. He had the riches of heaven. He created all things and He came to die in our place.

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage. Rather He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death-even death on a cross. Philippians 2:6-8

     Our humble servant, the One who made Himself nothing for us, who forgave us, and died for us is right back where He belongs. He resides over heaven and earth. He will return as King and as Lord. He is coming soon. Prepare the way for the King! Joy to the world!

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for the gift You gave us. Nothing can compare. We pray everyone in our lives will receive the free gift of eternal life, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Come Lord, Jesus.

Amen

The Boy

     Did you know Jesus disappeared at the age of 12? His parents couldn’t find Him. Have you been lost? Or have you worried when you could not find your own child? Frantically they retraced their steps to search for Him. I marvel at this. Astonishing. Mary and Joseph had been visited by angels. They understood the magnitude of the pregnancy and the birth. They were raising the Savior.

     Even so, they worried. I imagine Jesus acting like any other son. When Jesus began His ministry at the age of 30, his own brothers and sisters scoffed at Him. They knew Him as their brother, the one just like any other. Astounding!  Where did they find Him three days later? In the temple courts, speaking and asking questions.

Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and His answers. When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” Luke 2:47-48

     Their Son, the Savior, teaching in the temple and they are “astonished.” In the act of parenting their children, Jesus fit right in. He became one of us. But they knew. And Jesus reminded them of just that.

“Why were you searching for Me,” He asked. “Don’t you know I had to be in My Father’s house?” Luke 2:49

     The next verse tells us that they did not understand. But Mary’s heart was nudged. And these two verses are all we know of the entire childhood of Jesus.

Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man. Luke 2:51-52

     An obedient child, growing in wisdom. A human child with God’s heart and soul.  Waiting to fulfill God’s plan of redemption.

Jesus,

It is difficult for us to fathom You as a normal child, playing with Your brothers and sisters, learning carpentry from Your earthly father. You wrote the Word. You created the heavens and the earth. It is too much for us to imagine. We believe.

Amen

The News

     The God of creation came to live as one of us. The Word came to life in the flesh. The Messiah was here! Kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers in today’s world are greeted with fanfare, with pomp and circumstance, with lavish meals and dress-up clothes. But Jesus?

     No fanfare for Him. There was no presidential suite, no plush pillows and gold inlaid plumbing. His head was laid in a manger, next to the animals, wrapped in a cloth. But the glory of heaven shone around this humble beginning. The angels spoke and brought the good news. Did they announce it first to the top guns? To the rich and famous? No, the crowd, were rag-tag at best, and the surrounding field was filled with sheep. These lowly shepherds were the least of the culture two thousand years ago. And God chose them.

     He chooses me and He chooses you. The humble seem able to respond best to His glory, to understand the good news, to realize the need for a Savior.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, He is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:8-11

     Good news. A Savior has been born to you and to me. The humble baby in the manger is the Lord of all.

Jesus,

The good news is overwhelming. You came to save us from our sins and and to offer us everlasting life. Thank You, precious Lord.

Amen

The Leap

     Mary and her cousin were pregnant. Her cousin happened to be pregnant with the one prophesied about in the Old Testament. (Isaiah 40) The one who would pave the way for the Messiah.  John would one day baptize, with water. He would ask for repentance as he proclaimed the one that was to come.

     But before that time, long before this, their mothers visited with one another in anticipation of the births of their miraculous baby boys.  Mary greeted her cousin and listen to Elizabeth’s response.

“As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.” Luke 1:44-45

     Baby John already recognized the Savior. The Holy Spirit began His work long before the two were born. And both would grow up to fulfill all of the promises about them, hundreds and even thousands of years earlier.

     Just like John, let’s leap for joy in anticipation of the One to come. He came two thousand years ago to save us. He is coming again soon to glorify us.

Jesus,

Thank You for the Word. How miraculous are Your ways. Prepare our hearts for Christmas and prepare our hearts for You.

Amen

The Name

     The name of Jesus holds great power. As believers, we hold His name in the highest regard, with worship and praise. Others use it in derision and to cuss or swear at something or someone. Little do they know what they are doing. Jesus is our Savior. Mary accepted the truth about Jesus when the angel shared the news. She was the one. The one to carry the Messiah as her baby. Her words have been put to song. They are a beautiful example of praise and honor to our God.

And Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me-holy is His name. His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation. Luke 1:46-50

     Holy is His name. Let us glorify the Lord with our words and actions and believe Him just as Mary did so long ago.

Jesus,

We honor and glorify You and Your name.  Keep us close and bold as we proclaim the good news of Your birth, Your death and Your resurrection.

Amen

     Deep joy brings strength. Strength to take the next step, to move ahead when you want to go back, to get the treatment, to make the break, to make the change, to figure it out. God’s joy is soul-deep. Most of us live on the surface. You hear it in our conversations.

      God allows us to go deep. God loves the deep things of life. The true spiritual life runs into the darkest corners, the deepest hurts, and the healing begins.

The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. Proverbs 20:5

Jesus,

We pray to have eyes to see into the deep issues of life, to draw others into complete healing from You. Help us to help others to jump into deep waters without fear.

Amen

Joy

     We want to be happy. We want our kids to be happy. Our culture tells us we deserve to be happy. The Bible leads us into something more; a deep, soul-filling joy. Yes, there is a difference. Happiness relies on circumstances. To be happy, this has to happen; the right job, the perfect partner, the deserved vacation, or___.  You fill in the blank. What blanks are you waiting to be filled in order to be happy? It is an unrealistic goal to be perpetually happy.

     No matter how we try to fill our lives, without Jesus, they remain half-emptyThere will forever and always be a God-sized hole. Jesus promises us a joy that can never be removed. I have seen this deep joy in others around me; in my friend, still suffering the repercussions of a severe stroke over nine years ago. I have seen it in a woman I visited over the years, suffering with heart failure, an oxygen tank and blindness. How?

     They know Jesus. They know Him intimately. He is real. He is there. He fills them with true joy. Every step they take relies on Him. Every word they speak is spoken in service to Him. They give to others sacrificially, even in a state that the world would look at as “unhappy.” Don’t rule your life based on finding fleeting happiness. The happenings in our life don’t guarantee a worldly contentment.

     But Jesus does. He will bless us no matter what. He will fill our souls with His kind of love. And it is heavenly.

Jesus,

Only You have the way, the truth and the life. It is an abundant life. The life that is led by You offers deep joy. Lead us into that kind of joy. It is unlike any other.

Amen

All Things At All Times

     God can fill in our missing pieces. He will give us the right words. He will provide what we need, when we need it. Do you trust Him and His word for you? Will you believe He is working for you? Will you allow yourself to feel His peace and joy as He removes your doubt and fear? Here are some words from our Lord just for you and me as we begin our day.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

     I want to take this into my heart today. God offers to bless us abundantly (until it overflows) giving ua all things at all times that we need in order to abound in all we do. Take Hm at His word. He will do it.

Jesus,

Thank You for bestowing us with the blessings of heaven. We long to trust You above our circumstances, knowing You have just what we need. Thank You for providing for us in every way.

Amen

God of All Comfort

     Has our Lord given you comfort? Has His word spoken directly to your heart? Has His love overwhelmed you? Have you gone back again and again asking for His mercy and grace? Me too. Because of that love and compassion and mercy and foigiveness and comfort and love, we are called to give the same away to others.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

     This is God’s work in us. As we receive blessing after blessing, comfort after comfort, grace upon grace from Him, we will pass it on. Give out the blessings and comfort and compassion to those in trouble today. Pass it on.

Father,

You are the God of all compassion and comfort. As we have received so much from You, let us show the same love to those around us in the same way. Show us how today. Open our eyes and ears to those around us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Grieving With Hope

     Grief has a life of its own, with peaks and valleys, harsh waves and sweet soothing memories. Grief is varied and never easy. Jesus can and will make a difference in the journey of grief.

     I’m not saying Jesus removes the agony of grief. He grieved Himself, before His crucifixion and in witnessing the grief of His good friends.  Every single person handles grief in a unique way and over different lengths of time. But Jesus DOES offer hope. He offers peace. He offers deep joy in the midst of deep sorrow. And He understands sorrow and suffering. He felt it all on the cross. His suffering brings hope. His death became our resurrection. He is waiting and so is heaven.

Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more. The Lord will be your everlasting light and your days of sorrow will end. Isaiah 60:20

Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness. I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13    

     We will experience grief and sorrow on this earth. And Jesus has overcome death. Love never ends.

Father,

Comfort those who grieve. I pray for Jesus to hold them in His loving arms. His peace and comfort are beyond this world. They are eternal.

In Jesus name,

Amen

True Light

     To think we, through Christ, have access to the throne of God! We personally know God! Jesus shines His glory on us and through us. This week we have looked at the opportunities He gives us to shine in this very dark world. The world does not understand.

For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

     The face of Christ. The knowledge of God is seen through Him and we may be filled with ever-increasing glory until we see His beautiful face in eternity.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Jesus,

Give us more and more knowledge, more and more glory, more and more of You. You are the true light within and without. We pray that light will become brighter as we share Your name around the world.

Amen

True Light

     Jesus promises us a light-filled life when we believe. The darkness of Satan no longer has power over us. The Holy Spirit of the risen Christ resides in us. As we grow day-by-day the lure of the world begins to fade and the true light of Jesus and His word gains strength and power over our lives.

     We can trust Him. We can believe in Him over our circumstances. We can remain filled with hope and joy throughout our lives. He has removed darkness and shared with us His glorious light.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

     I like the sound of that. How about you? Never to walk in darkness, but to have the light of life.

Father,

Thank You for sending us the light of life. This light will never be removed from us, until we reside in full glory. Move us from glory to glory for the rest of our lives.

In Jesus name,

Amen

True Light

     While Jesus walked on the earth, He was the light of thw world. When He ascended into heaven, He let us, with the assistance of His Holy Spirit, become His light in the world surrounding us. What an awesome gift He has given us! Because of His undying love for us, we are able to give it away to others. Here are His words for us to remember and to live out.

:You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

     You are the light of the world. Jesus says so and He always speaks truth. Shine, just as a lamp gives light to everyone around it. Let your light be seen.

Lord,

Thank You for sharing the light of Your Son with us. May we shine with His love to everyone around us. Let others see Your Son through us.

In His name we pray,

Amen

True Light

     The true light of thw world resides within us as believers. The light will shine in and through us more and more as we continue our journey of faith. Let His light shine in you throughout the season. Shine with peace. Shine with joy. Shine with love. Jesus is able to infuse us with the goodness of His wonderful self.

Yet, I am writing you a new command. Its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing, and the true light is already shining. 1 John 2:8

     Don’t let the chaos overcome you through this busy season. Remember. This is a holy season. Don’t let anxiety overwhelm you with gifts and gatherings. The gift is Jesus entering the world. The reason for the season is all about His love and sharing it with others. The darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. It’s shining in you!

Jesus,

Protect us from the pitfalls of what is one of the most wonderful seasons of the year. Fill us to the brim with the goodness of Your light. We want to share Your peace, Your joy, Your love.

Amen

    

True Light

     Christmas shopping has begun. Christmas songs are being sung. Christmas stockings are being hung. Christmas bells are being rung.

     “Tis the season to be jolly. Fa la la la la la. In the midst of the hoopla, pause and remember the first advent. We are preparing for a real celebration. The day the true light came into the world.

“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5

       Enjoy the season and keep the true joy and true light of Christ in your heart as we prepare the way to welcome the newborn Son of the Most High.

Father,

We thank You for the miracles of the season. Keep our minds on the Redeemer of the world, the light of the world, Your Son, Jesus.

Amen  

    

Thanksgiving

     As we give thanks today for food and family and friends, remember to praise the One who created us all.

Thank Him for the gift of salvation and our eternal security.

Thanks  be to God for His indescribable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15

Thank Him for His all-encompassing love for us.

This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10

Give Him thanks for everything He has created.

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. 1 Timothy 4:4

Place Him in the middle of all the praise and thanks.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. Psalm 100:4

Happy Thanksgiving!

 I am thankful for each one of you. See you Monday!

I always thank my God as I remember you  in my prayers. Philemon 1:4

Let Go

          We let go and allow change into our lives. We let go and allow God to carry our burdens. We let go and allow a new future to open up before us. With Christ’s help, we learn to do all of the above. We learn from our mistakes. We gain strength through our tough times. We look ahead.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do. Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Philippians 3:13

     Our ultimate goal is heaven. As days get tougher, we may long for our heavenly home more and more. Paul reminds us. Keep straining ahead. Keep looking forward. Each day brings us closer to our eternal paradise. And each day brings the promise of new blesings. He has work for us to do.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Jesus,

Sometimes it is difficult to leave the past in the past. We focus our attention on You today and on our final home in heaven. We let go and let You lead on onward to the prize awaiting us in heaven.

Amen

Rest In Him

     Trouble sleeping? Last night was a restless one for me. Tonight I will remember. God never sleeps. He is available 24/7. In those wakeful moments, give Him your worries. Pray for what you need. Give Him the reins of your life. He is awake and ready to hear.

He will not let your foot slip-He who watches over you will not slumber. Psalm 121;3

     After you have given it all to Him, you will rest.

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

Father,

Thank You for remaining awake and available to us. Only You can give us complete peace and rest from the concerns of our daily life. We believe Your Word today that promises us rest. We leave our burdens with You as You watch over us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Our Unchanging God

     Has it been hard to let go? Life changes continually. Adjusting to change can come easily or with great cost. Letting go of a loved one or a relationship may give us the greatest challenges of our lives. Moving, switching jobs, letting your kids go as they grow into adulthood, retirement, and so much more gives us pause. What’s next? How do we go on? What will life be like now?

     Luckily for us, we have a God who never changes.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

     When we panic, He remains steadfast. When we doubt, He is faithful. When we worry, He is at peace. His grace and mercy are available to us right now. Let Him hold you up as you adjust. Let Him comfort you as you grieve. Let Him wrap His loving arms around you when you are scared. We can do all things with Him.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Jesus,

Thank You for being just what we need when we need it. Thank you for providing for us with perfect timing. Turn our minds and hearts to You through the upheavals in our lives. You remain, always now and forever more our Lord.

Amen

Out of This World

     As God continues to use us while we are in the world, rely on His Holy Spirit, continue to meditate on His word and His ways, and never, ever forget the power of prayer in your life. Praying for our nation and for our new president are mandated in Scripture.

I urge you then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God, our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate and always to be gentle toward everyone. Titus 3:1-2

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1

     It is not always easy to pray for the rulers and authorities in our nation. We disagree with so much of what we see. But this is God’s desire for us. Keep praying for others. Keep praying for our nation and Israel. Prayer moves the hand that moves the world.

Father,

We thank You for the ability to come directly to the throne room. We are blessed. Prayer is a gift from You and we thank You for listening.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Out of This World

     Shortly before His crucifixion Jesus prayed the most beautiful prayer to His Father in heaven. He prayed for Himself and what is to come. He prayed for His disciples and followers in the world at the time and He prayed for us! As He lived out His life as a man, He came to know what we go through day to day. He continues to intercede for us, His beloved children. Here is part of His prayer for us.

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that You protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth. Your word is truth. John 17:15-17

     Jesus continues to pray for our protection and for us to know the truth. Where do we find truth? In His word. The Bible sanctifies us, a continual transformation if we walk in the truth. How precious we are in the Lord’s sight.

Jesus,

Thank You for praying for us, for interceding for us, for protecting us and for sanctifying us into Your truth. We want to remain seet apart from the world. Your word is truth. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts wide-open. Develop in us a hunger for Your word.

Amen

Out of This World

Grace and peace to you from God, our Father, and the Lord, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.  Galatians 1:3-4

     We are written in the book of life as believers. In God’s world, we are already seated and protected in heaven forever. We are already partakers in His work, in His kingdom, in His love. I pray you feel His love and protection today.

     Jesus saved us from our sins and He protects us from this evil age. Roman authority, in the days of Paul, caused Christians to be arrested, killed and tortured. And evil will continue to reign over this world until the coming of Christ.

     Remember His power. Reflect on His word. Rejuvenate with His love. Rejoice in His forgiveness.

Lord,

Thank You for the resurrection power available to us, along with Your mighty protection and love. We belong to You, now and forever.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Out of This World

     The only way to stay in the world and not of the world is to stay in the Word. God’s word transforms us into the image of Christ. Walking in His ways and listening to His voice renews our minds. The word of God is supernatural, alive and powerful. Do not be conformed to this world and its seductive powers.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His good, perfect and pleasing will. Romans 12:2

     Renew your mind in God’s word continually. Testing and praying and comparing the things of the world to His word will bring peace and joy and a way to walk humbly before our God. His will is good. It is pleasing. It is perfect.

Lord,

Transform our hearts and renew our minds to walk in Your perfect will. The world continues to knock on our hearts and minds and ways. Some days it feels impossible to keep it at bay. With You, we have strength, power and will.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Out of This World

     Whew! This last week has been filled with anger, hate, violence and some “unfriending” on social media. Chaos, confusion, conflict all tools of Satan. He loves to see what is happening in our country and he and his angels helped to orchestrate it. Never forget the power of the unseen world. And Satan and his minions disguise themselves as angels of light.

And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14

     God reminds us that in the last days evil would be disguised as good.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Isaiah 5:20

     A dire warning from our God. Woe! Woe to those who call evil good. The culture of the world is not ours. We are to be in the world and not of the world. Jesus tells us that the world will hate us.

I have given them Your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. John 17:14

     Tough words to hear. Standing up for Jesus will, most likely, get more difficult as the time of His coming continues to approach. But take heart! He has overcome the world.

Father,

Give us strength to stand in faith for You and Your Word. You tell us it will not be easy. The world hated You and yet Your purposes came to pass. The end of all things is in Your mighty hands. And it will be just the beginning of new life.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Power in the Spirit

     The Holy Spirit of God resides within us as believers in Jesus Christ. Never forget that. He will comfort, guide, encourage, embolden and teach us every day. When others persecute you, don’t despair. He will give you the words to say. Standing up for Jesus will bring blessing into your life. Read these beautiful words from Jesus about the Holy Spirit.

And I will ask the Father and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever-the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him or knows Him. But you know Him for He lives with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17

     The word “advocate” comes from the Greek word paraclete. This is a complex word that brings so much meaning into our beloved Holy spirit. He is our advocate, our encourager, our intercessor, our companion, our power.

Lord,

We take heart today. Fill us with the power of the Holy Spirit. We want to follow His lead as He continually guides us into the ways we should go. Remind us, too, that the world does not recognize Him or know Him. We long for that.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Pray, Rejoice, Give Thanks, Be Kind

     There are more Christians in America than most other countries. As we stand for Jesus wherever we are, we can help bridge this divide. Keep praying. Watch and wait as God continues to hold His children together in hope.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be kind, one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, in Christ, has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

     Good reminders; keep praying, keep rejoicing, give thanks in ALL circumstances. Our God is on His throne. He is in control. All things will work for His Almighty purpose. Let’s keep bridging the divide with His power and His love.

Lord,

All things are Yours. Nothing surprises You. You never sleep and Your will is at work. Keep us mindful of Your presence wherever we go and whatever we do.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A Firm Place To Stand

     Did your candidate win? Will our country survive this outcome? Will our divided nation work together to retain our freedom and our liberty? God is here. Right in the middle of the mess.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40;2

     Our foundation is secure. We can stand firm, even in a divided nation. I pray for our nation. Others around the world long to live in freedom and to be able to vote. We are blessed and God can pull us through.

Jesus,

You give us a firm place to stand. Help us to show peace and joy to others who are angry and divided.

Amen

Hope In Him

     Did you vote? Early voting was great. Now we wait and see what the future of our country holds. We do know God has the power to put up leaders and to take them down.

He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. Daniel 2:21

     Put your trust in our Almighty God. He uses both pride-filled and humble leaders and He is weaving His plan to its final outcome. We know as the last days approach things on earth will continue to decline. Our hope remains steadfast. Trust His will and His ways. He is sovereign over all.

For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things have been created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

Lord,

We put our trust in Your authority, in Your ways, in Your power. ALL things were created by You and for You. Guide us to follow and trust You above everything we see.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Truth In Love

     This week we will elect the next President of the United States. The outcome, either way, will most likely cause chaos in our divided country. Never have two candidates been more disliked. We continue to pray for our great nation. We have been a beacon of hope to other nations, ringing freedom for everyone.

     We are no longer, however, “one nation under God.” We have taken prayer our of the schools, and the ten commandments off the walls of government. Placing a hand on the Bible doesn’t mean much anymore. We are in need of a Savior.

     And He is available to everyone. He reaches out to us and we continue to turn away. As believers, we can stand for the Word of God. It is eternally true. Each one of us can speak about our Savior and hope and pray that others will receive His love. God will give us the words when we need them.

“At that time your mouth will be opened; you will speak with him and will no longer be silent. So you will be a sign to them and they will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 24:27

“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35

Father,

Give us the Words to speak and the love to share Your Son with others.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Freedom

     Blessings will follow as we obey God’s Word. Never forget, you are free from sin! Jesus died and rose again and we live in that freedom every single day until we receive our new bodies in heaven for eternity. For now, let the Spirit guide you into His ways. His ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55)

     Our enemy, the devil, has made inroads into society and culture until the ways of God have become rare. Our choices do not reflect our Savior. Instead we see:

Anger over kindness. Pride over humility. Lust over love. Aggressiveness over gentleness. Instant gratification over hard work and perseverance. Outward appearance over a gentle and quiet spirit. Self-presentation and self-preservation over becoming your authentic self. A chaotic and too-busy life over peace. We’ve bought into the devil’s schemes and soak in the hype.

     Is it time to walk in the Holy Spirit? Is it overdue for us to show love and joy and peace to an angry and violent world? Freedom from death can bring out a courageous and bold Spirit as we stand firm for our Savior. Let’s live out the life of the Word and not the life of the world. We are free.

But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it-not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it-they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:25

So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

Lord,

We long to walk in Your footsteps, to listen to Your Word and act on it, to remind others of who You are and what You offer. We are free from sin and death. Give us the opportunities and the courage to walk out our lives in love.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Freedom

  This week we have looked at the freedom we have in Christ. Freedom from sin and death, freedom to break the chains that bind us. As we give up the entanglements of the world, we become slaves to Jesus. And it is an easy burden. Jesus is gentle and kind in Spirit and because of His great love for us, we can love in His name.

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil. Live as God’s slaves.  1 Peter 2:16

     Jesus paid the price in full for our freedom. It is finished. We are saved forever! The abundant life Jesus has in store for us begins now, right this minute! Serving Him is a joy and He blesses us as we bless others. His system is upside down and inside out from the world around us. The fruit Jesus grows in us is unique and often rare. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. (Galatians 5) With a seed of humility that fruit can taste pretty sweet to a world in turmoil. Become slaves to Jesus and share the love.

Lord,

We bow before You in thanksgiving for all You have done and for all You will do in our lives. Grow good fruit in us as we humble ourselves before You in love. Teach us Your ways, so unlike the ways of the world. Help us to look different in a world gone mad.

In Jesus name,

Amen