Step By Step

 

As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:51

     Jesus knew His time on earth was coming to an end. He knew the anguish He was about to suffer. He sets out resolutely. Sometimes we need that determination, the discipline to put one foot in front of the other. There is fear or grief, worry and despair, uncertainty and conflict. Somehow, we do it. One small step at a time. We move ahead.

Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.  Isaiah 50:7

     Jesus cries out to God in the garden of Gethsemane in anguish, His sweat turns to blood. The only time in eternity He is separated from the Father will come upon the cross, when the world darkens until the work is finished. The suffering of our Lord reminds us. He has been through it all and more.

     We have loved ones in heaven. We know the end of the story. Can we press on? Here are some amazing words to hang onto today:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

     Jesus saw the joy beyond the cross. We can see the joy beyond the pain if we fix our eyes on Jesus, the perfecter of our faith, rising above our circumstances with a love beyond words.

Dear Father in heaven,

Remind us of the joy set before us as we struggle and strain through some of our days. Bless us and our families and friends and brothers and sisters in the faith, as we turn to Your Son Jesus. We can rise above with Him.

Amen

Happy birthday to our amazing daughter, Lauren!

Blessed are the Peacemakers

 

     The political culture and season is wearing me out. The hatred has escalated. The subject of politics is often avoided among friends and family. Unfortunately, there seems to be a risk of losing relationships after choosing a particular candidate. How did we get here? Wasn’t there a time of decency and respect, of shared values and a country we loved?

     If I remember correctly, politics was a personal matter when I was growing up. Maybe that’s best, but not realistic with social media and the ability to share way too much of everything. Let’s hold on to peace. Jesus asks us to be the peacemakers. Impossible? Feels like it, but Im willing to try if you are.

Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.

Matthew 5:9

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

     Being peacemakers does not mean we never share an opinion. We need to stand up for what the Bible teaches. Jesus loves us and wants the very best for us. How do we know? The Bible tells us so.

Father,

We need help in our country. We need Your values and Your love to spread through us and around us. Teach us how to be Your peacemakers through Jesus.

In His mighty name we pray,

Amen

Here I Am, Lord

 

     Jesus still enters the places others fear to tread. He walks into the room of the derelict, the prostitute, the cheating corporate executive. He visits the death bed of an unbeliever and offers hope and life. He never gives up on us.

     Could it be the very ones you avoid are the ones Jesus has asked you to love? Not an easy task. Neither was dying on the cross. The heart of Christ is with those who need Him most. He does not want to lose even one.

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  2 Peter 3:9

     With His help, we can share the love. When others want to throw stones, Jesus steps a little closer and takes the beating for the outcast, the poor and needy, the hungry and the sick, the prisoners and for you and me. And when He asks:

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

     We can respond like Isaiah:

And I said, “Here am I. Send me.”  Isaiah 8:8

Lord,

Here we are! Send us. Show us how to love as You do. Keep us from fear and lead us into the places others avoid.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Safe Travels

 

     You always have a traveling companion right by your side. When you get off track, He will gently guide you back. If you take a major wrong turn, it may take some maneuvering, but He always knows the safest and shortest way back.

     He never gets car sick or falls asleep. When the road seems comfortable and smooth and even boring, He has plenty of wisdom and stories to keep you awake. He will fill the time with words unlike any you have ever heard.

     When the weather and the roads are treacherous, He will say, “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10.  He is steady and protective and will watch the road for you. When you go off into the ditch and the world turns dark around you, His hand will lift you out into the light. He is right there, always to the end of the age.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way. Walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

     And as Carrie Underwood says, “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” I think it’s better if we just let Him drive.

Jesus,

Thank you for being there for us throughout every road trip and wrong turn. Guide us in the way we should go.

Amen

More Offense

     Finally, in this rich chapter of Ephesians 6, Paul gives us one more spiritual weapon. We talked about it some yesterday and each day last week. Searching in and meditating on God’s word, and reminding ourselves of who we are in Christ are powerful ways to resist the devil’s schemes. Speaking and listening for God’s voice and His direction, both in His word and in prayer keep us on the offense.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.  Ephesians 6:18

    Prayer sets our hearts and minds on Jesus. Satan would love to keep us as far away from God as possible, and he is creative in his tactics. His lies usually have some truth to them, as he entices us with his counterfeit ways. Praying in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of requests and praying for each other adds one more protective layer.

     Put on the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the shoes of peace, and take up the shield of faith. Continue to study God’s word and pray incessantly. We have the power to stand firm against the spiritual realm of evil.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Romans 8:35

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  Romans 8:37

Dear Jesus,

You love us and give us all of the spiritual tools we need to stand firm in our faith, in our salvation, in our right-standing with You. We walk in Your peace. Help us to invade  and take down Satan’s territory with powerful prayer and the sword of the Spirit, which is Your word and the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen

Offense

 

     Our defensive armor protects us. Our faith, the truth of Jesus, our salvation and the peace which passes all understanding remain with us daily. But just as in a good football game, the defensive line can weaken, our line of defense can slip and we become vulnerable. The belt of truth loosens and just as Eve heard from the serpent, we hear the words, “Did God really say..?” Seeds of doubt cloud our trust in God. Our hearts are broken and the breastplate of righteousness is taken away. What do we do when our defensive spiritual armor weakens? Thankfully, God gives us two offensive weapons. Let’s look at one today.

…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17b

     The sword of the Spirit, the word of God is our greatest weapon, along with prayer. Our powerful offensive weapons will bring us back to standing firm with our armor safely around us. Our shield of faith is put in place as we read:

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word about Christ.  Romans 10:17

     Our belt of truth fits tightly around us once again as we read:

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.  John 8:32

     We place our shoes of peace securely on our feet as we walk out into the world around us:

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.  John 14;27

     And our hearts are covered once again by the breastplate of righteousness:

God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.  2 Corinthians 5:21

     The word of God. It begins and ends there. Jesus is the word come to life in the flesh. (John 1) Christ used the word of God when He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. (Matthew 4) Let the power of the Holy Spirit guide you in truth, peace, faith, and righteousness as you wear your armor today with the word of God etched in your hearts. And pray.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions and with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Dear Jesus,

We thank you for the word of God today. Your word gives us life and hope and truth. When Satan flings his arrows and leads us astray, give us the Scripture verses to use in the power of Jesus. Remind us to read it daily to keep us protected. You are the word. You are the way, the truth and the life.

Amen

More Defense

 

     Our hearts are covered with the breastplate of righteousness. Our belts of truth are buckled tightly around us and our feet walk out into the world with a peace unlike any other. Our spiritual armor continues today with two more pieces to hold and to wear, as we add them to our defense against our spiritual enemy.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation…Ephesians 6:16, 17a

     Our shield of faith allows us to trust God when the circumstances seem impossible. Faith teaches us to be patient in affliction. Faith always returns us to the one true God. This shield extinguishes not some but all of the flaming arrows of the evil one.

     Our last piece of defensive clothing is the helmet of salvation. That moment we hear the gospel of truth and accept Jesus as Savior redeems us forever. Knowing in our minds we are saved forever, that Christ will bring us to heaven forever, keeps us filled with hope and joy.

     Put on the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the shoes of peace and the shield of faith. You are protected with the spiritual armor of our mighty God. There are two weapons of offense we will read and talk about tomorrow.

Dear Lord,

We thank you for your spiritual armor. Our weapons protect us each day as we place our trust in You, as we remember Your gift of salvation, as we offer peace and truth and hope to others.

In Jesus name

Amen

 

Defense

 

     The battles around us and within us are spiritual in nature. Our flesh battles against the Holy Spirit within us as believers. Satan flings his arrows at us to get us off track, to muddle our mind, and to destroy our trust in Jesus. In the 6^th chapter of the book of Ephesians, Paul gives us spiritual armor to wear. Most of this armor is defensive.

     Today, we will look at a few of the defensive pieces of armor. Place them around you as you wake up each morning.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  Ephesians 6:15-16

     When we clothe ourselves with Jesus, His presence protects us. Daily reminders of who He is and what we can do through Him will keep us safe under our spiritual armor.

     When the world tries to fool us into believing lies about God, we pull our belt of truth around us a little bit tighter. We know Jesus is the One. He is the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:5). When we fall short or are reminded of our sinful nature, we are protected by the righteousness of Christ. God, the Father, sees the image of His Son when He looks at us. We are new creations. The old has gone. The new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

     Jesus gives us the peace that passes all understanding. It is not peace as the world gives, but the peace of becoming His children. The peace of the gospel of truth. The gospel that will give us eternal life. (See Philippians 4:6, 7 and John 14:27)

     Walk out the door with the shoes of God’s peace. The gospel of truth He gives us as believers is meant to be shared. We are in right standing with God. His righteousness covers our hearts. His truth holds us together, and we can walk out our lives filled with His peace. And tomorrow we will cover our heads, hold up our shields and add another layer of the defensive armor of Christ.

     Is the battle too much right now? Read the first two words of the Scripture verses we looked at today. “Stand firm.” Jesus will fight the battle. He’s got this.

Dear Father,

You give us so much protection. Clothe us with Jesus. Protect us in our battles. We stand firm today with the shoes of peace, the breastplate of righteousness and the belt of truth buckled tightly around us.

In Jesus name

Amen

The Battle

 

     Battles are all around us and within us. What type of battle are you engaged in at this season of life? What comes to mind when you hear the word “battle”? There is the battle of the bulge, the battle against addiction, the battle to get through the day dealing with anxiety or depression. There are battles within a family, or between countries, or in politics. Cancer, chronic pain, grief.

     Satan is the enemy of our souls. He and his deceptive angels are fighting in the spiritual realm to keep us distracted, manipulated, fearful and joyless. Their wiles may sound deceptively enticing. As C.S. Lewis stated, “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.”

     Our battles are not against flesh and blood.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Ephesians 6:11-12

     Satan’s power is limited. He understands his time is short and he is pulling out the stops. God gives us some weapons of warfare. We will talk about some of them tomorrow. In the meantime, think about the battles you have fought in the past and what you are fighting against today. God is on your side. He is within you. Let this verse give you hope.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

     The ultimate battle is won. Jesus has overcome the world with His sacrifice. Let’s continue to be His soldiers in the world around us, shedding the darkness with His light. Do not be discouraged or dismayed. God is with us. Onward Christian soldiers!

Dear Lord,

Give us strength and confidence in You to face our battles today. Help us to remember our battles are not against flesh and blood, but against the forces of evil. You will get us through.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Nighttime Prayers

 

     When we have too much on our minds, or when we are worried about viruses or murder hornets, when we are anxious for one of our kids, when we face a health crisis or when we just have too many details to sort through, sleep eludes us. Tossing and turning, watching the clock, minds on full alert. Can you relate?

     I have suffered from insomnia, off and on, since my teen years. I have come to terms with it and don’t worry quite as much about lack of sleep as I once did. After all, I have made it this far with many a sleepless night. Here are a few verses to take with you as you work through a restless night.

He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast and who trust in Him. Isaiah 26:3

I call out to the Lord and He answers me from His holy mountain. I lie down and sleep. I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. Psalm 3:4-5

In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:7-8

     I also encourage you to read through Psalm 91 and Psalm 121, as prayers of protection over your life and over your family, knowing that God was with us when we entered the world and He will be with us as we leave this world.

Father,

Be with those struggling to find rest. Give them the ability to sleep and gain strength, to give everything to You from morning ‘til night.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Pray in the Spirit

 

     If Christ is your Savior, His very Spirit lives within you. The Holy Spirit has several attributes. Throughout the Bible, He is called our advocate, our counselor, our teacher, the Spirit of truth. He is our intercessor and our interpreter. Aren’t sure what or how to pray?

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26

     The Spirit knows the will of God. He hears our hearts and connects with us. He stands up for us, comforts us and interprets our prayers for our own good and gives them to the Father. I don’t know about you, but this leaves me in awe of the work of God. All of the times we don’t know how to pray, He prays for us and feels the emotion right along with us.

     Jude is one of the sons of Mary and Joseph, half-brother of our Lord. He encourages us to build ourselves up in the faith. The Holy Spirit assists us in doing just that.

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love, as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Jude 1:20-21

Father,

How thankful we are to have the Holy Spirit residing within us to advocate for us, to comfort us, to teach and guide us and to help us build up our faith. Thank You for Your Spirit.

In Jesus name,

Amen

    

Pray At All Times

 

     Recognizing the presence of Jesus can comfort us throughout each day. Small prayers can be lifted up continually as we think of others, as we come upon a new opportunity or circumstance, as we face a fear, or feel that old worry snaking up within us again. Maybe we need to pray for the wisdom to bite our tongues! Paul writes to the followers in Thessalonica with these words.

Rejoice always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:15-17

     People always ask, “How do we know God’s will?”  The verses above give us one example. His will is for us to pray in Christ Jesus. As we pray, we can rejoice, we can give thanks and we can pray all the time. Give thanks. Rejoice. Pray

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people Ephesians 6:18

     Jesus will never tire of our prayers. He wants us to rely on Him.  Jesus doesn’t care about where you pray, when you pray or how you pray. Just be yourself and seek Him out. He is there waiting. Pray!

Lord,

Give us the how and when and why we should pray. Being in intimate contact with You brings us to praise and thank You in all circumstances. Thank you for sharing Your wise words with us.

In Jesus name

Amen

 

Everything in Prayer

 

     Does God really need our prayers to make decisions? I believe in His ultimate authority and fore knowledge; He understands even our future prayers and plans accordingly. If you have others praying for you, receive it as a gift. Through some of my darkest days in the past, the power of others praying for me and my family, was felt physically and emotionally. Those prayers held us up and gave us strength.

    The Spirit of the living God will give you the words, and the ability to match your words to His will. When you say you will pray for someone, take it seriously. Prayer brings solace and comfort, strength and hope. Just as we will never comprehend the ways of God, we will not always understand the answers to our prayers. But He listens and He moves and He cares.

     Our prayers move the hand that moves the world. The Bible tells us to pray about everything, and in doing so, we know God will give us peace.

     Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your need known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

     God promises us peace in Christ. This peace is unlike anything the world offers. This peace is so deep, it transcends our human understanding. Have you felt this kind of peace during a time in your life when peace seemed virtually impossible? 

     The verses above remind us to give EVERYTHING to Him in our petitions and our prayers. And as we do, we can thank Him in advance. Thank Him for listening. Thank Him for working. Thank Him for His peace even before you feel it. And let your worries become His to solve. Be anxious for nothing.

Jesus,

We need Your peace today. We offer up all that is weighing us down and ask for our worries to be swept away by Your Spirit. Give us a sense of Your presence and Your ways. They are beyond us. We need You.

Amen

 

Morning Prayer

 

     I rise with the birds. Early mornings have always been a favorite time of day for me. This time finds me writing, praying, praising and reading, a great way for me to begin a new day. The power in praying for others is meaningful and mysterious.

     God controls the universe. He knows the words we will speak before we say them (Psalm 139). He knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:111). He numbers the hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7). This intimate knowledge He has of us and His creation is higher and deeper than we can comprehend. (Isaiah 55) He watches over every single creature, including each bird (Matthew 10:29)

     And yet, He uses our prayers.

In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice. In the morning, I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3

     I love this verse in Psalm 5. Lay your requests before Him each day and wait expectantly. Believe God will answer. Believe He is working. Believe He is ahead making a way. He hears your voice.  He loves spending time with you.

     Jesus loved spending time with His heavenly Father when He walked the earth., He understood the need for prayer. He often went to a solitary place to pray. Beginning the day with God will allow us to give the day to Him, trusting He will lead us in the right way.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went to a solitary place, where He prayed.  Mark 1:35

     When I rise in the dark, early mornings, I love thinking of Jesus walking the earth, praying just as I do. Give it all to Him today.

Lord,

Thank You for the times we pray. As we lay our requests before You, we trust You to work.  You understand us more than we understand ourselves. Give us others who need prayer, so we may lift them up to You.

Amen

 

The Word Day and Night

 

Keep this book of the law always on your lips, meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8

     With the word of God living within us, we can wake each morning, walk through our days and reach out to welcome the night, living in the light of Christ. God told Joshua to meditate on His word day and night, to follow the instructions given. God desires the very best for us.

     He teaches through the tough times, through the difficult people, through our suffering and through our joys. He is there. His word is always available for every occasion. Store up heavenly treasures for your benefit. Teach them to your children.

Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 11:19

     What a great privilege it is to tell others about God. When we have Scripture memorized, we can teach them, gain strength from them, and pass them on. The Bible is a gift available to us. Here are the verses from the beginning of our week.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

 The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Lord,

Would you write these verses on our hearts? Jesus is Your word. Everything in the Bible leads to Him. He is our Redeemer, our Shepherd, our Rock, our Salvation, our blessed hope.

Amen

The Word as a Weapon

 

     Did you know the word of God may be used as a sword? When Satan interrupts our thoughts, when we feel trapped by temptation, unsettled with worry, filled with discontent or doubt, God’s word will fight for us. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan, His weapon of choice was His very own words. Satan left Him alone, knowing he was no match for the power found in Scripture.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17

     God’s word is so powerful, it will move into our bodies and demolish any strongholds that have been set in our minds or hearts in the past.

For the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

     Are you stuck in negative thinking, with a critical spirit, with becoming discouraged? Look at the words above from God for you and for me. This powerful sword of the Spirit moves in and takes over our long-held attitudes and thoughts and changes them into the thoughts of God Himself. I could use that every single day! Let’s be brave and let God take over as we take in His words for us.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Lord,

Help us to wield the sword of the Spirit, to conquer Satan’s hold on our lives, to overcome strongholds, to devour bad attitudes, to become more Christ-like to others. We believe.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Word in our Minds

 

     Our minds are renewed, refreshed, transformed and settled in peace through God’s word. Without it, our minds become jumbled, filled with fret and worry, with anxious thoughts and with critical attitudes towards ourselves and others.

     When we fix our thoughts on Christ, our lives begin to change. As life takes us away into busyness, distractions, work and activity schedules, phones, media, television, parties, (add more to this never-ending list), our minds can easily be moved away from the mind of God, forgetting what is available to us, to keep us grounded and faithful.

     Take heart from the following verses as we set our minds above all that is around us into the heavenly realms.

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

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, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:6

Be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Ephesians 4:23

     Let these verses dwell richly in your minds and in your spirits. These beautiful verses will bring us back, with the Spirit’s help, into the mindset of Christ. We can think and act more like Him, and we can and will be filled with power and love and a sound mind.

     Let’s set our minds, fix our thoughts, on Jesus and His word.

Father,

We thank You for the God-breathed words that fill our minds and hearts. We ask that our minds be renewed. Give us the ability to listen for Your voice as we move through our days, living in the love and hope of Christ.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

The Word in our Hearts

 

Your instructions are written on my heart. Psalm 40:8

The law of their Lord is in their hearts. Their feet do not slip. Psalm 37:31

     God’s instruction book for us is alive and powerful. If our hearts are filled with God’s word, we can rise above the world around us to gain the wisdom of our Creator. The Holy Spirit will guide us into writing the thoughts and commands of our Heavenly Father on our hearts. He has promised to do so.

“I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be My people.” Jeremiah 31:33b

     When God’s words are etched in our hearts, we become a willing participant in His ways, more and more able to walk in His will, His perfect and good will. He will keep us strong and faith-filled as we walk in the world around us. As the verse above says, “Their feet will not slip.”

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11

     Think about filling your heart more and more with God’s wonderful instruction book of life. His word is meant for our use.

All Scripture is God-breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16

Lord,

Let Your holy scriptures fill our hearts with power, wisdom, strength, comfort and encouragement. We need Your steadfast presence each day. Help our minds to take it in and our hearts to keep it safely hidden as a treasure to be taken out and savored again and again.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

The Word is Christ

 

Let the Word of Christ dwell among you richly…Colossians 3:16a

     Does the word of God live richly among you and within you? Scripture verses are like treasures written on our hearts. A few years ago, two dear friends and I read, studied and meditated and memorized God’s word together. The meditation and memorization was based on a book by Robert J. Morgan, called, “100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know By Heart.”

     In one of the opening chapters he writes about the Bible, “It’s a force to be reckoned with, containing intrinsic power, high enough to give us insight, deep enough to give us peace, wide enough to mold our personalities, and strong enough to bear us through horrendous days.”

    I want to encourage you (and motivate me) to memorize Scripture. The word of God is powerful, uplifting, filled with wisdom and given to us for our use each day. When we memorize Scripture, it becomes available to us at any time of the night or day.

     When we can pull Scripture out at any given time, it can be used as a light for others, as a lamp for our path, as a relief for us from anxiety or worry, as a word of hope for our future as a comfort when we are burdened. Remember, the word of God represents Jesus Himself. Here is a great verse to memorize. Give it a try.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

     This verse reminds us that Jesus was with God from the beginning. He is eternal. He was and is God! He is embodied in God’s word from beginning to end. A verse to go along with this one reminds us that Jesus walked as one of us. This eternal God came to save us.

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

     The apostle, John, was an eyewitness to the glory of God. Jesus Himself, the word became flesh, in His full glory. And He is grace and He is truth.

Father,

Give us more and more of Your precious word. The word became flesh and lived among us. It is Jesus, sent from You, eternal God and the Son of Man.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Beyond

 

     Look beyond the stars this weekend to the heavens. The purposes and plans of God are beyond what we see and touch. As we fumble through this life, seeking answers to unanswerable questions, think on our Holy God. We won’t understand the fallen world around us and the suffering we experience. But God redeems, He reminds, He restores and He renews. Think beyond the stars to His truth.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8

     The words above speak volumes in opposition to what we see and hear in the world around us each day. Look above and beyond to what is pure and excellent, what is lovely and true, what is praiseworthy. It is Jesus. Think about such things.

Jesus,

We thank You for reminding us of what is true and lovely and excellent. Keep our minds steadfast on You today and always. Restore our hearts to trust You.

Amen

 

 

Life Shared

 

     There is a Swedish proverb that reads, “Shared joy is double joy, shared sorrow is half a sorrow.” God created us to share life together. He designed marriage, along with the gift of children, for some. He created friendship and family and love.

     When our lives are filled with deep connections and commitment to one another, it becomes more manageable to navigate what can be a treacherous journey at times. When I was a little girl and something wonderful or something awful occurred at school, I couldn’t wait to get home and tell my mom and dad. They had answers. They congratulated, comforted and corrected me along the way.

     Now, I share my deep concerns and deep joys with my family and friends.  What a blessing and a privilege it is to be open and authentic with those we love, listening and lifting one another up with encouragement and hope. As many of you know, our grandson, Gavin, has been seizure-free for three years now. We continue to thank God and thank everyone for their powerful prayers. It is a miracle.

     Walking alongside others throughout our lives is not always easy, but it is always worthwhile. If you find yourself alone, remember God is your constant companion. You can run to Him with all that is in your heart and He will find others to surround you. Here is a verse to take along with you as you go through this day.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15

Lord,

I thank You for all of the people in my life, my husband and children, my sons-in-law and my grandchildren, my friends and acquaintances and my extended family. Keep all of our eyes open to those in need. Show us how to walk beside others, even for a little while.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Spiritual Blessings

 

     September was a time of warm weather, bright sunny skies, long walks, boat rides and patio dining with friends. Ahhh! The last vestiges of summer were savored. At the same time, there is unrest and devastation around us.

     It is tough to maintain our peace with political hatred and violence, and the heartbreaking news of hurricane damage and lost lives and livelihoods. What do we do when we can’t find peace?

     Focus on the inner workings of Jesus. Keep going back to Him where peace, joy and hope reside. It always and forever goes back to Jesus. He is our firm foundation, our anchor in the storm, our truth through the turmoil. Let’s step into the world He offers with some Scriptures and take in some peace of mind.

     God offers us spiritual blessings not found anywhere else. When our world is changing and appears out of control, our God remains steadfast and unchanging.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 117

     The spiritual blessings offered from Jesus are heaven-sent!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms, with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

Father,

We thank you for our heavenly blessings, for the good gifts that are given only through and by Your Son, Jesus.

Amen

 

Needs Met

 

     What do you need today? Comfort? Peace? Love? Hope? I think we could all use the above, and all are freely available through Jesus. Jesus is there to meet our every need. He knows you better than anyone. Read through Psalm 139 and notice His nearness, His ability to understand what we will say before we say it, His presence surrounding us day and night.

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

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen

     He meets our needs abundantly! His grace will be enough right now. Breathe it in and be blessed. The inner heavenly blessings of life with Jesus will be enough.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen Philippians 4:23

 

     I challenge you to focus on Jesus more than the world around us this week. To think about His Spirit within you, to understand you can be different in a world gone mad. Remember, the risen Christ lives within you as a believer. Read more Scripture over more news. Pray even when you don’t feel like it. You will be blessed. What goes into our hearts, will be revealed through us in Him.

Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs4:23

     Don’t allow the bitterness and anger to intrude on your peace. Guard your hearts and minds to remain above the world around us. Maybe it is just such a time as this we can really make a difference. Listen to these words written to us. During these times, it is so easy to get caught up in the chaos and hate.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32

     You have the power and strength with the help of the Holy Spirit to be set apart, to shine with Jesus, to walk in kindness and compassion. Not easey. I am writing to myself more than for anyone else this week. Do what you can to change the world through Him.

Lord,

We sure need Your guidance in the days in which we live. Help us to draw all of our strength from You, to guard our hearts and our minds, to fill ourselves with Your kind of love, which is so needed right now. Help us all.

In Jesus name,

Amen