Friday, July 6th

“How many times shall I forgive my brother . . . seven times?” Listen to Jesus’ reply: “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:21,22).

Dear Jesus, in my short life I ‘ve observed many problems in my family and the families I serve. Those problems have consumed countless hours of counseling and concern.  But the biggest problem of all, that too often is left undetected, is the problem of un-forgiveness.  We let resentment build between us and our children when they leave their clothes and toys strewn about and don't pick up after themselves when they eat.  We get consistently irritable toward our aging parents who are reverting to childish ways because they seem demanding and un-thankful or unaware of the burden they put on us Our minds replay day after day the selfish things our adult siblings have said or done. We count up how many times our spouses have neglected our needs and wants.   And we choose cold indifference over vital loving relationships.  You have given us the solution. From the cross you forgave everyone of everything and this opens the door for you to have a relationship with all people.  Give me the power of your gospel to fully and freely forgive my family and to pursue deep forgiving relationships with them. AMEN

Forgiveness is the most wonderful vacation anyone could ever take.  It's a vacation from the monotony of resentment.

 Additional Readings: Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 23, Revelation 7:9-17

Thursday, July 5th

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. - Psalm 73:22

Dear Heavenly Father, you watch over my whole life.  You create good situations for me.  Some are learning moments. Others are blessings between a father and his child.  All are from your gracious hand.  In my mind, I easily become negative in the face of adversity.  I look at my empty nets and cry inside.  But you are working every situation for my good, even when I cannot imagine what good will come out of it. If I doubt this, I’m like a mere animal and have lost what makes me human, that is; faith. Oh God, don't let me miss the joy of waiting as well as receiving. AMEN

God is more interested in being our heart's desire rather than giving us our heart's desire.

Wednesday, July 4th

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. - Psalm 84:5-7

Dear Jesus, the guy who wrote these words for the ancient sons of Korah, was telling us that people lived happy and secure lives (blessed) when they took pilgrimages to your ancient temple to find strength in your word and grace. I have found that same blessed experience whenever I choose meditating on your word and grace as the top priority of my life. As my devotional life goes, so goes my life. But, when I go looking for strength in other things or people, I quickly grow empty, disappointed, and grouchy. Everyone around me pays the price when I'm not finding my strength and value in you. Please, give me the optimism to believe that your word is so great that if I will but spend a little time in it every day, that it will be the medicine that cleans out the spiritual cholesterol coursing through my soul.

AMEN

The word of God is the only heart healthy diet for the inner being.

Additional Reading: Psalm 1, Psalm 19, Psalm 119, Psalm 139

Tuesday, July 2nd

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:32

Dear Jesus, I’m often tempted to worry that the world is passing me by as everyone else seems to build better and bigger kingdoms for themselves than I have managed to build for myself.  Ah, but all of them are a house of cards, ready to be blown away when you decide it's time to show us who’s God.  You and the Father have freely given a kingdom to me where blessings, grace, and mercy dwell.  It will last when all of our man-made kingdoms are destroyed.  I love this kingdom.  It never passes me by.  It always gives me a lift in the royal parade of the redeemed.  You have made me royalty.  Help me to live as a royal, confident member of your palace today.  AMEN

When we know we are royalty and the way back to the palace we don’t need anyone else to recognize us. 

Monday, July 2nd

For I desire steadfast love (mercy) and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.  - Hosea 6:6

Dear Jesus,

You quoted this Old Testament passage at least twice in your ministry that we know about.  It’s a personal core value for you.  You want us to show mercy as much as we joyfully receive it.  It’s so easy to bask in your mercy but throw the law at others. Please, free me from my tendency to punish others with silence, or criticism while enjoying your forgiveness.  Bring to mind all those that I have been criticizing in my heart and help me to see them close by my side in the shadow of your cross.  Make me forget their wrongs by remembering your love.  Make the miracle of restoration happen in our relationships.  Give me the power to treat them as if they have been the greatest blessing to me.  

AMEN

We were born deficient of mercy.  Only Christ can transfuse it into our souls.

Additional Readings: Matthew 18:21-35, Matthew 9:12-14, Matthew 12:1-14

Sunday, July 1st

Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. - Psalm 50:15

Dear God,

I need your help every hour of the day.  Many problems and challenges overwhelm me.  I am listening to your promise in this verse.  I am calling to you.  Please help me with the issues that loom large in my mind.  I cannot do this alone.  I am just a small, fallible, finite human being.  I believe you will deliver me in your way. I’m not trying to give you any advice.  I'm just saying "Mayday!"  You take care of the rest.  Thanks, not just for being God, but for making yourself my God purely by grace.

AMEN

Perilous is the person who has no God to ask for help.

Additional Readings: Jonah 2, Philippians 4:4-7, Matthew 7:7-12, John 15:16, 1 John 5:13-15

Saturday, June 30th

Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done. - Luke 22:42

 Dear Jesus,

You had the perfect heart for your Father in the last hours of your life when you prayed. "Not my will but thine be done."  I'm glad you prayed so perfectly because you were being my Savior, by living the life I would never manage to live.  By your indwelling Holy Spirit lead me to have that same self-sacrificing spirit that yields to our Father's will in every arena of my life.  I want to live for the audience of one that you lived for. I want to please him and not just myself.  Give me that selfless attitude.  Without your converting Spirit I will never even remember what selflessness looks like, much less practice it. So, send your Holy Spirit to change me from the inside out.

AMEN

To want what God wants, is a clear mark of conversion.

Additional Readings: 1 Peter 4:1-5, 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Friday, June 29th

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Dear Jesus,

We all need encouragement.  I know how much it changes my day when someone gives me a good word.  Today, I’m thinking about all those family members who are caring for their aging parents, spouses, or siblings.  It’s a lonely path with many deep moments of grief.  While they make the best of the day ahead of them, help them to bask in the memories of the better days gone by and to reminisce with one another. Also, help them take a journey to the days ahead when we’ll all be out of the great tribulation and walk in heavenly glory.  Help them to talk about heaven with each other too. Help each caregiver to remember that you see their selfless efforts and how they set aside their lives for those that need them now. Bring the caregivers nearest and dearest friends and other family members to their sides so they will not feel alone or depressed. Help the one they are serving with miraculous relief from their physical problems.    

AMEN

Loving and serving our family on their last lap is one of God’s core values of life.

Additional Readings: Mark 7:6-13, 1 Timothy 5:7-8, John 19:25-27

Thursday, June 28th

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. - John 1:16

Dear Jesus, my whole life has been full of your grace.  You spared me from so many disasters that were brewing in my own pot.  You gave me opportunities of which I never could have dreamed.  You have forgiven me of my entire past.  You have promised to forgive me again when I come back with my tail between my legs.  You dropped friends by my house when I needed it the most.  You have given me an excellent education and understanding of your word.  I could list more.  All these things are blessings from the fullness of your grace. I can say with John, "God has given me lots of grace."  Help me to bless others with the same spirit with which you have blessed me.

AMEN

If you truly counted all of God's blessings you would never have time to do anything else.

Additional Readings: Romans 11:36-39, Genesis 32:9-12, 1 Chronicles 29:10-19

Wednesday, June 27th

This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.  - 1 John 3:19-20

Dear Lord Jesus,

I know that no matter how hard I try or how much I concentrate on improving myself, I will always be severely aware of deep seeded faults that condemn me before your throne. That's why these beautiful words give me a holy, heavenly peace. You are greater than my sin sick heart. Your greatness is found in your ability to forgive it all.  I choose to believe what you say about my life instead of what my heart says about it.  I am clean, forgiven, restored.  Make this peaceful strength drive my heart today.

AMEN

Nothing empowers us to face the day better than knowing our gracious God is still behind us.

Additional Readings: Lamentations 3, Romans 3, Psalm 103

Tuesday, June 26th

So he got up and went to his father.  “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’” - Luke 15:19-21

Dear Jesus, I rejoice that you, the only one who lived in heaven before you were born on earth, would give us this story. You tell us how our Father in heaven feels about us when we are buried in shame and embarrassment over our sins.  It’s so easy to think that your Father is done with us and our sins.  But this story tells me that he's not. The prodigal son had hope that his father would graciously make him a servant.  That hope made him go back home.  Your Father’s love makes me go back home too.  The parable gives me hope that when I come home to confess my sin, your Father will run to greet me with grace.  This is the most stable influence in my spiritual life. You are the God who cannot hold back your forgiveness when a sinner comes home.  I’m home with God the Father because of you Jesus.  My goal today is to stay home in your family.

AMEN

God wants every single person to come to realize that God really does love them like he loves Jesus.

Additional Readings: Psalm 130, 1 John 3:1-3, Romans 5:15-21

Monday, June 25th

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

Dear Jesus, I wake up each morning wondering if I will be put in a situation that I cannot handle and it brings fear to my heart. That's when I preach to myself the sermon of doubt and worry. But when I turn to you and look to your promise that you will never leave me, I realize there is no situation where I am alone. With you in my life, I can face any challenge even if I don't have the answers. I can let you be my wisdom and my strength. So, guide my heart, dear Jesus, into today's great adventure. Amen

Jesus told us that would always be with us so that would never again think that we had to go it alone

Sunday, June 24th

One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:13-14

Dear Jesus,

I easily live in the past.  I get stuck in regret over my sins, bad decisions, and glaring mistakes or I get caught inwardly gloating over perceived success.  But if I do either for very long, I cease to live in the moment with you and this precious moment gets lost in the past.  Give me the heart of the Apostle Paul, forgetting that which is behind and seizing today to live in anticipation of heaven.  It’s your grace that covers my past sins and frees me from my regrets.  It’s your grace that outshines my past achievements, too.    I want to finish strong in your redeeming grace. So, help me preserve the present moment by turning my face toward my final destiny with you.  

AMEN

Jesus frees us from our entire past so we can live this present moment to the fullest in him.

Additional Readings: Luke 21:25-28, Revelation 1

Saturday, June 23rd

Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. - Psalm 73:1-2

Dear God,

I was born wanting my own way and measuring every experience as good or bad based on that desire. But you came and freed me from playing God and have adopted me into the kingdom of your love and grace. Now I have the choice to be content that I am redeemed, forgiven, and guided by you.  Now, every circumstance is a good one, because you promise to work good through them.  I have your power to free me from envy of the wicked who succeed so well, even if it is just for a time. Today, I will live in the freedom of not keeping score about anything.  I will just live for love and faith.

AMEN

Envying a successful pagan is like a school boy envying his friend who has a bigger stick of cotton candy. Both big and small cotton candy dissolved in a matter of seconds and give no lasting nutrition.

Additional Reading: Proverbs 24:1-7, Galatians 5:13-21

Friday, June 22nd

If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are all of people most to be pitied." - 1 Corinthians 15:19.

Dear Lord Jesus,

I pray for you to change so many things in the here and now. I seek happiness that comes from relief from suffering and success over struggles. I long to see you act in full view of my five senses. But if you rescue me only for temporary safety, my prayers and your responses are pitifully small. Instead, you give me hope that redefines my whole life and all of my prayers. You come to give me life that never perishes. I have hope in you that will never disappoint me. My life is richer today when it is lived as part of the eternity that is already mine. With a heavenly view of my present life, everything takes on different meaning and purpose. Cure me oh Christ, from the eternity amnesia to which I often fall victim. I trust you will answer my daily prayers. But I also trust that if your answer is "no" to any earthly plea, that you still have my seat reserved on the bus to heaven.

AMEN

Jesus came to fix my biggest problem and then to work every other problem for my good.  Not until I believe this one dual sided truth can I even begin to understand the meaning of his life or mine.

Additional Reading: Romans 8:18-25, 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10

Thursday, June 21st

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— Ephesians 2:8

Dear Jesus, I often thank you for grace, but I do not as often thank you for the gift of faith in your grace.  Faith is not natural for me or anyone else.  It’s a gift from you.  When it comes, I receive peace and confidence to live my life without constant worry and stress.  Oh, how often I have fallen from faith and you have used my circumstances and your Holy Spirit to fill me back up.  It’s a kindness that I cherish from your heart to mine.  By your grace I will live by faith today.  I'm asking for a new measure of faith today so that I filter every situation I face through the faith grid in my heart and learn to find joy even under the crosses I bear, just as you did when your life was thrust headlong to the cross.  AMEN

Keep running as strongly as you can in your weakness while you beg for God to send you life changing faith.

Additional Readings: Psalm 130, Romans 10:10-17

Wednesday, June 20th

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways declares the Lord.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. - Isaiah 55:8-9

Dear heavenly Father, I have dealt with disappointment so often because my plans for my life didn't become a reality.  In those moments, I don't first think that you are doing something good for me that is far above my own reasoning.  But you are.  This passage helps me let go and let you be God.  It leads me to trust that the way my puzzle piece fits into your masterpiece is far better than the way I try to press your plans into mine.  Thank you for graciously forgiving me for being angry with you for not cooperating with me and my dreams.  Your gracious rule is much better than my selfish ambition.  AMEN

Don’t speak or squirm too soon when you get disappointed.  What looks bad now will eventually become very good in God’s masterful hand.

Additional Readings: Romans 8:28-39, Isaiah 55:8-13, Ephesians 1:11-12

Tuesday, June 19th

"I the LORD search the heart and mind to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve." - Jeremiah 17:10

Dear Jesus, this passage confronts me because I know what you will find when you search my heart.  I want to live well and for the right reasons.  But right there with me is a force, even a very strong force, that pushes me to be selfish and self-pleasing.  It's sin living in me!  I'm glad you tell me that you’re searching my mind, because it makes me deal with the sin in me.  But I need your help. First, I need your forgiveness. Then, I need the power to turn my back on the temper tantrums that sin pitches whenever I deny my natural inclinations.  Be my Savior today from the guilt and power of this ugly force that challenges me.  I trust you will be there for me and so by grace I will have a good day.  AMEN

The Lord knows my heart and still rescues me.  That's amazing grace!

 Additional Readings: Psalm 19, Psalm 1, Hebrews 4:12

Monday, June 18th

"Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” - John 11:41-42

Dear Jesus, I see here that you understand one of my biggest challenges; I doubt that you and the Father are listening when I cry out to you in prayer from my suffering. Sometimes, the silence from heaven is deafening to my faith. But when I read in the above verse that you stood outside of the grave of your friends, Lazarus, and said, “I knew that you always hear me.” that’s when I knew that you know how hard it is for us sinners who live in front of the curtain blocking us from heaven. You know how we feel so lost when we suffer and pray and the relief comes so slowly.  I will cling to your words here because they assure me that you understand my doubts that your Father is listening to me.  Even so, you still want me as your brother in heaven even though I am weak and troubled.  Your love and understanding is my strength.  AMEN

It is more powerful to be understood and loved by God than to be relieved by him.

Additional Readings: Psalm 50, Psalm 121, Isaiah 65:17-25, Luke 11:1-13

Sunday, June 17th

“What are we accomplishing?” the Pharisees asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.”

Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish. He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. So from that day on they plotted to take his life.” - John 11:47-53

Dear heavenly Father,

How painful it must have been for you to watch the unbelieving leadership of your own people plot to kill your Son!  The irony of Caiaphas speaking the gospel without even realizing it, must have been a dagger that pierced your soul.  Most of the time I do not think of the great pain and sacrifice it was for you as the perfect Father to watch puny human beings intoxicated with their own fabricated importance play devilishly with Jesus.  Seeing this now, I know that you feel everything we parents and grandparents feel when we see our children and their children suffer.  You know. You feel. You understand a parent's heart.  Be my friend today and guide my parental heart to trust your plans to bring good out of every difficulty my children or grandchildren face just as you knew that the greatest good would come out of the greatest evil done to your own Son.  AMEN

You will never be more concerned for the outcome of your children's lives than God is.

Additional Readings: Psalm 23, John 10:27-30, 1 John 3:1-3