Thursday, July 19th

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms - Ephesians 1:18-20

Dear God, ever since you forced your way into my life, I have been happier, more grounded, more content, more honest, more prone to grow, more compassionate, wiser, more self-disciplined, more compliant, more peaceful, more gentle, more hopeful, more faithful, more loyal, and more of what you have always wanted me to be. Your powerful grace has carried me forward from that very moment. Thank you for choosing me from eternity to meet your Son in this era of all time and to give my life meaning and purpose that the passing world could never produce.  I am impressed that you tell me that the power you have used to change my life is the same power you used to raise Jesus from the dead.  It connects me to Christ more intimately and it makes the meaning of Christmas and Easter that much deeper.  AMEN

 Once God saves a soul he then sets out to change it. 

 Additional Reading: Romans 6, Ephesians 3:14-21

Wednesday, July 18th

“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:32-33

Dear Jesus, you are honest with us. You and the Father chose to fix the people and not the world in which we live. As I face my sadness and struggles this day, please walk by my side and make your presence known.  Give me the peace of knowing that you love me, you have a good plan that finds its fulfillment even through the web of "bad" things you weave into our lives.  Help me to learn whatever it is you are teaching me and to be the light and love for those who are troubled next to me.  Give me so much love that I am free from asking myself, "What about me?" or "Why is this happening to me?" and instead to ask, "What can I do for this or that person to make their lives better?"  AMEN

It’s easier to do something to alleviate some pain in the lives of those around us when we know Jesus will soon alleviate all their pain.

Additional Readings: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Tuesday, July 17th

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." - Titus 2:11-14

Dear Jesus, I wish I could say that sin looked horribly ugly and destructive to me, but it doesn't.  I wish I could say that I hate sin the way you hate it, but I don't.  I wish I could say that I always love to do what is right, but I don't.  I wish I could say that I always think your way is better than my way, but I can't.  I wish my heart was always happy to stay within your Father's boundaries, but it isn't.  It's hard to admit it, but sin often looks attractive, relieving, and satisfying to me.  That's why I need your Holy Spirit and your restorative grace.  If you did not pursue me, change me, and push me in the right direction, I would self-destruct.  I am as vulnerable today as the first day I came to faith.  Oh, Jesus, stay near me forever and love me I pray. AMEN

To need God is human.

Additional Reading: Hebrews 10

Monday, July 16th

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." - John 1:4

Dear Jesus, I grew up afraid of the dark.  It always brought great relief to find a light switch and in an instant, make the darkness disappear.  You have made the darkness disappear from all of our lives.   The happiness, love, and hope you bring reflect the happiness and love you give your people all year long. All that any human made religion can give is law, judgment, human centered expectation, and morbid inwardness.  But you free us from ourselves and the burden to perform. You have given peace from all guilt and all fear of rejection by your single, solitary life spent for all of us.  I am at peace no matter what happens now because I have you and your blessings from here to forever.  Help me light the candle of this hope today. AMEN

God is light and when he is in the room everyone sees better.

Additional Readings: John 1, Galatians 4:1-7, Titus 2:11-15

Sunday, July 15th

Therefore, remember that formerly you  ... were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. - Ephesians 2:1-13

Dear Jesus, I sometimes forget that there was a time that I was lost without you in the world.  In those times my contentment lags and I get disappointed with life because I live by my expectations of what I can get from this temporal world.  But then you give me words like these in Ephesians 2 that remind me that I once was lost, without hope and without you in the world.  Now, I remember that I have so much right now to be thankful for as a child of God with hope and peace.  And to think that it took your death to give me this - ties me forever to you in loyalty.  There is no other god that boasts of dying so that his subjects might truly live.  I live in hope and peace.  That gives me a lot to look forward to.  AMEN

To be without God is to be lost in the jungle where every being you encounter wants to eat you and all you have for help is your own panicked mind.

Additional Readings: Exodus 3,4, Joshua 1, Matthew 28:20, Romans 8:18-39

Saturday, July 14th

And the wise men came into the house, they saw the young child with Mary, his mother. And they fell down and worshiped him. They presented to him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. -Matthew 2:11

Dear Jesus, these wise men knew that you were the God who had come to earth to solve all of our problems. They didn't know how you would die and rise again. But they trusted you as a person. I don't know how you will solve all of my problems either. But I trust you as a person and I give you my gifts and worship just like they did. Thank you for the wisdom to recognize you for who you are and to let go of the details. If there is anything you want me to do to help myself or someone else and I am missing it, please show me what to do.  reveal the path to me the way you did to those wise men.  Amen

We trust a person not just a doctrine or a revealed plan.

Additional Readings: Psalm 25, Genesis 50, Ephesians 1:11

Friday, July 13th

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” - Luke 12:13-15

Dear Lord, I always thought greed was found in those who indiscriminately accumulate.  But it’s also found in me when I complain for what I did not get.  I am embarrassed over the many hours I’ve spent thinking about personal economics and whether I should be concerned, upset, or pleased with this or that financial situation in my family, work, or country. Your words, "Life does not consist an abundance of possessions" are heart searching.  Oh, how the "good life" could rob me of "real life." Soon, I must walk away from all of it. You have created me for eternity.  Forgive me for trying to live for this short earthly life.  I beg you to free me from all the pains and thrills I let overtake me regarding the heap that is soon to be distributed to others.  

AMEN

Whoever has the most toys when they die will probably lose.

Additional Readings: Matthew 6, 2 Corinthians 8,9

Thursday, July 12th

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” - Matthew 2:1-2

Dear Jesus, on this day, we remember the Magi who came from a faraway culture to worship you when they knew so very little about your person and work. Help me to remember that the resolution to all my problems is not in some secret knowledge or spiritual skill that I learn to master.  Instead, it is found in you, my God and Savior, who loves me more than anyone else does and who has mastered my life better than the same.  

AMEN

Additional Readings: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Colossians 2

To be a Christian is to willingly stop worshiping yourself and to actively worship Jesus Christ for who he is and what he does.

Wednesday, July 11th

"As Christians we are sorrowful yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." - 2 Corinthians 6:10

Dear Lord, thank you for transporting my soul into your kingdom. Here, I live enriched by your grace, promised help, and final glorious destiny. All the while, my body lives in the challenges and tragedies of this life.  So, I can have real joy even while I grieve over my earthly losses. I can have real wealth while being challenged by my limitations, and real hope even when I know my days are short.  I love to tell the story of how you have created the alter-world of salvation and peace for all who would dare to trust in you.

AMEN

As God's people we never have to live one day in hopelessness.

Additional Readings: 2 Corinthians 1, 4 and 5

Tuesday, July 10th

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 15:5-6

Dear Lord, sometimes I am frightened by the challenges I face.  I think there is no way I will endure through it all. It seems too big for me.  I forget that you are the God who gives endurance and that you never intended for me to carry my burden alone.  You have always wanted to be the God to whom I look for help.  So, Lord, I know you see the mountain that I see in front of me.  From your heavenly perspective, it looks like a foothill.  Reach down today and make me a strong enduring person of God who steps bravely onto the side of the mountain to traverse its heights.  Now, my fear is giving way to hope as I remember that you are right here with me. AMEN

When you walk with God you get to ride on his shoulders whenever you need a little break.

Additional Readings: Psalm 90, Psalm 91

Monday, July 9th

"If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself." - 2 Timothy 2:13

Dear heavenly Father,

It has taken me a long time to realize and believe in my everyday practical heart that your commitment to accepting, guiding, sustaining, and blessing me is totally dependent on who you are as the faithful God. It’s not one iota dependent on who I am or how well I am performing as a Christian.  I would have no lasting relationship with you at all if you were not 100% committed to loving me.  But since you are faithful, I feel happy and contented today.  My guilt is gone, my fear is quieted and I trust how you will work this day out for my good.  What a great mystery that you would be a friend of sinners.

AMEN

When I am close to God I worry about human friendships a whole lot less.

Additional Readings: 1 John 3:19-21, Lamentations 3:23, John 16:33

Sunday, July 8th

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.   Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” - James 4:13-15

Dear Lord,

How often I live as a practical atheist, making plans without a thought about you running my life but all the while expecting you to bless what I want you to bless. My life is yours.  Everyone's life is yours.  The whole universe is yours.  So, here, take back the steering wheel and guide my life in every detail.  I believe you when you say that you will turn everything for my good, even when I never accomplish my goals.  With the freedom that comes from faith, I choose to live this day for your glory and the good of others.  

AMEN

Disappointment dissipates when we expect God to guide and forgive our hearts instead of to bless all our plans.

Additional Readings: Proverbs 3:5-6, Ecclesiastes 3

Saturday, July 7th

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” - James 4:13-15

Dear Lord, how often I live as a practical atheist, making plans without a thought about you running my life but all the while expecting you to bless what I want you to bless. My life is yours. Everyone's life is yours.  The whole universe is yours.  So, here, take back the steering wheel and guide my life in every detail.  I believe you when you say that you will turn everything for my good, even when I never accomplish my goals.  With the freedom that comes from faith, I choose to live this day for your glory and the good of others.  AMEN

Disappointment dissipates when our expectations are for God forgive our messy mistakes instead of to bless our messy plans.

Additional Readings: Proverbs 3:5-6, Ecclesiastes 3, Psalm 90

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