Wednesday, August 8th

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. - John 1:6-10

Dear Jesus,

I know that you will keep sending special people into my life too bless me and help me grow just like you sent John the Baptist.  When they come, help me not to expect too much from them.  It’s easy to think that they should give me more than they are capable.  There is only one you, one Savior, one author of my soul.  In gratitude for the family, friends, and leaders you give me, I will live in peace with their failings and I will look to you for things that only a god could give.  That way I will not resent their humanness.  Be my light today so I reflect your love and truth to myself and others.  

AMEN

People cannot let you down if you do not raise them up.

Additional Reading: 1 Corinthians 3, Psalm 1

Tuesday, August 7th

Many times God delivered Israel, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin.  Yet he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant  and out of his great love he relented. He caused all who held them captive to show them mercy. Save us, Lord our God! - Psalm 106:43-47

Dear heavenly Father,

Too often I have viewed your discipline as punishment for my sins.  I’d have thought that you were expressing harsh rejection and dissatisfaction. But I know now that your harsh punishment for me was exhausted at the cross of your Son. So, when I hit a hard time, sometimes as a consequence of my sin and sometimes as a training ground under your love, I see it as acceptance and love not rejection and irritation.  I would not have this insight without your word.  Thank you for showing me today that you had the very same relationship with Israel.  Because of your eternal covenant of love for her, you kept rescuing and disciplining.  Help me find security in the discipline I experience from your hand, because in Christ, everything is good.

 AMEN

Love is not unbroken approval of our actions but unbroken acceptance of our whole being.

Additional Reading: Hebrews 12

Monday, August 6th

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups (Gentile and Jew) one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity and in one body reconcile them both to himself through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. - Ephesians 2:14-16

Dear Jesus,

You removed all hostility that exists between your Father and people and any hostility that exists between sinners who hurt one another. In that single, solitary act of dying for both perpetrator and victim, you reconciled everyone in all directions in one instant.  Help me take what you did for us on the cross and make it the reason and the power that I declare myself reconciled to the people who have hurt me or let me down. Use your gospel to remove the hostility between people I don’t like and me for my own "good" reasons.  Give me peace that makes me boldly live in the presence of folks that give me the willies.  Give me the cross shaped love that keeps me from being unhappy to see anyone.  Use your salvation to save me from my own unhealthy aloneness.  

AMEN

In heaven you will have the joy of not being angry with anyone. Why not get a head start and stop being angry now.

Additional Reading: Genesis 50, Matthew 6

Sunday, August 5th

The highest heavens belong to the Lord but the earth he has given to humanity. - Psalm 115:16

Dear Lord,

We all run around this globe and compete for our little piece of the pie.  But in reality the whole earth is a gift to all of us from you.  We get to use it for our short lives and then we have to let go of it to others.  What a wonderful gift from you.  Every flower, every tree, every mountain, every sunrise and sunset, all of wildlife and domestic creatures, even the people you allow me to live with; they all point to you.  You are an amazing creator and benevolent donor of all things.  Today, I will enjoy my little corner of your world with its multifaceted blessings and I will worship you in my heart because you are the author of it all.  

AMEN

Creation is never an end.  It always is the means which God uses to bless us and to draw us to himself.

Additional Reading: Psalm 19, Psalm 53, Romans 1:18-22

Saturday, August 4th

If the law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.  - Galatians 3:21-22

Dear Jesus,

I trust that you have saved me completely.  As hard as I may try to live a good life, it will never get me safely to the other side. You have done that for me.  When I think about living right at the present time, I want to work at it in order to say thanks to you.  I do not think I am earning your love or attention.  But here is my problem, I still try to earn my own self-respect and when I sin it takes me too long to get over my own self condemnation.  Help me Jesus to follow your lead and forgive myself the second I discover my failings so I can live in love without the distractions of self-criticism and guilt.  

AMEN 

Care not what you think but what God thinks and your life will make sense.

Additional Reading: Hebrews 4:12, Jeremiah 17:5-17

Friday, August 3rd

The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. - Genesis 39:2

Dear heavenly Father,

Had you not been with Old Testament Joseph all of his problems would have ended poorly.  But you never left his side and therefore every problem was used to work some good.   You promise to never leave my side either.  So, I know that you will prosper me in ways I could never imagine.  Life will be good and fulfilling as long as I have you with me. That's all that matters.  In the optimism that comes from knowing you are with me, I start my day with you.  Bless my heart with insight along the way, my hands with productive things to do, and my mouth to speak hope to others. Bless those you send to help me, also.  Make them useful and happy in their service to others.  In all of our lives, show the world that you are the God who saves.  

AMEN

We don't need to know what will happen next.  We just need to know God will be in the 'next' with us.

Additional Reading: Philippians 2:1-11

Thursday, August 2nd

This is the day the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! - Psalm 118:24

Dear Heavenly Father,

Some of us are at the beginning of life with so many unanswered questions. Others are in the middle where we are so busy we forget things and miss important moments. Still others have only one question to answer; "Will this be my last day or will it come tomorrow?" But this one common denominator we all have together. We all have today as a gift of your grace. We all have your promise of an eternal tomorrow. We all have a past riddled with blessings to sort through when we are bored. We all have hope and peace and love in your Son. This is a day of good times and we will learn to be thankful in it.

AMEN

Living in the moment as a thankful child of God is an act of faith.

Additional Reading: Psalm 37

Wednesday, August 1st

Behold, the hour is coming and indeed has come when you will be scattered, each to his own home, yet I am not alone. For, the Father is with me. - John 16:32

Dear Jesus,

The lonely road I walk through life, no one who fully understands.  Being left alone with all my thoughts, feelings, and emotions is sometimes too much to bear. I know it was not originally meant to be this way but it is for every one of us. You experienced loneliness more than all of us when you were here. You felt aloneness but you told us that you were not alone.  The presence of your Father comforted you.  You understand my aloneness.  Don’t let it turn to loneliness.   You and my Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit see my every thought and understand me even better than I do myself. I find comfort in knowing you are with me close by on the journey and that you can touch my frustration of being alone. So, I pray, fill me with your presence and drive out loneliness from my life so that I reach past myself to bless others with friendship.

Amen

The fall into sin makes everyone lonely at times. Jesus makes everyone loved all the time.

Additional Reading: Psalm 139

Tuesday, July 31st

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. - John 17:17

Dear Jesus,

You said these words the night before you died in your prayer to your Father. They have been a light for my path ever since I discovered them.  The way that you teach my heart is by your word.  Everyone has their own opinion and frankly many of them sound very good although they are very wrong.  Your word gives me heaven's opinion of all things.  They have rung true in every circumstance even when what they say hurts me. They always bless me in the end.  Help me to digest your word deeply today and to apply it to the challenges I’m facing so that I act out on earth what you desire from heaven.  Guide me in your truth.  

 AMEN

There is no worthy substitute for the truth regarding any matter on earth, from rocket science to personal relationships. 

Additional Reading: Psalm 25, Psalm 119

Monday, July 30th

But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.  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.  I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. - Psalm 3:3-6

Dear Lord,

As I hear more and more about the activity of evil men and other random crazy people in my "village" I find myself more fearful for myself and my family.  Then I think of all the diseases and accidents that can assail us and I get nervous. The spiritual answer is to do what your psalmist does here.  I will tell you about my fears and I will lay my need for protection at the foot of your throne.  Oh, Lord, be my shield and cover my life with your angels at least three deep around me. Protect me and keep my loved ones safe, too. Since I have given you the charge of being my great protector, I will not spend any more energy worrying about it.  Instead, I will throw myself into loving and serving my family and friends.  Show me someone that I can shelter today.  And make me thankful and not envious as I live with all the blessings you give me.  

AMEN

Worry and envy are fraternal devilish twins that rob the soul of life and vitality.  Slay them each day with faith in your benevolent God.

Additional Reading:  Hebrews 13

Sunday, July 29th

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. - Proverbs 9:10

Dear Lord, it’s a lifelong battle in my soul to honor, love, and fear you more than I honor myself.  But often you flex your muscle and the world around me trembles.  That's when I realize afresh that I am in your world and not you in mine.  Everything in my life makes more sense when it’s dwarfed by your presence.  I understand better how to live and how to make good decisions. My goal is to know you, understand you, respect you, and love you.  But I often forget.  Forgive me, for Jesus' sake, and do not stop coming back to get me.  If it were not for your constant love reaching out to me, I would be ruined.  Please walk beside me today.  I need your presence, guidance, and grace.  AMEN

Remember how your dad struck both fear and confidence in your young heart? That’s what it’s like to walk with God.

Additional Reading: Psalm 104, Psalm 130, Romans 8:14-39

Saturday, July 28th

"Cast all your anxieties on God because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Dear Jesus, I bet your disciples loved to let go when you were around. They knew you could handle anything from a wine-less wedding to a squalling storm at sea.  But I can't see you, so I forget that you are there and care enough to help me with all my troubles and problems.  Right now, I give you all my worries and fears. Handle the pressure for me. Tell me what you want me to do and I will do my part. But you shoulder the results.  Amen

When God picks up his end of the log, my end becomes featherweight.

Additional Reading: Joshua 1:1-9, Psalm 139

Friday, July 27th

"If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." - 1 John 1:7

Dear Jesus,

I know that you see all of our thoughts and so, on your part, you are in perfect harmony with each of us.  The light of your omnipresence shines into every soul.  But between me, a sinner, and all the sinners around me, the light of understanding is rather dim. I long for deeper and more honest and grace based relationships.  But without our strong belief that your grace covers our sins, doubt and fear will keep us from being open with each other.  Please help me and those near me to translate the relationship we have with you into deep and meaningful relationships with each other.  Purify us from our sinful and wayward hearts.  Tear down the fortress of anxiety and fear.  Give us the strength to venture over the mote of silence to share life changing communication with each other.  Amen

God sees every deep rooted thought in your soul.  People only see the flower, whether it is withered or in full bloom.

Additional Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10, Ephesians 4:17-32

Thursday, July 26th

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.  The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. - Psalm 145:9-10

Dear heavenly Father,

I love to hear that you are compassionate and slow to anger.  I know that I could anger you every day.  But you deal with me with a tender heart and hands.  I also love to hear that you have compassion on all that you have made.  Even each sparrow garners your attention. This thought overwhelms me with awe and appreciation.  Today will be a good day because I live it under you watchful and loving eye.  Do not let me fall into sin or run into any kind of danger and in all I do help me to do what is right in your sight. Make me more compassionate to all people and creatures, as well.  Amen

No Christian is fatherless.  No believer is an orphan.

Additional Reading: Psalm 37, Psalm 103, Psalm 104

Wednesday, July 25th

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason, he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. - Hebrews 2:14-18

Dear Jesus,

It will always blow my mind that you willingly left heaven to take on flesh and blood and live 33 tough years on earth in order to free us wayward sinners from our greatest enemy, death. And here in Hebrews, you remind me that while you were here, you experienced temptation and the stress and challenge it causes just like we do.  You want me to know that you empathize with my weaknesses; I can come to you for help again and again without being judged.  You never raise an eyebrow at me.  Be with me today and help me overcome my temptations.  Be with me and help me deal with my doubts and fears.  Be with me today and help me find happiness in the midst of sorrow and disappointment. Make my day different by your gracious presence, no matter what it holds for me.  

AMEN

When you know He loves you with an everlasting love, you aren't afraid to be yourself in his presence.

Additional Reading: John 10, 1 John 3:1-3

Tuesday, July 24th

"Lord, the Lord Almighty, may those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel, may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me. - Psalm 69:6

Dear heavenly Father, you know all my weaknesses and foibles and you covered my shame when you put your Son on the cross.  By your grace and your Holy Spirit, give me the strength to resist all temptation and to do those things that bring honor to my family and the body of believers.  I do not want to bring shame on you or your people or my people.  Help me be a reason for them to hold their head up and not down.  Give me a confident attitude of obedience and faith so I am a strength and not a drain on others.  AMEN

In the shadow of the cross is light to make one shine for the God of grace.

Additional Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1, Titus 2:11-14,

Monday, July 23rd

"Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed." - Hebrews 4:1-2

Dear Jesus, you came to give me rest anytime, anywhere, no matter how much stuff I have to do or what intense meetings await me.  Your rest is a rest within because you settle me on the truth that I am loved. I am forgiven.  I am blessed. I am safe and I am important. All this you proved to me by giving your very life for me. I believe you are right here with me today.  Give me that rest in my soul and stop me from looking for it in a change of my situation or my relationships with people. And from that rest make me an instrument of peace of rest for others.  AMEN

When we rest in God on the inside we can rest in life on the outside.

Additional Readings: John 14:27, 16:33, Hebrews 12

Sunday, July 22nd

You desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. - Psalm 51:6

Dear Lord, at the very beginning of my existence in my mother's womb, you desired faithfulness from me.  You want an honest life where I acknowledge you as Creator and lover of my soul.  You desire me to sincerely search for truth and practice love.  In the secret most inner chamber of my soul I know that I have been wayward and selfish way too much.  I am sorry.  I beg for your forgiveness and ask you to make me whole again in your mercy.  Cover my life with the life of your Son and make me an honest and repentant follower.  With my remaining days create in me a clean heart that desires what you have always desired and that finds great joy in living solely for you and not myself.  AMEN

Everyone knows deep down that God wants them to be as truthful as he is.

Additional Readings: Proverbs 9:10-12, Proverbs 12:22-24, Ephesians 4:25

Saturday, July 21st

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. - Psalm 121:1-2

Dear Lord, sometimes I am overwhelmed with how vulnerable my family and I are to sickness and trouble. Trying to anticipate every challenge and to fix every dilemma will at times raise my blood pressure. That's why your reminder through David in this psalm is so heartwarming.  I can look away from myself to you and get your supernatural help.  You are God.  I am just a small integer in your infinite universe.  You know what is worrying me today.  I'm asking, even begging you, be my God and deliver me and my loved ones.  Help us and guide us in what to think and do.  AMEN

The human heart was made to depend of the heavenly Head.

Additional Reading: John 15, Acts 4:23-31. 1 John 5:14

Friday, July 20th

"For he himself is our peace. Who has made the two groups one, and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create one humanity out of the two thus making peace."  - Ephesians 2:14-15.

Dear Jesus, when you removed our impending judgment by your sacrifice you also removed the persistent judgment that divides us from one another.  It’s not that we should not judge each other according to the law because according to the law we could all condemn one another and not be wrong. But since you have satisfied God's law you have also given us the privilege to let go of the sins of others that offend us. Help me to live in the shadow of your cross today and from there to forgive everyone that would otherwise drive me crazy with disappointment and anger. Use your love to remove the dividing wall between me and all other people. Amen

Grace from God creates indestructible relationships between people.

Additional Reading: Proverbs 16:7, Isaiah 56:1-7, Romans 4