Friday, June 21st

“The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.’ He told her, ‘Go, call your husband and come back.’ ‘I have no husband,’ she replied.  Jesus said to her, ‘You are right when you say you have no husband.  The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband.  What you have just said is quite true.’”  John 4:15-18

Dear Jesus, Sometimes I picture myself sitting there by that well with you and no one is around.  I wonder what question you would ask me to show me that you can see right through my soul with your holy eyes.  The truth is, I have plenty of sins for you to choose from.  I know that full well.  But since you own me through your sacrifice, you have every right to ask me about them.  I know you prod and pry in order to cleanse and purify.  I know you come to rescue not condemn.  So, take me just as I am.  I trust your love enough to answer you.  Yes, I’m the one in need of grace.  Please be merciful to me and grant me grace to cover all my sins and then give me the humility and wisdom to share that same grace with those who have hurt me.  Use your confronting love to cut away the chains of selfishness and sin from my life.  Amen.

Jesus is the perfect soul doctor; first diagnosing, then explaining, then applying his remedy. 

Thursday, June 20th

“The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah (called Christ) is coming.  When he comes, he will explain everything to us.’  Then Jesus declared, ‘I, the one speaking to you-I am he.’  Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did.  Could this be the Messiah?’” John 4:19-29

Dear Jesus, You took that woman from being an embarrassed failure to being an excited herald of your love.  She used to slink around in guilt and shame but you made her run out in the open to share your love.  I know some of what she felt.  I can live past my guilt and shame because you came to save me too.  You know exactly what I have done and you still came to save me.  I want others to know the freedom and restoration of forgiveness.  Help me tell them that their Messiah is here.  Thank you for releasing me from my sinful past.  Amen. 

To know Christ is to know freedom from shame. 

Wednesday, June 19th

“ ’Sir’ the woman said, ‘I can see that you are a prophet.  Our ancestors worshipped on this mountain but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.’  ‘Woman,’ Jesus replied, ‘believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.  You Samaritans worship what you do not now; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.  Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.’”  John 4:19-24

Dear Jesus, Sometimes I’m like that woman.  I want to focus on outward forms instead of inner worship.  I know you want me to really worship you out of a heart made grateful for the love and grace you brought to us.  You want me to joyfully live, pray, and work out of a deep held faith that you made me, saved me, and walk beside me all of my life.  You want me to go to church because I want to, to speak about you because I’m proud of you, to love even the unlovable because I truly love them.  I cannot be that inside-out person unless you fill my insides with your Spirit.  So, Jesus, crowd your Spirit into my heart so I live out his spiritual fullness.  Make me the person you always wanted me to be.  Thank you for redeeming my life and creating something new out of what you first met by the wayside.  Amen.

Jesus comes in from the outside to change us from the inside out. 

Tuesday, June 18th

“The other disciple, who reached the tomb first, then also went in saw and believed.  For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he must rise from the dead.”  John 20:8-9

Lord Jesus, these disciples had everything at their disposal to be able to face the empty tomb with a clear picture and a certain hope about what happened.  They knew the Scriptures, they just didn’t call them to their minds.  The Scriptures were clear about the resurrection of Jesus.  I pray, Lord Jesus, help me by your Holy Spirit to take your Word and apply it to my heart, to my life, and to all that I face today.  I am learning your Scriptures in a better and a more clear way every day.  Help me to take that word from my head and apply it to my heart.  Help me, then, to understand it clearly and learn the hope, the confidence, and the joy that your Word has for me.  There in your Word you lay the hope of a future and an eternity with you and with all those who believe in you.  There in your Word is certainty, strength and hope.  Fill me with your Word today so that I may face whatever happens today with certainty, strength and hope.  Amen.

Monday, June 17th

“They took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the fragrant spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews.  There was a garden in the place where he was crucified.  A new tomb was in the garden; no one had yet been placed in it.  They placed Jesus there because of the Jewish day of preparation and since the tomb was nearby.”  John 19:40-42

Dear Lord Jesus, These godly men along with the women took such care of your body.  They were not afraid of push back or retaliation from the Jewish leaders.  In love, they honored and cared for your body.  Lord Jesus, help me to honor you with my whole life no matter who is looking; no matter how it looks.  Help me devote my life-with all my energy, all my strength, all my treasures, all my time-help me devote my life to honoring you with all I am and all I have.  I am yours!  All that I have is yours!  Help me to honor with it.  Amen.

Sunday, June 16th, Father's Day

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.  Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.  They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.”  Psalm 127:3-5

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the children you have granted us.  Each one presents their unique challenges while they grow up and each one brings unique blessings too.  I see the wisdom in your words about the blessing that comes from a full quiver of children.  They have made us wealthy in ways that can’t be measured by dollars or degrees.  They encourage our faith, help us solve problems and give us strength to face the world.  For all those parents who still have children at home and feel the burden of rearing them on the right path, give them the faith to see the blessing that comes in time.  Help them to speak to their kids in ways that reflect how much they cherish them as a gift from you.  Help them discipline with love and guide with patience.  Give them your divine wisdom to know when to back off and when to stick their nose in it.  And most of all, help parents give your Son to their children for eternal life.  Amen. 

Our children are a divine opportunity to leave a much bigger footprint than our own lives can create by themselves. 

Saturday, June 15th

“Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, ‘Sir, if you’ve carried him away, tell me where you’ve put him, and I will take him away.’  Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’  Turning around, she said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!!’-which means ‘Teacher.’”  John 20:15-16

Lord Jesus, You did so much to open up the eyes of my heart and to grant me faith.  I was thoroughly blind in my life and couldn’t see you; I didn’t even want to see you.  Yet, Jesus, you came at my baptism and opened my eyes to see you.  You opened my eyes to see you as my Savior, my Lord, my God, and my teacher.  Lord Jesus, thank you for granting me such a faith!  I pray, always give me eyes to see and a heart to believe that you are indeed my Savior.  Help me to learn from you and follow you my whole life long.  Amen.

Friday, June 14th,

“Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord!’  And she told them what he had said to her.” John 20:18

Dear Lord Jesus, When the women and the disciples first went to the tomb they came with trudging feet and fearful hearts.  The disciples ran to the tomb because they were afraid, and then they went home confused and still afraid.  But once they knew that Jesus was alive, everything changed.  Mary’s tears were dried and she couldn’t wait to tell the disciples and announce to them what she had seen and believed.  Lord Jesus grant the same to me.  Overflow my heart with resurrection confidence and courage to face this day.  Grant me love and wisdom as I interact with people so that we can maintain the unity of the spirit and the bond of peace.  Grant me courage and confidence to live and to serve today.  Amen.

Thursday, June 13th

“Having said this, he showed them his hands and his side.  So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.  Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, I also send you.’ “ John 20:20-21

Dear Lord Jesus, you didn’t waste any time bringing comfort and joy to your disciples.  You didn’t leave them to huddle in fear “and sadness long.  You came to them that last night to show yourself to them, that you really were alive.  And then, immediately, you sent them out with the message of the resurrection, the message that raises the dead to life and releases them from being bound by sin and condemnation.  Dear Jesus, come to me today and pour out your Holy Spirit on me.  Fill me today again with the same resurrection joy that your disciples experienced when they saw you that first Easter.  Raise me up from the despair and darkness of Good Friday so that I might live in the brightness and life of Easter!  Then, send me out to raise the dead with the message I preach.  Keep me sending me and, I pray, send more and more people out with this message so that all the dead will live and believe in you.  Amen.

Wednesday, June 12th

“A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

Dear Jesus, I can get so hung up in the history of a relationship that I forget your one simple command to love that other person.  As sinners we will always let each other down, misunderstand and frustrate one another.  We can get lost in remembering the negative tone or the hurtful remark too.  And remembering makes it so hard to love.  But when you ignore the history because of grace, that’s when love is possible in all relationships.  You have that love for me.  Help me have it for the “others” in my life.  And help them have this love for me.  This forgiving and refreshing love, the kind that gives and forgives, is the physical evidence of our spiritual relationship with you.  Give me that love always for every person I meet.  Amen.

Love doesn’t need the other person to do or be anything special in order to respond well. 

Tuesday, June 11th

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!  Romans 11:33

Dear Heavenly Father, You have my life all planned out.  I know you allow challenges and setbacks as well as sending blessings and breakthroughs.  You guide with clarity and protect me with grace.  You are in every room, behind every conversation, underneath every situation.  I cannot escape you nor can I understand all your ways.  But I trust that my life is your hands and will end in your presence forever.  It’s going to be a thrill to let you be God today while I simply work diligently without fear to play my instrument well for you in your orchestra. 

God is directing the plethora of lives that sing together to perform the symphony called your life. 

Monday, June 10th

“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and look at my hands.  Reach out your hand and put it into my side.  Don’t be faithless, but believe.”  John 20:27

Lord Jesus, What incredible love you showed to Thomas.  You could have rightly expected him to hear and believe the eye-witness testimony of the other disciples.  Surely there were enough witnesses there that he might be overwhelmed by their testimony.  You could have just left him in his doubt and unbelief.  But in love, you condescended to his weakness to show him that you were really alive.  In love you came to him to give him overwhelming evidence for his own hands, eyes, and heart that he might believe.  Oh, dear Jesus, such love for Thomas.  You have the same kind of love for me.  This account gives me a real example of the overwhelming way that you love me and all your people.  You do not leave me alone in my weakness to figure it out; in love you come to me in my doubt and despair to reassure me that I am yours and that the victory is mine.  You come to me in Word and Supper to constantly reassure me of your life.  You didn’t have to do that!  But you did!  You did.  You continue to come to me in my weakness so that I might believe!  Thank you, dear Jesus.  Amen.

Sunday, June 9th, Pentecost

“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.  They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit.”  Acts 2:2-4

Holy Spirit, I pray that you enter my heart daily through your blessings, as you did to the apostles on the day of Pentecost.  Stir me up to wholehearted devotion to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Open my lips to testify to the living hope which you have given me through the risen Christ.  Give me courage and boldness to speak your word with power so more people everywhere may know the Father, the Son, and you, the Holy Spirit.  Bless the preaching of the Gospel everywhere, and through it conquer the hearts of men for Christ, their King.  Graciously attend the work of our pastors and teachers throughout the world that by their ministry many sous may be added daily to your church.  Enlighten my understanding, control my affections, purify my ambitions, and sanctify my actions, that men may see my good works and glorify my Father in heaven.  Keep me trustful in your Savior and repentant over my sin.  Enter into my heart with your blessings and into my life with your direction.  Amen.

Saturday, June 8th

“For these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: ‘Not one of his bones will be broken.’ Also, another Scripture says: ‘They will look on the one they have pierced.”  John 19:36-37

Dear Lord Jesus, You fulfilled the whole Scriptures.  You fulfilled the Scriptures by actively pursuing your Father’s will and by refusing to shrink away from that which would hurt and even kill you.  Father, your Son even fulfilled the Scriptures passively without any action on his own.  Both before he was born and after he was dead, events unfolded in his life ad with his body and belongings that the Scriptures had foretold.  You, dearest Jesus, are the fulfillment of every prophecy that has ever been made.  You assure me that no matter how many promises God has made, they are all a solid and undoubted “Yes!” from God.  Lord Jesus, teach me to hear your word and to trust its promises. They will not fail.  You are not a man that you should lie.  You are not a human being that you would change your mind.  You promise and you fulfill.  You say that you will do something and then you do.  Your Word is undoubtedly true and without error.  Teach me to trust it and to rely on it above all things.  Amen.

Friday, June 7th

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.”  Romans 12:15-16

Dear Heavenly Father, I know you want to enlarge my heart enough so I can reach beyond my own struggles, hopes and dreams to feel with others what they are feeling.  You want me to see the equal value of every soul.  You want me to stamp out the loneliness our proud isolation creates.  Oh Jesus, turn me inside out and enable me to hurt with and help those who need me to.  And when I have reached my limit raise up other great lovers of souls to be there for those I see hurting but cannot help them myself. 

When we share life with hurting people its four-part music to God’s ears. 

Thursday, June 6th

“Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.  But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents for this is pleasing to God.  The widow who is really in need and let all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.  But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.  Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame.  Anyone who does not provide for their relatives and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”  1 Timothy 5:3-8

Our nation with its work ethic, economic prowess, government programs and resort style living for the elderly, makes all of us think that parents and grandparents have to take care of themselves.  Then comes your word that lays care for the elderly at the feet of the family and the church.  Help us to fully embrace the rich spiritual experience of caring for our family until you call them home.  Make us people who won’t leave them lonely and afraid.  Help us to give them friendship, provisions, rides and encouragement.  Make your churches everywhere places that honor the experience and tenderness forged by years of living in our elderly members.  And give the elderly courage to tell of their needs and to share their perspectives with the next generation.  Thank you Lord for the privilege to live with people of all ages in our short sojourn on earth.  Amen.

Having a friend who is long in the tooth will slow you down long enough to enjoy the deeper meanings of life. 

Wednesday, June 5th

“As they were emptying their sacks, there in each man’s sack was his pouch of silver!  When they are their father saw the money pouches, they were frightened.”  Genesis 42:35

Dear Jesus, Unrepentant sin leaves us guilty and afraid.  For too long these brothers had been hiding this sin from their dad and their God.  And now 25 years later it was haunting them.  Lord God, I see myself in these brothers.  Hiding my sin covering it up, excusing it, even lying about it.  In all truth, I am sitting in it like a toddler in a dirty diaper and it rots.  Forgive me for my impenitence.  Lead me to come clean about my sin, for with you there is always forgiveness.  Lead me to confess it for there and then you will cleanse me of all my sin and guilt.  Lord, forgive me and take away all my fears.  You are not a God who pays us back for our sins if you did, we would all be dead.  But with you there is forgiveness.  Lord, set my heart free from guilt and free by your full and free forgiveness.  Amen.

Where there is forgiveness, there is life, peace, and freedom.  At the cross, there is always forgiveness.  And so as we confess our sins there to find and receive life, peace and freedom. 

Tuesday, June 4th

“By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.” Hebrews 11:23

Dear Heavenly Father, How brave and loving were Moses’ parents!  They risked their lives to save him and through their heroism the whole world received great blessings such as: the first five books of the Bible, the Ten Commandments, and the accurate account of the beginning of the world, the beginning of Israel and the first promises of a Savior.  I can see now that long after I am gone, the actions I do today out of faith will have a greater impact than I can imagine today.  Help me to remember this when the pressure is on for me to conform to the world out of fear and convenience and help my by your Holy Spirit to be like Moses’ mom and dad.

God will do tons more than you can ever imagine with the small things you do today for him. 

Monday, June 3rd

“Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come near to God and he will come near to you.  Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Grieve, mourn and wail.  Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”  James 4:7-10

Dear Holy Spirit, there is only one response left for me as I see and hear all that James calls forth from me.  I can only repent and draw near to you.  I can only humble myself under your mighty hand and confess that I am not who you call me to be.  I can only submit to you, your will and your Word.  Lord God, work this repentance in my heart hourly and daily.  Break my heart, O God, in sorrow and repentance.  And then, dear Savior, raise me up with your forgiveness and mercy.  Then, dear Father, raise me up to the exalted status of your dearly loved child, washed by Jesus blood.  Then, dear Spirit, raise me up to a new life in this day and an eternal life in heaven with you.  O Lord God, break me with your Word and then resurrect me by your Spirit.  That’s all there is left for me.  Amen.

Sunday, June 2nd

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.” Hebrews 11:30

Dear Heavenly Father, What wisdom was there in making Israel march around the city of Jericho for seven days?  All that did was give their enemies a good look at their strengths and weaknesses.  It removed all elements of surprise too.  Militarily the idea stunk, but spiritually it was brilliant.  It told both Israel and Jericho that this was your battle and not theirs.  It gave people in Jericho and Israel time to repent and find forgiveness before they faced you.  And finally, it created an encouraging story for all time.  I’m encouraged by your mighty hand at Jericho and I’m thankful for its remembrance when I face fortified challenges in my fight of faith.  Thank you for Jericho and the faith you have taught me through it.  Amen.

When God’s requests seem unreasonable, expect unreasonably amazing results.