Monday, April 13th

“So the Lord God said…” Genesis 3:14, 16, 17

God Almighty, Your word is full of so much power.  It was your Word that brought this world into existence.  You spoke and things simply came to be.  You spoke and commanded Adam and Eve as to how they should live with you and within the garden.  You spoke clearly with both promise and threat so that they knew how they should live in this world with you.  But the devil led them to question your Word and led them into all sorts of sins.  And that’s his game in my heart and life.  The devil would have me question your word and your ways.  He would have me go my own way.  He would lead me to question your Word in so many different ways-to doubt the promise of your forgiveness and mercy, to doubt the promise of my standing with you, to doubt your will in my life.  The devil wants me to begin to say in my heart, “Did God really say that?”  Then he’s got me.  But Lord, your voice rises up to defend me.  Your word both brings into effect the curse of the Devil and the promise for your people.  You spoke and the Devil stood cursed.  Even though the snake crusher had not come, the devil was as good as cursed.  And also for Adam and Eve.  You spoke and the Word rescued.  Even though the Rescuer had not yet come, they were as good as rescued.  This is the power of your Word, O God.  Lead me to trust your Word.  It is my rescue.  It is my hope.  It is my strength.  Amen.

The Word of God effects both curse of the devil and our cure.  His Word makes those things happen.

Saturday, April 11th

“He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit, in which he also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison.”  1 Peter 3:18-19

Lord Jesus, Hell didn’t stand a chance.  Satan didn’t stand a chance.  The demons of darkness didn’t stand a chance.  Oh, they thought they did.  Satan laughed when Eve ate that fruit, and then God spoke of his downfall.  Hell smirked when the world of Noah’s day was so evil, and then God saved Noah and his family through water.  Satan must have danced a jig on your grave Jesus, but he didn’t stand a chance.  Yes, Lord Jesus, you were put to death in the body and it must have seemed to everyone that all was lost.  But it wasn’t!  Your Spirit came and made you alive and then all hell knew-they had lost!  You won victory over sin, over death, over hell and then you went to hell.  There and then you let them know that they had lost.  Yes, Lord Jesus, hell didn’t stand a chance.  Satan didn’t have a chance.  There are no sins now that can condemn me.  There is no death that can scare me.  Satan cannot taunt me because you, Lord Jesus, have won and have overcome.  You hold the keys of death and hell.  You lock the devil and his demons there.  And you keep me close to you now and forever.  Help me revel in your victory tomorrow as we remember how you rode into Jerusalem acclaimed as the king you really are.  Amen.

Friday, April 10th, Good Friday

“Then the servant girl who was the doorkeep said to Peter, ‘You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?’  ‘I am not,’ he said.” John 18:17

Dear Jesus, When the soldiers came up and declared that “Jesus” was the one whom they wanted, you stepped forward and said, “I am he.”   When a little servant girl, who was just a doorkeeper, asked if Peter knew who you were, without hesitation he said, “I am not.” O, Jesus I see myself in Peter.  I see myself in Peter as I deny you in my fleeting thoughts, the wicked ones that come and then go, but I can’t stop them.  I see myself in Peter as I deny you in my lingering thoughts; the ones that enter and then remain and I don’t even try to move on past them.  I see myself in Peter as I deny you in all my sin.  But there you are stepping forward to take my place. Christ, you step in and take my place.  You take on my sin.  You suffer for me.  You die for me.  And I go free.   Amen.

Thousand, thousand thanks to thee, dearest Lamb of Calvary. 

Friday, April 10th, Good Friday

“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.  Yet not as I will, but as you will.’”  Matthew 26:39

Dear Heavenly Father, I was taught to fold my hands when I pray.  With these folded hands I’m humbly and confidently telling you, “It’s all up to you.  You answer as you think best.”  I don’t know about Jesus’ hands the night he prayed in Gethsemane.  I do, however, know how extreme anguish drove him face down into the dirt.  Before him stood a cup filled to the brim with the poison of the whole world’s sins.  Its every drop would be bitter right down to the dregs.  This horrendous cup was his to drink if he would save mankind’s souls.  And he would have to empty it alone.  No wonder he fell with his face to the ground in prayer that night.  Jesus’ deeply felt sin’s weight but did not refuse to bear it.  He prayed earnestly with tears but did not turn away from your will.  “It’s up to you,” he was humbly telling you.  He also was confidently telling you, “You answer as you think best.”  He trusted a Father who loved him.  How could Jesus do it?  The answer has to be divine love.  Out of love for you he came to this ball of mud where I live.  Out of love for me, a sinner, he stained Calvary’s dirt with his precious blood.  Because of your saving work, I can fold my hands in humble, confident prayer to you.  Even more so, I can live with you forever in your eternal home.  Amen.

Lord, teach me to pray. 

Thursday, April 9th

“At that Jesus said to Peter, ‘Put your sword away!  Am I not to drink the cup the Father has given me?”  John 18:11

Lord Jesus, You were completely willing and totally devoted to going through with this.  Even though there was a group of soldiers who would fight to arrest you, your disciples wanted to fight for you too.  You could have even called a host of angels to your defense.  But you told Peter to put his sword away.  You did not call for that host of angels.  You wanted to save!  You wanted to drink this cup that the Father had given you.  This is that for which you were sent.  This is the cup you were given to drink.  And you willingly drank it for me, for my salvation; for the world, for their salvation.  Amen.

Thousand, thousand thanks to thee, dearest Lamb of Calvary.    

Thursday, April 9th, Maundy Thursday

“After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”  John 1:3-5

Dear Heavenly Father, We use our hands to express love.  With them I caress my spouse, hold my children, comfort my loved ones in distress.  What would I do if I couldn’t touch those nearest and dearest to me?  Jesus also used his hands to express love.  In the upper room at Jerusalem the night before his death, his hands picked up the basin of water and proceeded to wash his disciples’ feet.  Shouldn’t it have been the other way  around?  Shouldn’t they have been washing the feet of their Lord?  He who came to seek and save the lost, now stoops to the work of the lowest slave.  Why?  To give me an example of humble service, of course.  He wants to remind me that he gave me hands to wipe away tears, watch over a soul, forgive a fault, bear with an injustice, invite a sinner, and encourage a saint.  Loving hands change diapers, scrub floors, prepare meals, do homework, bring home the paycheck, fill offering envelopes.  Even more, he wants me to remember how deep his love for me really is.  That night his hands washed feet with water.  The next day they washed souls with his blood on Calvary’s cross.  This night the Savior in love handled the disciples’ feet.  Tomorrow, in a far greater display of love, he handled the world’s sins.  From such wondrous love comes wonderful cleansing for my soul.  Amen.

Lord, help me, the sinner, to pray daily, “Wash me, Savior, or I die.”

Wednesday, April 8th

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10

Dear Jesus, The older I get the more I face situations I seem to handle less confidently.  I think you are purging me of my self-confidence so it will give way to “god Confidence”.  I remember my dad’s tight grip on my little hand when we walked across busy streets.  I am comforted to know you hold my hand in every situation.  I can be small while you are big.  Give me the peace that you won’t let me go even when I am jerking my hand around while saying, “Let me handle this.”  Don’t listen to me.  Listen to this prayer and hold to me forever. Amen.

God won’t let go of his child anymore than you’d let go of a screaming toddler near a busy intersection.

Tuesday, April 7th

“Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story-those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.”  Psalms 107:2-3

Dear Father, Throughout history you have shown yourself to be a God who turns tables and changes fortunes.  When your people were wandering in the wilderness, you changed their fortunes and brought them into a land flowing with milk and honey.  When your people were surrounded by their enemies and seemed destined for defeat, you turned the tables on their enemies and swallowed their enemies in the sea.  This is the story of your rescue throughout the Bible.  A story of intervention in the pride and arrogant ways of your people to turn them back to you.  A story of turning tables on their enemies.  A story of changing their fortunes.  A story of restoring this wilderness of a world into a wondrous paradise.  This is the story of your own work in my life, dear Lord.  You have rescued me!  You brought me to your side.  And when in pride and arrogance I began to go my own way, you intervened to rescue me, to redeem me, to turn me back.  Sometimes you brought me low so that you could lift me up.  Sometimes you turn the tables on those who wanted to hurt me.  Sometimes I don’t even know what you have done in my life to work, to save, and to redeem.  But Father, I know what kind of God you are.  You are a God who turns tables and changes fortunes.  Help me to tell your story today and every day.  Let my whole life sing this story.  Let my mouth tell it loudly and proudly.  Amen.

Our God is a God who turns the tables and changes fortunes!

Monday, April 6th

“As for man, his days are like grass-he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over it, it vanishes, and its place is no longer known.  But from eternity to eternity the LORD’S faithful love is toward those who fear him…His kingdom rules over all.  Psalm 103:15-17, 19

Dear Father, I often forget how temporary and fleeting my life and all the things in it are.  I often forget and get quite worked up about how things are going in my life and in my work.  I get frustrated and upset when things don’t go my way.  I get consumed by the pursuit of things in my life.  But in this, Father, I forget how temporary those things are.  They are here for a moment, but as soon as I get the newest thing it begins to decay and soon it is old, worn, and useless or forgotten to me.  And it’s the same thing with me.  The things that do matter in the moment, but after that moment passes the wind blows over the spot where I was and the place where I worked and I am forgotten.  I say this, Father, not with a sense of despairing fatalism, but with a sense of clear focus.  It is important for me to work and to work well while I can.  It is important for me to make smart decisions in this world.  But it is just as important to remember that my impact and importance in this world is only small and is only temporary.  It is even more important that I remember that your kingdom endures forever and that your kingdom is over all.  When I am all worked up because of the course of my life, remind me that you, Lord, are King.  When I am concerned about things outside of my control or beyond my time, remind me that you, Lord, are King over all.  The wind will never blow over your spot and remove all remembrance of you from the earth.  The ripples of your impact in this world will never stop going out into this world.  And your impact includes me and my life!  You are concerned for my life and are compassionate for me!  Help me to remember this, dear Father, as I live my life.  Give me a godly perspective on my life and a deep hope in your compassion and rule.  You, Lord, are King!  And your kingdom endures forever.  Amen.

My life is short and my impact is limited.  But the impact of King Jesus is eternal.  His kingdom and his rule extends over all-even me! 

Sunday, April 5th, Palm Sunday

“For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteousness, that he might bring you to God.”  1 Peter 3:18

Lord Jesus, Such freedom and joy is mine.  You suffered for all my sins, all of them.  All of the sins of this week, all of the sins of my past, even for all the sins of my future.  You suffered for all of my sins just once.  And you did it all righteously and innocently.  You didn’t deserve a single lick that you got from your enemies.  You didn’t deserve a single stroke of the justice that your Father doled out to you.  And yet you suffered all of that for me.  You suffered all of that so that you might bring me to God.  You have opened the way for me into God’s presence so that I might see him, live with him, and come to him.  This next week, dearest Jesus, as I see you make your way into Jerusalem to suffer for all of our sins, help me to see what you’re doing.  You’re going into Jerusalem to take away my sins.  You’re going there to die for all of my sins.  You’re going there to bring me to God.  Lord Jesus, thank you for this your deepest passion.  It is my salvation.  It is my entry into God’s presence.  Amen.

Saturday, April 4th

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:28

Dear Jesus, What a wonderful verse for this week when we are all hearing about a virus that could sweep the world and kill millions, and when we hear reports out of Nigeria and Pakistan of people killing Christians in brutal attacks.  You gave these words to your Apostle in a day when no one knew what germs were, and the Romans slung people around like rag dolls.  You spoke into their hearts, “I am working well even when you think everything is bad.”  Help me to remember this insight as reports trickle out about new cases of the flu and people running for their lives.  Give me a peace than can be felt by those around me.  Teach me how to be cautious but not fearful, kind but not careless, and obedient but not rigid.  Guide us through these crazy times with the light of your grace and truth.  Amen.

God wants us to work as it depends on us but trust that it really depends on him. 

Friday, April 3rd

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”  Hebrews 13:5

Dear Heavenly Father, These are good times for my generation and me.  The shutdown of our economy makes us stop and reflect on where our help really comes from.  I find myself more worried about widespread financial strain for my friends and me than I do about getting the deadly virus.  Then I have to wonder where my anxiety really comes from.  I think it comes from a subliminal false idea that my economic welfare depends on me and the definable fiscal world in which I reside.  I also think it comes from my lack of experience with widespread economic catastrophe.  Most of the world lives in poverty and disease.  You graciously let me be born into the land of prosperity and opportunities.  So, I’m not very practiced at meditating on truth to get through the hard times.  That’s why this verse is important to me.  It reminds me that you are with me.  I know you will take care of me.  Help me get rid of the very thought that depends on a “what I can see and hear” mentality.  Give me peace and generosity to share with those around me during these tough times.  Make yourself known to every troubled heart.  Calm their fears too and give them friendliness in the stores and along the roads.  Amen.

Worry over finances is the back side of covetousness.  Trust in God and start living free to share.   

Thursday, April 2nd

“But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses.  They said, ‘Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?’  Then Moses cried out to the Lord, ‘What am I to do with these people?  They are almost ready to stone me.’”  Exodus 17:3-4

Dear Heavenly Father, During times when your people are under stress they do not always treat your leaders well.  They grumble and criticize because they are needy and they expect leaders to provide.  I know that many government, corporate and church leaders have to get exasperated just like Moses did.  I’m glad he had your attention.  You spoke to him audibly and came through in miraculous ways to help him lead your people.  Help leaders today during these present crises.  Give them patience and creativity to lead your people and to take care of their needs.  And help your people not to use pressure but prayer to get what they need to make it through.  You always provide.  So, provide for our leaders too.  Amen.

Leadership is a rare gift to be honored and appreciated by its beneficiaries. 

Wednesday, April 1st

One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike.  Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.  Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord.”  Romans 14:5-6

Dear Jesus, For all my life Easter has been a big deal.  You put me in a family and church that celebrates your death and resurrection as the high point of all earthly events.  Our Easter Sunday experience has always been unrivaled on our church family’s calendar.  And this year, you allowed a nasty virus to disperse us to our homes.  There will be no hoopla in the community, no breakfast in the church, no fanfare.  At first glance it seems unfair and surreal.  But it really does have a purifying effect on me.  I’m left to ask, not, “What do those people say Easter means?” to “What do I say it means.”  When I give this some serious thought I have to admit that Easter really is a big deal to me.  Yes, Jesus, it really is a big deal to me that you rose from the dead and I will be acknowledging Holy Week and East Sunday as I always have.  Only this year it will be more solitary, and personal for me.  You have seen to that.  I am fully convinced in my own mind that on Easter I will be celebrating that day as the day you conquered death for us.  And I will do my best to encourage anyone in the sphere of my influence that they meaning of the day will not be lost on a seclusion caused by a virus.  Help me Lord Jesus.  Amen.

Faith and godly reflection are a fiercely personal matter as much as they are a community celebration. 

Tuesday, March 31st

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.  The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to tread on the heights.  Habakkuk 3:17-19 

Dear Heavenly Father, So often I show thanks only after have granted success in earthly matters.  But here Habakkuk says thanks even though his crops fail, and the livestock are gone and he isn’t sure if he will have enough to eat.  He thanks you because he believes your word that promises your direction and protection even when he cannot see it with his eyes.  I thank you now like he does.  I thank you that you are my rescuer and provider even though I don’t know how you are going to do it.  I just trust you will see me through everything in my life and then give me a place in glory with you as the grand prize at the end.  I will trust you through plenty and puny.  Amen.  

God is worthy of our thanks just because he is our God.  How he blesses is just details.   

Monday, March 30th

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”  Psalms 91:11 

 Dear Father, These words set my heart at rest.  As I walk through my life and face danger all the way, it is comforting to know that you have given a command about me!  About me!  There are so many people in this world that you are concerned about, yet you are concerned about me!  There are so many people whom you protect (all of them!), yet you give commands about me!  You tell your angels to watch over me, to protect me in all of my ways.  You tell them to pick me up in their hands to deliver me from danger, especially danger to my soul.  When Satan wants to rob me of faith and my eternity, your angels' step in to wage war for me.  When I cry out to you, you immediately respond to my every prayer.  Protect me, I pray.  Many dangers surround me.  Unseen dangers and threats come after me.  Protect me with your angels.  Keep giving them commands about me so that I might live and serve you all my days.  Amen. 

Though there are many things and many people in this world about whom God is concerned, he gives his angels charge over me!   

Saturday, March 28th

“The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.  Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.”  Psalm 28:8-9 

Dear Heavenly Father, I love this prayer where David asks you to be his Shepherd.  We all want someone to take care of us.  I want you to be the one.  You are the author of my life.  You know the troubles of my situation.  You understand my limitations and my insecurities.  You know my vulnerabilities and my fears.  You know my needs and my wants.  Be my shepherd O God.  Take me by the hand and lead me through any difficult days that lay ahead for me.  As long as I have you as my shepherd, I can face the uncertain future.  Heal me, save me, make me whole.  You are my everything.  Amen. 

God will be with us in every moment.  He cannot forget his own.   

Friday, March 27th

Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy.  The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.  My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”  Psalm 28:6-7 

Dear Heavenly Father, I find myself today being thankful for the merciful way you have treated me for my whole life.  Since I was an infant you have heard my cries for help.  Time after time you sent someone to my rescue.  First my parents, then teachers, friends, police, fire fighters, doctors and other medical professionals.  You have given me godly advice through mentors and have even sent strangers to donate their time for my benefit.  You are behind every help and rescue.  I have thankfulness and joy.  I know how selfish I can be and yet you continue to bless with a forgiving heart.  I trust you because you love so unconditionally.  Thank you for being the God who saves sinners and makes their lives valuable and important.  Amen. 

If we simply stop to count blessings, we can change our attitude to gratitude in a heartbeat.   

Thursday, March 26th

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”    Psalm 90:14 

Lord God, The weight of sin and the burden of life is truly heavy to carry.  It is more than I can bear, though I try mightily to bear it.  I try to push through the weakness of my flesh.  I try to ignore the guilt that lurks in my conscience, that just kind of sits there all day long.  I try to constantly shed it during the day by working harder, by praying more, my meditating longer.  Lord God, the weight of my guilt and the weakness of my flesh lays a burden on me that is impossible to bear.  Forgive me for this foolishness, dear Lord.  And this morning, I pray, satisfy my soul with your faithful and unfailing love.  Your unfailing love truly and fully removes all of my guilt.  Your unfailing love truly and fully envelopes me with your grace and mercy, even in my weakest moments of deepest distress.  Your strength holds me up when the burden is too heavy to bear.  In my weakness, teach me to depend on you for strength.  Yes, even in my strength, teach me to despair of me and to depend on you.  Let your mercies rain down on me this morning and this week as I rise up to serve you.  Let your power and your Spirit gush down on me from above that I might be filled with your wisdom and your strength.  My strength is weak; your strength is truly strength.  Fill me with it.  Amen. 

There is only one thing that truly satisfies and sets our hearts at rest.  The faithful and unfailing love of our God is that one thing.  His love and his power alone lift the weight of guilt and the weakness of our mortality.   

Wednesday, March 25th

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  Colossians 3:12 

Dear Jesus, Help my friends in Christ and me to put on your beautiful clothes today and wear them for the blessing of others and the betterment of all humankind.  Help us avoid soiling our spiritual clothes with crankiness and chronic complaining.  Where we see sin, help us to forgive and to give people the benefit of the doubt.  Help us take words and actions in the kindness possible way.  Amen. 

Jesus Christ’s spiritual clothing is always in style.