Thursday, September 3rd

“Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world.  If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders.  But now my kingdom is from another place.’  ‘You are a king, then!’ said Pilate.  Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king.  In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth.  Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’”  John 18:36-37

Dear Heavenly Father, As we seek to make sense of your life, as we seek to understand your rule, as we look for direction, as we seek out peace and hope and joy and freedom, we need to seek it in the one place where it is to be found: your Word.  You haven’t spoken in secret so that we don’t know what you’ve said.  You spoke openly to us through the Scriptures so we and all the world will know truth.  In all things, let us seek your Word.  Help us to listen to your Voice.  And let truth rule over our heart and life.  Amen.

Jesus is a king, yet his kingdom is not of this world.  He is a king who came to testify to the truth.  His kingdom is a spiritual kingdom and he rules over it by his truth.

Wednesday, September 2nd

“What causes fights and quarrels among you?  Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?  You desire but do not have, so you kill.  You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.  You do not have because you do not ask God.  When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”  James 4:1-3

Dear Jesus, During this time of “social-distancing” I find the “social-nearing” with family to be challenging.  When it was easier to walk or drive away I could avoid facing certain issues with them.  But now we’re stuck at home.  It’s like I’m forced to deal with them in order to survive.  Pettiness has reared its ugly head too.  Here in this passage, your brother cleared the air of all confusion.  The reasons I would get into a spat with anyone center around my desires and ill-placed feelings within me.  They make me competitive for attention, for advantage, for relaxation and for being right.  I’m tempted to think that if it is to be it is all up to me.  That’s when I push for them to change or defend myself without repentance.  James says it plainly, “You do not have because you do not ask God.”  Oh Lord, teach me to pray to you about what I am otherwise prone to complain about to my family.  I will put your Word to the test.  I will pray for you, for what I think needs to change, and I will make sure I practice unconditional love while I wait for you to change my loved one and me.  I will wrestle with you (and become an Israel) instead of wrestle with them.  Then when the fruits of your Holy Spirit take over and I see the changes in both of us, I will grow in faith instead of sit and sulk in frustration.  Come and be my God and change what’s in us that makes us struggle to be happy, because you promise to answer prayers more than you promise to bless human manipulation and arguing.  Amen.

Prayer to God and arguing with people will not coexist long in a believer’s heart. 

Tuesday, September 1st

“Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem.  On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, ‘We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law.  They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified.  On the third day he will  be raised to life!’”  Matthew 20:17-19

Dear Jesus, You knew that in only two or three weeks your earthly life would come to an end.  But you didn’t let the stress of knowing the road ahead render you ineffective.  No, the love and spiritual perfection you possessed made you live one moment at a time to the fullest.  So, you loved and taught and served in the moment, even though the end was near.  Help me to live the moment today too.  They are saying we have to stay at home for a month and that we will have gloomy, rainy weather for a week.  All this during the highest season of the church as me bummed.  I want to sulk about it, but then I see you were living to the fullest when you had death on the horizon, I am goaded to live today to the fullest like you.  Walk with me and help me use this seclusion under a cloud for the good of my fellow humans and for your glory.  Amen.

Nothing yesterday or tomorrow can affect today unless you let it. 

Monday, August 31st

“Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.  So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.”  John 12:9-11

Dear Jesus, It was only a few days before you would die for us.  You knew the time was near.  You had raised from the dead your dear friend, Lazarus.  It should have been a happy time without flaw.  But it wasn’t.  It was still planet earth where jealousies and fear drive people and disease invades homes and lives.  The Jewish leaders with their hard hearts responded by wanting to kill Lazarus.  I wonder when it was that Lazarus regretted being brought back to this mess.  But as dark as the time was, it was still holy, and set apart for our salvation.  I know this dark time on our planet is still a holy time even though there’s a virus competing for the spotlight among diseases that kill.  It’s a time for all of us to purge our minds and hearts, to reconnect with what’s real and important and spiritual.  It’s our time to grow out of pain and suffering and stress.  The people around you after you raised Lazarus put their faith in you even though they were in hard times.  I will put my faith in you too.  Our present situation does not define the meaning of life for me.  You do.  My life is about resurrection and hope.  Help me reflect that hope and grace to the ones stuck at home with me.  Amen.

Going over to Jesus in a chaotic world is the best way to shelter at home! 

Saturday, August 29th

“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.  Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.  Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.”  Isaiah 53:3-4

Dear Jesus, One of the most irksome things in life is being accused of something that someone else did.  It drives me crazy to think about it.  And here I see in this passage that for thousands of years before you were accused of everything I did, you were contemplating it.  You laid it all out in prophetic scripture.  You weren’t just accused, you were convicted and punished for my crimes.  How deeply you embraced the unjust suffering that brought my justice.  It’s like it was already done.  You even talked about it in past tense.  I know you see my sins.  I know you took them on yourself.  I know you want this to settle my guilt once and for all.  Frankly, it’s the most intimate act of love I could ever imagine.  You are the truest friend for every soul.  Thank you for taking the wrap for me.  Help me to be grace-filled to everyone in my life as my way of showing my gratitude to you.  Amen.

The greatest sign that we believe in grace is that we share it others. 

Friday, August 28th

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.  Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”  Proverbs 31:8-9

Dear Heavenly Father, Give me that altruistic heart that sees the human rights of the destitute, that defends the less fortunate, that networks with other privileged people to get help to those in need.  Make me take the time to see those who need a friend who can change their lives by the help he brings.  Keep me from a judgmental heart that forgets how your grace has carried me over troubled waters that I had created for myself.  Make me a helper but not an enabler.  Give me your heart that values every soul, even the most simple or pitiful ones.  Make me a lover of people who does what he can to help.  Then, also help me to sleep well at night trusting that I cannot fix everything for everyone.  Give me the humility to leave room for you to bring help from other places.  Finally, thank you for rescuing all of use by divesting yourself of everything, even your breath in order to bring us life forever with you.  Amen.

Investing in the welfare of others reflects the heart of God in our own souls. 

Thursday, August 27th

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”  James 1:5

Dear Heavenly Father, I am so flawed and the knowledge of my failures is a constant unwanted companion.  It affects my prayers too.  I think, “If I were God I wouldn’t listen to me.  I’m such a failure.  I don’t deserve his help.”  It makes the way I think about you and myself.  It makes me trust your grace.  You could find fault but you don’t.  You love me that much.  So, I need your help God.  The problems this pandemic has caused are too complex for me.  Give me wisdom on how to carry out my responsibilities to family, job, church and my community.  Help me to adequately allay fears and meet needs.  I will use your wisdom to bless others as best as I can.  But I need your supernatural help to be wise enough to know how.  Amen.

Guilt isolates people and drives them crazy.  God’s grace unlocks the cell and lets you out.

Wednesday, August 26th

“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. 

Tuesday, August 25th

“Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.  Instead, be filled with the spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.  Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Ephesians 5:15-20

Dear Jesus, What it must be like as the eternal God who gave himself only 33 years on earth to watch us waste our time as if we will be here forever.  Help us to redeem our time by finding ways to grow in your word and to serve others instead of mindless binge watching shows on our televisions where others act out make-believe stories spun in the human mind.  The real life drama you have placed right in front of us, is a great opportunity for us to grow internally and have a greater impact on human life.  You designed your word and music to be a powerful combination to make your truths stick in our hearts.  So, give us the creativity to use technology, our voices, musical instruments, and Christian songs to lift each other up and give hope to those who are discouraged.  Help us to replace our penchant for partying with a deep desire to practice sincere Christian joy.  Amen.

A day can’t be saved but it can be invested for a better day tomorrow.

Monday, August 24th

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!  I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.  Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”        Psalm 119:103-104

Dear Heavenly Father, I long for direction and comfort in my life.  Of all the messages I receive every day, I have never found anything as pure and enlightening as your holy scripture.  It always seems to speak to me in my inner most being.  It always takes into consideration what I already know by natural knowledge, that there is a God, that he is you, the creator of all things.  Your word helps me be honest with myself and it gives me the one solution for guilt that no other script has ever done.  It helps me know right from wrong and gives me a desire to chase after the right.  It makes me want to pick myself up when I fall and it makes me want to love my family, my friends and even my enemies.  Your word is spiritual power that drives my life from deep within my soul.  Thank you for giving us a book that ignites fire in the soul of all who read it.  Give me a desire to know your word that makes me prioritize reading it from a quiet place every day.  Amen.

The word of God is living and powerful.  That’s no empty claim.

Saturday, August 22nd

“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.   

Friday, August 21st

“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. 

Thursday, August 20th

“Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.”  Proverbs 12:16

Dear Heavenly Father, Help me to wink at criticism and to stuff my clatter about pet-peeves.  I don’t need to be so egocentric as to believe that everyone needs to know what gripes me.  And often the person that’s annoying me needs my love and patience more than my frustration.  Give me the peaceful strength to avoid venting frustration without repressing it.  Help me to pray my frustrations to you and then to find in your Word the solutions for my angst.  When I do overlook an insult, use that one act of self-control to strengthen the bonds between the one insulting and me.  Oh God, give me the power and wisdom to step out of the downward spiral of disintegrating relationships.  Amen.

Friends that can take a punch are trusted companions in hard times. 

Wednesday, August 19th

“Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will never pass away.”  Matthew 24:35

“God’s Word is our great heritage and shall be ours forever; to spread its light from age to age shall be our chief endeavor.  Through life it guides our way, in death it is our stay.  Lord, grant, while worlds endure, we keep its teachings pure.  Throughout all generations. “ Amen.

You can trust this Book!  And not just the Book.  You can count on the God of this Book.  He has spoken and he will not change his mind.  His Word will not disappear. 

Tuesday, August 18th

“From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced.”  Proverbs 10:31

Dear Heavenly Father, Spare the people around me from any words that come out of my mouth that are selfish, unkind, sarcastic, mean, negative and critical.  Instead guide my thinking and speaking to be positive, encouraging and uplifting.  Help me point to you and the possibilities that you open up to us when we trust that nothing is impossible for you.  Give me the faith, hope and love to make my wholesome talk the honest outflow of a believing heart instead of the forced drip of a polluted mind.  Make me a spring of living water just as your Son was in his short life.  Amen.

Let God clean the well and the water it produces will bless everyone who meets it. 

Monday, August 17th

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.  This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”  2 Timothy 1:9

Dear Jesus, There’s almost too much here in this one little verse for me to fathom.  You gave me your grace before the beginning of time?  That’s when I was just an idea in your mind but nothing more.  In grace you chose my planned soul to be one who would learn how you fixed our biggest problem called sin and death and restored us to God the Father even before we were born to fall away from him.  What a mind bender?  I will try hard to meditate on your grace today amidst all the hustle and bustle of my various activities.  I cannot get over the fact that I was chosen by you before I even existed.  Help me get this Lord Jesus!  Amen.

Being chosen by God is way more faith building than thinking you first chose him. 

Saturday, August 15th

“LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.”  Isaiah 25:1

Dear Heavenly Father, It blows my mind to think that with billions of people on the earth, you planned the intimate details of my own little life from eternity.  But by faith in your word, I believe it.  This gives me great comfort because many times my life seems to be a series of random problems strung together and wrapped around my neck.  Since you planned this crazy life of mine, I beg of you to walk beside me in it.  Teach me how to live with hope, peace, faith and love as I deal with situations that too often seem too big for me to handle.  You took care of making me and saving me.  I believe you will take care of all my present struggles too.  Amen.

God planned us from eternity.  What a huge thought to fill one’s day with thinking.

Friday, August 14th

“When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?’  He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.”  John 6:5-6

Dear Jesus, So many moments in my life are like this one where you made the disciples stare at their need to realize that without your help they would be sunk.  You often help me see my spiritual, physical and mental depravity so I will learn to depend on you for everything.  And I have seen you come through over and over again.  This Biblical story and my own memories of blessings after emptiness help me let go of my anxieties today.  You will provide.  I cannot do this on my own.  I need you.  Lord Jesus, be my rescuer in every way.  Amen.

We don’t even take one breath without God’s approval.  Why do we worry about anything else? 

Thursday, August 13th

“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, Well, that verse is the understatement of the century.  You have shown me how different my ideas are from yours in how you have unfolded my life.  And while most of the events you orchestrated turned out better than my abandoned plans, I trust that those that seem to have been a curse, are actually going to turn out to be a blessing.  I love the mystery involved from knowing you are thinking much higher thoughts about my life than I am.  Go ahead and take the wheel.  Just let me know when you want me to get out and do some good works for you.  I will do my best to blossom where I am planted by clinging to your promises.  Amen.

God always thinks the best thoughts toward us because he sees his Son in what he is making us out to be. 

Wednesday, August 12th

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.  The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”  Psalms 19:7

Dear Heavenly Father, You never planned to leave us to our own devices.  You laid out very clearly what was right and wrong about property, sexuality, reputation, covetousness, envy, trust, and many other virtues.  Your words on these matters are a firm foundation under my life.  They save me oodles of time and energy too.  I can trust your moral will for all people.  However, even though I know your law, I break it.  So, I still desperately need more than your law.  I need your grace and mercy too.  Thank you for both.  With law and gospel my spiritual needs are met.  I’m ready to live them both today.  Amen.

Grace and truth are both earrings adorning a believer's soul.