Monday July 19th

“He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world righteously and the peoples fairly.” Psalm 98:9

Lord God, I’ve only been to court a few times and only for some minor things. But even so that was a nerve-wracking day. I had done something wrong and there was going to be punishment. There was no escaping it .Your courtroom holds even greater fear. There, in your presence everything will be laid bare because nothing is hidden from you. To consider standing in front of you, sinner that I am, is terrifying to consider. But I’m not afraid, Lord God. Your Son has paid the debt I owed and for my sin was destroyed. Within the Book of Life, I know that my name has now been written. I will not doubt for I am free; Satan cannot threaten me. There is no condemnation. When the books are opened and all things are laid bare, there will be no sin written behind my name. Your Son has claimed my sin as his own. There are no sins on my record anymore. And greater than that-behind my name all his works will be written. I get credit for the perfect way that your Son, Jesus, lived his life. Oh God, I am not afraid of that day when I will stand before you. I will stand before you as a bride, holy and dressed in the righteousness. I will stand in joy. I will stand in confidence. Help me to always look forward to that day in faith and not in fear. Amen.

Saturday July 17, 2021

“Declare his glory among the nations, his wonderful works among all peoples.” Psalm 96:3

Lord God, You are a great God, supreme among any power and authority both on this earth and in the spiritual arena. There is none like you. There is none who works like you. And yet, as I listen to things that come out of my mouth and reflect on what I declare, it often isn’t about your greatness. I say what I see as I look at the ruin we wreaked on creation. I say what I see as I look at the sinful divisions among culture groups, and even in my own family. I say what I see even as I look at myself. I very clearly see all that is wrong with me, with others, and with the world. And those are the things I declare. But Lord God, you are a great God. You are doing far more in this world than I give you credit for. You are doing far more in this world that I can even begin to imagine. Your glory is everywhere to see, hidden in plain sight if only I will meditate on your works. Today, help me to ponder your goodness, your greatness and your glory. Then, let the meditation of my heart flow out of my mouth so that I truly declare your glory wherever I go. Amen

Friday 16, 2021

“He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world righteously and the peoples fairly.” Psalm 98:9

Lord God, I’ve only been to court a few times and only for some minor things. But even so that was a nerve-wracking day. I had done something wrong and there was going to be punishment. There was no escaping it. Your courtroom holds even greater fear. There, in your presence everything will be laid bare because no thing is hidden from you. To consider standing in front of you, sinner that I am, is terrifying to consider. But I’m not afraid, Lord God. Your Son has paid the debt I owed and for my sin was destroyed. Within the Book of Life, I know that my name has now been written. I will not doubt for I am free; Satan cannot threaten me. There is no condemnation. When the books are opened and all things are laid bare, there will be no sin written behind my name. Your Son has claimed my sin as his own. There are no sins on my record anymore. And greater than that-behind my name all his works will be written. I get credit for the perfect way that your Son, Jesus, lived his life. Oh God, I am not afraid of that day when I will stand before you. I will stand before you as a bride, holy and dressed in the righteousness. I will stand in joy. I will stand in confidence. Help me to always look forward to that day in faith and not in fear. Amen.

Thursday July 15TH

“He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32

Dear Jesus, Your kingdom started so small and now for 2000 years it has circled the globe many times over !It’s amazing that your church is built on a message about your solitary life, death, and resurrection that happened so long ago. It always starts small in one heart at a time but it grows into groups and clans of people. I have watched your church grow all around me and throughout my region. I’m amazed at how many people your church has blessed too. You nailed it for us when you used this parable. It encourages me when I think that the church is so small. I’m encouraged to trust that you will make small things grow large as your word spreads. I will optimistically do my part to plan your word as seeds in the hearts of people too. Amen.

The word grows people like seeds grow plants. Don’t hide its power under your doubts about whether it works or not

Wednesday July 14th

All who served carved images, those who boast in idols, will be put to shame. All the gods must worship him.” Psalm 97:7

O God in Heaven, You are the King above all kings and the only true God, above all gods. You are the God of glory, might, power and dominion. All things in heaven and on earth bow before your throne. At least we should; yes, Lord God, this includes me. I find myself trusting in other people and other things to protect and provide for me. I find myself looking to other people and other things to give me meaning and purposes in life. I find myself seeking joy and happiness in other places besides you. But these people and these things will only let me down. These people and things are nothing but idols and they can’t help but let me down because they aren’t you! Forgive me, Father! Forgive me for seeking good elsewhere. Forgive me for finding joy in other people. Forgive me for seeking safety in the arms of another. Forgive me and help me to make you my one and only. Teach me to fear, to love and trust you above all things. There is none like you. All other gods will disappoint me, but you never will. Amen.

Tuesday July 13th

“The depths of the earth are in his hand, and the mountain peaks are his. The sea is his; he made it. His and formed the dry land.”

Psalm 95:4-5O

God, You alone are God and all that exists in this world is yours. The depths of the earth, the mountain heights, the seas and oceans, along with all the land. It’s easy for me to believe and rejoice in your created works and be glad that it is yours. But I often forget that the little stuff is yours too. That every penny in my bank account and every cent that is included in my paycheck is yours too. That every item in my closet and every tool in my garage is yours. Every moment of each day is yours. All that I call “mine” is really yours. It is your time, a gift that you give me to serve you and others. It is all your money and your budget, a gift that you give me to serve you and others. It is all your money and your budget, a gift that you give me to manage to seek first your kingdom. They are your possessions, a gift to me to be used to serve the world. All that I am and all that I have is yours. Help to me worship and honor you with all that I am and all that I have today. Amen

Monday July 12th

“The LORD will not forsake his people or abandon his heritage.” Psalm 94:14

LORD, I look into the world and I see injustice in it. I even see injustice in my own life. But God, you promise never to leave me or forsake me. Work out justice for me and for all people in this world. Reign with your mighty power. I find Evil and sin standing in the way of the mission you have given me. Deliver us from Evil and get rid of all obstacles to your Word. Sometimes I feel like I’m losing hold and losing ground, always falling further behind and never getting ahead. Come Lord and help me. I am overwhelmed by the duties and responsibilities laid upon me. The cross is heavy Lord. Come and bring me your word of comfort that I might be strengthened and sustained. Help me Lord. I’m not letting go until you bless me. Amen

Saturday July 10th

“The LORD reigns! He is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed, enveloped in strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken .” Psalm 93:1

Lord God, I am often troubled by the future. I imagine all kinds of “what ifs” and other possibilities. Some of those possibilities excite me to imagine that they may come true. But much of what I imagine frightens me ,because it might come to pass. I’m worried. I’m afraid. I’m consumed by thoughts about what might be.

Lord God, you reign. This is all I need to remember. You sit on your throne in majesty, robed in might and strength. You truly hold all things in your hands and control all things with your powerful Word. You truly govern the nations so I don’t fear the election. You truly rule over all the events in my life so I don’t fear that may or may not come to pass. Help me to hear your voice: “Do not let your hearts be troubled, trust in God and trust in me.” You Lord, are trustworthy. Teach me to trust you. Amen.

Friday July 9th

“That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many thing sin parables,” Matthew 12:1-3

Dear Jesus, You have such a passion that every single person has an opportunity to hear your word that you made adjustments to get the word to the crowd. I have recreated your moment by pushing out into a boat a ta campground to teach 150 youth on shore. I see how it worked for you. It only makes me admire you more .Help me to make the same effort with your word for people around me. I want them to hear the word and understand it for their spiritual well-being. Give your churches men and women who will help their pastors use technology to advance the ministry of the word in ways that all people can receive it. Give all of us Christians a passion for sharing the good news in relevant and meaningful ways too. Help your people help the world to find you! Amen.

The word of God is too valuable to waste on shoddy presentations and static laden airwaves.

Thursday July 8th

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11-12

O Father, It is simply stounding the way you take care of me. You don’t just watch from a distance, you protect me with your own mighty arm. You don’t just sit on a park bench and watch me while you read the news paper, you send angels for me, just for me. You give them orders and directions about me. Angels are not just your servants, but you also give them as mighty servants for me. They are given for me, to serve me as I wait for my eternal salvation. God, dear Father in heaven, your care for me is beyond comprehension. Amen.

Wednesday July 7th

“Better a day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to live in the tents of the wicked.” Psalm 84:10

O God, There is no place I would rather be. The way of the wicked may seem good in the moment, but that’s all the longer that the pleasure lasts. The way of the wicked may seem good during this life, but that’s all the longer that their path might flourish. It won’t last. In fact, you make it clear that the wicked and unbelieving will perish forever. But with you-that’s where I want to be. You shield me with your power and protection, shielding me from the fiery darts of the Evil One and even directing all the evil intents of other people for my good and the good of your church. You daily pour out your blessings on me giving me all that I need, even giving me Jesus and the full forgiveness of all my sin. You give me the victory over all things through baptism, through faith in the resurrection of your Son. I am more than a conqueror through him who loves me that much. O God, it is so good to be with you. I’ll open the door to your house any day. Just let me be near you. Amen.

Tuesday July 6th

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.” Matthew 12:43-45

Dear Jesus, You love to live in our hearts through your word. You know that we cannot survive spiritually against the band of demons roaming the earth if we are depend on our moral strength to keep our hearts clean. We need you there with your purging grace and restoring truth .Stay in my heart through your Holy Spirit and give me your power to keep our hearts clean. We need you there with your purging grace and restoring truth. Stay in my heart through your Holy Spirit and give me your power to keep my life safe from all the destructive influence of the devils’ lies. Give me your keen spiritual discernment to tell the difference between good and evil. Make your love the driving force for all my thoughts. Amen.

Let Jesus answer the door when the devil comes knocking on your heart

Monday July 5th

“While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’ He replied to him, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ Pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’” Matthew 12:46-50

Dear Jesus, They thought you were crazy. That’s why they came to get you. My family has thought I was crazy too at times, although, it was probably for different reasons. Your answer makes me realize that faith is thicker than blood. I feel closer to people who believe in you and want to follow your word than I do to my own kinfolks who live reckless lives. I feel closer to people who love you and aren’t afraid to say it than I do to people and friends who love money more than anything else. It’s no wonder, because not everyone has been born again by your Holy Spirit. Help me to find comfort in the believers with whom I share life, especially when I feel far from relatives. Also, help me to unconditionally love those I don’t feel close to. They need to see you work through me and for them, even though we are different. Amen.

When God adopts you into his family he gives you lots of siblings.

Saturday July 3rd

“Lord, you have been our refuge in every generation. Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from eternity to eternity, you are God.” Psalm 90:1-2

Lord God, The most permanent things here only prove to be temporary. Permanent markers wash away after a week. Tattoos fade over time. Even the most stable governments crumble over time. Nothing lasts. No one is truly permanent. Except you. Before everything was, you were. After this world ends, you will still be. You are the one lasting, permanent and eternal constant. Teach me-though I am but dust and a mist that is here then vanishes-to hide myself in you and find my security in you. You are my lasting, eternal and permanent refuge for all my days and beyond. Amen.

Friday July 2nd

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.”

Psalm 73:23

Lord God, You are good and gracious all the time. But sometimes it is hard to see it. Almost everything in this world seems to be turned upside down. Much in my life seems to be out of control. But God, you take me by the hand and lead me along in these uncharted and dangerous waters. There is nowhere along the way where your grace will not guide me, where your power will not protect me, or where you are not working all things for my good. You, O God, go before me; you are behind me; you walk by my side. So, Lord, take my hand and lead me along life’s way. Direct, protect and lead me, day by day. Without your hand, O Savior, I go astray. So take my hand and lead me! Amen.

Thursday July 1st

“Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, ‘Teacher, we want to see a sign from you. ’He answered, ‘A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here. The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.” Matthew 12:38-45

Dear Jesus, Your death and resurrection out of perfect love for my soul is enough for me. Far be it from me to ever demand a sign ‘greater’ than that. There is none. I know you are the perfect God, because you are honest with me about my need, but at the same time you fill it. I cannot understand how you could be dead and then come back to life. But more than that, I cannot understand how you have given up your life for mine, sinner that I am. I believe it with all my heart. It gives me peace and joy. Thanks for making my life worth so much. Amen.

Don’t let any criticism touch your value. Jesus has established your worth for you

Wednesday June 30th

“Strength belongs to God, and faithful love belongs to you, LORD.” Psalm62:11b-12

Lord God, When I am afraid, I will trust in you. When I am planning, I will trust in you. When I am making precautions, I will trust in you. When I am overwhelmed, I will trust in you. In any and every situation, I will trust in you because you Lord God are strong. You always tip and even control the scales for my good. You are on my side. In any and every situation, I will trust in you because you Lord God are loving; in fact, you love me!! Amen.

Nothing happens to me and in my life that his love doesn’t see. And out of love, then, God always sees, responds, and acts for me and my good.

Tuesday June 29th

“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” Matthew 12:30-32

Dear Jesus, Your words make me shudder. I wonder if I have committed the unpardonable sin. Then I remember that you are talking about a continual rejection of your Holy Spirit and his word. The fear I have of sinning against him is your desired effect. I do believe that I am a lost sinner without you. I do accept you as my Lord and Savior. I realize now that this is the mark of responding correctly to the Holy Spirit’s greatest work, creating and sustaining faith. Now, since I am at peace with you, come and help me today to speak in ways that honor you and show love for others, to help those who are needing it and to be joyful in hope. I am gathered with you on your team. Help me to wear the uniform with pride. Amen.

If you are afraid of committing the unpardonable sin, you haven’t

Monday June 28th

“So I gaze on you in the sanctuary, to see your strength and your glory.” Psalm 63:2

Lord God, You are the shade at my right hand who shelters me from the hot, beating sun. It will not harm me during the day; and the moon won’t harm me by night. You are my sentry who stands guard day and night watching over me so that nothing and no one will harm me. You do not slumber or sleep. You never fall asleep while on duty. Jesus, you are my salvation and my righteousness .Father, you are my Creator and the giver of every good and perfect gift. You have been and are working all things together for good. Shield and guide me today! Be my oasis and a place of refuge for me all day, no matter what it brings. Amen.

In his sanctuary, there in his presence, you will find rest and relief from all the stresses that come with the day. There you will find help with all the burdens that are laid on your shoulders. There you will find an oasis in the desert drear

Saturday June 26TH

“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you will honor me.” Psalm 50:15

Lord God, Teach me to pray first and act second. I’m so quick to go to work and get to solving. My first reaction is action. But that puts me in the “god” position. And that isn’t my role. You are my God and I love you. You are my Savior and you promise to rescue me. Teach me to pray first and act second. Amen.