Tuesday October 5th

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God....Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Romans 8:26-34

Dear Jesus, All my life I’ve been annoyed to know that others were talking about me. I remember in grade school when I realized that the girls among my classmates talked about everyone and everything about everyone including myself. I remember overhearing my parents, my educators, my friends, my enemies and even my pastors talking about me. For years it drove me crazy that I could not control the diatribe and reputation that others created for me based on a limited understanding of what made me tick. It seemed so unfair and undisciplined, and a tool of the devil. I know Jesus that I overreact to this because of my sinfulness .Thank you for being forgiving and patient with me. I’m deeply comforted to know that although I suffer herewith people talking about me, that you and the Holy Spirit are talking about me to the heavenly Father. That’s what counts with me now. It’s not what people say to people that matters so much. It’s what you three say to each other about me that counts for me. Your word assures me; the Holy Spirit seeks help for me when he talks to the Father about me. You seek my pardon and forgiveness when you talk to the Father about me. I choose to focus on what you three are saying about me to each other rather than concern myself with the words of fallible mortals. Amen

.t doesn’t matter what people are saying to people about you as much as it matters what God is saying to God about you

Saturday October 2nd

“He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:10-13

Dear Jesus, After you shouted “It is Finished!” from your cross, you were anything but finished blessing us. Now, from your seat in heaven, you whisper in the Father’s ear and talk to him about me (Romans 8). You rule over all things all over the world for the good of your church (Ephesians 1:23) and here you tell me that you dole out leaders for the church to grow people into your likeness. I have had many teachers and pastors who have done your bidding to disciple me into who I am today. All along it was you that sent them. You knew what I needed and brought them into my life. I will be forever grateful. Thank you for continually sending more and more soul shepherds to your earth. You once told us to pray for more laborers (Matthew 9:35-38),and so here I am asking for you to increase the workers in your vineyard in these last days while so much spiritual darkness is being puffed out all over the world. Amen

.If you have been touched spiritually by any church leader ever, you have Jesus to thank

Friday October 1st

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them I the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Dear Holy Spirit, I see you listed as the third person of the Trinity in the “great Commission” of Jesus. I hear theologians call you the “silent member” of the holy Trinity too. In part I believe it, you never bring attention to yourself, but you faithfully and forcefully move throughout humanity as each generation is born. You call wayward hearts home to the Father and the Son by making sure people are inspired with truth that jettisons to sons between them. You whisper into the ear of the rebel and comfort the sad and shamed sinners. You point to Jesus and make us see his work for us. You purify my heart by leading me to repentance and faith. You make me wise to help others and you give me the desire to do it. If it were not for your quiet efforts I would be a useless heap of rubble. But as it is, you make me a tool in the hand of the Father to change the lives of others. Thank you Holy Spirit for being the God of my soul. Amen.

God’s Holy Spirit is the appointed best friend we all need

Thursday September 30th

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it...The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Dear Jesus, How simple and yet how profound are these words written by your aging apostle! You have always been the Word who was with God and who is God. You were involved in the creation of the world. You made me and all creatures. Then, you became one of us, to redeem us from our devastating mistakes. You are full of power, grace and truth. As my creator today, accept my life as a “thank offering” to you. As my redeemer, accept my grace towards others as my way of honoring your sacrifice for me. As my teacher, accept my willingness to obey your command to believe in your word as objective truth. You are God. You are my God. You are my God and I love you for how you made me and then saved me. Amen.

We are Jesus’ invention and he takes care of that which is his

Wednesday September 29th

“Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” Colossians 1:24

Dear Jesus, At first glance Paul’s words look blasphemous. How could anything be lacking in the sacrifice you made? But when I consider the context I see that he is taking us to deep spiritual truths. He’s talking about the union we have with you as believers. You are in us leading us to serve just as you did. As we lay down our lives and give up our own wills in order to spread your word and confront people to save them, you are suffering through us. It’s a “sacramental” suffering to bring your salvation to others through our lives. We are your means to save. Ah, this is part of what we mean by “mystic union.” We are mystically united with you. You are in us and we are in you and together we suffer to serve the planet. How deep! How real! How intimate it becomes! Help me to have the same attitude of Paul and give me the wisdom and strength to resist the quitter and delegator attitude so prevalent among my people. Amen.

Serving God and people is not easy but it’s important

Tuesday September 28th

“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, ‘Do you have anything here to eat?’ They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.” Luke 24:36-43

Dear Jesus, You wanted them to know you were not only alive but that you were still fully human. They got to touch you and you ate in front of them. Once you had become human you would never return to being only God. That’s a great mystery (1 Timothy 3:16). Now you are fully one of us and we are one with you. We are the redeemed human! Our bodies will be like yours someday, glorified and holy. Seeing that you appeared in the glorified flesh gives me peace and hope. My body so subject to decay will one day be changed to eternally alive. Thank you for becoming like me so I could become like you. It’s grace in living color. I will live with hope today. Amen.

Because he lives we also live too and with a whole different outlook.

Monday September 27th

“You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Psalm 139:1-6

Dear Jesus, You know everything about everything, especially me. This both frightens and comforts me. It frightens me because I know how often my thoughts, words and actions have strayed. It’s like every few minutes. I think how disappointed you must be. But then it comforts me because I cannot fully figure anything out but I know you have a handle on it anyway. You hold all things in the grasp of your knowledge and insight. Nothing escapes you and nothing is too hard for you to resolve. Since I know your grace I can bear the thought that you know me so well too. I am not alone. I am never alone. That will comfort me today. Amen.

God knows everything so you don’t have to.

Monday September 20th

“When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, ‘Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.’ ‘How do you know me?’ Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, ‘I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.’” John 1:47-48

Dear Jesus, You see all our thoughts and all our personal spiritual pursuits. You knew Nathaniel was a man of integrity who diligently searched for your Father. You revealed to him that you knew his heart. He immediately trusted you. When I think about you knowing all my thoughts and that you still want me, it makes me trust you too. Help me overcome my crazy self-made ideas. Teach me the Scriptures that apply to my thinking. You see where the soft spots are. Open my heart to see and believe what you say about those issues. Change me by coming to see me in my individual spiritual journey and bring me to your safe place .Amen.

Jesus knows every question and false idea you have. Let him teach you the way out of the fog of confusion

Saturday September 18th

“As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.” Titus 3:12-15

Dear Jesus, Thank you for putting me on your team with so many wonderful people whom you have sanctified and deployed to create your goodness on the earth. My life has been so full because of the people you have given me to serve with. Help me be a good teammate for all of them and to find new ways to make my life leave a larger spiritual footprint on this earth to your glory. Amen.

Your spiritual footprint is much more important than your carbon footprint.

Friday September 17th

“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.” Titus 3:9-11

Dear Jesus, There’s something intoxicating about the pursuit of an argument. The prize of being right or feeling right all too easily drags my heart into debate. Somehow winning over anyone with an opposing viewpoint feels like I’m conquering the world. I’m embarrassed at how the argument can be about the smallest domestic issue in my own home or as large as some world political platform that I have no control over. I can quarrel about how things should be done or about what I actually said back when versus what someone thought I said. In Titus’ days his church friends were tempted to argue about Pharisaical righteousness; that is, who was being good by following personal religious traditions or not. I have noticed how easily I can get caught up in my own church debates too. Oh Jesus, don’t let me lose time and hurt people by getting caught up in useless arguing about anything. I want off that bus. I want to pursue peace and find ways to share your word and grace with others rather than intoxicate myself with debate whether with family, church members or secular friends. Amen.

Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up

Thursday September 16th

“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” Titus 3:3-8

Dear Jesus, Paul describes our lives before we are cleansed by your law and gospel; deceived, envious, hating and being hated. It sounds envious, hating and being hated. It sounds like our world but it also sounds like me when I honestly look into my heart. But I have experienced your cleansing of the guilt of this life. To come to faith and to live in the faith with your word touching my heart is a constant cleansing. You wash the deck of my heart daily. The picture you describe as a washing of rebirth helps make me feel clean inside, not because I haven’t produced any dirt but because you wash that dirt away by exposing it, sweeping it out and replacing it with love. No wonder the response you tell us that you are looking for is a life devoted to doing what is good and profitable to everyone. I want my life to be clean and useful for others. Free me from the filth of my own selfishness and help me rise up to change the world by actively loving others in your name and to your glory. Amen.

When God confronts our sin to relieve us of it, he has others in mind that he wants to bless through us too

Wednesday September 15th

“The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was lefty unfinished and appoint elder sin every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless-not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” Titus 1:5-9

Dear Jesus, I thank you that for my whole life you have given me pastors and church lay leaders who not only lived with integrity and a love for what is good, but who also demonstrated a white knuckle grip on the gospel you won for us. I’m thinking of many moments at their feet in church pews, Sunday school classrooms and seminary quarters. All of them were very different men but had these two common denominators: 1) they lived worthy of respect and 2) they had a white knuckle grip on your word and grace. These two virtues held me up when I doubted the truth. I remembered them and the word they taught and it has always been a strength for me in the face of the wild liberal views and ever changing views of the world. Thank you for giving me this gift and I pray that you would give more and more people the same through your church. Make me the image of these men who are your image too. I want to be this strength for those sprouts growing up under my branches. Amen

1. .The greatest need we have in the church is leadership. We already have the gospel.

Tuesday September 14th

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’ Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’ The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.’” John 21:15-17

Dear Jesus, I do love you for what you have done to save me as well as how you always keep me safe in your truth. But how easily I can be distracted from serving your people by the good things in life. Like Peter’s fishing, I can be enamored with lesser good things. You have left your finished work on earth in the hands of your people and their leaders. You want us to change lives with the message of your life for ours. I have both the supreme motive (love for you) and clear purpose (taking care of your people) to keep my life on the rails. Give me the wisdom to use the best part of each day tending the faith and growth of your people instead of my own hobbies or pursuits. Make my life what you want it to be for your cause, your people and the most lasting good for everyone. Amen.

The spiritual and eternal welfare of people is God’s highest priority. When we love God it’s ours too

Monday September 13th

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-14

Dear Jesus, I love it that you teach me that it is your grace and not law that teaches me to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions. That’s a lot to contemplate. You gave yourself for me to redeem me from the condemnation that my own wickedness had earned me. You saved me from my own self-imposed mess and purified me to grant me a new start in life. That new start begins again every morning because your mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). I want to do good today because I am good. I was made good by you. As a new person I will do what I can today to encourage faith, alleviate hurts, and be protective of everyone. Amen.

We do good because we are good in Christ. We don’t go good so we can feel good in ourselves

Saturday September 11th

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17

Dear Heavenly Father, I’ve noticed over many years of spiritual pursuit that faith never comes to me through my own pondering. I have to hear your word and then it stirs up faith in my soul. My heart cannot produce the goods needed to produce faith. Left to my heart’s desire I will wander off into wild places where there is no peace or power to live a godly life. But if I stay close to your word and listen to good Bible teaching, my faith is invigorated and grows. I make better decisions and bless more people. There it is in this passage,“ Faith comes from hearing the message about Christ.” You knew all along what we needed and so you planted the word on earth and in every generation you raise up preachers and teachers to drive it into our hearts. Thank you for not leaving me to find my way alone. Your grace made you fill my life with your word. Amen.

Don’t try to think your way through challenges, find a Bible passage and let it light the way for y

Friday September 10TH

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. ‘Then the King will say to those on his right,“ Come you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”’ Matthew 25:31-40

Dear Jesus, I am thankful that you will divide all humanity at the end of the age before you start commenting on our lives. I noticed also that you won’t be reminding us Christians of all the times we failed to take care of your people. Help me to demonstrate in common acts of kindness for your people, that I love you and believe in you as my personal Lord and Savior. I know that of all of the people on the planet, only you and your people on the planet, only you and your people are my true forever family. Give me eyes to see the believers around me that need your love reaching to them through me so they are encouraged and strengthened on their way that leads to eternal life where we all live in harmony and celebration forever. Amen.

Your Christians friends are your next of kin. Live like it!

Thursday September 9th

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bride groom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” Matthew 25:1-13

Dear Jesus, You told this parable so my life would be characterized by waiting for you instead of living for myself. You are my bridegroom. My world is about you and not just me and my interests. I know you’re coming back to take us, your bride, to heaven. Everything here seems smaller when I know it will soon be the place I am from but not where I am. I will wait for you the way wedding parties wait for the bride and groom. I will wait for you the way pets and children wait for their parents to get home. My life is about when you return and not just the here and now. If I become self-indulgent in this world don’t hesitate to bring me back to this place in my heart. Amen. If we have no future with God then we really possess not present with him either

Wednesday September 8

“’But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill one will be taken and the other left.’ Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” Matthew 26:36-42

Dear Jesus, Parents warn their children because they love them. It doesn’t ‘t always feel like love coming from their vocal cords, but it is In the same way, these words don’t necessarily feel like love from you but I know they are. You don’t want to catch me off guard when you return. You want me to be ready. So, you remind me that there will be signs that the end is near, but you won’t tell me when you are coming. I see all the signs you have told us about. I feel it could be any moment that you split the skies to end the entire history of this groaning planet. Help me to live like it could be today. Make me ardent in prayer, athletic in service to my neighbor and peaceful in my heart. Help me to feel everything you want me to feel as I wait for your rescue. Amen.

Every sports team plays with more intensity when the game clock reads 2 minutes left. Hint?

Tuesday September 7th

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and the the end will come.” Matthew 24:14

Dear Jesus, As you let troubles go back and forth over your planet, I sometimes wonder what you’re doing. Right here in the middle of your sermon where you list off all the troubles of this age, you tell us what you are doing. You’re making sure the gospel is preached in every corner. So, right alongside of your action to resolve our temporary issues through family, friends, good government, and the medical community,--right along side of these, you are preaching the gospel of rescue to take us to another place. When you told us in this chapter about all these troubles that we would endure, you were in the very week that you would be dying to redeem us. I’m not going to forget that making sure the gospel is preached in every trouble is the biggest thing you are doing. Thank you for “small things” and the “big thing” you do in order to bless my life every day. Amen.

Sometimes our anxieties about our troubles are a sign that we have forgotten about the biggest thing you have done for us

Wednesday September 1st

Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. ‘Do you see all these things?’ he asked. ‘Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down.’” Matthew 24:1-2

Dear Jesus, How hard it must have been for you to foretell the destruction of your Father’s house! Jews loved it as their national treasure. You loved it because it was your Father’s house. There his name was glorified and proclaimed. But his new home would be human hearts. He wouldn’t need this obsolete place anymore. Your saving work would make true spirituality portable. It would go wherever your people went. Where they go, there is your active love, giving and forgiving. The disciples couldn’t wrap their minds around the thought that the destruction of the temple was the birth of the church. They just wanted to know when this would all take place. But you changed their hearts at Pentecost. They never needed a place very much anymore. Now they were the place. In their hearts they had the Holy Spirit. I do too. Give me the wisdom and faith to not need a place on earth as my holy place. Help me live as your “holy place” wherever my body goes since you live in my heart. Amen.

God decided that his most favorite place on earth would be in your heart. Make him feel welcome there