Thursday, January 12th

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”  Philippians 1:9-10

Dear Jesus, Whatever is spirituality, it always revolves around love, that is; love from you, love for you and love for others.  This is not just something we receive and feel.  It’s something we do, something we pursue, something we celebrate and something we practice all day long.  I appreciate how you teach me to pray for more depth of insight from love.  I get it that love for you means that I will seek to live pure and blameless before you to.  Help me to bravely look at my life and find ways I can show love for you by changing the way I think and act.  Help me to form habits of love that make even the quiet little moments a sacrifice of thanksgiving to you.  Give me the wisdom and the courage to boldly do for others what love would dictate.  And finally, help me to relish being a loving person and not loathe it as a loss.  Amen.

Love makes us boldly love others even if it costs us dearly.

Wednesday, January 11th

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  Matthew 6:33

Dear Jesus, I pursue many things.  And truth be told my happiness often rises or falls based on whether I get what I want while pursuing them.  But you clear the air for me.  You tell me to pursue the peaceful righteousness of your spiritual kingdom, to focus on the intangible grace that changes me from the inside out, to be all about the inner life instead of the outer one.  I hear your promise to give me what I need to take care of my needs while I pursue the gospel for others and me.  Help me to believe your promise so much that I give up my earthly worry in exchange for heavenly concerns.  Amen.

It’s not what we accumulate that makes us rich.  It’s the blessing we learn to appreciate.

Tuesday, January 10th

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin.  But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”  1 John 2:1

Dear Heavenly Father, I see two great themes here that are the foundation under my life.  The first is that there is moral truth that you don’t want me to sin against it.  I know you created me to be good and loving.  But I fail at it so much.  That’s why the second theme is so comforting.  What better words can I hear than, “But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father?”  So, today I both want to do right in every relationship and I bask in grace and forgiveness for not being perfect.  Your grace makes me want to try even harder to be a good person but not because I think I earn your love.  It’s because I’m so thankful that I already have it.  Oh, Lord, make me a blessing today.  Amen.

Grace and truth are the sun and moon of all true spirituality.

Monday, January 9th

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and offering and sacrifice to God.”  Ephesians 5:1-2

Dear Jesus, I have spent my whole life following mentors.  It’s so much easier to emulate someone than to invent my own path.  And whenever I’m facing a difficult situation and cannot think of someone to follow, all I need to do is ask myself what you would do.  That’s when stories from your word about your life, spring into my mind.  My path forward becomes much clearer.  I love these words, “walk in the way of love.”  That picture of walking in love helps me avoid the trap of getting even and of playing the victim when I’m hurt.  Now even the hurts from others are an opportunity for me to show your love.  I cling to the promise that even though it doesn’t always seem to work to change the person immediately, you see it and it’s a fragrant offering to you.  I know I am pleasing you by imitating your love.  You are my audience.  Not the world.  Amen.

God smiles at our every kindness, especially the kindness shown to an enemy.

Saturday, January 7th

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:29-32

Dear Jesus, You have changed me by your love so that I have learned to use my words to build others up.  But I so easily fall back into criticism.  It’s easy to be the old me.  It takes concentration to bridle the mouth when I am disappointed or feel that someone is not respecting me or my needs.  In a weird twisted way, I can fall into thinking that talking about them to others will somehow make my life better.  That’s why your words here from Paul are so helpful for me.  They set a clear direction for my heart and my mouth.  They tell me that your Holy Spirit is regularly reminding me in my heart to be loving, kind, compassionate and forgiving to everyone.  I cannot forget these words once I have read them.  So, be with me today and help me speak wholesome words that leave a blessing in the memories of others.  Amen.

Words are the seeds of the soul, growing whatever was planted whether good or bad.

Friday, January 6th

“Paul, an apostle-not from men or by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead...”  Galatians 1:1

Dear Father, The apostle Paul was a great man.  I learn so much and get great encouragement from him.  He was a founder, a leader, and a pastor over so many different churches.  And yet, when he comes to the Galatians, I notice the humility and the authority with which he comes.  He could have come to them on the basis of his role in the church.  He could have come to them on the basis of his reputation and his authority.  But instead, he came on the basis of the authority and call of Jesus.  He was an apostle, yes.  But not because of him or because of anyone else; simply because of the call of Jesus.  The same is true for me too, dear Father.  You’ve called me into your kingdom.  You’ve graciously given me a role in your kingdom.  And you’ve put your words on my lips.  As I go out to share your words, keep from being a lord over others with my words or my being a lord over others with my words or my approach or my role.  Help me to remember that all that authority is from you and through you.  You are the Lord!  Lead me to come to people with your love in my heart and your words on my mouth.  I come as your representative; you are the authority.  Fill me with this humility and this confidence as I go about your work today.  Amen.

I am who I am because of Jesus.  I am not a self-made person.  I am not a man-made person.  I am who I am because of the forgiveness of God.  I am who I am because of the call of the Holy Spirit.  I am who I am because of the power of Jesus living in me. 

Thursday, January 5th

"Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.”  Psalm 141:3

Dear Jesus, It’s so easy for me to remember to guard what I say when I talk with the general public or when I know what I say will have direct consequences on my job or a significant relationship.  But then when I am with my closest kin, I can get sloppy and say things I shouldn’t.  I also don’t always watch my tone either.  I know it hurts them and makes their days harder to bear.  Help me put a guard over my lips out of love, so my words and tone build people up and make their lives richer in faith, hope and love.  Make me an encourager to the closest and farthest friends and family.  Amen.

Love treat indiscriminately blesses the friends and enemies alike. 

Wednesday, January 4th

“Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself.”  2 Corinthians 12:7

Dear Father, You know what I need.  You know what is good for my soul.  You know what is good in my life so that I will spend my eternity with you.  You also know what other people need for their faith and for their eternity.  You know how my life and their lives interact.  I don’t.  I pray, work in my heart and life like you did for Paul.  You gave him a thorn in flesh so that he would stay humble, so that he would lean on you, so that he would depend on your strength.  You gave him exactly what he needed for his salvation and his faith.  I pray, dear Father, do the same in my life.  Do whatever it takes in my life so that I stay true to you and to your Word my whole life.  Do whatever it takes in my life so that I might be an instrument of your mercy and grace.  You alone know what is good for me and for others.  And when your work is unpleasant and even painful give me your Holy Spirit so that I remember and trust your loving and saving purposes.  Help me to see what you are doing and to find strength in you.  Amen.

I do not always understand what God is doing or why.  But I do know that his “so that” for my life is for my good and my salvation.  His purposes are always saving. 

Tuesday, January 3rd

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”  2 Corinthians 9:8

Dear Father, What a promise this is!  What a statement this is!  You not only speak about your ability to care for me in an over-the-top way, but you also promise to give me exactly what I need when you want me to do it.  So many times, as I go about my day, I think that I’m short on time, short on money, short on gifts, short on all kinds of things.  So often I feel like I’m missing what I need to do.  But that’s not what you tell me here!  Here you tell me that you have for me exactly what I need to have for the work you want me to do.  I have exactly enough time to do what you want me to do-O Spirit, help me make good use of my time.  I have exactly enough money to do what you want me to do-O Spirit, make me a good manager of the financial resources you’ve given me.  I have exactly the gifts, skills and abilities that you want me to have-O Spirit, empower me to use them for your glory.  Father, you have given me and will give me exactly what I need when you want me to do it.  Give me a contented and joyful heart about what you have given me.  And then, give me wisdom and strength to carry it out.  Amen.

I am not lacking any gift.  God, my Father, has given me exactly what he wants me to have to do what he wants me to do. 

Monday, January 2nd, 2023!

Lord, At the beginning of this year we need you.  Our days are written in your book and only you know if I shall live through this year that has just begun.  Be merciful to me and forgive me all my sins.  Bless my body and soul, my property, and my honor.  Renew in me the knowledge of the promise you made to me at my baptism, so that I may have childlike assurance throughout this year that you will never forget me.  Allow me to the best of my ability, to live a year of service to you.  Let this year be one which draws me closer to you as I serve my Savior Jesus.  Amen.  (From “There’s a Prayer for That.”)

Saturday, December 31st

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”  Matthew 20:16

Dear Jesus, This pithy little sentence levels the playing field for all humans.  You spoke it at the end of your parable of the vineyard where people worked different hours but all got paid the same.  Salvation depends on your decision not ours.  It’s yours to give to whomever you wish and you offer it to all.  The value of every soul has already been established.  It’s worth your life.  You bought each one.  So, you do not consider it a waste to watch someone squander all their days but turn to you in the end.  You aren’t happy with their wasted life.  But you still want to save their soul.  You will save even the latest to convert, just like you did the thief on the cross.  Help me to value souls the same way and to not write anyone off as a lost cause.  If their heart is beating, they still can be saved.  So, make me respect everyone enough to give them an opportunity to hear your race presented clearly.  You gave it all to make the most difference in their lives.  Don’t let me get in the way of that with my silence.  Amen. 

A wasted life cannot disqualify a redeemed soul. 

Friday, December 30th

“Who is wise and understanding among you?  Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”  James 3:13

Dear Jesus, Your brother James helps separate the fake from the real.  It’s easy to be high minded, critical of others and convinced that I am right about things.  But if I am truly wise, it will show in how humble I am and how I seek to produce goodness for everyone around me.  Give me the honesty and love to focus solely on serving you and others instead of trying to be right all the time.  Help me seek more to understand than to be understood and more to love than to be loved.  Help me forget the disappointments others have caused me, so I hang in there with them through all their ups and downs.  You never give up on serving us and I want to be the same in the few days I have left on earth.  Amen.

Seek not so much to be rightly understood but to rightly love others. 

Thursday, December 29th

“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”  Colossians 1:16

Lord Jesus, You are Lord of all.  You created all things and you put them all under your feet.  It is all created through you and for you.  I forget that part sometimes.  I think that it’s for me.  I think that it’s about me.  I think that everything revolves around me.  When in fact, the world, along with both everything and everyone in it, revolves around you.  You created this world and even me to magnify your glory and to be a reflection of who you are.  O dear Jesus, forgive me for this self-centered thinking.  Forgive me.  I do praise you that even in my self-centeredness you never stop ruling over all things.  I can’t screw it up (and I shouldn’t try!)  But I praise you that I don’t and I can’t.  You will always be over all and through all and in all.  In all things you remain Lord of all.  Amen.

On the one hand I shouldn’t sin, on the other hand I can’t screw it up.  Even in my sin, Jesus remains Lord of all. 

Wednesday, December 28th

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.”  Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

Dear Heavenly Father, You give incredible joy to our lives when we have babies you created for us.  We can’t even begin to describe it.  I’ve always marveled at how it brightens the lives of parents and grand-parents.  But I have to confess, I have never felt exactly that way about the birth of your Son until now.  But there it is in your word, “Unto us a child is born!”  Your Son was born to me!  He’s the child given to my family to make everything better.  He gives me hope and rescue.  He changes my identity, my destiny, my daily peace.  I can do all things through this Son you gave me, who gives me strength.  That’s why Christmas means so much to me, it’s the boy born to my family for all eternity.  Amen.

Jesus changes our whole family dynamic!

Tuesday, December 27th

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about:  His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  Matthew 1:18-21

Dear Heavenly Father, I can relate to Joseph and how hard it was for him to believe Mary at first.  People just don’t get pregnant without physical relations.  I’m moved by his desire to protect her reputation the best that he could even though he was deeply hurt (as he thought) by her.  It shows that his righteousness by faith expressed itself in love.  How often I think that righteousness expresses it’s hurt in anger, but it doesn’t.  Help me to be like Joseph when I’m hurt by others.  Help me to love them and protect their reputation instead of getting even through retaliation and gossip.  How relieved Joseph must have been when your angel visited him with the truth.  Thank you for giving Jesus two wonderful parents to help him save humanity by providing him a loving believer’s home.  Help me be that kind of home for your Son too, so he can reach my neighbors through me.  Amen.

Rearing Jesus for us rocked Mary and Joseph’s world.  Don’t be surprised when God rocks your world to help you reach others for him. 

Monday, December 26th

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means “God with us”).”  Matthew 1:23

Dear Jesus, Your virgin birth underscores your humanity and divinity but more important to me is that it tells me you are with me.  You became a human and went through everything I am going through right now.  You had fallible parents, a country under duress, the stress of finding daily sustenance, the challenge of siblings, the failure of friends, the fear of death.  You had it all.  But you saved me from it all.  You are still human but you are the Savior human.  You redeemed me from the dead end I was seeing.  As my “human-God” you deeply understand my concerns and at the same time have the answer that I need.  I know you are with me.  Now, I want to spend my day with you.”  Amen.

God is with us and we are with him.  No room for loneliness.

Saturday, December 24th

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making this holy night so beautiful.  The sparkling lights, the joyful carols, and the beaming faces of family and friends cheer my heart every year.  With the angels I glorify you; with the shepherds I kneel and adore you.  With Mary I treasure up the wonders of your birth, and all year long I will ponder such unfathomable love that made you, both the Son of God and a human child, my Savioir.  Amen. 

(From “There’s a Prayer for That.”)

Friday, December 23rd

“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”  Galatians 4:4-5

Dear Jesus, You humbled yourself to be born under law.  You created the whole universe, the laws of nature, the solar system and all its perfect timing, and yet you submitted yourself to be under law.  If I made all the laws myself, I would still break them.  You did what I had failed to do.  You kept every law, from the heart.  You never once used manipulation, rationalization, excuses, blame or any other defense mechanism.  You didn’t have to.  But you still took the blame for me breaking the law.  I broke them all and you took the blame.  Under law, you took the blame.  I’m so thankful that you chose to be born under law so I am forgiven to breaking the law so many times.  Now we can live forever in heaven where we will all live like you did on earth but without the presence of evil and guilt.  Thank you coming here so I could go there.  I can’t wait to be with you in perfection.  Amen.

What kind of friends draws near so he can take the wrap for you?  A heavenly one. 

Thursday, December 22nd

“For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”  Romans 5:10-11

Lord God, The blessings just keep coming.  The grace just keeps flowing.  And, Lord, I need it.  My sin and sinfulness show itself again this morning as my mind races and my heart shakes.  My sin and sinfulness show itself again this morning as my mind races and my heart shakes.  My sin and my sinfulness show itself in so many different ways in my heart and throughout my life.  Here I see such undeserved grace and kindness that just keeps flowing to me.  You reconciled me to yourself when I was your enemy!  And not just that, but you saved me through the coming, through the life, of your Son.  And not just that, but now I have a brand-new relationship with you.  This changes everything.  I no longer have to pursue peace with you; I already have it.  I no longer have to pursue friendship with you; I already have it.  Your grace and mercy overwhelm me this morning as I see gifts from your throne.  And they keep coming.  Continue to overwhelm me with your grace all day long that I might be a dispenser of your grace.  Amen.

God piles up his gifts of grace in front of our eyes at Christmas so that we might be overwhelmed with the abundant outpouring of those gifts our entire lives. 

Wednesday, December 21st

“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me-holy is his name.’”  Luke 1:46-49

Dear Heavenly Father, I want to be like Mary.  She had just found out that she was pregnant outside of marriage by the Holy Spirit.  She was young, unmarried and poor.  But she was loved by you, by her fiancé and her family.  More than that, she looked beyond the discomforts of serving God and people to the blessings of having the opportunity to give big back to God.  She knew she was saved and she knew she had a significant impact to give the world.  Those two blessings, security and significance, are the two greatest needs of the human soul.  You met them both for Mary.  She knew it and so she praised.  I know you have made me secure and significant too.  But the ways you have called me to serve you and others have cost me comfort just as it did Mary.  Help me to ignore the cost and to count it as all joy to love you “big” as I love “big” the people you have given me to serve.  Make me positive, praising, and working to be the kind of person like you and your mother, Mary, were.  Amen.

Serving God and others isn’t near as burdensome as we make it.  At attitude of praise and thanks will cut the load in half.