Thursday, February 16th

“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Thessalonians 1:3

Dear Jesus, I can relate to Paul because I know people you have put in my life who work hard at their callings because they believe in you.  Their deep love makes them serve people faithfully.  I know others who endure in the faith even in the most scary trials.  They hope in you even when they cannot see you.  Their lives encourage me.  I see them as a gift from you.  It’s a privilege to know them.  I long to be like them.  You know who they are.  Bless them with greater faith, hope and love, so they are filled with everything they need in their hearts to persevere.  Cause their lives to impact many more people and cascade their good deeds into the lives of others who will imitate them even as they imitate you.  Amen.

If you are touched by the godly life of someone else, tell them so.  

Wednesday, February 15th

“Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear-not by heaven or by earth or by anything else.  All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ Otherwise you will be condemned.”  James 5:12

Dear Lord, You cannot abide people thinking they can control their lives.  So, when we swear we will do this or that, you are disturbed.  You give us breath and you take it away.  Without your blessing all of our plans are a house of cards.  Help us to learn to live in dependence on you.  We know that your plans for our lives will prevail no matter what we decide to do.  We will be thankful for what you send our way because it fits your grand plan to reach all people with your good news.  Amen.

Don’t ask God to bless your plans.  Ask him to plan your blessings. 

Tuesday, February 14th

“A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

Dear Jesus, I can get so hung up in the history of a relationship that I forget your one simple command to love that other person.  As sinners we will always let each other down, misunderstand and frustrate one another.  We can get lost in remembering the negative tone or the hurtful remark too.  And remembering makes it so hard to love.  But when you ignore the history because of grace, that’s when love is possible in all relationships.  You have that love for me.  Help me have it for the “others” in my life.  And help them have this love for me.  This forgiving and refreshing love, the kind that gives and forgives, is the physical evidence of our spiritual relationship with you.  Give me that love always for every person I meet.  Amen.

Love doesn’t need the other person to do or be anything special in order to respond well. 

Monday, February 13th

“Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.  ‘Make level paths for your feet,’ so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”  Hebrews 12:12-13

Dear Father, Now is not a time for me to be afraid.  Now is not a time for me to shrink back.  Now is not a time for me shrivel up in the face of difficulty, of trouble, or of your fatherly discipline.  Now is not a time for that.  You are my Father and you are working in my life for my eternity and to shape me into your likeness.  You are my Savior and you have made me holy for this life and for your service.  Now is not a time for me to be wimpy and weak.  Forgive me for this timidly and meekness.  This fearful heart of mine is not born of you.  It is born of my own heart and life.  I have nothing about myself to be confident in.  I know myself.  And the life of faith is hard.  I do not have the strength.  So, I pray, Father, strengthen me for this life of faith.  Raise up a courageous heart in me.  Give me grit and and strength to carry on even when it is difficult.  I am your child.  Strengthen me for this life so that I might rise up and live as your child in it.  Amen. 

Now is not a time for me to shrink back.  I am the Father’s child.  Now is a time to rise up with courage, grit, strength and confidence. 

Saturday, February 11th

“By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.”  Hebrews 11:27

Dear Father, I notice some striking similarities when I read through these heroes of faith chapter of the Bible.  I notice the way that all of these heroes of the faith live.  I noticed their bold, confident, and unafraid of way of life that they lived.  They made choices in their lives because they were living by faith in you.  They made choices about the things they were going to do because they were living by faith in your power and in your promises.  That’s not often the way I live, Father.  I often make decisions because of fear, because of what feels good to me in the moment, because of the pressure that others put on me, because of a host of reasons other than the ones that are mine by faith.  Forgive me for this and help me to live like Moses.  He roared like a lion and was unafraid of the king’s anger.  He faced him with a lion heart because he saw you.  He saw your power.  He saw your promise.  He saw your compassion and love.  Help me to see this by faith even though it is invisible to my eyes.  Help me to see this by faith and live my life accordingly.  Faith alone is what saves me.  But where there is faith, there is a new way of life.  Work that in my heart and life, O Spirit.  Amen.

Faith lives boldly, confidently, and like a lion because it trusts in God who is able to do all things. 

Friday, February 10th

“What you have seen with your eyes do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?”  Proverbs 25:8

Dear Heavenly Father, I live in a society quick to point out sin and prone to sue for damages.  I’m not sure many Christians even know that this passage is in your word.  You do not promise to help us with every claim we bring to court.  You would rather have us depend on you in prayer, to love our neighbor as ourselves and to forgive instead of expose faults.  Give us faithful and humble hearts that seek your face when we are hurt and are slow to sue our neighbor.  Help us remember that you satisfied your own justice so you would never have to condemn us in your heavenly court.  Make us imitators of your justifying love.  Amen.

A mark of faith is a peaceful and forgiving heart.

Thursday, February 9th

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”  Proverbs 24:3-4

Dear Heavenly Father, How tempted we are to focus on the outward home you provide.  Our culture teaches us to chase the American dream of home ownership, well furnished with the best and most refreshed accessories.  We are even tempted to go into debt to have more or to be sad that it will be a long time before get what we want.  How shallow this perspective makes us!  You show us in your word how a home is truly made a wonderful place.  It’s wisdom, understanding, and spiritual knowledge.  When we get how to trust you for your goodness, we cease fighting for what we want.  When we understand that releasing each other from guilt through apology and forgiveness we start to understand the secrets to a good relationship.  When we know the will of God and trust it enough to avoid sin, we will show knowledge that guides us away from fateful decisions.  Our homes will be safe, strong and peaceful.  They will be decorated by grace and beauty that no big box store could provide.  Oh, Jesus, make our homes this wonderful haven you promise.  Amen.

A home made by God has his homeowner’s warranty, promising to fix whatever befalls the people there.

Wednesday, February 8th

“Rich and poor have this in common:  The LORD is the Maker of them all.”  Proverbs 22:2

Dear Lord, How often have I sat in my car waiting for the light to turn green and looked over to see a homeless person panhandling and thought, “I’m glad my life is better than that.”?  There’s a fine line between, “I’m glad my life is different” and “I’m glad I am different.”  The latter is deadly.  You are the maker of all people and in your eyes we all panhandle on the side of your road.  We beg you for handouts in our prayers.  We put ourselves in this predicament and we deserve nothing from your hand.  But daily you roll down the window and hurl out your Son, our jobs, our friends and our endless opportunities to succeed.  Thank you for your condescending grace that blesses us poor beggars.  Never let me look at anyone standing beside my two-ton blessing on wheels, as anything other than an equal soul, loved by you and put there for me to love too.  Amen.

All humans are cut from the same lumber.  God can salvage any one of us for his heavenly furniture.

Tuesday, February 7th

“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”  Hebrews 9:14

Lord God, I can hardly imagine the pressure that the Old Testament regulations and rules placed on the worshipper, on the priest, on all of the people.  They had to keep on bringing the sacrifices and they had to keep on bringing them the right way and at the right time.  It was a never-ending stream of sacrifices.  I can hardly imagine that pressure, but I do understand it.  Because, dear Father, I sometimes feel that same pressure about my life.  I feel a pressure to do the right things at the right time and in the right way so that I will not fail you and let you down.  I feel that same pressure to do the right things so that I do not fail others and let them down.  I feel a pressure to do a little bit more, to work a little bit harder, to make up for wrongs that I’ve committed.  But this verse sets me free, Father.  Your blood, O Jesus, has cleansed my conscience from acts that lead to death.  You have cleansed me from sin.  And, moreover, you have done all that the Father required.  And now, through your blood, which is better than any blood of bulls or goats, I can just go out and live my life for you and others.  I’m not trying to measure up because I already do.  I’m not trying to get your applause and pleasure because I already have it.  I’m not working to get my freedom; I already have it.  Thank you, Father, for setting me free to serve you.  Amen.

There is no pressure on the Christian life to do the right thing.  That pressure was removed when Jesus shed his blood.  Now, because of his blood we are set free to do the right thing.

Monday, February 6th

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.  It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.” Hebrews 6:19

Dear God Almighty, There is so much in this world and in my life that is uncertain and unsecured.  There is so much in my own heart that is tossed by circumstances in life.  Sometimes I feel like I am a ball in the ocean tossed here and there by the waves without any real mooring.  Things happen in my life and I have absolutely no control over them.  More than that the word and promise of people in my life is a shaky foundation at best.  The best and most true person in my life makes promises and lacks the ability to follow through even though they truly want to.  Father, this makes my life uncertain and my heart insecure.  But Father in your Word you give me a promise that is an anchor for my soul.  You do not change and so your promises do not change.  Your power controls all things and so I know that when you make a promise not only do you have the power to carry it out.  You have sworn an oath to me and you will not change your mind.  You have sent your Son to remove my sin and my guilt.  You have sent your Son to open the kingdom of heaven to me, yes, to me.  In him and in you alone do I set my hope.  In this world this is the anchor for my soul.  It is firm and secure.  Make this a mooring for my heart and soul today, dear Lord, that I would not anxious or upset, that I would not be worried or afraid, but would instead put my trust in you and in your unchanging Word.  Amen.

Since God’s word is unchanging and his power is almighty, the promises that he makes to us are an anchor for our souls; it is firm and secure. 

Saturday, February 4th

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.”  Hebrews 4:9-10

Dear Father, You created this world perfectly in six days and it was good; it was very good.   And on that seventh day you rested from the work of creating.  You rested because the work of creating was done.  When your Son came down from heaven; when he had lived a perfect life and then hung innocently upon the cross, he also cried out loudly.  “It is finished.”  He wanted the world to know that his work of saving, his work of redeeming, and his work of forgiving-all of his work was done.  Father, I so often live my life as there still is something that needs to be done towards my salvation, my forgiving.  In some way I think to myself that I need to live a certain way to earn, at least, add to what Jesus did for me.  This is what keeps my heart from resting.  There is an inner voice inside of me that is crying out for approval.  But I already have it from Christ.  I already have heaven from Christ.  It is finished.  It is done.  It is completed.  I am already sufficient.  I am more than a conqueror through him.  Dear Father, give rest to my heart and so also rest to my body because the only work that needed to be done for my salvation was already done.  More than that, the work of providing and protecting me and my family will also be accomplished through your hands and not mine.  Father, all things are under your control, guided by your love, and I am guarded by your power.  Savior, eternity and a perfect standing before you are already attained for me by you.  Set my heart at rest as I trust in you.  Amen.

If God is done and has entered his rest, so also we are done and have entered his rest.  Enjoy it.  Jesus took naps.  So can you.

Friday, February 3rd

“A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart.”  Proverbs 21:2

Dear Heavenly Father, Solomon said he got his wisdom from his father, David, and the Holy Spirit.  David was chosen by you to be king because you saw his heart.  You even passed up his older brothers because David’s heart beat in rhythm with yours.  You see the heart when we only see outward actions.  I know of people who have endless arguments about being “right”.   I have a few such arguments myself.  I love how your Proverb blows away all our self-righteous attempts to justify ourselves.  You weigh the heart.  I know you see how out of balance mine can be.  Please have mercy on me and forgive my sinful heart.  But take it further and purify my heart from all unclean and selfish thoughts and make me someone you like as much you love.  Make me holy from the inside out.  Amen.

In Christ and his word we clean up real well.

Thursday, February 2nd

“In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him.  Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him.  But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.”  Hebrews 2:8-9

God Almighty, I see what you did here.  I see what you did when you sent Jesus to live, to die, to rise and to rule.  You put everything under his feet.  There is not one thing in this world that is not subjected to him.  And yet that is not what I see.  I see disorder and chaos.  I see people growing old and frail so that they finally fail.  I see divisions between peoples.  I see wars and hear rumors of wars.  In my own life too, I see and I feel the same.  Things sometimes seem to be chaotic in my own life.  My own heart is a big mess too.  Though you rule there, another force seems too often be at work.  It wages war against what I know to be good and true.  I see and feel all this in my heart and life.  I see this, but I also see you, dear Jesus.  I see you and you tasted death for me and for everyone.  You suffered defeat in death’s cold grip, but then you shoved death down again and put it under your feet.  You rose triumphant, O Jesus, and you brought great victory to me and to all who believe in you.  Help me to see you clearly dear Jesus.  Help me to see you and your victory.  Help me to see that you are reigning even when I see disorder and chaos.  Help me to trust that in the disorder and the chaos you are working good and are ruling it for me.  Bring me peace and rest because of your mighty rule.  I see you, Jesus!  Amen.

Seeing Jesus and his victory helps us see life from a whole new perspective. 

Wednesday, February 1st

“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”  Hebrews 1:14

Lord God, What an astounding question this is.  And I know what the answer is.  I know what answer you want me to give to this question: “Of course they are.”  This is astounding and awe-inspiring, “ Lord God.  Your angels see your face.  They come into your presence in heaven already.  They are holy and perfect creations of yours.  They are powerful beyond human strength.  They are your special creation and you have made them to be ministering spirits to serve me and my salvation.  You have made them to serve all who will inherit salvation.  These powerful, elevated creations, you assign them to sinful human beings to guard them from danger, to guide us along right paths, and to serve us as we walk the way of faith toward heaven.  O Lord God, thank you for revealing this to me that angels are serving me all night and all day whether I know it or not.  I pray, Lord God, send your holy angel to guard me this day from all harm and every evil.  Keep me from it this day.  And when I lay my head down to rest send your angels to watch over me in my sleep and to guard me until the sun dawns on the new day.  Amen.

Angels are a gift from God to serve and protect God’s people.   

Tuesday, January 31st

“…to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.  For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”  Titus 2:10-11

Dear Savior, You have redeemed me from sin, from the devil, from all that would destroy me.  You have poured out your Holy Spirit on me and he is now working in me.  You have called me to a new life, to live for you in this world and to give you glory in all that I think, say and do.  And yet I know that my way of life doesn’t always make you look good.  I’ve often been a cause for the disgracing of your holy name.  I wonder how many people have been turned off to your teaching because of my way of life.  I haven’t made you shine by the way that I live.  I’m sorry, Father.  Forgive me for the shame and disgrace that I’ve brought to the family.  Forgive me for the shame and the disgrace that I’ve brought to you.  Forgive me and help me this day to do all things I bring your glory and draw people to the gospel by the way I live my life.  Amen.

When we let our light shine by living as God’s people, we make God’s Word attractive and draw people to hear it. 

Monday, January 30th

“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness-in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior.”  Titus 1:1-3

Dear Father, There are so many reasons that I find hope, comfort and courage from this verse.  And it all flows out of that line-“God, who does not lie.”  What a sweet phrase that is!  It reminds me that when you speak in your Word you do not and cannot lie.  What you say is true.  More than that what you say is the truth, it is the standard by which all other things are measured as true or false.  It reminds me that when you speak a promise it will always happen.  You do not speak and then take it back.  You do not speak and then change your mind.  All of this makes your Word a perfect foundation for my faith and direction for my feet.  I don’t have to wonder if what I believe is true because if you have spoken then it is true.  I don’t have to wonder what is right or wrong because if you tell me what is right and show me what is wrong, then I know.  And just as important, this word gives me courage, O Father.  I can share your Word without being ashamed.  I can tell the story of your Word and about your Son because this story is true and has been written by you and you do not lie.  Fill me with hope, comfort and courage today as I go out with your Word sitting on my heart and coming out of my mouth.  Amen.

We need not be ashamed of our life or of our message because God has spoken it and he does not lie. 

Saturday, January 28th

 “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.  We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

Dear Jesus, Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to work faith in my family and me and how you move us by that same Spirit to let love lead us in the way we treat each other.  Help us to endure in the many temptations from outside our family and from within our own fallible hearts.  Give us good solid conflict resolution skills and the courage to use them faithfully.  Make us live in grace and pursue peace.  Amen.

Fellow believers driven by divine love are a special gift from God. 

Friday, January 27th

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.  But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.”           2 Timothy 3:12-14

Dear Father, As I reflect on my life, I can see what happens in my own heart and life when I’m not continuing in your Word and spending time with you.  My thought processes deteriorate, bitterness and frustration fills my heart, and a deep weariness overcomes my soul.  I can see it and I know that when I’m not continuing in your Word and walking closely with you that I’m deteriorating, that I’m going from bad to worse.  It reminds me of what happens to my fitness when I’m not exercising.  You never stay static in your fitness.  You either get more fit or lose fitness.  I see that same thing in my faith life.  Either I’m growing or I’m deteriorating.  Help me, Father!  Keep pouring out your Holy Spirit to strengthen me in my spiritual disciplines of devotion, meditation, and prayer.  Strengthen me in my devotion to you so that I continue to grow in what I already know.  Take me into the weight room of your Word and ever-more strengthen my faith in you.  Spirit, I need you!  I need you to come into my heart and throw out all the evil there, create in me a clean heart, and renew a steadfast and strong spirit within me.  Father, Son and Spirit-strengthen me by your Word that I may be your faithful servant.  Amen.

You never stay static in your fitness.  You either atrophy or you grow stronger.  The same is true in your faith.  Spend time in the spiritual weight room.  Time in God’s Word, in prayer and in meditation are your weights.

Thursday, January 26th

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”                 2 Timothy 1:7

Dear Holy Spirit, Come and work in my heart and fill me with your power, with Jesus’ love, and with clear thinking about my life and about your working in and through my life.  Come and work in me because there is much that would make me timid and afraid.  There is much that would make me a slave again to fear.  I am insecure in my identity as your child.  I hear voices giving me a different name, a different value, a different identity.  Sometimes that voice is the one between my ears.  I am insecure in my callings in life.  I realize what is asked of me and required of me in all of my callings and often feel in adequate for what is laid before me.  Lord Jesus, I could go on.  You know the insecurity and the fear that lives in my heart.  So send your Spirit, dear Jesus, and give me your Spirit of power, of love and of sound thinking.   Convince me by your Spirit that my identity is tied up and secured in you.  You know those who are yours.  I am one of them.  Let this truth give me a secure identity.  More than, remind me, O Spirit, of the calling you gave me when you set me in my vocations.  You have thoroughly equipped me for the work you have given me to do.  You didn’t make a mistake.  You have placed me where I am.  You have entrusted me with the role you want me to fill.  You have made me sufficient for this.  O Spirit, come and fill me with your power and your love and give me a clear mind and sound thinking for the work you’ve given me to do.  Amen.

Insecurity and fear comes from looking in at ourselves.  A powerful life flows out of looking at who we are in Christ.  

Wednesday, January 25th

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.  Amen.”       1 Timothy 1:17

O God, You are truly great.  You are worthy of all my praise.  Every knee in heaven and on earth should bow before you because you are eternal and immortal.  Though you are invisible, you are the only God!  You have made all things and in you all things have their being.  You hold this whole world together by your mighty hands.  In great and compassionate love for me, you have arranged and ordered my life to bring me to where I am today.  You have ordered my footsteps according to your Word.  You have shown me boundless mercy in saving me from sin and adopting me into your family.  More than that, O Father, you have called me to serve you in my vocations.  I get to be a pastor, a father, a husband (what are the vocations to which he has called you?)  You have given me great mercy in bringing me to this day in which I get to serve you.  And I know that even now after all that you have already done that you are not done yet.  This day and however many days after today that you give will still be ordered and directed by you.  Each of my footsteps are planned for me before I stepped out into them.  And when I set down my foot, by your mercy, I set down my foot into a spacious place and onto a rock-solid foundation.  O God, you are truly great!  I commit this day to you and to your glory.  Amen.

God has brought us to this day.  He has saved by for this day.  And he will use us in this day.