Tuesday, February 27th

“My son, pay attention to what I say: turn your ear to my words.  Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.  Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”  Proverbs 4:20-23

Lord God, Your Son gives light to my path and life to my heart.  By your gospel, by your Spirit, you have raised my dead heart to life and have set me free to run in the path of your commands.  Yet, so much in my heart is still dead.  My sinful heart is still opposed to you and seeks after other things.  This world I live in would lure my heart into deep and deadly sins; it would kill me.  So, Lord, come to my darkened and sinful heart and guard my heart by the truth of your Word.  Guard my heart by the Life that comes from your Spirit.  Keep me from a heart that seeks things that are sinful and are opposed to you.  Guard my heart and give me life by your Word.  Amen.

“Guard your heart” means to kill, crucify and drown the old man heart so that daily, by the work of the Holy Spirit through one baptism, a new man arises.  “Guard your heart” is daily contrition, sorrow, and repentance.  “Guard your heart” is to seek, to hold, and to store up treasure in heaven.  “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21).  This is the “whatever it takes” to get, keep, hold and treasure wisdom.  It is discipline to be in the Word and to seek the Wisdom that is from on high. 

Monday, February 26th

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!  It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”  Proverbs 6:6-8

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for using one of the smallest creatures in nature to teach me one of the biggest lessons in life.  You want me to use the present to save for the future.  You want me to recognize the value of hard work.  You want me to have a self-motivated work ethic within my soul.  You don’t want me to be dependent on the pressure of others.  You want me to use the life you have given, to provide for myself and my family.  I want what you want, because you are my Creator, Provider and Savior.  Help me to get out of this day the best that it can give for blessings tomorrow.  Make me a productive ant on your anthill.  Amen.

We don’t work for vacations.  We work for the joy that comes from benevolent productivity. 

Saturday, February 24th

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.”  Proverbs 3:1-2

“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.  She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.  Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.  Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.  She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.”  Proverbs 3:13-18

Lord God, There is so much in my life that challenges and worries me.  It frustrates me and gives me an anxious heart.  I find myself praying “if only” prayers to you.  “If only” this were different.  “If only” I had done this or that.  I live with so much fear in my heart and questions in my mind:  What if I get sick?  What if I lose my job?  What if I make a poor decision?  What if this happens or that does instead?  What if?  But Lord Jesus you remove the “if” from my life.  You give me life simply because you love me.  There was nothing I did, could do, or will do that will get life for me.  You simply give it to me only because you love me.  You give me life without the threat of taking it away.  You give me life and protection no matter what.  You promise me a life full of every spiritual blessing that comes from your cross.  You promise me a life full of good things from your fatherly hands and out of your Father’s heart for me.  You lay out for a sure and certain hope of things to come.  Help me to seek and then to find my truest and fullest life in you, dear Jesus.  Grant me faith to hold tightly to you.  Amen.

What does lady wisdom promise?  She promises us life, full life, true life.  She urges us to put our God at the very center of our life, to trust in him with all our heart and to lean not on our own understanding.  She promises life without the “if”.  Can you hear Jesus speaking to you here?  “I am come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

Friday, February 23rd

“Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well.  Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares?  Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers.  May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.  A loving doe, a graceful deer-may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.  Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife?  Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?  For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths.”  Proverbs 5:15-21

Dear Heavenly Father, Help all married men to value the wives you have granted so that out of deep feelings of reverence and appreciation, we remain faithful and encouraging to them.  Help them feel safe in their relationships with us and protect the sanctity of our marriages.  Also, help us to find our voices with our children so we talk clearly and positively about the purity you designed for them as a blessing for generations to come. 

Marriage is God’s thing that he created to become one of the biggest blessings in our lives.  Hold is sacred and show it be the way you protect all marriages. 

Thursday, February 22nd

“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding-indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.  For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”  Proverbs 2:1-6

Lord God, Help me to see that true wisdom is found in Christ.  Many times I look for wisdom for daily actions, daily steps, next steps, and the way to make good and godly decisions.  I look for wisdom to help me get through the day and to get through life in as godly a way as possible.  And certainly I know that you give wisdom for this.  But wisdom is so much more than that.  Help me to see that true wisdom is found in Christ.  He is the One who calls me from darkness to light.  He is the One who calls me from death to life.  He is the One who calls me from this world to an eternity in heaven.  He is the One who warns me to stay away from sin so that I might stay close to him and on the right path.  He is the one who gives me heavenly blessings and earthly ones too.  True wisdom is found only in Christ.  Help me to see the gift that Christ is to me.  Amen.

Christ is the wisdom of God and he saves us.   He doesn’t just guide us to a better and more godly life on earth, he guides us toward heaven.  Look for Christ here, there, and everywhere in wisdom of Proverbs.  He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Wednesday, February 21st

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”          Proverbs 1:7

“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”  Proverbs 1:8

“Whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”  Proverbs 1:32

Lord God, You promise that you will give wisdom to those who ask.  You hold it out to me like a treasure through your Son, Jesus, and on the pages of Scripture.  I pray, Lord, pour out wisdom on me through your Spirit and make known to me your teachings.  Keep me from refusing your teaching or pushing them to the side.  Soften my heart to your Word and make me an eager hearer of it.  Then, let your word drip down into my spirit that it might guide everything about my life.  Give me wisdom, God, so that I might have true life.  Give me your wisdom, Father, so that I might live for you.  You have saved me and I am yours.  Guide and govern my life by the wisdom you give. 

True safety is safety found in Christ.  He has become for us wisdom from God. 

Tuesday, February 20th

“As for you, go your way till the end.  You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.”  Daniel 12:13

Lord God, help me to find and create a healthy balance in my life.  You have given me your Word that I might grow in my knowledge of you so that I might grow in your grace.  You pour out your Spirit on me through that Word so that I might be strengthened in my inner being and so that I might know how long and wide and deep and high your love for me is.  You have given me your Word so that I might be aware of the dangers and threats that I daily face in this earthly realm and the spiritual realm.  Help me to grow in this so that your Word is a daily part of my life.  And, at the same time, dear Lord, help me to keep my eyes wide open to see the people around me who need my love and my service.  Make a servant here and now.  Make me a tremendous earthly good to the people around me not just so that they can get through life, but so that they might have life forever.  Help me to get on with my life today as your servant in this world.  Amen.

There is a balance that we must walk.  It is not an either/or.  It is a both/and.  We both need to be in God’s Word AND we need to get on with life and serve the people around us  We both need to meditate on God’s Word AND we need to love the neighbor whom God puts in our path. 

Monday, February 19th

“Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.  Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”  Daniel 12:2-3

Lord, Thank you for this vision of the last day.  It will not be a dismal day of defeat and despair for me.  It will be a day of victory and life and eternity.  You will take me up, together with all of your holy people, into the glories of heaven.  You will transform me in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye.  You will make me glorious and holy and eternal.  I can’t wait, Lord.  I long for your coming.  I long for your deliverance.  But, Lord, while I wait for you make me an eternal and earthly good to all those around me.  Make me a servant to them.  Make me a leader for them.  Make me one who leads them to the righteousness and salvation that comes from you alone.  Help me to bring as many people to heaven as possible.  You have given me this time so that I can bring people with me to heaven.  Help me to do this, dear Father in heaven.  Amen. 

Let’s do all that we can with the time that we have to bring as many people as we can with us to heaven!

Saturday, February 17th

“Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered.  When they fall, they will receive a little help, and many who are not sincere will join them.  Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.”  Daniel 11:33-35

Lord God, These days in which we live are clearly the last of the days of this world.  You are coming soon!  Come, quickly, I pray.  Until then, Lord Jesus, protect me from the fiery darts of the Devil and protect me from the evil of the day.  Send me those who are wise in the faith to help me, to encourage me, redirect me, strengthen me, and support me.  Send me those who are wise so that I might stand firm in the faith until the end.  Through them, God, make me wise.  Through your Word, give me a wisdom that is truly from you.  Then, make me a blessing to your church and this world as together we wait for you.  Put your wisdom in my heart and then on my lips as I live for you today.  Let my words speak the words that make souls wise for salvation through faith in Jesus.  Keep me in the faith, Savior Jesus.  Make me a blessing to your church, dear Holy Spirit.  Amen.

You are wise by God’s Spirit.  You are wise through God’s Word.  You have good things to say about God and about following Jesus to those around you.  Today, ask God to make you a blessing to his church. 

Friday, February 16th

“Now then, I tell you the truth:  Three more kings will arise in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others.  When he has gained power by his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece.”  Daniel 11:2

Lord God, Daniel’s dream makes me afraid.  I see the things of Daniel’s dream that have taken place in world history.  I see the things of Daniel’s dream that are being fulfilled in these days, the days in which I live.  I see his vision being fulfilled in my life, at least in part.  That makes me afraid.  That makes me afraid because I see how evil comes after your people.  That makes me afraid because I see the danger and the trouble that will come on the whole world.  I am afraid for myself, for my children, even for my grand-children and my great-grandchildren.  I am afraid for my church and my family.  I am afraid for friends and my city and my country.  But even as you tell me the things that will take place in this world you calm my hearts because you are telling me what you know.  This sets my heart at rest because in this revelation you are showing me yourself.  You are showing me, God, that you are a God who knows all things.  Nothing that is happening right now is a surprise to you.  You knew it was coming.  And more than that, God, you are controlling it all too!  Nothing in this world or in my life is out of control.  And God, you are truly to be praised because in your ruling over this world, you rule out of love and a saving concern for me, for all your people, and for all who are not yet your people.  You are working all things out in love for the eternal and saving good of all people in this world.  Yes, Lord remove my fear of the future today by your knowledge, by your controlling and by your love for me and for all people.  Amen.

You can be sure of this today and in the days to come, as many days as the Lord will give you.  Your God knows what will happen in your life.  Your God is 100% in control of the events and moments of your life.  And, more than all of that, you can be sure that your God loves you with an unquenchable love.  His love endures forever! 

Thursday, February 15th

“Then one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak.  I said to the one standing before me, ‘I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my lord, and I feel very weak.  How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord?  My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe.’  Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength.  ‘Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,’ he said.  ‘Peace!  Be strong now; be strong.’  When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, ‘Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.’”  Daniel 10:16-19

Lord God, There is much about my future that makes me shake and tremble.  There are times when I don’t really want to come out and face the day because of what I’m up against.  In those moments, Father, send me your Spirit to remind me of Daniel and how your angel comforted and strengthened Daniel.  Send me your Spirit to remind that you are present with me through your Word and Sacraments.  Remind me once again what I mean to you and how valued I am by you.  When the war is long, remind me how your angels’ hosts have thrown down the evil one by the blood of the Lamb.  The Lamb has conquered Satan and all his evil hosts.  On top of all of this, you have left for me your revelation of yourself and of my life in your Word.  You have not told me all that could be known, but you have told me what you want me to know.  So, give me a fuller and more complete understanding of your Word so that I might live for you today.  Today, Lord, give me courage and strength to stand up and live for you.  You have redeemed me and I am yours.  You have conquered for me and I will not be defeated.  I am valued and esteemed by you.  Grant full peace to my broken and fearful heart.  Amen.

So, do not be overwhelmed by what is coming in your life.  Do not be afraid of what you’re up against.  Do not fear.  Rather, be at peace because your God holds your future in his hands and has given you the assurance that you will not be overcome. 

Wednesday, 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. 

Tuesday, February 13th

“He instructed me and said to me, ‘Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding.  As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed.  Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision.”  Daniel 9:22-23

Lord God, Heavenly Father, Send your divine assurance to me today that you hear me and send help to me in the moment in which I cry out to you.  It’s easy for me in my praying to think that you do not hear, that I’m talking to a wall, that I’m sending a text message without getting a response from you.  It’s easy for me to think that I get lost in this great sea of people who are also crying out to you  There are so many people in this world, God, how can you possibly give your full attention to my prayers and my cries and my pain.  Yet, here, Father, you assure me that you do give me your full attention.  Daniel was just one among many who were crying out to you.  Yet, you sent one of your chief angels to assure him that his prayers were heard and answered.  You sent one of your chief angels to assure him that he was esteemed and valued by you.  Dear Father, you send the same assurance to me by your own Holy Spirit.  You have sent me this assurance through the waters of my baptism.  You have sent me this assurance through the bread and wine of your most Holy Supper.  You have given me this assurance in your Word.  Send me, this day, dear Father, your assurance that I am valued by you through the blood of your Son.  You gave his blood for me!  How valuable am I to you that you would do that for me?  How valued I truly am!  Amen.

You can know this today…When you cry out, God hears and answers immediately.  Yes, because God treasures and values you highly, he hears and answers your prayers immediately. 

Monday, February 12th

“In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.  So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.”  Daniel 9:2-3

Lord God, I pray, take the words which your Spirit inspired and the apostles and prophets wrote down, and plant these words deep into my heart.  Keep them from becoming an academic exercise or a professional pursuit.  Take your Words and make them the source of my life, my salvation, my strength and my hope.  And then, through those Words, wing my prayers up to the throne of heaven as I pray through the Scriptures and bring my thanks, my praise, my petitions, my requests and my intercession before your most holy throne.  Make your Word, O Spirit, a living, breathing part of my life.  Amen.

My encouragement is this: One way or another take the Scriptures on which you meditate and turn them into prayers.  In this way, we pray through the Scriptures. 

Saturday, February 10th

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”          Proverbs 1:7

Dear Heavenly Father, It makes perfect sense.  You authored my life.  You protect me every day.  You saved me from my sins that had condemned me in your presence.  Why shouldn’t I live in holy reverence and respect for you?  It’s the only way to make sense of my life.  It’s also the only way to make my life really count.  If I don’t live for you as my audience of one, I am a fool and my life is a colossal waste.  Give me the ability to live in fear of you today so I am wise with every moment.  Amen.

Fearing God is the most obvious first priority of every decision and every response. 

Friday, February 9th

“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.  Praise the LORD.”  Psalm 150:6

Dear Heavenly Father, How easily I seek praise and how infrequently I think to give you praise.  As the author of life, the benevolent giver of salvation and the great protector of all things, especially me, you deserve praise from every creature great and small.  You are the most awesome reality who sits above everything you have made.  In you we live and move and have our being.  Help me to live as a small creature in your sight today, made valuable by your individual love for me.  Amen.

Next time you are slighted and feel hurt, think of God who lives with the same mistakes from all creatures every day. 

Thursday, February 8th

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.  His love endures forever.  Give thanks to the God of gods.  His love endures forever.  Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.”  Psalm 136:1-3

Dear Heavenly Father, I grew up praying these words at meal time.  I was not always aware where they came from.  For centuries your people led their hearts to be thankful for your grace and mercy which led you to make us, save us and sustain us with mounds of blessings.  As I consider the stinker I am, I’m overwhelmed with just how merciful and gracious you are.  You continue to bless me even though I have sinned so greatly.  I will cultivate a thankful heart today.  I will work hard to show others too.  Amen.

The fact that we still exist is a monument to God’s merciful heart. 

Wednesday, February 7th

“Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.  Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.  In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-for he grants sleep to those he loves.  Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.  Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.  They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.”  Psalm 127: 1-5

Dear Heavenly Father, You love to cooperate with us as we throw ourselves into productive work for humanity.  Help me to remember that I have your blessing as I work, so I do not experience the weight of loneliness as I carry the burdens of personal industry.  I will work hard and then rest in peace at night, trusting that you will bless the work of my hands.  In the same way, help me to value the investments I make in the generation following me.  I can cascade my impact for good, if I will but recognize that time and energy spent on my children and grandchildren as well as the children of others will always pay off in the multiplication of benefits for all.  Amen.

It takes great faith to invest in children.  But God promises to give everyone a great return. 

Tuesday, February 6th

“Lift up my eyes to the mountains.  Where does my help come from?  My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot stumble.  He who watches over you will not slumber.  Yes, he who watches over Israel will not slumber.  He will not sleep.  The LORD watches over you.  The LORD is your shade at your right hand.  The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.  The LORD will watch to keep you from all harm.  He will watch over your life.  The LORD will watch over your going and your coming from now to eternity.”  Psalm 121

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for taking the time to inspire the psalmists to remind me that you never sleep.  It gives me great peace to know you have chosen me to be in your family and therefore watch over me like a parent does their own child.  I can sleep in peace when I know you are kindly watching over my life.  I can also go out into the world and live cautiously but not avoiding every single risk.  Your care and concern give me freedom.  Protect my heart from all the people who preach gloom and doom about the COVID 19 virus and also from those who want me to think it’s nothing to be careful about.  Instead, help me be careful while in my heart I am carefree.  Otherwise, the anxiety on the one hand and the frustration on the other would infect my soul and steal my peace.  With you owning me as your own I will go out and have an impact on my world.  Amen.

Dump the anxiety so you can carry your impact on others. 

Monday, February 5th

“Certainly, I was guilty when I was born.  I was sinful when my mother conceived me.  Since you desire truth on the inside, in my hidden heart you teach me wisdom.  Remove my sin with hyssop, and I will be clean.  Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.  Let me hear joy and gladness.”  Psalm 51:5-8

Dear Heavenly Father, I see in your word the two primary ingredients of true spirituality.  1.) You want me to be honest about my sins and the sinful nature from which they come.  2) You want me to depend solely on your grace and mercy.  Thank you for your word that enlightened me to both of these.  I am a sinner and I confess my sins to you.  I have no hope but that you would be the gracious God you always have been.  Forgive me for Jesus’ sake and restore to me the joy of a clean slate and a pure heart.  Help me to live in the beauty of mercy all day today.  Amen.

The pathway to real relationships with God, yourself and people is honesty about sin and faith in God’s grace.  Don’t let anyone get you off that path.