Psalm 143: 10 Teach me to do thy will,
for thou art my God!
Let thy good spirit lead me
on a level path!
The "level path" is what got my attention. The good spirit is very welcome, too. A good spirit leading me on a level path---now there is a picture! I would like to find myself there every day.
If I could truly do God's will, is that where I would be? Or is David just engaging in wishful thinking? While I don't think God wants bad things to happen to good people, would we be his best servants if our paths were always level? Don't we need the hard times to make us understand all that is in this life?
Prayer: God, I would like to do your will--to be led by a good spirit on a path that is always level. However, I trust that my path may not be level at all times, and I call on the Holy Spirit to guide me on the rough and rocky paths as well. Be with me, guide me, and at last take me home to Your heavenly home.
Amen
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Monday, August 26, 2013
August 26, 2013
3 John 1: 2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in health; I know that it is well with your soul.
It was slim pickings today in the Scripture. This reminded me of Candy. I am worried about her. She grieves, and her life is so different without Brandon. I know her faith is strong however. So many in her place would rail against God. She has experienced the loss of a brother and a son, both as young men, and her faith remains despite the hardships.
I pray for her and for so many others. It is a wonderful thing, and not something I take for granted, when I know "it is well" with their souls. Then I know they have the power to handle whatever is coming their way.
Prayer: O, Lord, I give you thanks for my brothers and sisters in the faith. It is so comforting to know that we can lean completely on You. I pray for their lives to go well, of course, but I do not need to worry about their souls. Their souls are in communion with yours.
Amen
It was slim pickings today in the Scripture. This reminded me of Candy. I am worried about her. She grieves, and her life is so different without Brandon. I know her faith is strong however. So many in her place would rail against God. She has experienced the loss of a brother and a son, both as young men, and her faith remains despite the hardships.
I pray for her and for so many others. It is a wonderful thing, and not something I take for granted, when I know "it is well" with their souls. Then I know they have the power to handle whatever is coming their way.
Prayer: O, Lord, I give you thanks for my brothers and sisters in the faith. It is so comforting to know that we can lean completely on You. I pray for their lives to go well, of course, but I do not need to worry about their souls. Their souls are in communion with yours.
Amen
Sunday, August 25, 2013
August 25, 2013
Psalm 79: 9 Help us, O God of our salvation,
for the glory of thy name;
deliver us, and forgive our sins,
for thy name’s sake!
This was not a banner day for Scripture. Jerusalem was taken by the Babylonians, no matter what Jeremiah said or did. No one would believe him.
John was more of a personal letter than good advice for the ages.
David was imploring God to take out his enemies.
However, no matter what else David was, he was a guy who always knew God in a personal way. He was never afraid to ask God for help. His faith was always there, although the temptations were strong since he had so much power. He really did have enemies who wanted to bring him down.
When he was down, he knew to ask God for help and forgiveness. We should too.
Prayer: Lord, I ask you, as David did, to help me and to forgive me. I am weak, and you are strong. You can save and deliver me. Please guide your servant so that I may do Your will on Earth.
Amen
for the glory of thy name;
deliver us, and forgive our sins,
for thy name’s sake!
This was not a banner day for Scripture. Jerusalem was taken by the Babylonians, no matter what Jeremiah said or did. No one would believe him.
John was more of a personal letter than good advice for the ages.
David was imploring God to take out his enemies.
However, no matter what else David was, he was a guy who always knew God in a personal way. He was never afraid to ask God for help. His faith was always there, although the temptations were strong since he had so much power. He really did have enemies who wanted to bring him down.
When he was down, he knew to ask God for help and forgiveness. We should too.
Prayer: Lord, I ask you, as David did, to help me and to forgive me. I am weak, and you are strong. You can save and deliver me. Please guide your servant so that I may do Your will on Earth.
Amen
Saturday, August 24, 2013
August 24, 2013
Jeremiah 33: 3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things which you have not known.
This spoke to me. I want to hear God's will for me and those around me. I want to be able to have assurance that I am following God's will.
I try to pray every day. Even when I am not in prayer, I want to hear God's voice directing my words and actions. I am trying to be a better servant of my Lord.
Prayer: I call to you, O Lord. I want to hear Your voice in my ear. I am not as interested in great things as I am in hidden ones. I want to be guided to do Your will with those I meet. I will try to be the best witness for You that I can in my day-to-day life. Be with me and guide me.
Amen
This spoke to me. I want to hear God's will for me and those around me. I want to be able to have assurance that I am following God's will.
I try to pray every day. Even when I am not in prayer, I want to hear God's voice directing my words and actions. I am trying to be a better servant of my Lord.
Prayer: I call to you, O Lord. I want to hear Your voice in my ear. I am not as interested in great things as I am in hidden ones. I want to be guided to do Your will with those I meet. I will try to be the best witness for You that I can in my day-to-day life. Be with me and guide me.
Amen
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
August 21, 2013
Psalm 118: 24 This is the day which the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
There was so much good Scripture to choose from today. I chose this one to be my mantra, the song I will sing in my heart.
The last 2 days have been rough. Things are not going as I would like at work. Last night I met many of the reasons I am still there. I will rejoice in the day. I will be glad for the young ones who will brighten the days to come for me.
Prayer: Praise to you, O Lord, for the day which is dawning. Stay near to me and keep me on the righteous path. Thanks for the new ones you have sent me to love. I vow to do your will in my interactions with each and every one.
Amen
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
There was so much good Scripture to choose from today. I chose this one to be my mantra, the song I will sing in my heart.
The last 2 days have been rough. Things are not going as I would like at work. Last night I met many of the reasons I am still there. I will rejoice in the day. I will be glad for the young ones who will brighten the days to come for me.
Prayer: Praise to you, O Lord, for the day which is dawning. Stay near to me and keep me on the righteous path. Thanks for the new ones you have sent me to love. I vow to do your will in my interactions with each and every one.
Amen
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
August 20, 2013
Psalms 67:1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us
This is the benediction we have heard so many times. I need God's face shining on me. I am disheartened and nervous as this new school year begins. I have had trouble sleeping. I make snarky remarks.
I will try to picture this. My gracious God, with his face shining on me, will guide my day.
Prayer: O, Lord, be gracious to me. My heart is troubled, and I need your guidance to make this day and this year the best it can be.
Amen
and make his face to shine upon us
This is the benediction we have heard so many times. I need God's face shining on me. I am disheartened and nervous as this new school year begins. I have had trouble sleeping. I make snarky remarks.
I will try to picture this. My gracious God, with his face shining on me, will guide my day.
Prayer: O, Lord, be gracious to me. My heart is troubled, and I need your guidance to make this day and this year the best it can be.
Amen
Monday, August 19, 2013
August 19, 2013
John 21: 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
I love this image of Peter jumping into the water to go to Jesus. I don't quite get the coat part. The coat would have been better in the boat, where it would be dry, and the weight of it would make it harder to swim, but I guess Peter wasn't thinking rationally.
The rock on which the church is founded jumped in blindly. The man who denied Christ 3 times can't wait to be near him. I picture myself arriving in heaven. I picture myself abandoning caution and running toward my savior!
Prayer: Jesus, we love you and want to be near you. We praise you for the sacrifice you made on our behalf. We look forward to a joyous meeting with you in your Father's house.
Amen
I love this image of Peter jumping into the water to go to Jesus. I don't quite get the coat part. The coat would have been better in the boat, where it would be dry, and the weight of it would make it harder to swim, but I guess Peter wasn't thinking rationally.
The rock on which the church is founded jumped in blindly. The man who denied Christ 3 times can't wait to be near him. I picture myself arriving in heaven. I picture myself abandoning caution and running toward my savior!
Prayer: Jesus, we love you and want to be near you. We praise you for the sacrifice you made on our behalf. We look forward to a joyous meeting with you in your Father's house.
Amen
Sunday, August 18, 2013
August 18, 2013
John 20:
17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
Mary has gone back to the tomb a second time, after finding that Jesus's body is gone. A man speaks to her, and she realizes it is Jesus. Jesus will be back to see his "brothers" later, but he has business to attend to first.
How astonished Mary must have been! After all the pain of Jesus's arrest and crucifixion, his body is gone. She must have thought it was a political act, designed to keep the disciples from gathering at the tomb. Instead, Jesus is there, and he is alive!
She must have wanted to hold onto him---to hold onto the past, when Jesus was her friend and companion. But no, she had to let him go to the next level. That must have been difficult.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, let me know when I should let go. I want to fulfill the Lord's will in my life. It is hard to move on sometimes, and I need your strength and guidance to set me on the correct path.
Amen
17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
Mary has gone back to the tomb a second time, after finding that Jesus's body is gone. A man speaks to her, and she realizes it is Jesus. Jesus will be back to see his "brothers" later, but he has business to attend to first.
How astonished Mary must have been! After all the pain of Jesus's arrest and crucifixion, his body is gone. She must have thought it was a political act, designed to keep the disciples from gathering at the tomb. Instead, Jesus is there, and he is alive!
She must have wanted to hold onto him---to hold onto the past, when Jesus was her friend and companion. But no, she had to let him go to the next level. That must have been difficult.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, let me know when I should let go. I want to fulfill the Lord's will in my life. It is hard to move on sometimes, and I need your strength and guidance to set me on the correct path.
Amen
Saturday, August 17, 2013
August 17, 2013
Jeremiah 24: . 7 I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.
The Lord talks to Jeremiah about the "good figs." Israel is about to fall, but the good ones will be saved; they will return home from Babylon, and they will still be the chosen people.
Even when times are tough, the Lord is there. His plan is available for our choice. We need to acknowledge him and lean on His word for guidance.
I am entering a tough time. I have been reluctant to move on beyond my teaching career, feeling that there is more for me to do. Or is it just fear that holds me in my classroom? I need a heart that knows God's plan for me.
Prayer: O Lord, guide my steps, not into the safe place, but in the direction that You would take me. I know that Your will is the best step for my life. Show me your will, come into my heart fully, and guide me in the path You would have me take.
Amen
The Lord talks to Jeremiah about the "good figs." Israel is about to fall, but the good ones will be saved; they will return home from Babylon, and they will still be the chosen people.
Even when times are tough, the Lord is there. His plan is available for our choice. We need to acknowledge him and lean on His word for guidance.
I am entering a tough time. I have been reluctant to move on beyond my teaching career, feeling that there is more for me to do. Or is it just fear that holds me in my classroom? I need a heart that knows God's plan for me.
Prayer: O Lord, guide my steps, not into the safe place, but in the direction that You would take me. I know that Your will is the best step for my life. Show me your will, come into my heart fully, and guide me in the path You would have me take.
Amen
Friday, August 16, 2013
August 16, 2013
John 18:
11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
Somehow I never connected Peter's cutting off of the soldier's ear with his denial of Christ. How confused Peter must have been! He tried to defend his master, and he was told not to do that. Then he moves with John and the crowd to the high priest's place. He has to stand outside while John is let in. He is alone in every way.
Once John returns to let him in, the denials begin. Peter must have been a broken man, so unsure of what was going on. His denials were truly denial, perhaps, denial that this was all happening. Once the cock crows, he understands that Jesus is still in control. His Father's will is being done.
I can live in denial too. I want things to make sense to me. I ignore the obvious and make excuses why I act the way I do.
Prayer: Lord, let Your will be done through me. Open my eyes that I may see through my own denials to the truth You want me to acknowledge.
Amen
11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
Somehow I never connected Peter's cutting off of the soldier's ear with his denial of Christ. How confused Peter must have been! He tried to defend his master, and he was told not to do that. Then he moves with John and the crowd to the high priest's place. He has to stand outside while John is let in. He is alone in every way.
Once John returns to let him in, the denials begin. Peter must have been a broken man, so unsure of what was going on. His denials were truly denial, perhaps, denial that this was all happening. Once the cock crows, he understands that Jesus is still in control. His Father's will is being done.
I can live in denial too. I want things to make sense to me. I ignore the obvious and make excuses why I act the way I do.
Prayer: Lord, let Your will be done through me. Open my eyes that I may see through my own denials to the truth You want me to acknowledge.
Amen
Thursday, August 15, 2013
August 15, 2013
John 17: 13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them."
Jesus is preparing to leave his disciples and return to the Father. He is worried about those he leaves behind.
I had a nice chat with Candy today. She is dealing so well with being left behind. Her joy is not gone. Corbin helps, of course, in his innocence. And their faith must be so strong, that they can overcome their loss with the knowledge that Brandon is now with Jesus.
I hope that I can keep a strong faith, when I deal with loss, knowing that my loved one is with God. One day it will be my time to go to the Father, too, and I pray for those I will leave behind.
Prayer: Lord, be with those who mourn. Comfort them and let them know the peace of assurance that their loved one is with You. Let them look ahead to the day when all your children will be reunited. Keep our joy alive even in the face of death.
Amen
Jesus is preparing to leave his disciples and return to the Father. He is worried about those he leaves behind.
I had a nice chat with Candy today. She is dealing so well with being left behind. Her joy is not gone. Corbin helps, of course, in his innocence. And their faith must be so strong, that they can overcome their loss with the knowledge that Brandon is now with Jesus.
I hope that I can keep a strong faith, when I deal with loss, knowing that my loved one is with God. One day it will be my time to go to the Father, too, and I pray for those I will leave behind.
Prayer: Lord, be with those who mourn. Comfort them and let them know the peace of assurance that their loved one is with You. Let them look ahead to the day when all your children will be reunited. Keep our joy alive even in the face of death.
Amen
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
August 14, 2013
Psalm 96: 11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Today's OT verses ring with praise. Our God is an awesome God.... Everything on Earth and in heaven should acknowledge His power and mercy.
God is there for us, even when we are faithless. All we need to do is ask, and we will receive His comfort.
Prayer: I offer praise to you, O Lord. You have been there when I needed you. You have given me faith and the strength that faith brings me. I am glad to know that You are there for me now and also for the eternity I will spend with You.
Amen
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Today's OT verses ring with praise. Our God is an awesome God.... Everything on Earth and in heaven should acknowledge His power and mercy.
God is there for us, even when we are faithless. All we need to do is ask, and we will receive His comfort.
Prayer: I offer praise to you, O Lord. You have been there when I needed you. You have given me faith and the strength that faith brings me. I am glad to know that You are there for me now and also for the eternity I will spend with You.
Amen
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
August 13, 2013
John 15: 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
Jesus is still talking to the disciples, but these words speak to me as well. I feel so blessed that God chose me for the gift of faith. I know the comfort it brings me, and I am happy to go and bear Christian fruit wherever I go.
I also feel the power of prayer. I try to pray every morning and evening. I pray for everyone I love, and I pray for those who ask for prayer. I am sure the Lord is aware of my requests, and I know that He enjoys my words of praise too.
Prayer: Praise be to God for the gift of faith he has bestowed on me. I ask that you make your will clear to me, and I uphold all those I love for your grace and consideration. Be especially with those who grieve and suffer from illness.
Amen
Jesus is still talking to the disciples, but these words speak to me as well. I feel so blessed that God chose me for the gift of faith. I know the comfort it brings me, and I am happy to go and bear Christian fruit wherever I go.
I also feel the power of prayer. I try to pray every morning and evening. I pray for everyone I love, and I pray for those who ask for prayer. I am sure the Lord is aware of my requests, and I know that He enjoys my words of praise too.
Prayer: Praise be to God for the gift of faith he has bestowed on me. I ask that you make your will clear to me, and I uphold all those I love for your grace and consideration. Be especially with those who grieve and suffer from illness.
Amen
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
August 7, 2013
John 9 : 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him."
This is the story of the blind beggar. The people want to know why he was afflicted. Jesus affirms that it was no one's sin, but an opportunity for God's power to be revealed.
This reminds me of Brandon. No one can fault him or his parents for Brandon's troubles either. Brandon was an opportunity for so many, myself included, to show God's love in action. We need to be open to all our chances to "show we are Christians by our love."
Prayer: Let us always remember to be your hands, doing your work here on Earth, O Lord. Amen
This is the story of the blind beggar. The people want to know why he was afflicted. Jesus affirms that it was no one's sin, but an opportunity for God's power to be revealed.
This reminds me of Brandon. No one can fault him or his parents for Brandon's troubles either. Brandon was an opportunity for so many, myself included, to show God's love in action. We need to be open to all our chances to "show we are Christians by our love."
Prayer: Let us always remember to be your hands, doing your work here on Earth, O Lord. Amen
Sunday, August 4, 2013
August 4, 2013
John 6:
15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
Reading this made me wonder what would have happened if they had tried to force Jesus to be king. Of course, he would have resisted, this not being God's plan for him. Would the people have rejected him then? Or would they have gained understanding of the role of the Messiah?
Jesus was never meant to rule on Earth; his kingdom is in heaven. But the Jews were expecting a Messiah who would deliver them from political oppression. Nothing about the relationship was easy.
Prayer: Let me see your son for who he really is; not for who I want him to be. Make me aware of your plan for my life, as Jesus knew your plan for his. Praise you, O Lord, for your great goodness to all your children.
Amen
15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
Reading this made me wonder what would have happened if they had tried to force Jesus to be king. Of course, he would have resisted, this not being God's plan for him. Would the people have rejected him then? Or would they have gained understanding of the role of the Messiah?
Jesus was never meant to rule on Earth; his kingdom is in heaven. But the Jews were expecting a Messiah who would deliver them from political oppression. Nothing about the relationship was easy.
Prayer: Let me see your son for who he really is; not for who I want him to be. Make me aware of your plan for my life, as Jesus knew your plan for his. Praise you, O Lord, for your great goodness to all your children.
Amen
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