Titus 2: 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Paul offers more advice to the churches. In the previous verse, he advises teaching that is serious and full of integrity. He tells them to set a good example.
This has an almost contrary position. The church people will be happy that their opponents are ashamed. But the reason? The opponents can't find any truth about the Christians that is bad. Of course, this is a dream. People can always find bad things to say about each other.
Prayer: I need Your guidance to help me navigate my way through a critical world. Help me to live as Paul suggested, but without losing my will to speak up when others are hateful. I want to represent You well. Be the light I follow to do Your will.
Amen
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Monday, June 29, 2015
June 29, 2015
Amos 4: 13
He who forms the mountains,
who creates the wind,
and who reveals his thoughts to mankind,
who turns dawn to darkness,
and treads on the heights of the earth—
the Lord God Almighty is his name.
He who forms the mountains,
who creates the wind,
and who reveals his thoughts to mankind,
who turns dawn to darkness,
and treads on the heights of the earth—
the Lord God Almighty is his name.
Amos is full of bad news. He was a poor shepherd and farmer from the south, sent by God to warn the more prosperous northerners about their loss of faith. They were taking advantage of the poor. God's power was about to show itself against them.
These people were really missing the whole point. They were caught up in their successful material lives, and they didn't need God. God is trying to get their attention. Amos understands His power. So do I, in a world that seems to have forgotten God today.
Prayer: Lord, be with your faithful people. Help us to show Your mighty power to our unbelieving friends and family. I acknowledge the beauty of Your creation. I'm in awe of Your faithfulness to Your people. Guide Your followers, that Your will may be done.
Amen
Saturday, June 27, 2015
June 27, 2015
2 Timothy 3: 17 So that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Paul says that Timothy has been blessed to know the Scriptures since he was very young. The Scriptures have been useful in his gaining righteousness.
I'm thinking about my upbringing within the church. It set a stage for a life of seeking more, well, righteousness is the right word. It doesn't sound like a good thing at first glance however. The net effect is, in Paul's words, a chance for me to be able to do God's work.
Prayer: I am blessed to have been raised in the faith. I have known enough hard times to have gained strength and compassion, but not so much to be broken. I'm blessed to have grown up with resources to strengthen my gift of faith.
Amen
Paul says that Timothy has been blessed to know the Scriptures since he was very young. The Scriptures have been useful in his gaining righteousness.
I'm thinking about my upbringing within the church. It set a stage for a life of seeking more, well, righteousness is the right word. It doesn't sound like a good thing at first glance however. The net effect is, in Paul's words, a chance for me to be able to do God's work.
Prayer: I am blessed to have been raised in the faith. I have known enough hard times to have gained strength and compassion, but not so much to be broken. I'm blessed to have grown up with resources to strengthen my gift of faith.
Amen
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
June 24, 2015
1 Timothy 6: 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and[a]we cannot take anything out of the world
Paul is concerned with the love of money. He tells us that it's the root of all evils. He later addresses the issue of the rich, saying they must use their wealth for good. He had started the chapter telling slaves how to behave.
This is still a thorny issue today. We still arrive and leave with nothing, but there is such inequity in between. I guess we need to remember the big issue, that which we have both at death and birth, our souls. We need to be sure that it is "well with my soul."
Prayer: I am saddened by the news of a friend this morning, and by the loss, through suicide, of another young man from our community. Please be with those who love him. Comfort them as they grieve the loss. Guide them to find their way to You.
Amen
Paul is concerned with the love of money. He tells us that it's the root of all evils. He later addresses the issue of the rich, saying they must use their wealth for good. He had started the chapter telling slaves how to behave.
This is still a thorny issue today. We still arrive and leave with nothing, but there is such inequity in between. I guess we need to remember the big issue, that which we have both at death and birth, our souls. We need to be sure that it is "well with my soul."
Prayer: I am saddened by the news of a friend this morning, and by the loss, through suicide, of another young man from our community. Please be with those who love him. Comfort them as they grieve the loss. Guide them to find their way to You.
Amen
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
June 23, 2015
1 Timothy 5: 25 So also good deeds are conspicuous; and even when they are not, they cannot remain hidden.
First Paul asserts that evil deeds are sometimes conspicuous, but sometimes they aren't apparent until later. This has followed instructions for dealing with elderly members of the church and widows.
It's interesting to think that all deeds become apparent in time. Today we are more aware of this than ever, with the advent of cell phone cameras and social media. No one should ever suppose that their secrets will remain hidden.
Prayer: Lord, You see all that I do. You know all that I think and say. Guide me towards actions and thoughts that reflect on You well. I want to serve, and I don't want my weakness to bring Your word down. Help me to lift my faith up, so that others may come to know You better.
Amen
First Paul asserts that evil deeds are sometimes conspicuous, but sometimes they aren't apparent until later. This has followed instructions for dealing with elderly members of the church and widows.
It's interesting to think that all deeds become apparent in time. Today we are more aware of this than ever, with the advent of cell phone cameras and social media. No one should ever suppose that their secrets will remain hidden.
Prayer: Lord, You see all that I do. You know all that I think and say. Guide me towards actions and thoughts that reflect on You well. I want to serve, and I don't want my weakness to bring Your word down. Help me to lift my faith up, so that others may come to know You better.
Amen
Monday, June 22, 2015
June 22, 2015
1 Timothy 4: 7Have nothing to do with godless and silly myths. Train yourself in godliness
Paul warns against restrictions people place on believers. Anything made by God is acceptable, as long as it is received with thanks. It's good to train your body, but it's more important to train your spirit. That's a kind of training which lasts for eternity, long after the body has died.
This is a sore point with me. I don't feel that people have to attend church to worship, but I doubt that people are training themselves spiritually without a group of followers at their sides. People say that they feel God in the woods or on the golf course, but do they put time into worship there, or are they feeling only the barest shadow of all their faith could become?
Prayer: I want to be trained in godliness. I want to fulfill all the promise that God sees in me. Please hear my prayers for enlightenment, God. Let me see how I can best serve You.
Amen
Paul warns against restrictions people place on believers. Anything made by God is acceptable, as long as it is received with thanks. It's good to train your body, but it's more important to train your spirit. That's a kind of training which lasts for eternity, long after the body has died.
This is a sore point with me. I don't feel that people have to attend church to worship, but I doubt that people are training themselves spiritually without a group of followers at their sides. People say that they feel God in the woods or on the golf course, but do they put time into worship there, or are they feeling only the barest shadow of all their faith could become?
Prayer: I want to be trained in godliness. I want to fulfill all the promise that God sees in me. Please hear my prayers for enlightenment, God. Let me see how I can best serve You.
Amen
Sunday, June 21, 2015
June 21, 2015
2 Kings 6: 6 Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick, and threw it in there, and made the iron float.
Elisha is the man of God. He has gone with the sons of the prophets to get logs for a home for them. One son's axe head has fallen into the river. He was worried, because he had borrowed it. Elisha gets it back.
Such power in God's name! Elisha is able to do these miracles, because his faith is so strong. We need to strengthen our faith, because there will be times that we need miracles too.
Prayer: I pray to have greater faith in You, my God. I'm going to need Your strength and comfort in the days and years to come. Please stand beside me and let me feel Your power moving through me. I will serve You forever.
Amen
Elisha is the man of God. He has gone with the sons of the prophets to get logs for a home for them. One son's axe head has fallen into the river. He was worried, because he had borrowed it. Elisha gets it back.
Such power in God's name! Elisha is able to do these miracles, because his faith is so strong. We need to strengthen our faith, because there will be times that we need miracles too.
Prayer: I pray to have greater faith in You, my God. I'm going to need Your strength and comfort in the days and years to come. Please stand beside me and let me feel Your power moving through me. I will serve You forever.
Amen
Saturday, June 20, 2015
June 20, 2015
1 Timothy 2: 8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling
Paul continues this train of thought by demeaning women. He tells us that women should be submissive, never speaking in church. Our redemption will come through continued faith and through our children, presumably mainly the male ones.
I chose this verse because of the church shooting in Charleston. I'm very impressed that the Christians were welcoming to their assailant. They truly showed the world how Christians behave. But Paul is wrong about women....
Prayer: I'm so sorry for the families and friends of Your servants, killed while following You so faithfully. This verse brings a mental picture to me of the martyrs, so accepting even as evil invaded Your home. Bring comfort to all those who are suffering, especially those who were hurt by this invasion of worship.
Amen
Paul continues this train of thought by demeaning women. He tells us that women should be submissive, never speaking in church. Our redemption will come through continued faith and through our children, presumably mainly the male ones.
I chose this verse because of the church shooting in Charleston. I'm very impressed that the Christians were welcoming to their assailant. They truly showed the world how Christians behave. But Paul is wrong about women....
Prayer: I'm so sorry for the families and friends of Your servants, killed while following You so faithfully. This verse brings a mental picture to me of the martyrs, so accepting even as evil invaded Your home. Bring comfort to all those who are suffering, especially those who were hurt by this invasion of worship.
Amen
Friday, June 19, 2015
June 19, 2015
2 Mins 2: 24 And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys.
Elijah has died, leaving Elisha as his successor. Before he died, Elijah asked Elisha if he wanted a last request from Elijah. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Elijah had reservations, but he said okay. Now these boys have made fun of Elisha's bald head.
Guess they didn't know who they were messing with! This kind of power is almost unbelievable! You would have to be a much better person than me to handle that. I know that I would hastily ask for bad things when my emotions took over.
Prayer: I am in awe of the kind of power You have, my God. I beseech You on behalf of friends who are suffering. Use Your mighty power to comfort Your people, Lord.
Amen
Elijah has died, leaving Elisha as his successor. Before he died, Elijah asked Elisha if he wanted a last request from Elijah. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Elijah had reservations, but he said okay. Now these boys have made fun of Elisha's bald head.
Guess they didn't know who they were messing with! This kind of power is almost unbelievable! You would have to be a much better person than me to handle that. I know that I would hastily ask for bad things when my emotions took over.
Prayer: I am in awe of the kind of power You have, my God. I beseech You on behalf of friends who are suffering. Use Your mighty power to comfort Your people, Lord.
Amen
Thursday, June 18, 2015
June 18, 2015
Colossians 4: 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer every one.
Paul wrapped up his letter with messages to the people of the church and with some general advice. He asked them to pray, including prayer for him in prison. He asked them to conduct themselves wisely with strangers, to make the most of their time. He concluded his advice with this verse.
I'm drawn to the seasoning in this message. We should be gracious, but with added salt. I'm thinking he means not to spare the truth. Sometimes that's not the gracious thing to say, so we need to find a balance between kindness and honesty.
Prayer: Lord, guide my words so that I balance kindness and honesty. I want to show loving kindness, but I also want my words to reflect the honest truth. Tell me what to say. I promise to be listening.
Amen
Paul wrapped up his letter with messages to the people of the church and with some general advice. He asked them to pray, including prayer for him in prison. He asked them to conduct themselves wisely with strangers, to make the most of their time. He concluded his advice with this verse.
I'm drawn to the seasoning in this message. We should be gracious, but with added salt. I'm thinking he means not to spare the truth. Sometimes that's not the gracious thing to say, so we need to find a balance between kindness and honesty.
Prayer: Lord, guide my words so that I balance kindness and honesty. I want to show loving kindness, but I also want my words to reflect the honest truth. Tell me what to say. I promise to be listening.
Amen
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
June 17, 2015
Colossians 3: 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Paul tells the readers a list of things to put aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander and foul talk. He tells them to put on compassion, kindness, lowliness, weakness and patience. But mostly they, and we, need to love and seek harmony.
I need to remember that. I'm prone to some items on the first list, especially those which deal with talking. And I need to fortify my grasp on the second list. But mostly I need to find love for everyone I meet.
Prayer: Lord, I am sorry that I have spoken ugly words. I am sorry that I talked about others in an unkind way. Please forgive me, and help me to truly forgive those who have offended me. I long to become a better servant.
Amen
Paul tells the readers a list of things to put aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander and foul talk. He tells them to put on compassion, kindness, lowliness, weakness and patience. But mostly they, and we, need to love and seek harmony.
I need to remember that. I'm prone to some items on the first list, especially those which deal with talking. And I need to fortify my grasp on the second list. But mostly I need to find love for everyone I meet.
Prayer: Lord, I am sorry that I have spoken ugly words. I am sorry that I talked about others in an unkind way. Please forgive me, and help me to truly forgive those who have offended me. I long to become a better servant.
Amen
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
June 16, 2015
1 Kings 17: 24 And the woman said to Eli′jah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.”
Elijah's story is amazing. He is the only prophet of God left in a Godless country. The people are starving in a drought. Elijah is fed by ravens, who bring him water, bread and meat until God sends him to the home of this widow. She has just a small amount of oil and flour, but God makes it last for days. Then her son dies, but Elijah prays and he comes back to life. No wonder she was impressed!
The ravens really got to me. But they just strengthen Elijah so he can make it to the window's home and ultimately until he can see the king. Then he convinced the people of the power of the one true God. All these things work together to the glory of God!
Prayer: I stand amazed by Your power, my God. You are a mighty force, available to all who follow You. Just as You were there for Your servant, Elijah, be with me. I want to serve You forever.
Amen
Elijah's story is amazing. He is the only prophet of God left in a Godless country. The people are starving in a drought. Elijah is fed by ravens, who bring him water, bread and meat until God sends him to the home of this widow. She has just a small amount of oil and flour, but God makes it last for days. Then her son dies, but Elijah prays and he comes back to life. No wonder she was impressed!
The ravens really got to me. But they just strengthen Elijah so he can make it to the window's home and ultimately until he can see the king. Then he convinced the people of the power of the one true God. All these things work together to the glory of God!
Prayer: I stand amazed by Your power, my God. You are a mighty force, available to all who follow You. Just as You were there for Your servant, Elijah, be with me. I want to serve You forever.
Amen
Monday, June 15, 2015
June 15, 2015
Colossians 1: 18 He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in everything he[d]might be pre-eminent.
Paul begins this letter by thanking the faithful members of the church. Then he explains why Christ is supreme. He existed before anyone else, and he is the first to rise from the dead. That makes him the head of our church. We are reconciled with God because of his death and resurrection.
I had a hard time choosing a verse today. The OT wasn't inspiring, and the beginning of Paul's letters usually are full of greetings and little of substance. This summary of Christ's authority hit home however. He is the reason, not just for the season, but for eternity.
Prayer: I want to honor my Saviour. He is worthy of my praise. I'm unworthy of his sacrifice, but he loves me anyway. Thanks be to God and His son!
Amen
Paul begins this letter by thanking the faithful members of the church. Then he explains why Christ is supreme. He existed before anyone else, and he is the first to rise from the dead. That makes him the head of our church. We are reconciled with God because of his death and resurrection.
I had a hard time choosing a verse today. The OT wasn't inspiring, and the beginning of Paul's letters usually are full of greetings and little of substance. This summary of Christ's authority hit home however. He is the reason, not just for the season, but for eternity.
Prayer: I want to honor my Saviour. He is worthy of my praise. I'm unworthy of his sacrifice, but he loves me anyway. Thanks be to God and His son!
Amen
Sunday, June 14, 2015
June 14, 2015
Philippians 4: 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Paul is wrapping up his letter. He follows this verse with a promise that this prayerful attitude will lead to the "peace that passes all understanding."
This sums up my struggle all too well. I know that I should approach all situations prayerfully, but I become self- reliant. Only when the situation becomes intolerable do I try prayer. I believe that my faith can move mountains, and I know that God is always there for me, but I don't fall into His loving arms when I should.
Prayer: Lord, I am a weak servant. I don't turn to You when I know that I could. Instead I rely on my prideful self. Guide me to hear Your voice initially ,before disaster strikes.
Amen
Paul is wrapping up his letter. He follows this verse with a promise that this prayerful attitude will lead to the "peace that passes all understanding."
This sums up my struggle all too well. I know that I should approach all situations prayerfully, but I become self- reliant. Only when the situation becomes intolerable do I try prayer. I believe that my faith can move mountains, and I know that God is always there for me, but I don't fall into His loving arms when I should.
Prayer: Lord, I am a weak servant. I don't turn to You when I know that I could. Instead I rely on my prideful self. Guide me to hear Your voice initially ,before disaster strikes.
Amen
Saturday, June 13, 2015
June 13, 2015
Philippians 3: 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death
Paul is not concerned with outward appearances. He comes from a family with a great pedigree, but that's just garbage to him now. He knows that knowledge and following the rules is an empty way to live. All he wants is to know and be more like Christ.
I needed to read this today. I have been mulling over the slights of people who I consider to be friends. They haven't treated me with the same regard, it seems. I don't measure up to their pedigrees. But that's meaningless. I need to forgive their insensitivity and spend my time on the true goal.
Prayer: Lord, help me to focus on my own salvation and little else. I know my suffering is nothing compared to the power You have. I want to become more Christ-like. You are the key to my best life.
Amen
Paul is not concerned with outward appearances. He comes from a family with a great pedigree, but that's just garbage to him now. He knows that knowledge and following the rules is an empty way to live. All he wants is to know and be more like Christ.
I needed to read this today. I have been mulling over the slights of people who I consider to be friends. They haven't treated me with the same regard, it seems. I don't measure up to their pedigrees. But that's meaningless. I need to forgive their insensitivity and spend my time on the true goal.
Prayer: Lord, help me to focus on my own salvation and little else. I know my suffering is nothing compared to the power You have. I want to become more Christ-like. You are the key to my best life.
Amen
Thursday, June 11, 2015
June 11, 2015
Song of Songs 8: 12
But my own vineyard is mine to give;
the thousand shekels are for you, Solomon,
and two hundred[e] are for those who tend its fruit.
But my own vineyard is mine to give;
the thousand shekels are for you, Solomon,
and two hundred[e] are for those who tend its fruit.
Solomon's lover speaks to end this chapter. She has been looking for him, but he was in the garden. They speak longingly about each other, and she ends with this message of empowerment.
I'm amazed at the power in her words. We think of Biblical women as subservient. We don't think that they would have the sense of self to speak this way about their sensuality. This woman was exceptional. Solomon knew that, and in his wisdom, he allowed her to flourish.
Prayer: I am so blessed to have a relationship with a man who has always loved me. Thank you, Lord, for providing me with love for and from him. Thank you for blessing us with our children, as a natural progression of our love story. You are an awesome God, and Your example has allowed me to live this amazing life.
Amen.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
June 10, 2015
Song of Songs 2: 10
My beloved spoke and said to me,
“Arise, my darling,
my beautiful one, come with me."
My beloved spoke and said to me,
“Arise, my darling,
my beautiful one, come with me."
Song of Songs is such a lovely poem. It's rare to find references to Earthly love in the Bible, but Solomon shows his love to us in great detail. Here the woman speaks. She tells us that her lover has called her to come out to enjoy the beauty of spring.
It's an ongoing thing, this pleasure we can take from spring and from those we love. We can do things with great faith, and yet we neglect the needs of our loved ones. I need to remember to slow down, to take pleasure in my beloved ones and in this gorgeous world God gave us.
Prayer: Lord, help me to recognize Your hand in shaping my world. Give me a new appreciation of all the beauty and love which surrounds me. I give my praises to You for the many blessings in my life.
Amen
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
June 9, 2015
Psalm 94: 19
When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
"When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy."
When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
The Psalmist is seeking God's punishment for those who have wronged him. But I chose this verse, and I love the next one too.
your consolation brought me joy."
I am not looking for revenge. I am not asking God to punish wrong doers. I'm focusing on what my God offers me. Support and comfort sounds like a bra commercial. 😆 But I need emotional support and comfort. Life is both tough and grand. We have to deal with both extremes, but our constant is our faithful God.
Prayer: I need Your strength and comfort, Lord. I am seeking Your strength when I am weak. I am not worthy of Your blessings, but You give them to me anyway. Praise be to my glorious God!
Amen
Monday, June 8, 2015
June 8, 2015
Ecclesiastes 8: 15 So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.
Solomon has lots of advice. He argues for moderation, because both kinds of excess lead to unhappiness. We shouldn't expect others to provide for us; we should work hard, but we should also spend time enjoying the pleasure life can bring.
I found this long verse, and I like the way it reminds us that we are meant to enjoy the life God gave us. God doesn't intend for us to be miserable, even though we are faced with life's hardships. We take on the challenges with good humor, and we make the most of what life deals us.
Prayer: I praise my God for all the good things in my life. I will work as You intended, my Lord, but I will also find the time to relax with those I love. I will reflect the happiness You intended for me and for all Your people.
Amen
Solomon has lots of advice. He argues for moderation, because both kinds of excess lead to unhappiness. We shouldn't expect others to provide for us; we should work hard, but we should also spend time enjoying the pleasure life can bring.
I found this long verse, and I like the way it reminds us that we are meant to enjoy the life God gave us. God doesn't intend for us to be miserable, even though we are faced with life's hardships. We take on the challenges with good humor, and we make the most of what life deals us.
Prayer: I praise my God for all the good things in my life. I will work as You intended, my Lord, but I will also find the time to relax with those I love. I will reflect the happiness You intended for me and for all Your people.
Amen
Saturday, June 6, 2015
June 6, 2015
Ecclesiastes 3: 1
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens
Solomon is old, and he is trying to make sense of the purpose of life. He has indulged himself, he has amassed great wealth, and he has tried to do good. In the end, he, like the rest of us, will die.
The list that follows this verse has influenced so many people. Life is full of experiences, both good and bad, with a lot of in between too. All of them have a place, and all of them contribute to who we are. God is the way to make every experience of our lives meaningful.
Prayer : Lord, I am so blessed. Guide me to make the best of every part of my life. I trust that You are the answer, no matter what the question.
Amen
Monday, June 1, 2015
June 1, 2015
Romans 13: 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Paul warns against indebtedness. He says our only debt should be to love each other, because that fulfills all 10 Commandments.
It's not easy to live with others without doing harm. You might misunderstand or just be inattentive. People get hurt all the time by those they care most about. Paul gave us a difficult task.
Prayer: I love Your people, but I don't do everything I could to help others. Maybe it's because the need is so great in my family, but I get burned out. Help me to become a better servant.
Amen
Paul warns against indebtedness. He says our only debt should be to love each other, because that fulfills all 10 Commandments.
It's not easy to live with others without doing harm. You might misunderstand or just be inattentive. People get hurt all the time by those they care most about. Paul gave us a difficult task.
Prayer: I love Your people, but I don't do everything I could to help others. Maybe it's because the need is so great in my family, but I get burned out. Help me to become a better servant.
Amen
May 31, 2015
Romans 12: 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,faithful in prayer.
I'm actually writing this on June 1. I read the devotions and selected this verse yesterday, but I never got around to writing the blog post. I liked this verse as a summary. It seems like a great life motto, chosen on the last day of the year I completely changed my life through retirement from teaching.
I'm trying to be joyful in the hope that Ron's cure is finally here. I've been patient in dealing with his affliction, especially during treatment. I am also dealing with the depression of my mother following the death of her final sibling and the secret revealed during the funeral trip. I'm still praying, even when I am not feeling it.
Prayer: I need You, Lord. I need to keep my joy, even in the face of affliction. I need to feel more in touch with You. Stay beside me.
Amen.
I'm actually writing this on June 1. I read the devotions and selected this verse yesterday, but I never got around to writing the blog post. I liked this verse as a summary. It seems like a great life motto, chosen on the last day of the year I completely changed my life through retirement from teaching.
I'm trying to be joyful in the hope that Ron's cure is finally here. I've been patient in dealing with his affliction, especially during treatment. I am also dealing with the depression of my mother following the death of her final sibling and the secret revealed during the funeral trip. I'm still praying, even when I am not feeling it.
Prayer: I need You, Lord. I need to keep my joy, even in the face of affliction. I need to feel more in touch with You. Stay beside me.
Amen.
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