Prayer Focus - Needs
Day 2
Pray for:
One thing that you need to be grateful for but find it difficult to be
One person that you need to apologize to, resolve a conflict with, or forgive
Dear Lord - Please open my ears to hear Your voice today and grant me the strength to obey.
Psalms 94
"Does He who implanted the ear not hear? Does He who formed the eye not see? Does He who disciplines the nations not punish? Does He who teaches man lack knowledge? The Lord knows the thoughts of man; He knows that they are futile.
Blessed is the man You discipline, O Lord, the man You teach from Your law; You grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not reject His people; He will never forsake His inheritance. Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.
Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers? Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' Your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul." ( vs. 9 -19 )
God knows. God knows everything. He knows every thought that comes into our mind. He is completely beyond our comprehension. We are finite and our thinking is finite. God is infinite. We are stuck to time and space. We can only be in one place at a time, and we can only know what is in our minds and hearts; sometimes not even that. So how is it that we think somehow that we are smarter than God or that we have something figured out that He hasn't yet? God knows us. God is not surprised by anything.
To me, this makes it all the more amazing that God pays attention to us at all. God knows everything about each and every one of us. He knows who will listen to Him and who will not. He knows all of the things we do in secret and all of the sinful leanings of our heart. And yet, He still cares. He still died. He still forgives. He invests His time to train us up; to discipline us. And He has a plan and a dream for us to make a difference in the world. He wants to see change. He desires change in each of our hearts and He is calling us. He asks, "Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will stand? Who will make a difference? Who will love as I have loved?" It is an overwhelming task but we have been called. If we look at the task, we will slip as the psalmist states. But God will help us. God will support us in the task if we go and try. God will calm the anxiety that comes and God will bring us joy as we obey. We just need to start and go and try.
Here are some of my favorite quotes on these thoughts:
"The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step"
Chinese Proverb
"If the Lord calls you, He will equip you for the task He wants you to fulfill."
Warren Wierbe
"Have thy tools ready. God will find the work."
Charles Kingsley
"You will invest your life in something or you will throw it away on nothing."
Haddin Rosisson
"Employ whatever God has entrusted you with in doing good, all possible good, in every kind and degree."
John Wesley
"Start by doing what is necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you're doing the impossible."
St. Francis of Assissi
"Discipline yourself so no one else has to."
John Wooden
Prayer for the Day
Dear Lord,
You are not deaf or blind or dumb. You know exactly what is going on here. You know exactly what is going on in my heart. You know and still care. That is amazing to me. I am so grateful that You have called me and given me a part in Your amazing work. Help me to rise to the occasion. Help me to live a life worthy and to cling to You because You will make it all work out.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
QFT
1. How do I feel about the difference between God and me? Do I ever find myself thinking that I know better than God? How might my actions show this even if I don't think this outright? What can I change to have a better view of God and myself?
2. Do I allow God to discipline me? Do I listen to His word and to the people God has put in my life? Do I take advice? Why or why not? Am I teachable? Am I learning or have I become set in my ways? What can I do to become a lifelong learner?
3. Am I taking a stand for God? Do I stand up for God's word? If I am standing up for God and His ways, am I doing so in a loving and respectful way or do I just let people "have it"? What can I do to be more effective in the way I talk to people about God and His ways?
4. Do I feel that God can use me? Am I allowing myself to be a part of God's plan to change and transform the world? Why or why not? Do I want to do this? Do I see the importance of it? What can I do to change and allow myself to answer God's call.
5. Do I feel anxious or hopeless? Am I turning to God for help or am I trying to do everything on my own power? How can I allow God to support and console me? What role do my friends and fellow believers have in helping me? Do I allow others into my life so that they can be there for me? Why or why not? What should I change so that I can strengthened and receive joy?
Showing posts with label vision for life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vision for life. Show all posts
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Daily Devotional - 9/22/15 (1/22/10)
Prayer Focus - Personal Transformation
Day 4
Pray for:
One thing that you want to see improved in your relationship with God - (Love God)
One thing that you want to see improved in the way you relate to others - (with all your heart)
One past hurt that you want to see healed and overcome - (with all your soul)
One skill or topic you want to learn - (with all your mind)
Dear Lord - Please open my ears to Your ever present voice and grant me the strength to obey.
Psalms 82
"How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked?
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
They know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken" ( vs. 2 - 5 )
The world that we live in is very confused. We can also be very confused. We do not really understand what truly matters anymore. Sometimes we call wrong right, and right wrong. Sometimes we are defending the wrong people and things. I don't know why we do this, but I have seen this struggle in myself. Even in my teaching, sometimes I have caught myself trying to cater to the students who cause trouble in the class instead of the ones who are trying so hard to learn. I often see myself looking at people in a worldly way, thinking about who makes a lot of money or who is more popular and successful in the world. I can be fooled by glitz and glamor. I can be envious of people that have a nice car or house and a lot of money. I can want a life of leisure instead of a life of purpose. Then I become very dissatisfied with my life and all of its blessings.
I often think it would be good if we could go back to a simpler time so that we would not have so many distractions from the pursuit of values and integrity. We would have a completely different perspective, but unfortunately, we can not go back. And, I must remind myself, there have always been problems. But, I do often think about the story of Pandora's Box. Once the box was opened, there was no going back. This is similar to our world now. Everything is out of the box and evil just seems to keep expanding. But despite all of this, we are still called to a better life. We are challenged with our thinking and taught about what is truly life.
This short psalms calls us out. It asks, "How long will we keep valuing what is wrong?" It challenges us with purpose; defend, maintain, rescue, and deliver. It calls on us to change the world; to stop being blind to the truth and to start to understand. The earth is being shaken right now by ignorance and hatred. Horrible things are being done, and evil men are being regarded as good in many parts of the world, but if we look to the scriptures, we are still commanded to focus on what is good and noble, perfect and true (Philippians 4:8).
We are still called to rejoice. Consider this:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God , which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7)
We are still called to love. Consider this:
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)
We are called to make a difference by being different, and loving in a different way. We are called to look at people from God's perspective and have His priorities in dealing with them.
"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come!" (II Corinthians 5:16-17)
We tend to look at the outward appearance of others and judge them by our standards of what we like and dislike (I Samuel 16:7). We are doing wrong when we do this. I am definitely glad that God looks at my heart because I know I would never measure up outwardly; yet why do I forget that with others. Often the best people are so far removed from what we would have imagined or picked. We need to take care of everyone that we can because that is what God desires. He has called us to use whatever strength and resources we have to help. We are not to just look at people outwardly, we are to look at need. We are to help the weak and the poor. We are to protect others from evil. We are called and if we are called, we will be equipped.
Let us keep our priorities right and remember we are here to serve and not be served (Matt 20:28). There are so many people who need us. Let us place others above ourselves today and everyday. We can make a difference.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Lord,
Help us to see people as You do. Help us to focus on the heart and not on the outward appearance. Help us to not be drawn to what society promotes as the "beautiful people". We are all precious to You and so we should all be precious to each other. Help us to not miss out on the joy of serving and help us to help those who need it. Show us the good works You have for us to do and grant us the strength to do them.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
QFT
1. How do I view people? Why? How do I see the poor, fatherless, oppressed, weak, and needy? Do I have any stereotypes about others? Why? How can I change this?
2. Do I defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked in any way? Why? How do I feel about doing this? How can I change?
3. How do I deal with spiritually needy people? Am I willing to sacrifice my money to help them mature spiritually or would I rather just meet their physical needs? How can I start giving more to others spiritually? Is there someone I know that I can help today?
4. Do I make time for those in need? Do I defend and protect them in any way? What can I do to change? What can I do to help the poor, weak, needy, oppressed, or fatherless? What opportunities already exist? Is there something I could help begin? Is there someone I know personally that I can help?
5. Do I believe that I can make a difference in the world? Why or why not? What can I study out in the Bible that will remind me that I can? What vision or dream can I develop about impacting the world in a great way?
Day 4
Pray for:
One thing that you want to see improved in your relationship with God - (Love God)
One thing that you want to see improved in the way you relate to others - (with all your heart)
One past hurt that you want to see healed and overcome - (with all your soul)
One skill or topic you want to learn - (with all your mind)
Dear Lord - Please open my ears to Your ever present voice and grant me the strength to obey.
Psalms 82
"How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked?
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
They know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken" ( vs. 2 - 5 )
The world that we live in is very confused. We can also be very confused. We do not really understand what truly matters anymore. Sometimes we call wrong right, and right wrong. Sometimes we are defending the wrong people and things. I don't know why we do this, but I have seen this struggle in myself. Even in my teaching, sometimes I have caught myself trying to cater to the students who cause trouble in the class instead of the ones who are trying so hard to learn. I often see myself looking at people in a worldly way, thinking about who makes a lot of money or who is more popular and successful in the world. I can be fooled by glitz and glamor. I can be envious of people that have a nice car or house and a lot of money. I can want a life of leisure instead of a life of purpose. Then I become very dissatisfied with my life and all of its blessings.
I often think it would be good if we could go back to a simpler time so that we would not have so many distractions from the pursuit of values and integrity. We would have a completely different perspective, but unfortunately, we can not go back. And, I must remind myself, there have always been problems. But, I do often think about the story of Pandora's Box. Once the box was opened, there was no going back. This is similar to our world now. Everything is out of the box and evil just seems to keep expanding. But despite all of this, we are still called to a better life. We are challenged with our thinking and taught about what is truly life.
This short psalms calls us out. It asks, "How long will we keep valuing what is wrong?" It challenges us with purpose; defend, maintain, rescue, and deliver. It calls on us to change the world; to stop being blind to the truth and to start to understand. The earth is being shaken right now by ignorance and hatred. Horrible things are being done, and evil men are being regarded as good in many parts of the world, but if we look to the scriptures, we are still commanded to focus on what is good and noble, perfect and true (Philippians 4:8).
We are still called to rejoice. Consider this:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God , which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7)
We are still called to love. Consider this:
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)
We are called to make a difference by being different, and loving in a different way. We are called to look at people from God's perspective and have His priorities in dealing with them.
"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come!" (II Corinthians 5:16-17)
We tend to look at the outward appearance of others and judge them by our standards of what we like and dislike (I Samuel 16:7). We are doing wrong when we do this. I am definitely glad that God looks at my heart because I know I would never measure up outwardly; yet why do I forget that with others. Often the best people are so far removed from what we would have imagined or picked. We need to take care of everyone that we can because that is what God desires. He has called us to use whatever strength and resources we have to help. We are not to just look at people outwardly, we are to look at need. We are to help the weak and the poor. We are to protect others from evil. We are called and if we are called, we will be equipped.
Let us keep our priorities right and remember we are here to serve and not be served (Matt 20:28). There are so many people who need us. Let us place others above ourselves today and everyday. We can make a difference.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Lord,
Help us to see people as You do. Help us to focus on the heart and not on the outward appearance. Help us to not be drawn to what society promotes as the "beautiful people". We are all precious to You and so we should all be precious to each other. Help us to not miss out on the joy of serving and help us to help those who need it. Show us the good works You have for us to do and grant us the strength to do them.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
QFT
1. How do I view people? Why? How do I see the poor, fatherless, oppressed, weak, and needy? Do I have any stereotypes about others? Why? How can I change this?
2. Do I defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked in any way? Why? How do I feel about doing this? How can I change?
3. How do I deal with spiritually needy people? Am I willing to sacrifice my money to help them mature spiritually or would I rather just meet their physical needs? How can I start giving more to others spiritually? Is there someone I know that I can help today?
4. Do I make time for those in need? Do I defend and protect them in any way? What can I do to change? What can I do to help the poor, weak, needy, oppressed, or fatherless? What opportunities already exist? Is there something I could help begin? Is there someone I know personally that I can help?
5. Do I believe that I can make a difference in the world? Why or why not? What can I study out in the Bible that will remind me that I can? What vision or dream can I develop about impacting the world in a great way?
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Daily Devotional - 9/20/15 (1/20/2010)
Prayer Focus - Personal Transformation
Day 2
Pray for:
One thing that you want to see improved in your relationship with God - (Love God)
One thing that you want to see improved in the way you relate to others - (with all your heart)
Dear Lord - Please open my ears to Your ever present voice and grant me the strength to obey.
Psalms 80
"Restore us, O God; make Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved." ( vs. 3, 7, 19 )
As the psalmist recounts the struggles of Israel in Psalm 80, the phrase above is repeated three times. The Israelites were longing to be restored to their days of glory, but there is also a message of restoration for us in these short verses. There is a deep longing within each of us for something better than what we have right now. We want to be more. No child dreams about growing up to be something mediocre. They dream of being princesses and princes, heroes and heroines. God has set these dreams of greatness (Jeremiah 29:11) as well as eternity in our hearts (Ezekiel 3:11). He has also given us a desire for beauty and innocence. I think that is why we love art and nature.
We look wistfully at our young children (when they are behaving!) and often long for those carefree days when we were young. If our children are older, we miss the days when they were innocent babies. We treasure the joy of those days in our own lives because somewhere along the line, as we grow up, we get corrupted by our sins and the sins of others. Just like Adam and Eve, we fall from grace. The longing for what we were supposed to be remains, however. We want the innocence back and the purity of heart that came with it.
Thankfully, God wants this for us as well and He has provided a way for us to receive it. There is still beauty around us. There can still be beauty within us. There is still hope just as sure as there is still a sunrise and a sunset each day. We can be restored.
The key to restoration is in the second part of the verse. We have to let God's face shine upon us. As we look at Him and keep a steady gaze at what He is like, He will lead us and transform us. He created us to have life and life to the fullest (John 10:10). We are His works of art. Let us allow Him to transform us into what we were created to be and receive all He designed for us to have. If we can keep our eyes on Him, we can, like Peter walk on water (Matt 14:22-33). He is able and He will do it.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Lord,
We long for the days of innocence. Restore us to that childlike spirit. Grant us the faith and purity of heart to truly believe. You are able and You are willing. We are Your works of art. Help us to believe that and allow ourselves to be transformed. Help us to catch a hold of the vision You have for our lives and keep our eyes fixed on You. We want to radiate Your glory. We want to be saved.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
QFT
1. What were my dreams as a child? When did I let go of them? Why? Can I in anyway revive them?
2. What things (my sin and the sins of others) corrupted me and took away my innocence? Have I let go/ repented of my sins so that I can be restored? Have I forgiven those that hurt me? Can I get help to work through any issues here?
3. How can I let God's face shine upon me? Am I keeping my eyes on Him? How can I do a better job at this?
4. How is God transforming me? What can I see Him doing with my life?
5. Do I have any dreams to serve Him in any way? What can I try to do? What steps of faith can I take?
Day 2
Pray for:
One thing that you want to see improved in your relationship with God - (Love God)
One thing that you want to see improved in the way you relate to others - (with all your heart)
Dear Lord - Please open my ears to Your ever present voice and grant me the strength to obey.
Psalms 80
"Restore us, O God; make Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved." ( vs. 3, 7, 19 )
As the psalmist recounts the struggles of Israel in Psalm 80, the phrase above is repeated three times. The Israelites were longing to be restored to their days of glory, but there is also a message of restoration for us in these short verses. There is a deep longing within each of us for something better than what we have right now. We want to be more. No child dreams about growing up to be something mediocre. They dream of being princesses and princes, heroes and heroines. God has set these dreams of greatness (Jeremiah 29:11) as well as eternity in our hearts (Ezekiel 3:11). He has also given us a desire for beauty and innocence. I think that is why we love art and nature.
We look wistfully at our young children (when they are behaving!) and often long for those carefree days when we were young. If our children are older, we miss the days when they were innocent babies. We treasure the joy of those days in our own lives because somewhere along the line, as we grow up, we get corrupted by our sins and the sins of others. Just like Adam and Eve, we fall from grace. The longing for what we were supposed to be remains, however. We want the innocence back and the purity of heart that came with it.
Thankfully, God wants this for us as well and He has provided a way for us to receive it. There is still beauty around us. There can still be beauty within us. There is still hope just as sure as there is still a sunrise and a sunset each day. We can be restored.
The key to restoration is in the second part of the verse. We have to let God's face shine upon us. As we look at Him and keep a steady gaze at what He is like, He will lead us and transform us. He created us to have life and life to the fullest (John 10:10). We are His works of art. Let us allow Him to transform us into what we were created to be and receive all He designed for us to have. If we can keep our eyes on Him, we can, like Peter walk on water (Matt 14:22-33). He is able and He will do it.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Lord,
We long for the days of innocence. Restore us to that childlike spirit. Grant us the faith and purity of heart to truly believe. You are able and You are willing. We are Your works of art. Help us to believe that and allow ourselves to be transformed. Help us to catch a hold of the vision You have for our lives and keep our eyes fixed on You. We want to radiate Your glory. We want to be saved.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
QFT
1. What were my dreams as a child? When did I let go of them? Why? Can I in anyway revive them?
2. What things (my sin and the sins of others) corrupted me and took away my innocence? Have I let go/ repented of my sins so that I can be restored? Have I forgiven those that hurt me? Can I get help to work through any issues here?
3. How can I let God's face shine upon me? Am I keeping my eyes on Him? How can I do a better job at this?
4. How is God transforming me? What can I see Him doing with my life?
5. Do I have any dreams to serve Him in any way? What can I try to do? What steps of faith can I take?
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Daily Devotional - 9/17/10 (10/17/09)
Prayer Focus - Friends
Day 3
Pray for:
One friend that you feel close to
One friend that has become distant and you would like to be closer to
One friend from long ago
Pray about:
Their physical needs
Their mental needs
Their emotional needs
Their spiritual needs
Dear Lord - Help me to listen to You each and every day and please grant me the strength to obey.
Psalms 47
"He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom He loved." (vs. 4)
"For God is the King of all the earth; sing to Him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne. The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted. " (vs. 7-9)
God is in control. I will say it again to myself. God is in control. He has my inheritance chosen for me if I will embrace it. When life seems difficult, I need to remember this and remember that He does not give us more than we can handle. Every difficult situation has a silver lining somewhere, if only we look long enough and wait long enough. I am reminded of Hebrews 12: 1-3.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
The witnesses we are surrounded by are all the great men and women of faith mentioned in the chapter before, Hebrews 11, the great faith chapter which talks of men's weaknesses becoming their strengths. They are looking down and cheering us on, as is Jesus, who ran this race first for us to show us how to do it. Because of this, we have to throw off all the things that trip us up and entangle us. For me it is frustration over a never ending "to do list". It is frustration at myself for not being a good enough mother. It is not accomplishing enough, not being enough, not controlling my anger or frustration. It is depression. It is so many things, but I need to just let them go. I am not a very good runner, so when I run, I can't think about much of anything except putting one foot in front of the other. I can't talk with anyone or think about anything. I can't even get distracted by the scenery. I just have to run. In a way, this is a good analogy for me to remember. In my spiritual life, I just need to run and concentrate on one spiritual foot after another. I must narrow my focus down and get rid of all these distractions just like I have to do when I am physically running. Then I will be able to run with perseverance this race marked out for me.
The other thought I always have about these verses is that my race is marked out for me. I don't have to trail blaze. I just have to follow the course. God does have a good inheritance for me and a race that is my own for me to run. I need to stop looking at the race others are running and wanting theirs. I must learn to be satisfied with the one I was given. It is just right for me even if it may be difficult. Then finally, I have to focus on joy. I have to think of the joy that will come from me being faithful. I have to visualize the success that might be mine someday. I have no guarantees, but I can dream of those I love becoming disciples. I can dream about really transforming my community, and even the world. I can dream about a life of impact, and I can let that inspire me on a day to day basis. Without dreams, we all die inside. God has dreams for me and I need to praise Him for it. When I praise, I am happy. When I focus on joy, I am happy. It is no good for me to sit around moping. Moping and worrying never solved any of my problems. I need to praise first and then God will be able to move in my life. God has everything in His hands, even the kings, so what am I worried about? He is able to handle my race for me. He is able to handle everything.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Lord,
Today as we go about our business and travel to and fro on this earth, remind us of Your sovereignty. Help us to see the sunrise and remember Your glory. Help us to see the birds flying in the air and look at the mountains so majestic and remember that the mountains are small in comparison to the rest of the earth and they are minuscule in comparison to the whole universe. Help us to remember that despite this smallness of the large mountains, not one little bird that flies over them falls to the ground without You knowing. How amazing is that. We are so grateful that You pay attention to us at all.
I praise You for Your victories and I praise You for taking hold of us and giving us life. Thank You for the purpose that You have given us and thank You for walking with us all of the way. We glorify You this day and everyday You give us.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
QFT
1. Do I view God as King of the Earth? Do I take time to enjoy nature and His grandeur that is evident in it? How will this help me when I am dealing with my life and its difficulties?
2. Am I known for my positive and joyful attitude or am I a negative and complaining person? How can I become more positive and joyful?
3. What I need to throw off? What hinders me and what entangles me? Why? Who can I get to help me deal with these things?
4. Am I satisfied with the race set out for me and the inheritance God has chosen for me? Why or why not? What can I do to cultivate a better attitude about my life?
5. What can I visualize as happening in the future due to my continued faithfulness? How can this help me not to grow weary? What can I do to help me focus on these goals and dreams on a day to day basis?
Day 3
Pray for:
One friend that you feel close to
One friend that has become distant and you would like to be closer to
One friend from long ago
Pray about:
Their physical needs
Their mental needs
Their emotional needs
Their spiritual needs
Dear Lord - Help me to listen to You each and every day and please grant me the strength to obey.
Psalms 47
"He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom He loved." (vs. 4)
"For God is the King of all the earth; sing to Him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne. The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted. " (vs. 7-9)
God is in control. I will say it again to myself. God is in control. He has my inheritance chosen for me if I will embrace it. When life seems difficult, I need to remember this and remember that He does not give us more than we can handle. Every difficult situation has a silver lining somewhere, if only we look long enough and wait long enough. I am reminded of Hebrews 12: 1-3.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
The witnesses we are surrounded by are all the great men and women of faith mentioned in the chapter before, Hebrews 11, the great faith chapter which talks of men's weaknesses becoming their strengths. They are looking down and cheering us on, as is Jesus, who ran this race first for us to show us how to do it. Because of this, we have to throw off all the things that trip us up and entangle us. For me it is frustration over a never ending "to do list". It is frustration at myself for not being a good enough mother. It is not accomplishing enough, not being enough, not controlling my anger or frustration. It is depression. It is so many things, but I need to just let them go. I am not a very good runner, so when I run, I can't think about much of anything except putting one foot in front of the other. I can't talk with anyone or think about anything. I can't even get distracted by the scenery. I just have to run. In a way, this is a good analogy for me to remember. In my spiritual life, I just need to run and concentrate on one spiritual foot after another. I must narrow my focus down and get rid of all these distractions just like I have to do when I am physically running. Then I will be able to run with perseverance this race marked out for me.
The other thought I always have about these verses is that my race is marked out for me. I don't have to trail blaze. I just have to follow the course. God does have a good inheritance for me and a race that is my own for me to run. I need to stop looking at the race others are running and wanting theirs. I must learn to be satisfied with the one I was given. It is just right for me even if it may be difficult. Then finally, I have to focus on joy. I have to think of the joy that will come from me being faithful. I have to visualize the success that might be mine someday. I have no guarantees, but I can dream of those I love becoming disciples. I can dream about really transforming my community, and even the world. I can dream about a life of impact, and I can let that inspire me on a day to day basis. Without dreams, we all die inside. God has dreams for me and I need to praise Him for it. When I praise, I am happy. When I focus on joy, I am happy. It is no good for me to sit around moping. Moping and worrying never solved any of my problems. I need to praise first and then God will be able to move in my life. God has everything in His hands, even the kings, so what am I worried about? He is able to handle my race for me. He is able to handle everything.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Lord,
Today as we go about our business and travel to and fro on this earth, remind us of Your sovereignty. Help us to see the sunrise and remember Your glory. Help us to see the birds flying in the air and look at the mountains so majestic and remember that the mountains are small in comparison to the rest of the earth and they are minuscule in comparison to the whole universe. Help us to remember that despite this smallness of the large mountains, not one little bird that flies over them falls to the ground without You knowing. How amazing is that. We are so grateful that You pay attention to us at all.
I praise You for Your victories and I praise You for taking hold of us and giving us life. Thank You for the purpose that You have given us and thank You for walking with us all of the way. We glorify You this day and everyday You give us.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
QFT
1. Do I view God as King of the Earth? Do I take time to enjoy nature and His grandeur that is evident in it? How will this help me when I am dealing with my life and its difficulties?
2. Am I known for my positive and joyful attitude or am I a negative and complaining person? How can I become more positive and joyful?
3. What I need to throw off? What hinders me and what entangles me? Why? Who can I get to help me deal with these things?
4. Am I satisfied with the race set out for me and the inheritance God has chosen for me? Why or why not? What can I do to cultivate a better attitude about my life?
5. What can I visualize as happening in the future due to my continued faithfulness? How can this help me not to grow weary? What can I do to help me focus on these goals and dreams on a day to day basis?
Monday, January 25, 2010
Daily Devotional - 1/25
Prayer Focus - Personal Transformation
Day 7
Pray for:
One thing that you want to see improved in your relationship with God - (Love God)
One thing that you want to see improved in the way you relate to others - (with all your heart)
One past hurt that you want to see healed and overcome - (with all your soul)
One skill or topic you want to learn - (with all your mind)
One thing that you want to see improved about your health - (with all your strength)
One thing you want to do to help others around you - (Love your neighbor)
One thing you need to accept and be grateful for about yourself or your life - (as yourself)
Dear Lord - Please open my ears to Your ever present voice and grant me the strength to obey.
Psalms 85
"I will listen to what God the Lord will say; He promises peace to His people, His saints - but let them not return to folly. Surely His salvation is near those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land." ( vs. 8-9)
I will listen to God. I will stop listening to the world. God is the Lord. He promises us peace but it has a condition on it. We must not go back to our old ways. We must not be foolish. We must not put our hand to the plow and look back. He has salvation and everything else less than that waiting for us. It is up to us to respond and do so correctly and consistently. When we do this, we will have peace. A Christian who is not in submission to God and His will and who has one foot in and one foot out of the kingdom of God will never experience peace. It is perhaps more frustrating than leaving God altogether.
"The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before Him and prepares the way for His steps." (vs. 12-13)
God will give what is good. There is not doubt about it, but will we be able to receive it? Righteousness is necessary to prepare the way. If I want to see my life yield a harvest, I must get my field ready by being righteous. This is what God needs to see in order to bestow the blessings He wants to. It is our preparation to show Him we are ready to use His gifts appropriately and to use His blessings to give back to Him. He is always thinking long term and so must we. Let us prepare our lives for service and then see what happens. I believe it will astound us.
"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible" St. Francis of Assisi
Prayer for the Day
Dear Lord,
We need to listen to You. We will listen to You. Help us not to return to our folly. We have lived in it long enough. It does not produce the life we so desire. We long for peace. We do not want to look back. There is so much ahead to look to. Although the world often looks so dark, there is Your bright and shining light guiding us on. Help us to sow righteousness so that we may reap a harvest. We want our land, our lives, to yield a harvest. We know that is up to You but we need to do our part. Help us to work hard. We wait to see the good that You will give. You are great and we praise You.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
QFT
1. Do I have primarily peace or frustration in my life? Am I looking back in any way to my old life? What areas seemed better then? Why? Is this the truth? What can I do to get my eyes focused forward and on God in a greater way?
2. Am I completely devoted to God or is there any parts of my that I hold back from Him? What can I do about these areas if there are any? Am I devoted to His kingdom? How can I be more devoted?
3. Is my life yielding a harvest? Why or why not? What can I do to change or do better to be more fruitful?
4. Am I living a life that God can bless? In what ways am I being righteous? In what ways am I not? How can I improve? What is the necessary that I need to start doing? What is the possible in my life? What is holding me back from doing my all?
Day 7
Pray for:
One thing that you want to see improved in your relationship with God - (Love God)
One thing that you want to see improved in the way you relate to others - (with all your heart)
One past hurt that you want to see healed and overcome - (with all your soul)
One skill or topic you want to learn - (with all your mind)
One thing that you want to see improved about your health - (with all your strength)
One thing you want to do to help others around you - (Love your neighbor)
One thing you need to accept and be grateful for about yourself or your life - (as yourself)
Dear Lord - Please open my ears to Your ever present voice and grant me the strength to obey.
Psalms 85
"I will listen to what God the Lord will say; He promises peace to His people, His saints - but let them not return to folly. Surely His salvation is near those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land." ( vs. 8-9)
I will listen to God. I will stop listening to the world. God is the Lord. He promises us peace but it has a condition on it. We must not go back to our old ways. We must not be foolish. We must not put our hand to the plow and look back. He has salvation and everything else less than that waiting for us. It is up to us to respond and do so correctly and consistently. When we do this, we will have peace. A Christian who is not in submission to God and His will and who has one foot in and one foot out of the kingdom of God will never experience peace. It is perhaps more frustrating than leaving God altogether.
"The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before Him and prepares the way for His steps." (vs. 12-13)
God will give what is good. There is not doubt about it, but will we be able to receive it? Righteousness is necessary to prepare the way. If I want to see my life yield a harvest, I must get my field ready by being righteous. This is what God needs to see in order to bestow the blessings He wants to. It is our preparation to show Him we are ready to use His gifts appropriately and to use His blessings to give back to Him. He is always thinking long term and so must we. Let us prepare our lives for service and then see what happens. I believe it will astound us.
"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible" St. Francis of Assisi
Prayer for the Day
Dear Lord,
We need to listen to You. We will listen to You. Help us not to return to our folly. We have lived in it long enough. It does not produce the life we so desire. We long for peace. We do not want to look back. There is so much ahead to look to. Although the world often looks so dark, there is Your bright and shining light guiding us on. Help us to sow righteousness so that we may reap a harvest. We want our land, our lives, to yield a harvest. We know that is up to You but we need to do our part. Help us to work hard. We wait to see the good that You will give. You are great and we praise You.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
QFT
1. Do I have primarily peace or frustration in my life? Am I looking back in any way to my old life? What areas seemed better then? Why? Is this the truth? What can I do to get my eyes focused forward and on God in a greater way?
2. Am I completely devoted to God or is there any parts of my that I hold back from Him? What can I do about these areas if there are any? Am I devoted to His kingdom? How can I be more devoted?
3. Is my life yielding a harvest? Why or why not? What can I do to change or do better to be more fruitful?
4. Am I living a life that God can bless? In what ways am I being righteous? In what ways am I not? How can I improve? What is the necessary that I need to start doing? What is the possible in my life? What is holding me back from doing my all?
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Daily Devotional - 1/20
Prayer Focus - Personal Transformation
Day 2
Pray for:
One thing that you want to see improved in your relationship with God - (Love God)
One thing that you want to see improved in the way you relate to others - (with all your heart)
Dear Lord - Please open my ears to Your ever present voice and grant me the strength to obey.
Psalms 80
"Restore us, O God; make Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved." ( vs. 3, 7, & 19)
As the psalmist recounts the struggles of Israel in Psalm 80, the phrase above is repeated three times. The Israelites were longing to be restored to their days of glory but there is also a message of restoration for us in these short verses. There is a deep longing within each of us for something better than what we are and what we have right now. No child dreams about growing up to be something mediocre. They dream of being princesses and princes, heroes and heroines. God has set these dreams of greatness (Jeremiah 29:11) as well as eternity in our hearts (Ezekiel 3:11). He has also given us a desire for beauty and innocence. I think that is why we love art and nature. We look wistfully at our young children (when they are behaving!) and often long for those carefree days when we were young. If our children are older, we miss the days when they were innocent babies. We treasure the joy of those days in our lives, but somewhere along the line we get corrupted by our sins and the sins of others. Just like Adam and Eve, we fall from grace but the longing remains. We want the innocence back and the purity of heart that came with it. Thankfully, God wants that for us as well and He has provided a way for us to receive it. There is still beauty around us. There is still hope just as sure as there is still a sunrise and a sunset each day. We can be restored.
The key to restoration is in the second part of the verse. We have to let God's face shine upon us. As we look at Him and keep a steady gaze at what He is like, He will lead us and transform us. He created us to have life and life to the fullest (John 10:10). We are His works of art. Let us allow Him to transform us into what we were created to be and receive all He designed for us to have. If we can keep our eyes on Him, we can, like Peter walk on water (Matt 14:22-33). He is able and He will do it.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Lord,
We long for the days of innocence. Restore us to that childlike spirit. Grant us the faith and purity of heart to truly believe. You are able and You are willing. We are Your works of art. Help us to believe that and allow ourselves to be transformed. Help us to catch ahold of the vision You have for our lives and keep our eyes fixed on You. We want to radiate Your glory. We want to be saved.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
QFT
1. What were my dreams as a child? When did I let go of them? Why? Can I in anyway revive them?
2. What things (my sin and the sins of others) corrupted me and took away my innocence? Have I let go/ repented of my sins so that I can be restored? Have I forgiven those that hurt me? Can I get help to work through any issues here?
3. How can I let God's face shine upon me? Am I keeping my eyes on Him? How can I do a better job at this?
4. How is God transforming me? What can I see Him doing with my life? Do I have any dreams to serve Him in any way? What can I try to do? What steps of faith can I take?
Day 2
Pray for:
One thing that you want to see improved in your relationship with God - (Love God)
One thing that you want to see improved in the way you relate to others - (with all your heart)
Dear Lord - Please open my ears to Your ever present voice and grant me the strength to obey.
Psalms 80
"Restore us, O God; make Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved." ( vs. 3, 7, & 19)
As the psalmist recounts the struggles of Israel in Psalm 80, the phrase above is repeated three times. The Israelites were longing to be restored to their days of glory but there is also a message of restoration for us in these short verses. There is a deep longing within each of us for something better than what we are and what we have right now. No child dreams about growing up to be something mediocre. They dream of being princesses and princes, heroes and heroines. God has set these dreams of greatness (Jeremiah 29:11) as well as eternity in our hearts (Ezekiel 3:11). He has also given us a desire for beauty and innocence. I think that is why we love art and nature. We look wistfully at our young children (when they are behaving!) and often long for those carefree days when we were young. If our children are older, we miss the days when they were innocent babies. We treasure the joy of those days in our lives, but somewhere along the line we get corrupted by our sins and the sins of others. Just like Adam and Eve, we fall from grace but the longing remains. We want the innocence back and the purity of heart that came with it. Thankfully, God wants that for us as well and He has provided a way for us to receive it. There is still beauty around us. There is still hope just as sure as there is still a sunrise and a sunset each day. We can be restored.
The key to restoration is in the second part of the verse. We have to let God's face shine upon us. As we look at Him and keep a steady gaze at what He is like, He will lead us and transform us. He created us to have life and life to the fullest (John 10:10). We are His works of art. Let us allow Him to transform us into what we were created to be and receive all He designed for us to have. If we can keep our eyes on Him, we can, like Peter walk on water (Matt 14:22-33). He is able and He will do it.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Lord,
We long for the days of innocence. Restore us to that childlike spirit. Grant us the faith and purity of heart to truly believe. You are able and You are willing. We are Your works of art. Help us to believe that and allow ourselves to be transformed. Help us to catch ahold of the vision You have for our lives and keep our eyes fixed on You. We want to radiate Your glory. We want to be saved.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
QFT
1. What were my dreams as a child? When did I let go of them? Why? Can I in anyway revive them?
2. What things (my sin and the sins of others) corrupted me and took away my innocence? Have I let go/ repented of my sins so that I can be restored? Have I forgiven those that hurt me? Can I get help to work through any issues here?
3. How can I let God's face shine upon me? Am I keeping my eyes on Him? How can I do a better job at this?
4. How is God transforming me? What can I see Him doing with my life? Do I have any dreams to serve Him in any way? What can I try to do? What steps of faith can I take?
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Daily Devotional - 11/12
Prayer Focus - Needs
Day 1
Pray for:
One thing that is needed in the world
Focus on how this need being fulfilled will help those concerned's
spiritual life
physical life
emotional life
mental life
Dear Lord - Please open my ears to hear and grant me the strength to obey.
Psalms 72
"He will be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth. In his days the righteous will flourish; prosperity will abound till the moon is no more...For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death." ( vs. 6-7, 12-13)
This psalm states at the beginning that it was written about Solomon. What a wonderful portrait of what a person could become. I would like this to be able to be said about me someday. I would like to be like rain on a mown field. That dewy freshness and revitalization that comes from a needed watering. I would like to be a protector of the weak and helpless. I would like to make a difference.
We often have great desires to do something. The problem is in our actions. God is able, but are we truly willing? Are we taking steps to do something? Perhaps we do not know what to do. I feel this way quite a bit and my problem is that when I don't know what to do, I don't do anything. I need to start doing something, anything, as long as it gets me moving in some direction. God can take care of the rest but if I do nothing, I receive nothing. I impact nothing. We must start and let God take care of the rest. Let tomorrow be the first day of the rest of our lives and let us dream of that beautiful field in the rain.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Lord,
We have dreams to make a difference, and You have dreams to save the world. Help us to see that our dreams are possible, if they are in line with Yours. Help us to start moving in some direction because it is easier to move or redirect an object once it is moving than when it is at a complete stop. Help us to not be frozen with insecurity and indecision. You know what You have planned for our lives and the good works that You have prepared in advance for us to do. You are able to complete them if we are willing to act. You have put things on our heart for a reason. There are people that only we can reach and help. Help us to stop focusing on ourselves and help us to start making a difference for You. With You we will be able. Grant us strength.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
QFT
1. Am I refreshing to others or a burden to them? Why? How can I become someone who refreshing, or become more like this if I already am?
2. Are the righteous flourishing because of me? Who am I helping or inspiring to be more godly? How am I helping them? What more could I do or how could I start doing this if I am not now?
3. Am I helping the needy and afflicted? How am I doing this? What more could I do or what could I start doing?
4. What is my dream or vision for my life? What good works do I feel I am equipped to do? What has been on my heart lately? What can I start doing? How can I begin or continue to make this dream/vision happen? Am I praying about my dream becoming what God's dream is for my life?
Day 1
Pray for:
One thing that is needed in the world
Focus on how this need being fulfilled will help those concerned's
spiritual life
physical life
emotional life
mental life
Dear Lord - Please open my ears to hear and grant me the strength to obey.
Psalms 72
"He will be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth. In his days the righteous will flourish; prosperity will abound till the moon is no more...For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death." ( vs. 6-7, 12-13)
This psalm states at the beginning that it was written about Solomon. What a wonderful portrait of what a person could become. I would like this to be able to be said about me someday. I would like to be like rain on a mown field. That dewy freshness and revitalization that comes from a needed watering. I would like to be a protector of the weak and helpless. I would like to make a difference.
We often have great desires to do something. The problem is in our actions. God is able, but are we truly willing? Are we taking steps to do something? Perhaps we do not know what to do. I feel this way quite a bit and my problem is that when I don't know what to do, I don't do anything. I need to start doing something, anything, as long as it gets me moving in some direction. God can take care of the rest but if I do nothing, I receive nothing. I impact nothing. We must start and let God take care of the rest. Let tomorrow be the first day of the rest of our lives and let us dream of that beautiful field in the rain.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Lord,
We have dreams to make a difference, and You have dreams to save the world. Help us to see that our dreams are possible, if they are in line with Yours. Help us to start moving in some direction because it is easier to move or redirect an object once it is moving than when it is at a complete stop. Help us to not be frozen with insecurity and indecision. You know what You have planned for our lives and the good works that You have prepared in advance for us to do. You are able to complete them if we are willing to act. You have put things on our heart for a reason. There are people that only we can reach and help. Help us to stop focusing on ourselves and help us to start making a difference for You. With You we will be able. Grant us strength.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
QFT
1. Am I refreshing to others or a burden to them? Why? How can I become someone who refreshing, or become more like this if I already am?
2. Are the righteous flourishing because of me? Who am I helping or inspiring to be more godly? How am I helping them? What more could I do or how could I start doing this if I am not now?
3. Am I helping the needy and afflicted? How am I doing this? What more could I do or what could I start doing?
4. What is my dream or vision for my life? What good works do I feel I am equipped to do? What has been on my heart lately? What can I start doing? How can I begin or continue to make this dream/vision happen? Am I praying about my dream becoming what God's dream is for my life?
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