THANKFUL

Friday, October 11, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

We’re thankful we can come to you in prayer, any place, any time. You’re pleased for us to come to you, reverently, just as we are. In our humanity, our fears, flaws, doubts, and failures, all the things that make us weak humans and hinder faith’s growth, come along too. Also, in our humanity, we think we’re not worthy to come to you. Nothing could be further from the truth. You know all about our flaws, the motives of our hearts, how we struggle with temptations that at times we succumb to. That doesn’t matter to you. You say, “Come over here and sit with me, Let’s talk.” You’re aware our human pride wants to bluff our way through prayer sometimes, that we really can handle some things ourselves. Your word couldn’t be clearer: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). But when we come to you with a sincere heart, we admit our dependence on your power and grace. You know what we need, even before we know we know it. Spilling our heart to you emotionally and spiritually, in total honesty, is good for us. When we do, we’re developing a more intimate relationship with you, the Living God, the great I AM. Thank you, Lord, that our sins do not close your ear to our prayers.

You hear the prayers of our family and friends who call to you in their illnesses and afflictions. We see in our spirit how you hold them close to your heart and their hearts beat as one with yours. Your grace during these sometimes dark days gives comfort and renews hope. What can replace your peace when the trials seem to linger, and doubts about your goodness are chomping at the bits to get a foothold in our spirit?

Forgive our sins. May we return to you so our nation can be healed.  Only you can change our hearts to unite us as a nation.

Thanks for wanting to listen to us, Jesus. Amen.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, today we need a fresh filling of your Spirit if we’re gonna make it through this day (Ephesians 5:18). It’s the same need everyday for those living for you in this fallen world. Regardless of our circumstances, a spirit of gratefulness and thankfulness rises to you and opens the doors for peace to flood our soul when our hearts are filled with your Spirit. Not only that, but our joy of having you real in our life is contagious and attracts people to you. Many go through life only going through the motions of living, but never finding the lasting joy, wondering what is missing. May our joy of having your Spirit within us rub off on those seeking the meaning of life and their purpose.

How tragic so many feel unloved, unwanted, rejected as unworthy of being or having anything meaningful. As you daily refresh our spirits with your Spirit, may our actions and attitudes help direct these dear people to you. And may our love and concern be genuine, since a fake is so easy to spot (1 John 3:18). Jesus, we release the problems we encounter, the trials we face, the disappointments that come with life, to you to use to bring people to faith. May our positive attitude and upbeat spirit show people you make a difference in people’s lives.

Fill our dear friends and family with overwhelming joy despite their medical issues or afflictions. What a great testimony of your grace that you give joy in circumstances that no one would willingly choose. May your Spirit rise in those who follow you and may your Spirit draw those facing medical crisis who do not have you in their life. You, Lord Jesus, give life, and life abundantly (John 10:10).

Forgive our sins. Heal our nation. Bless our government leaders and may they govern with godly wisdom. We pray you drive out the scoffers and those who only cause turmoil. Your people need you more than ever, Lord God.

Fill me today with your Spirit, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Tuesday, October 08, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Life in this fallen world can be tough at times. We’re thankful for your presence that gives us hope when life’s stuff hits. But there are incidents that are beyond our strengths. We get to the end of our proverbial rope and we’re still hanging over the swamp full of alligators—then what? In our needy condition, Lord God, we acknowledge we need you. Jesus, when you walked among us, you taught the antithesis to the culture at that time. You stated to surprised listeners, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). In that culture, crisis solving depended on their self-efforts and to more closely follow strict rules of behavior. If the problems remained, too bad—your fault. How surprising Jesus would say they “were blessed” if they were hopelessly mired in their situation. Surely these dire circumstances hardly resemble the kingdom of heaven, whatever that is.

If Jesus were to put this same truth in today’s language, he’s say: “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you, there is more of God and his rule (The Message Translation). So much for the self-made man philosophy of “I’ve got this! I have all the answers.” In our spiritual poverty, God makes available everything in his kingdom we need. You’re the great I AM and nothing is impossible for you. When we’re poor in spirit, help us trust your promise that all the powers of heaven will work on our behalf.

May we be faithful to remember our loved ones and friends facing illnesses, diseases, physical and mental afflictions. In their weakness, Lord make your strength known. Sustain them and their families with your grace and power.

Show yourself to all who are seeking you, You are not far from all who call on you. Forgive our sins. Heal our nation.

When I’m poor in spirit, I’m truly rich beyond measure in you, Jesus. Amen

Monday, October 07, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Thank you, Lord, that you are for us and not against us. Often, we may not be aware of your working on our behalf. We encounter a problem and tend to throw our hands up, but you are eager to show us what you can do in our difficult situations. You’re a good God. You give good things to your children. You have given everyone who has placed their faith in Jesus your Holy Spirit to live inside them forever. We will never be alone, never be without your presence. At times, my stubbornness pushes your Spirit to the back of my mind, but you never condemn me. You orchestra events that cause me to focus my attention on you again. When my eyes are on the problems, frustration rises. But when my focus is on the great Problem-Solver, everything seems to fall into place. Help us not to compare ourselves with other believers. You are working uniquely in others’ lives as you are working in mine. Your plan for them is not the same plan for me. You stated in your word how “We are your workmanship, created to do good things for your kingdom” (Ephesians 2:10). Some translations say, “We are your masterpiece.” That’s amazing. We may not think of ourselves as a ‘masterpiece,’ but it doesn’t matter what we think, it’s what YOU think of us, Lord God. So, help us remember, to embed deeply in our spirits, “these wonderful things: If God is on our side, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31 TLB).

Bless our dear friends and loved ones fighting disease and ailments, afflictions. Bless and bring peace to those who battle mental illness, depression and despair. You’re the God of hope. In you we find our being and meaning in life. Use these circumstances for your glory and show your power to all, especially to the skeptics who think some situations are hopeless. May faith rise in all these dear friends and family. With you, nothing is impossible, Lord.

Thankful you are for us and not against us, Lord God. Amen.

Friday, October 04, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, what an emotional rollercoaster we’ve rode this week. Our spirits rose in righteous anger over the actions of wicked people, whose only purpose was to stir up strife and create chaos. Our spirits rejoiced in the open demonstration of your love, forgiveness and grace, shown to the world by an 18-year-old Christ-follower.

One truth was made clear to us this week: we should never dismiss the faith of young people. Brandt Jean didn’t have a diploma on the wall from a prominent seminary, or the endorsement from popular ministries, nor a massive TV following. He is simply an ordinary believer, like us, who stepped out in faith, to share your grace, love and forgiveness. His obedient act shook the world and renewed the faith of countless believers who had doubts about your grace and unconditional forgiveness.

The skeptics, the mockers, as expected, brought out their long-knives. We witnessed another truth: persecution, mocking, lies and threats always follow the display of God’s love and grace. Spiritual power always attracts opposition, but God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus, God’s grace, is greater than any sin. The enemy of our souls has no argument against this truth.

We who have trusted in Jesus’ sacrifice for sin can rest in your peace, knowing our souls are secure in you, Lord God. Thank you for this assurance.

Bless and continue your healing power for our friends who face illness, afflictions and disorders. Be merciful to them in their darkest hours, when doubts creeps into their minds, when fear constantly knocks on the door. Give them a new level of faith to believe you are with them and will never abandon them when their trials seem the worst. You are the God of the miraculous and you have not changed.

Forgive our sins, heal our nation. Start a spiritual renewal within each of us. Teach us how to show grace and forgiveness to one another, even when we do not feel like it.

Your grace is greater than any sin, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Thursday, October 03, 2019

Good afternoon, Jesus.

We saw you yesterday, Jesus. We would have had to be physically and spiritually blind to miss you. Your presence was obvious. Your word says so clearly in Galatians 4:4 that at the “fullness of time,” at just the right time, God sent his Son Jesus to save us from our sins. You came to us again, only this time as an 18-year-old young man from St. Lucia, Brandt Jean. While giving his victim impact statement to his brother Botham Jean’s killer, Amber Guyger, his message was not what she expected. Instead of harsh words of condemnation, he said he forgave her. He wanted the best for her. “I think giving your life to Christ is the best thing Botham would want you to do.” What happened next left everyone speechless. Brandt asked permission from Judge Tammy Kemp if he could hug Guyger. After receiving permission, as Jean left the witness stand, Guyger ran and fell into his arms. Sobs echoed throughout the courtroom. Reconciliation was birthed. Healing began.

Grace won. Those protesting in the hallway were left powerless.

With the impact statements completed, the Judge Kemp gave Guyger her personal Bible she kept on the bench. She opened God’s word to John 3:16 and explained to Guyger the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Then they prayed and Guyger gave her life to Jesus, right there in the courtroom. Her jail sentence remains. She will spend time in prison. But her now born-again spirit is free from the prison of sin! Amber Guyger is now a new creation in Christ Jesus, and like the rest of us, God will complete the good work he started in Guyger.

What a demonstration of your grace, Lord Jesus. God the Father gave his impact statement. He didn’t sugar-coat my guilt. My sins separated me from you, Lord. My standards, although approved by the world, were meaningless when compared with your standards. But what you said humbled me: “I forgive you. I love you. I want you to give your life to me.” You saw my guilt, yet you left your stand and walked toward me. You made the first move. How could I not run to embrace you, sobbing because your grace was so immeasurable to a sinner like me—fully forgiven of every wrong I ever did or will do. But what about the consequences of my sin? Doesn’t your righteousness demand sin be punished. Jesus stepped up, “Father, I’ll take his punishment!”

Grace won. Hell was left powerless. At the right time, Jesus came along. Amen.

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

What will come my way today, Lord? I may follow a daily routine, but I don’t know what life’s stuff surprises may lurk around the corner. May your Holy Spirit, who’s always with me, remind me to look for you at work for my good in all situations (Romans 8:28). May my response to these surprises, no matter how inconvenient they are, be that of faith. In my humanity, I tend to complain a little, maybe throw my pen across the room, or pound my fist on the table. Yet even if I do react in an un-Christlike manner, if I fall short of your standards as a Christ-follower, you whisper your unconditional love for me. “We’re in this together,” you assure me. “Look for me in this!” (Romans 11:36)  I’m thankful your love for me is not based on my performance.

Help me keep my heart pure, my thoughts focused on your promises. Protect me from spouting careless words in the heat of the moment, especially when I’m around others who are watching me. And help me realize that as a Christ-follower, I have influence that represents you, your grace and your love. For those who are looking for meaning and purpose in life, may my words and actions point them to you, the only one who can change our heart.

May we always remember our dear friends and loved ones, facing medical treatments, rehab, operations. We pray for those who are depressed over life’s circumstances. May they find hope in you, Lord Jesus. Heal the minds of the mentally ill. Heal the pain from the harmful memories, comfort their hearts, soothe their souls, bring peace to their spirits. Only you, Lord God, can create new life to the spiritually dead.

Forgive our sins. Heal our nation. Start a spiritual renewal in each of us.

Praying for Christlike reactions to life’s surprises, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Tuesday, October 01, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Oh, Lord! Life’s stuff happens to all people. Good, bad, male, female, believer, non-believer, none are exempt in this fallen world. How do we cope with the setbacks that life throws at us? What methods of survival do we have? For the unbeliever, hope can be difficult and peace of mind fleeting. For the Christ-follower, however, our hope rests in faith in what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. As a ship uses a compass to stay the course to reach its destination, the Christian finds their way by employing the truths found in God’s word, the Bible. Jesus knew the trials and problems we’d face would be more than we could handle. On our own, we’d be overwhelmed. Lord, you promised to never leave us nor forsake us. May our inner man not panic but be sensitive to the leading of your Holy Spirit. Let our prayers be like that of the psalmist who prayed “You are my refuge and my shield, and your promises are my only source of hope” (Psalm 119:114 TLB).

Focusing only on our circumstances will make us think and do crazy things. Instead, Lord help us keep our spirits focused on your word, which never changes. When we anchor our souls to your promises during the storms, we maintain our hope, which is tethered to Your faithfulness. As your followers, we trust you will use these hard circumstances and trials to build new dimensions in our faith. The psalmist rested in the solitude you give, Lord God. He prayed, “. . . I love your clear-cut revelation. You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your word to renew me” (Psalm 119:114 MSG).

Forgive our sins, heal our nation, spark a spiritual renewal in each of us. Help us to love one another as you love, Lord God.

Holding to you when life’s stuff hits, Jesus. Amen

Monday, September 30, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

The stories in the Bible about the birth of the first century church, how your first generation of believers changed their world, are truly amazing, yet involved great costs. Countless believers were arrested, many beheaded, burned alive, some even became lion fodder, just for sharing their faith. What gave these humble believers such boldness to speak your truths despite persecutions? They didn’t have theological answers to every question thrown at them. Although they may have lacked a deep knowledge of the Scriptures, they refused to remain quiet. Though ridiculed by the “educated” religious leaders because of their lack of religious training, nothing stopped their message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Their boldness to tell their story, how you changed their hearts and lives, came from your Spirit living within them.

We may never be arrested for sharing your message of forgiveness and grace, but if we are, we pray there is enough evidence to convict us of being Christ-followers. May that same Spirit that emboldened the first believers embolden us to share our stories of how you changed our lives, made us new people, and gave us meaning and hope. It wasn’t us “turning over a new leaf” or keeping New Year’s resolutions. Neither did changing our outward behaviors change our rebellious hearts. It is only your grace and mercy, which we didn’t deserve, are we adopted into the family of God. Our prayer is that people will see you, Jesus, in our renewed lives. May your Spirit enable us to voice your clear and simple message how you, Jesus, changed our hearts. Like it was evident with early believers, may it be evident to all that we have been with you Jesus (Acts 4:12).

Bless our dear friends and family who look to you for strength and comfort despite illness and affliction. Flood the chemo centers with your presence. Give peace when those facing surgery are wheeled into the operating room. Strengthen those whose physical afflictions create struggles for everyday normal activities. Show grace to those who battle depression. Bring healing to the mentally ill and may they receive godly counsel. Calm any fears with your overwhelming peace and presence.

Forgive our sins, change our hearts, help us forgive as you forgive, love as you love.

Telling all who will listen, Jesus. Amen.

September 27, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, when we realized how powerless we were to change our broken spiritual condition, we cried out to you for help. By your power, you saved us from eternal destruction, and your grace gave us a new start in life. We’re a new creation in you, continually being transformed into your image as we walk with you. How humbling to know you want to use us to show others your grace, even though we’re still flawed and struggle with sins. Our story of brokenness to redemption, of unbelief to faith, is one powerful story that only we can tell, as it comes straight from our heart. You use us to tell others of your boundless love, how you accept people as they are. The greatest message of our story is we no longer must pay the eternal consequences of our sins. The part of our story that is extraordinary is how Jesus exchanged his righteousness for our sins. That in itself is worth jumping for joy (Philippians 4:4).

It’s not our job change others. That’s’ your job, Lord. We couldn’t change ourselves. After coming to faith in you, Lord Jesus, your Spirit helps new believers make whatever changes you want. Help us show our brothers and sisters in Christ your love and give our support in their journey of faith. May we be there to help them us when they stumble, rejoice when they rejoice, cry when they cry, as they will be there for us (Romans 12:15).

Bless and keep our loved ones and friends who live with physical, emotional and spiritual challenges. Bring your help and peace to those fighting mental illness and depression, especially those who are your believers. Only you can lift that heavy burden from their spirits, put a new song in their hearts, bring joy back into their lives. You’re the creator of both our physical and spiritual lives and we look to you for our meaning in life.

Forgive our sins, heal our nation, spark a spiritual renewal in each of us. Help our love for one another.

Telling others about you, Jesus. Amen.