THANKFUL

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, You see what an invincible super-Christian I am. Spotting the devil’s schemes is easy. “Is that all you got, devil?” I taunt. “I’m on to you, big boy!” Being so spiritually in-tune sets me apart from other believers who struggle with issues like I used to. I can’t see the Holy Spirit shaking His head because my pride blocks the His warnings about my pride.

But the devil’s attacks aren’t always obvious. It’s obvious when he attacks from the front, but he slips in through my backdoor that my pride has left wide open. He attacks with subtle temptations: a little compromise here, a little embellishment there, a little lack of self-control, and WHA-LA! Before I realize what’s going on, I’m derailed in my walk with You, Jesus. So much for me “being on to you, big boy.” Lord, forgive my foolish pride. This truth could not be more plain: without You, Lord Jesus, I’m just a sitting duck. Help me bury my pride and lean totally on Your power, Lord.

In Your power, Jesus. Amen.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord Jesus, one promise You have faithfully kept to all Christ-followers is “. . . in this world you will have troubles” (John 16:33). The closer I draw to You, the more I understand Your purpose in allowing trials, and problems is to grow me more Christlike character in me (Romans 8:29). You’ve never left my side, however, I’ve often wondered aloud, “Where in the world are You, Jesus?” You’re not hiding, sleeping, nor on vacation. You are right here, validating my faith as real when I choose not to dwell on my circumstances but instead, lean into You, giving You thanks even though I cannot feel Your presence.

We pray Your divine protection for our front-line workers battling the COVID-19 virus. We pray this virus is eradicated from the Earth forever. Reveal Your wisdom as they search for a cure or vaccine. May this health crisis bring people to You who never gave You a second thought, but now that their spiritual eyes are open realize their need for You. May You be more than what they expected, just like You have been for all who have come to You.

Forgive our sins, heal our nation, show us how to love one another.

Thanks for never leaving me alone, Jesus. Amen.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, I’m sure I am echoing billions of Your followers when I say, “Thank You” for not harping on me how badly I failed in life before I came to You. Oh, I presented a “nice” person façade, but I was self-centered too. I was absorbed with protecting my fragile soul. But You knew what You were getting, Jesus. You saw the broken, spiritual basket case I was. To be honest, deep down, I saw it too.

I couldn’t believe my soul when I heard you whisper in my heart, “You’ve resisted me for far too long. Where has it got you? I want you as a part of My kingdom. I didn’t come to Earth to point a finger at you, I came to give My life to redeem you so you can have true life in Me, your Savior.” A simple “Thank You” falls inadequately short for all you’ve done for me, Lord, but “Thank You.”

We pray for our friends who are on the front-lines ministering to those infected with the COVID-19 virus.  Protect their health and their family’s health. Bless our first responders, police, and firefighters. Give wisdom to the governing officials making decisions about the lockdowns. Let Your Church be the shining light in these dark times and bring people to You.

Thankful to be in Your kingdom, Lord. Amen.

Monday, May 18, 2020

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, we enjoy going on trips. They can be fun and enlightening. But the guilt trips, not so much. Our biggest accuser, the devil, exploits us every way he can. How he highlights our struggles with addictions, harmful habits, and nagging sins is real. He throws our every dysfunction in our face. When we, Your followers, fail in this broken world, and we do, the devil is eager to punch our ticket to Shame-ville in the state of Depression on his guilt-trip train. But the Holy Spirit living within us says, “You don’t have to get on that train! And if you are on that guilt-trip train, get off.”

Lord Jesus, for all who have trusted in Your redemptive work on the cross for us, we’re on board a different train. We’re on board the Glory Express, where Jesus has saved us a permanent seat when He punched our sins-cancelled ticket with His grace and mercy. We’re free to enjoy the guilt-free trip to our heavenly destination. We’re forever grateful we climbed on when you said, “all aboard!”

Enjoying the trip on the Glory Express with You, Jesus. Amen.

Friday, May 15, 2020

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, these COVID-19 lockdowns have created a spirit of depression. Many are experiencing the darkest season of their life, fearful of losing all they’ve worked for these many years. They feel helpless, seeing their world fall apart.

You desire Your followers to make a different in their world. We are called to be “the light of the world” in these dark times (Matthew 5:14). Stated another way, You have mandated us be a “breath of fresh air” in a [our] world where hope has diminished in man’s solutions. Help us be that breath of fresh air people are seeking. Open their spiritual eyes to see the Light of Your goodness and drive away the darkness of depression.

We call on You again, Lord God, to bring an end to this COVID-19 pandemic. While this virus is running its course, redeem these times of disruptions to draw people to You and make lifestyle changes that make You the priority of their lives. May they find Your grace all-encompassing and Your peace unrivaled by any man-made substitute.

Forgive our sins, heal our nation, teach us to love one another.

Being Your light in this dark world, Jesus. Amen.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, You have gone to great lengths to show people who You are. Why You chose to leave the glories of Heaven to come to this broken world leaves us baffled, but we’re forever thankful You did. By living a sinless life, only You could be God’s flawless sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sins on the cross. Your burial and resurrection three days later proved You are the Son of God who makes all who trust You righteous before God. When I am absolutely clear as who You are, then it becomes clear to me who I am. My identity is forever tied to You, Jesus. This truth reassures me that no matter what my worst critic and enemy [the devil] lies about me or what may happen, I’ll cling to what Your servant Paul confidently wrote, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

Bless and protect our front-line warriors battling this COVID-19. Protect their health, physical and mental wellbeing. Protect their families. We pray all those infected by COVID-19 will make complete recoveries. May this health crisis draw people closer to You in addition to drawing them closer to their families and loved ones. May more people see who You really are, Lord Jesus, and find their identity in You.

Forgive our sins, heal our nation, show us how to love one another as You love us, warts and all.

Thankful to be numbered with You, Jesus. Amen.

Wednesday 05/13/2020

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, I am reminded of two truths that never change. First, I am trapped in a far from perfect world, which leads to, secondly, my plans are often disrupted by circumstances beyond my control. This is when I tend to complain. How quickly I forget Your sovereignty. My frustration of not being in control blinds me from seeing how You orchestrated these situations. Doubts of Your goodness run through my mind. Forgive me, Lord. Later, the Holy Spirit reveals how these “disruptions” were You working behind the scene on my behalf. What can I say but, “Wow, Jesus! You turned my frustrations into a blessing—again.”

Lord, we pray again for Your divine intervention in this COVID-19 pandemic. Bring an end to this virus. Eliminate this curse from the earth, and may it never return. Bless those who are infected with this virus and may they make a full recovery. Comfort the families and friends of those who lost loved ones to this illness. Help us use this time of lockdown to draw closer to You and our families. As challenging as it may be, help us set aside our phones and talk to one another again. Nothing is impossible for You, Lord God.

Forgive our sins, heal our nation, bring us back to You, heavenly Father.

Thankful You never stop working behind the scenes, Jesus. Amen.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Good morning Jesus

Lord, Your Spirit enables me to show grace toward others who have hurt me, betrayed the church, defrauded society, or other myriad offenses. How easy for me to give grace to those truly contrite for their misdeeds. (For the arrogant, more effort is needed.) However, when I fail, why are my attempts to extend that same grace to myself so difficult? Lord, help me forgive myself and quit beating myself up. Open my eyes to see myself through Your eyes. “I acknowledge my mistakes to You, and You forgive them” (Psalm 32:5).

Humbling acknowledging how helpless I am without Your grace, Jesus. Amen.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Good morning Jesus

Lord, Your Spirit enables me to show grace toward others who have hurt me, betrayed the church, defrauded society, or other myriad offenses. How easy for me to give grace to those truly contrite for their misdeeds. (For the arrogant, more effort is needed.) However, when I fail, why are my attempts to extend that same grace to myself so difficult? Lord, help me forgive myself and quit beating myself up. Open my eyes to see myself through Your eyes. “I acknowledge my mistakes to You, and You forgive them” (Psalm 32:5).

Humbling acknowledging how helpless I am without Your grace, Jesus. Amen.

Friday, May 08, 2020

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, You know my record. My flaws are record setting. The devil tells me my imperfections identify me. He tempts me to compare my imperfect life with his “perfect” people. They brag about their perfect home, perfect mate(s), perfect career, gloating how they can do no wrong. By the world’s standards, I don’t measure up. Talk about a façade! I hear You laughing at them. Lord, You love and accept me despite my flaws and failures. Daily, in Your love, You’re chipping away at my imperfections and replacing them with Your character. If there is one thing I can brag about, it is this: I have a perfect Savior.

Thank You, Lord, for Your grace to us as we endure this pandemic. For believers, You have been our strength amid the uncertainty of it all. You give peace to those who call on You and calm any fears they may have. May this health crisis cause people who never gave You a second thought to look to You for hope and meaning. This pandemic is real, for sure, but Your presence is ever so much more real. Bless the doctors, scientists and researchers who are working endlessly to discover the cure. Bring us together as a people, and may we order our lives according to Your precepts and live by Your values.

Forgive our sins, heal our nation, show us how to love one another as You love us.

Thankful You for Your perfect love, Jesus. Amen.