THANKFUL

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, you know I love you. I’ve surrendered my life and given you my heart as I walk through this fallen world. My eternity is in your nail-scarred hands. Trials have been often and sometimes harsh, yet you’ve come through for me time and again. But as faithful as you’ve been to me, at times doubts creep in to disrupt my peace. Doubt usually brings its buddy, guilt, who has its fellow companion condemnation following along.

“How could you doubt the Lord?” guilt whispers. Condemnation chimes in. “God’s disappointed you doubted him—again!” “Do I really know God? All this time, have I been duped into denying reality?” These devilish playmates don’t need much of an opening to have a field day with our minds.

While they are romping through my mind, the Holy Spirit lovingly waits patiently. “Enough,” he gently whispers. “My child, don’t be alarmed if you have doubts. That leaves room for my revelation of something new about my character you haven’t seen before. Your doubts aren’t saying, I won’t believe. You’re telling me, Lord, help my unbelief. I’ve heard that prayer many times, my child. Hold my hand and let’s walk through this together.”

By your grace, we will remain faithful during these trials, illnesses and problems. Build our faith as we wait when we’re anxious, holding your hand, believing you will come through for us again. In our humanity, we want to avoid these character-building trials, but to be more like you, Jesus. we must go through these. But we’re never alone, since we belong to you and you’ve promised goodness and mercy willfollow us all the days of our life.

Lord, may I echo what pastor Greg Laurie states: “. . .may I doubt my doubts, and believe my beliefs.”

In Jesus’ name, my doubts are settled. Amen.

Monday, December 16, 2019

Good morning, Jesus

Lord, you’ve given us the mandate to spread your message of forgiveness and salvation to those in our world. We each have a story how you showed us grace and mercy when we didn’t deserve it. It was you who gave us a new life, not us “turning over a new leaf” by our own efforts and self-will. Although our story is joyous to us and close friends, sharing our story can be intimidating. Our enemy Satan whispers, sometimes yells, lie after lie how we’re not qualified to share our story. Well, yeah, on our own we can’t, but we have the Holy Spirit within us to speak through us. When we tell our story how Jesus changed our lives, help us just follow Jesus’ example

Jesus didn’t use the complex, confusing religious jargon of the “religious elites.” Instead, he used the common, everyday words. May I do the same. Religious jargon doesn’t connect us nor build relationships to nonbelievers. Their confused looks indicate they could understand Martian better than our religious lingo. Keep us from talking over their head, but choose the right words, as your Spirit instructs. Help us meet our friends where they are so our message of grace and forgiveness is easily understood. Let us communicate with simple words the simple truth of the Gospel: God loves you and sent his only Son Jesus to pay your sin debt. By accepting what Jesus did on the cross for us, God gives us forgiveness and eternal life.

Bless, heal and restore to our dear friends and loved ones their health and wellbeing. Some may not be cured of their ailment, but their spirits can be healed from emotional wounds and unresolved issues that have festered in their souls for years. Bring peace to all who are standing in faith with them during their medical and physical challenges.

The simple truths of the Gospel give us new life in you, Jesus. Amen.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

What a comfort to know you are in control of all things. You’re working behind the scenes, not only in our lives, but you are working behind the events unfolding in this fallen world.

Our human understanding is terribly limited. Our humanity drives us to be thought of as smarter than the average guy. Many times, we can’t see the obvious, since in your wisdom, you have hidden your wisdom from the prideful (1 Corinthians 2:7). You see the whole picture, Lord. We see only the present.

Keep us from panicking when things do not unfold as we like but help us live by faith and not by sight! (1 Corinthians 5:7). Let us see how our trials are meant to purify our faith, not to cause us to stumble. So when we can’t understand the whole, You will hold us close as we surrender completely to your promise that you control all things. Assure us you will never abandon us, nor leave us hanging without hope (Hebrews 13:5).

Keep close to your heart our loved ones and friends who face medical challenges and afflictions that are beyond them. You’re waiting to jump in to intervene on their behalf when people call on you. Let faith rise to greater levels. We pray no spirit of fear or depression will gain any ground in their lives, especially when the rehab or recovery is not going on our timetable. Give new strength and energy to those in rehab, who have determined in their spirits that nothing will hold them back.

We thank you for the upbeat spirit and “can do” attitude of our beloved Valerie as she shows the powers of darkness, that with Jesus on the scene, nothing is impossible.

Forgive our sins. Heal our nation. Teach us to love and forgive as you love and forgive, Lord God.

We’re trusting you, Jesus, even when we can’t see what we desire. Amen.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

For most folks, Lord, this is our busiest season. Running here and there, shopping, going to parties, maybe rehearsals for school or church Christmas plays. Many will risk life and limb while hanging Christmas lights. We love these holidays, or as you call them in the Bible, festivals. But the Christmas activities can be tiring. We get stressed, when you never intended the birth of the Messiah, the Savior of the world, to be stressful.

Why am I surprised that once I slow up and catch my breath, I discover you have been trying for some time to get my attention. This festival busyness I’ve allowed into my life has muffled my spiritual ears from hearing your voice. You’ve been yelling all the time “Slow up!” and I’ve been telling myself “Hurry up! You’ve got much to do before Christmas!” When I come to my senses, let me stop and ask what are you wanting to tell me, Lord?

Forgive me, Lord. I didn’t intend to make this holiday/festival/Christmas season something you never intended. It’s all about you, Jesus. May I make this season one of renewed worship and adoration to you. I pray my heart continually sings, “Oh, come, let us adore Him! Oh, come, let us adore Him, Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”

In the face of trials, problems, illnesses and afflictions, may our songs of adorations to you, Jesus, never cease. Help us totally surrender our lives to you. Once we take our hands off circumstances, we free you to work on our behalf.

Forgive our sins, heal our nation, spark a spiritual renewal in each of us. May honoring you be our number one priority, not just at Christmas time, but every day.

Oh, that I may adore you more, Jesus. Amen.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

The world’s version of this Christ-less season has caused us untold stress.  What should be a joyous celebration of Advent has morphed into something completely unrecognizable from its original meaning. When did fighting crowds at the mall to find the latest toy or the cannot-live-without trinket, which will be forgotten within a week or put in a springtime yard sale, take priority over worshipping the Savior of the world? How did St. Nicholas, the gifted and generous bishop of the third century, turn into the mythical character Santa Claus? This stress to purchase what we can’t afford so we can give it to someone who is doing the same thing, to do more until we drop from exhaustion, hoping our performance pleases others, has taken the joy out of your miraculous birth, and peace on Earth, goodwill toward men. This stress has driven many to chocolate binge.

Bring us back, Lord, to where we make this season all about you. May the phrase “Jesus is the reason for the season” become the priority. Giving gifts to our loved ones and friends is fine, but we should give you, Jesus, the greatest gift—our lives. As the heavenly choir burst into praise with triumphant Hallelujahs on that joyous night, may we join in with the angels in our praise to you, Lord Jesus. The babe in the manger becomes the Light of the world that shines in the darkness, changing mankind forever.

Be the Reason for the season in our hearts, Lord Jesus. You gave us the greatest gift—your sinless life—for the sins of the world, to give us salvation and eternal life. Truly accepting your gift is “peace on Earth, goodwill toward men.”

Thank you, Jesus. Amen!

Monday, December 09, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

I’m annoyed, Lord, and don’t mean to complain, but …

Here comes that weirdo again, I’m overjoyed serving you, desiring to be faithful to do whatever you ask. I find true meaning and satisfaction being your hands, your feet and your mouthpiece here, but this guy is a real ding-a-ling. Why does he keep coming around me? I try to ignore him, but he won’t leave me alone. Are you listening, Lord? Why don’t you send him to Siberia or someplace?

Then you answer.

My child, open your heart to my workings. I keep sending him to you because you have what he is looking for. He’s never felt loved, nor wanted. He has not known acceptance but only rejection. Listen, I am the one sending him to you because he saw my Light of the world shining in you. He wants that Light too, but he doesn’t know how to find it. My Spirit draws him to you for you to share my Love and Grace with him. Just like I arranged for one of my faithful servants to share with you my message of grace when you were seeking, I want you to tell him that he’s no accident, that I love and accept him as he is, and he can find his life’s purpose in me! I’m trusting you with my message. Now, don’t you be a ding-a-ling, but go and share how I can give him new life and purpose.

Lord, forgive me. I repent. Use me to share your message of hope to all in this fallen and broken world. Only in you do we find our meaning and purpose.

Bless our friends and family facing disease and illness. May we be faithful to stand with them in your Light and Hope during these trying times, and may we all cling to you, never letting go.

Forgive our sins, heal our nation, spark a spiritual revival in each of us.

Sharing your message, Jesus. Amen.

Friday, December 06, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, why this pain? Why these disruptions to my happy, normal Christian life? Why? Why won’t you take these trials and problems away? All you need to do is speak the word and these problems would disappear, and I’d be okay. You know my heart’s desire is you, Jesus. I’ve obeyed you as best I can.

“Why should you be exempt from problems, my child?” I hear you say. “If you allow it and not question ‘why,’ but ask ‘what,’ I will use these trials and the accompanying pain to grow you in your faith. How you respond and how you handle these challenges are instrumental to your spiritual growth. Don’t resist, but trust I’m working for your good. Until you handle these problems biblically, they’ll just keep coming. Look at these as spiritual growing pains.”

So Lord, although I cannot understand now, later, you will reveal I the purpose for these problems. I trust you will bring me through the fire to remove the dross and purify me as pure gold. May I become more like you and less like my carnal self.

Give your peace for those facing illnesses and afflictions. Use these medical challenges to draw all people to you. For those who do not know you, reveal your offer of salvation and grace for them to accept. For your followers, your grace sustains them and their families in the darkest hours. Speak your words of healing and restoration, oh, Lord, and let the people’s faith rise.

Bless President Trump and Vice-President Pence and their families and advisors. Heal our nation, forgive our sins, spark a spiritual revival within each of us.

Looking for your purposes, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Thursday, December 05, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, you see what’s going on in our country? You see the hatred, chaos, bickering, lying—all those things you describe as character traits of our carnal flesh (Galatians 5:19–21). Our society is in shambles from the discord emanating from our heads of government. For those who do not know you, or worse, who refuse to acknowledge your sovereignty and existence, their hope rests with man. O Lord, how risky is that?

You haven’t left us dangling in uncertainty, without hope. You’ve instructed our behavior in times like this:

“The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live ” (1 Timothy 2:1–3).

When your people pray in faith, you move on our behalf. Help us discipline ourselves to seek you faithfully. Help us pray for those, especially politicians, who drive us nuts with their arrogance and underhanded tactics. Help us pray for those in government to govern with godly wisdom and honesty. This is most difficult when the politicians and bureaucrats are people we don’t like, let alone love. You didn’t command us to pray for only those we like, but to pray for all “rulers” and those in power. In your wisdom, you’ve made it difficult for us to remain mad at people when we’re praying for their salvation.

And may we be faithful in prayer for our loved ones facing medical and physical issues that are beyond them. May our prayers for the cure of whatever diseases may afflict them be seasoned with petitions of healing for them not only in body, but also healing in their mind, emotions, will, soul and spirit. Be the God of mercy and grace they call upon in their distress.

Thank you for hearing our prayers, Jesus. Amen.

Tuesday, December 03, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, heal my vision. My eyesight is in need of reconditioning. When I neglect time with you, diving into the truths of Scriptures found in your word, talking everything over with you, I tend to see the negative first. The obstacles stand before me like Mount Everest! My viewpoint needs a new point. So where do I begin?

I start by meditating on your word, what you say about me, concerning my situations. Your promises are for all who call upon you with a sincere heart. You tell us our battles are yours to fight if we let go trying to do it on our own (Ephesians 6:12).

I ask for increased faith to believe your word. As you had to do with the great apostle Paul, take the scales off my eyes to see you working in all circumstances. Instead of seeing Mount Everest, let me see what you see—a pebble. I’ll grab your hand as you reach down to me and we step over this “mountain.” When life’s stuff hits and the raging sea threatens to throw me overboard, let me see you coming to me, walking on the waves, taking control of the storm. Let my spiritual eyes see your abundant storehouse, not the empty cupboards in my life. Give me the courage of David, who used what he had when the giant loomed over him. The shepherd boy saw the giant fall when God directed the stone. Yes, give me a new vision, Lord.

Continue working in your mysterious ways to bring health, healing and wholeness to body, soul and spirit to all who call upon you when illness hits. We’re amazed, but we shouldn’t be, by your great works of grace and healing when we pray in faith. When life’s stuff hits, you hit harder!

Forgive our sins, heal our nation, spark a spiritual renewal in all of us.

Here’s looking at you, Jesus. Amen.

Monday, December 02, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, help me watch my words. In my humanity, I don’t always monitor what I say, either by my actions or words. What message am I sending to the world about my relationship with you, Lord? Am I honoring you with my heart, or am I just spouting memorized prayers and religious clichés while my heart is indifferent toward you? (Isaiah 29:13) Give me a greater desire to be fully surrendered to you, Lord. May you increase, and may my selfish desires decrease.

Admittedly, after coming to you in repentance and your grace gave my spirit new life, my soul, still wanting to be the head of everything, fought against my new alive spirit. Help me, Lord, to be cognizant of my words and actions. We may not realize who is watching us, or who is listening to our words. Make us aware of the influence we have on others. Our actions and words will either honor you, Lord God and point others toward you, or paint a picture that all Christ followers are hypocrites and turn them off completely from Christianity. May I be especially careful around children and young people with whom I have influence, and may my actions cause them to seek you as Lord and Savior, and thus change their destiny.

Ordering my words and actions to honor you, Lord Jesus. Amen!