Sunday Prayertime

Dear God, I pray for all those who are reading this prayer, that You will touch their lives in great and mighty ways. Please draw them closer to You and provide: Comfort on difficult days, Smiles when sadness intrudes, Rainbows to follow the clouds, Laughter to kiss their lips, Sunsets to warm their hearts, Gentle hugs when spirits sag, Friendships to brighten their being, Beauty for their eyes to see, Confidence for when they doubt, Faith so that they can believe, Courage to know themselves, Patience to accept the truth, And love to complete their lives. Thank You God for Your blessings. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Saturday Prayertime

Whew! Sometimes, Lord, it seems I'm "in the fire." Things are hectic, I'm bombarded with trials and temptations, and it is not easy. Please help me through the fiery times. I pray that I will emerge a better person, a more faithful Christian, and a living testimony to Your grace. I need Your strength, because I cannot do it alone. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus' name I come to You, Amen.

Honking a Horn

Proverbs 20:3 (MSG) - "It’s a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights.

Dr. Stanley Jones says that there are two ways to honk a horn - the Christian way and the non-Christian way. The Christian way calls attention to a situation or need, the non-Christian way not only calls attention to a situation - but also to how the honker feels about it.

There is a bumper sticker out there that says - "Honk away - it's your ulcer." Ulcers often are a sign of a condition of irritation and bad temper. When we lose our temper and try to take it out on those around us, we may hurt them, but we definitely hurt ourselves. The one who is in a bad temper with others is usually in a bad temper with themselves. The word temper means a person's state of mind seen in terms of their being angry or calm. One who displays a bad temper usually has inner problems that they are projecting on others. They fail to see that the answer really lies within themselves.

Today, muse over the words in James 1:20 (HCSB) - "for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness." Wrong will never make a right. When we use wrong means - we end up with wrong ends. Look deep and see if you harbor a good or a bad temper.

 Every Day With Jesus Bible, 2004. Nashville:Holman Bible Publishers. Pg. 945

Decide for Spiritual freshness

Romans 6:2b (Philipps) - "We, who have died to sin—how could we live in sin a moment longer?"

I read a story of a gardener who worked at an Evangelical conference center. He told of how during the first two or three days of a conference, Christians obeyed the signs that said,"Do not Litter." They would go out of their way to carry unwanted paper, etc. to the trash bins. After four or five days had passed, they grew tired of looking for the bins and hid their unwanted paper under the bushes. They had enough conscience to hide the paper, but not enough to get rid of it.

We need to be careful not to compromise upon the concept of removing sin from our lives. We need to daily look deep inside and see if there are any sin that we are harboring. They will seek to "hide under the bushes," but we need to bring them out and get rid of them. 

Ponder today over what is in your heart and life - the biggest hindrance is procrastination - start now. Decide now for a spiritual freshness in your life.

Story from Every Day With Jesus Bible 2004. Nashville:Holman Bible Publishers. Pg. 941

El Elyon

Genesis 14:22 (HCSB) - "But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand in an oath to Yahweh, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth...."

Most High God - El Elyon - Creator and Owner of all Heaven and Earth. The Psalmist proclaims in Psalm 91:9 - 10 (HCSB) - " Because you have made the Lord—my refuge, the Most High—your dwelling place, no harm will come to you; no plague will come near your tent." Therefore, we can join with the Psalmist in saying (verses 1 and 2) - "The one who lives under the protection of the Most High

dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

He has consistently provided for His servants in the Scriptures, and He is a God who does not vary or change. Therefore, we can be assured that He will take care of us today. He knows what will happen today, tomorrow and all eternity. So, if you are unsure about what's happening around you - trust Him - His plans are always much greater than our own.

Ponder today how that behind the scenes the Most High God (El Elyon) will make "all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 (HCSB).

El Shaddai

Genesis 17:1 (HCSB) - "When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him, saying, “I am God Almighty. [El Shaddai]" Live in My presence and be blameless."

This is a marvelous name for God. It carries two opposite concepts - that of sympathy and power.  The name means "the powerful one" and also "the tender one." The base of this Shaddai is the Hebrew word shad that means breast. The picture is One who can take us to His breast when we are in need of comfort. But, the breast or chest area is also a picture of strength and might. He is the One who is able to solve the problems in your life.

Ponder today over how that God is the One who has everything that you need - you can trust and obey Him. He will comfort you and also give you deliverance and victory. What do you need form Him today?

Yahweh Sabaoth

Psalm 46:11 (HCSB) - :Yahweh of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

Yahweh of Hosts - the Lord of Hosts in the KJV - the One who is ready to help us in times of trouble. The word "hosts" is Sabaoth in the Hebrew and means a host is ready to serve or to fight.

This helps us to understand that God is aware of our problems, they didn't come as a surprise or catch Him unawares.  He is ready to come to our aid. The term has been translated also, the God of the fighting angels. He has myriads and myriads of angels standing at the ready to come and fight for us. However, you need to come and ask Him for this assistance. 

Today, muse over the fact that we do have power available - stop focusing upon our problems and start focusing upon God. If we focus upon the Enemy we get discouraged. If we focus on God we find strength. He promises us the victory.

Sunday Prayertime

Good morning, God! Thank you for this day. Please go with me and guide me on the paths you would have me travel today. Help me to be obedient to your will and Your prompting. Develop the gifts and skills you have placed within me, and flow through me to activate them for Your purpose and Your glory. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Saturday Prayertime

Dear God, Is my testimony what it should be? What would others say about my testimony for you? Can others see your work in my life? Please forgive me where I have failed. I'm sorry for disappointing you, for not spending as much time with you as I should, for not always doing the things I should, and for the wrong things I sometimes choose to do. Please work on me and build a testimony of your life in and through me today. I praise you and thank You in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Elohim Mikarov

Jeremiah 23:23 - 24 (NKJV) - “Am I a God near at hand,” says the Lord, “And not a God afar off? Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?” says the Lord; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord.

Elohim Mikarov - huh? THat's The God Who is Near in Hebrew.

Do you find yourself thinking of God out there? Do you often think that He is in Heaven someplace? God speaking through the prophet Jeremiah reminds the Israelites that He is not out there only, but that He is near at hand. 

God is present to hear every conversation you have, see every action you make, to actually know every thought you think. When we ponder this truth - what difference would that make if we truly believed it? Would we live any differently? In truth, God is right here, present with us. If we saw God with us, would it make a difference if we started to gossip about someone? Would it change our television habits? would our language change? How about our honesty and integrity? Well, He is right here - and He is the One who says it.

Muse over how your life would change if God was standing right beside you. And realize that He is.

God Our Father

"To all who are in Rome, loved by God, called as saints. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 1:7 (HCSB)

Consider the exciting greatness of this thought - God is both your God and Your Father. Being the Creator God does not take away the personableness of God. Being your Father does not take away His Majesty.

He is your Father - He provides, guides, protects, leads, cares, comforts,encourages, disciplines, and so much more. Muse today on the fact that you are a child of the King, your Father is loving and caring. He is watching your every move. He is concerned with making you into an image of His Son. As His adopted child, how can you make Him proud in this sin-darkened world today. Thank Him for choosing you, and pray for His strength to walk the path He has laid out for you today.

The Father of Mercies

Have you stopped to think about the impact of calling God your Father? It is not a name or a title - it is a statement of a highly personal relationship. 

When you became a child of God, you were adopted into a very special relationship. You were no longer an alien or an enemy with God, you are now a part of His family. He adopted you in His mercy - so that you no longer face judgment or punishment for your disobedience. He adopted you to love you, protect you, and provide for you. He will guide you. He is the God of all comfort, and that is because He is the Father of mercies.

Ponder and consider that you are now (if you are a believer) in an intimate relationship with the Father - Creator God - and He is your heavenly Father. Listen to what Paul said about this in 2 Corinthians 1:3 (LEB) - "Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort...."

The Father of Lights

James 1:17 (HCSB) - "Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning."

Shadows. They so often cause us great fear. Something can look so much bigger in the shadow it casts. Somethings hide in the shadows. We often find ourselves walking and looking closely to distinguish what may be lurking in the shadows around us.

But, in the Father, there are no shadows. The Bible teaches us that He is the Father of lights. When we walk close to the Father of lights, there are no shadows. His Light illuminates all around us. When we get close to God, He gets close to us, He surrounds us on all sides. There is no twilight zones, no shadows.

Muse today over what your life can be like if you walk and live close to the Father of Lights. Ponder, about how you can be in this zone of light - and never fear the shadows again.

Sunday Prayertime

Dear God, Bless my pastor today, and all the Christian leaders who serve you in the face of challenges each and every day. Make me a blessing to them, to others, and to you. Help me to stand for you, and to support brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere, whether at church, in my neighborhood, workplace, school, or around the world. Provide the means and the knowledge so that I do what is needed and what you desire in ministry to them. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Saturday Prayertime

Dear God, This morning I remembered that children's song that goes "I am a promise. I am a possibility. I am a promise, with a capital P. I am a great big bundle of potentiality..." In Jesus, I am a great big bundle of potentiality. I pray that You would fill me with Your wisdom and guide me in Your will. I pray that I will be obedient to You and keep my focus on You. I ask this so that I will reach the potential You have planned for me. In Jesus' precious name I pray, Amen.

Recent Events - Robin Williams (3)

We started this study because of the tragic death of Robin Williams in the news. Depression can lead to suicide - but it doesn't need to. One day in the future we will post about suicide from a Christian viewpoint in this column.

We have pondered  some causes, the symptoms, and today let us seek to respond to depression.

A great picture of a person depressed in the Scriptures is the great prophet Elijah. This towering man of God shows that anyone can be vulnerable to this disorder at some time in their life. He has just come off of a spiritual victory over the false prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. He stood against 450 and saw God vindicate what he has said. Now, Jezabel threatens his life - and he runs away.  He focused on the situation instead of his God. As he ran, he sank deeper and deeper into a depressed state - so low that he actually sought God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4).

From the Bible for Hope* we find that this can be called the HALT syndrome. At Elijah's lowest point he was - Hungry - he had stopped eating. Angry - actually at God feeling He was not caring for him. Lonely - he left his servant and went out all by himself. And, Tired - we see him collapse into a deep sleep.  any time that a person exhibits an intense combination of these characteristics - they are vulnerable for depression.

We see that God counteracted every one of these characteristics in Elijah's life. He feed him, He sent an Angel to show him he was not alone. The sleep helped to remedy the need for rest. This reminds us of having a real and personal relationship with God. Because of his relationship, Elijah could focus upon God and listen to what He had to say. Elijah recognized God's voice and was able to return in a renewed and strengthened personhood.

Today, as I have been known for years to say, there are two things that you need to do every day - Read your Bible, and Pray. This helps to establish and maintain that close connection with the Father - so that the strength and encouragement we need can come from Him.

The tragic suicide of Robin Williams - based apparently upon his depression need not happen to anyone else. Help a person to find that close personal relationship with the Father - and then be there to help them in their dark valley.

* Clinton, Tim editor.  2001. The Bible for Hope (Caring for People God's Way). Nashville:Thomas Nelson Publishing pg. 780-781.

Recent Events - Robin Williams (2)

We spoke briefly yesterday about depression. Today, let us consider some of the symptoms of depression. The Psalmist in Psalm 102 speaks of a virtual checklist of symptoms that David was experiencing in his life. The verses will be from the NKJV of the Bible. we see this put forth in verses 1 & 2 - "Hear my prayer, O Lord, And let my cry come to You. Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my trouble; Incline Your ear to me; In the day that I call, answer me speedily."

He wrote of his feelings of being stricken physically, losing meaning and purpose in life in verses 3 & 4 - "For my days are consumed like smoke, And my bones are burned like a hearth. My heart is stricken and withered like grass...." He lost his appetite in verse 4b - "So that I forget to eat my bread." He felt isolated and rejected - verse 6 - "I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like an owl of the desert." He couldn't sleep in verse 7 " I lie awake, And am like a sparrow alone on the housetop." He had frequent crying spells as shown in verse 9 - "For I have eaten ashes like bread, And mingled my drink with weeping...."

When depression exhibits itself in forms such as above for weeks or months at a time, it is called "major depression." Some people have depression that is exhibited in mood swings - from irritable to euphoric - this is called "bipolar disorder," or "manic-depressive illness."

A person needs to seek medical help when struggling with such disorders. To often in the church we give a glib - "Just give it to Jesus" response without any thought to what may be the underlying cause of the depression. Telling a person to snap out of it is also not going to help. Tomorrow we will conclude this look at depression by considering how to respond to depression and that one can recover hope in this struggle.

Muse over the feelings of David in Psalm 102. We know that he was suffering depression from guilt and unconfessed sin. Others suffer because of medical abnormalities. When someone is going through periods as described above, help them look to find what is the root cause. Eliminate medical conditions. Seek for doubt, unconfessed sin, or guilt - both real and imagined. Pray for the person who is struggling with these symptoms and seek to encourage them.

Recent Events - Robin Williams (1)

The news has been filled with the tragic news of the death of a very talented, creative comic genius - Robin Williams. Many recount about his roles and the impact he has made. One thing that has been revealed is the battle he had with depression. The Psalmist speaks about this valley in Psalm 130 (HCSB) - 

1 Out of the depths I call to You, Yahweh!

2 Lord, listen to my voice;

let Your ears be attentive

to my cry for help.

3 Yahweh, if You considered sins,

Lord, who could stand?

4 But with You there is forgiveness,

so that You may be revered.

5 I wait for Yahweh; I wait

and put my hope in His word.

6 I wait for the Lord

more than watchmen for the morning—

more than watchmen for the morning.

7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord.

For there is faithful love with the Lord,

and with Him is redemption in abundance.

8 And He will redeem Israel

from all its sins.

We all go through times when we feel sad, down, blue - or whatever term we might use. Solomon spoke of it in Ecclesiastes, the writer of Hebrews referenced these times in Hebrews 4:16. Depression on the other hand is a deeper level of emotional turmoil, and has been said to affect 1 out of 5 people. This affects the individual, their family, coworkers as well as others who come in contact with the person.

Depression can be caused by many different factors - stress, fear, loneliness, guilt and anger are to name a few. David spoke of his unconfessed sin as being the basis of his depression in Psalm 38. Elijah on the other hand was depressed following a great spiritual victory (1 Kings 18 and 19). Medical factors and the abnormalities in the brain's functioning can attribute to this. Understanding all the possible reasons can give us a better understanding of what this disorder is about, and how widespread it is.

Tomorrow we will pause to consider symptoms that make up this disorder, and the following day we will speak of responding and recovering hope.

Today, ponder the words of the Psalmist. If you know someone who suffers from this malady - or if you are the one suffering - take hope in a God who can give victory even in the darkest times. There is light at the end of the tunnel, Christ is waiting for you. Pray for the family of Robin Williams, and take time to talk with God today about those you know who are suffering from this disorder.

The Father - the God of Peace

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NKJV)

There will be wars, there will be disturbances, there will racial issues, there will be interpersonal friction, there will be all kinds of uneasiness. Why? Because we are sinful people living in the midst of a sinful world. The God of Peace does not live in the hearts of many in this evil world.

The God of true peace lives in the hearts of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior. True peace only happens when we place Jesus upon the throne of our hearts. When we do, the deep inner peace comes because we are no longer enemies with God. Consider what Paul said in Romans 5:1 (HCSB) - "Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." When an individual finds true peace with the God of Peace, they can spread it among their family, their church, their city, state, nation - we may not change the world, but we can change our little spot in the world.

Ponder over how you can spread this peace - the God of Peace - with those around you today.

The Father - Creator

Isaiah 40:28 (HCSB) - " Do you not know? Have you not heard? Yahweh is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth. He never grows faint or weary; there is no limit to His understanding.

Yahweh, the Father God - Creator. "For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him." (Colossians 1:16, NKJV). The Bible makes it plain that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were all involved in the Creation. The old saying encourages us - "The Father thought it, the Son bought it, and the Holy Spirit wrought it."  Man makes things, but man cannot ever create things in the truest sense. We take what is there, rearrange it and then have something different. We speak of people creating a great poem or book - but what they have done is rearrange letters to make words to develop an idea.

Ponder today how great a God the Father is that was able to tale nothing and make the wondrous universe that we are a part of. Muse over how He has given man the ability and ways to make things from all that He has created.

Sunday Prayertime

God, I realize that because I am a Christian, I am in "Full-Time" Christian service. Some Christians are called to foreign lands. Others are called to minister in the workplace or on the home front. I am called to minister and to worship you where I am. Please, God, help me to see my work and my daily activities as a means to worship to you. Demonstrate your power through my life so that others might experience you through me today. Thank you, my loving and all-powerful God. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Saturday Prayertime

Dear Lord, How amazing it is to compare our life to the caterpillar that is surrounded by the cocoon and struggles until it emerges a beautiful butterfly. I pray that as I struggle through life's challenges, that I lean on You and allow the cocoon of Your love to surround me and the circumstances and trials to help mold me into the beautiful creature You want me to become. Thank You for all You do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Blessing

Isaiah 44:3b (HCSB) - "I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants and My blessing on your offspring.

Are you seeking a blessing from God? Too often we seek for material things, however we find in the Scriptures that the real Blessing that God is willing to give is the Holy Spirit. He is the One who adds value to everything that you are and that you do. He is the One who will bless you and keep you as we find that great benediction in Numbers 6:24 - 25. Read it with me, “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you...."

So, how do we receive this blessing? Well, do you seek a financial blessing - yield your checkbook and money to Him. Seeking a blessing at work - yield your every moment and thought of business to Him. Want a blessing in your health - yield your body to Him. You should be getting the picture now. We often pray for God's blessing and we don't release it to Him.

Muse over this today, "Have I been asking God for a Blessing and not turning myself over to Him?" Ponder what areas of your life that you have been seeking God's blessing, and still wanted to handle everything your own way. If you are saved, you already have God's Blessing - the Holy Spirit - all you need to do is give Him control of your life.

He

John 14:26 - "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

Many refer to the Holy Spirit as an "it." Jesus refers to Him as a person. In this verse we see that Jesus uses the pronoun "he." Why? Was Jesus mistaken? Didn't Jesus know that the Holy Spirit was only a force, a concept, the power of God?

No, Jesus knew personally the person of the Holy Spirit. As you trace the Holy Spirit through Scriptures you can find references to all the components that make up a person. He had intellect, will, and emotions. He has the capacity to think infinitely - therefore He knows all about you. He has the infinite capacity for emotion, therefore He cares deeply for you. He has the divine power of will, therefor he will do great and mighty things for you when you choose to obey the commands of Scripture.

He is the Third Person of the Trinity. We can deny Him (2 Timothy 3:5), lie to Him (Acts 5:3), resist Him (Genesis 6:3), blaspheme Him (Matthew 12:31), obey Him (Hebrews 3:7 - 11), desire Him (John 7:37 - 38) and follow Him (Galatians 5:16, 25).

Today, pause and muse over this Third Person of the Trinity. Learn from Him, call to Him to help you worship and glorify the Father. Listen for His voice today.

The Spirit of Truth

John 14:16 - 17 - "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."

There is much error in the world today. In fact, since the Serpent Satan entered the Garden of Eden, there has been more and more error in this world. Jesus knew this truth, and He sent the Holy Spirit - the Spirit of Truth - to live in each believer to help us recognize and evade the errors out there. There are many who think they have the truth, and they will seek to lead you astray from the truth of God. when they deny Jesus Christ as God, or the Bible as the inerrant Word of God they do not have the truth. Jesus told us that He is the Truth (John 14:6) and God's Word is the Truth (John 17:17). Denying wither of these establishes that person as not having the truth.

The Spirit of Truth was sent to live in us, not periodically but every moment of every day. He is there to guide us, not some of the time but all of the time to know the Truth. When we ignore Him or deny His voice of instruction, we wind up living outside the truth. When we have trouble understanding the Bible, He is there to guide us into truth. He is there 24/7 - will we listen to His voice?

Today, muse over the truth that the Spirit of Truth is living in you (if you have received Jesus as your Savior), and that He wants to guide you into all truth. But, you must let Him do this. Pause and pray, "Holy Spirit, I know that You are in me because Jesus has promised it. Spirit come open my mind and heart to the truth of God. Reveal Jesus to me today in all of His Truth. Guide me today in the study of God's Word, the Truth. I ask this in accordance with the promise of Christ, Amen."

The Holy One

Job 6:10 - "Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One."

The Holy Spirit is called the Holy One because He is sent from God to help us live in a holy and godly manner. Holy means separated, set apart, to be pure and pristine. He is sent to us to help us as sinful people get ready to live with a pure and Holy God. Consider what Jesus said about Him in John 16:7 - 11 - "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged."

The Holy Spirit will convict us of our sin to help us live a holy life before God. He will give us a guide to walk and live in righteousness, and to be aware of the judgment on those who reject Christ. He will help us to be holy if we have a deep desire to live for God. He is sent to make us holy before God. Jesus removes our sin penalty before God, the Holy Spirit leads us into a right living before God.

Today, spend some time musing over the truth and power in the Holy Spirit being the Holy One, the One sent to guide us into all holiness in our lives. Let Him take control and lead you in the right way.

Oil of Happiness and Healing

"You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; this is why God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of joy...." Hebrews 1:9 (HCSB)

The Holy Spirit is the oil of happiness and healing. He is the Oil of Gladness spoken of in the Scriptures. Dr. Elmer Towns gives a number of ways that the Holy Spirit is Oil. Consider what he says:

1) He pours His presence on your discouragement and gives you new zeal and strength to live and serve God. You then rejoice!

2) He pours His presence on your failures, and you see new opportunities in your life. You then grow!

3) He washes away the infirmities that fester and breed germs. You are whole again!

4) He pours Himself into you to give you a second chance. You rejoice!

Muse today over how the Holy Spirit can challenge you today to grow, live and have joy in serving God today. Don't just look for what the Holy Spirit can do for you, look for ways to serve God and others in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Towns, Elmer (2004). 365 Ways to Know God. Regal Publishing Co. pg. 32

Sunday Prayertime

This is the day that you have made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. May I see all the good around me today. I do not want to focus on anything negative, but on what is good and pure. Please help me focus on all your blessings today, Lord. I pray that all I think, and do, and say will be positive, will encourage others, will glorify you, and will be in your will. Thank you for the power you give through your Holy Spirit, so that I might live as you want. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Saturday Prayertime

Dear God, I long to feel your presence. I seek your face. Please help me learn the lessons you have in the trials of life. Strengthen my faith and grant me the strength I need for daily living...and for the unexpected things that come my way. Bless me, Lord, that I may be a blessing to others. I praise you and thank you for who you are and all you do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Precious!

1 Peter 2:7a - "Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious...."

Precious! Many gemstones are called precious because they cost so much to purchase. Jesus is Precious because His death cost Him everything. Many gems are precious because they are rare or only one of a kind. Jesus is also Precious because He is the only Son of God - there is no one like Him. 

Many speak of memories being Precious - they hold to them and think on them. Jesus should be Precious to us in this way. We hold Him and think about Him.

Today, muse over the thoughts of how Jesus saved you and maintained you through many trials and troubles. He should be Precious to each of us - because of His shed blood, we are going to spend our eternity with Him.