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Psalm 119:105-106

17 Nov

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations.

Psalm 119:105-106

Dear God, modern Christians have modified the meaning of “word” to mean “scripture,” but that’s obviously not what the psalmist referred to here. Apparently, he (assuming it was a “he” back then) was referring to your law laid out under Moses. Your word is your regulations.

Then there is the prayer Jesus prayed for his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion.

Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

John 17:17-19

This idea of your word here, once again, is probably not intended to mean the disciples sitting around and reading the scrolls of scripture, but your regulations. Yes, Jesus gave himself as a sacrifice to fill the gap between what we are able to do and your pure expectations, but that surely doesn’t mean we can ignore your regulations.

Father, help me to know how to follow your expectations of me today. I am sorry for when I fail. I’m sorry for when I covet, lust, hate, etc. I’m sorry for when I spend more time in my own interests and pursuing the cares of the world than pursuing you. Thank you for your forgiveness, but I hope that maybe I can live in a way today that will need a little less forgiveness than I needed yesterday. May it all be for your glory and not mine.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on November 17, 2020 in John, Psalms

 

Colossians 1:9

12 Nov

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Colossians 1:9

Dear God, our couples group from church met last night and the topic in the book we are reading was praying for our spouse. As my wife and I prepared for the meeting by reading the chapter together, you convicted me that I don’t pray for her as much as I should/could. She has always been better at intercessory prayer that I am, so I am sure she does a better job praying for and over me than I do her. This passage is a reinforcement of that idea. I must not stop praying for her.

Following that point, as we talked yesterday she shared that she feels out of her element dealing with her father’s estate. She wants to do a good job and give as much to his heirs as possible, but she is not sure what to do about certain things. So I’m going to pray for her what Paul prayed for the Colossians.

Father, I pray for my wife that you will give her complete knowledge of your will. Help her to know what to do as a representative of her father’s estate. Help her to know how to interact with her relatives. I know she is longing to be with some extended family she has not seen in a long time, but the pandemic makes it hard to know if that is the right thing to do because it would involve air travel during a time when infections are blowing up. So please be with her. Give her complete knowledge of your will. Holy Spirit, give her your wisdom and understanding. Speak to her in a still, small voice as well as through obvious directions. And please comfort her. Use me, but use others as well. First and foremost, Holy Spirit, please comfort her. Help her to feel your presence. Help her to rest in you. Give her you love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, goodness, and self control. Fill her with you so that every decision, regardless of how hard or stressful, might be made through peace, wisdom, discernment and understanding. And use her to impact the world around her. Fill her with your joy.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on November 12, 2020 in Colossians

 

1 John 2:15-16

11 Nov

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

1 John 2:15-16

Dear God, so if the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything I see, and pride in my achievements and possessions, 1.) what is the downside to that and 2.) what is it that you offer?

Of course, the answer to #1 is the emptiness that comes from those pursuits. What they lead to is the fruit of the flesh from Galatians 5:

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19-21

It doesn’t look like there is much joy at the end of that rainbow.

So what do you offer? Well, thankfully, Paul gives us a pretty good list right after this:

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Galatians 5:22-23

Father, life is fleeting. We are all a vapor. Help me to make my time here be about pursuing you and not my own selfish cravings. Purify my heart, oh God, and create a new spirit within me.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on November 11, 2020 in 1 John

 

Isaiah 1:10-18

09 Nov

Listen to the Lord, you leaders of “Sodom.” Listen to the law of our God, people of “Gomorrah.” “What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?” says the Lord. “I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fattened cattle. I get no pleasure from the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to worship me, who asked you to parade through my courts with all your ceremony? Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgusts me! As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath and your special days for fasting— they are all sinful and false. I want no more of your pious meetings. I hate your new moon celebrations and your annual festivals. They are a burden to me. I cannot stand them! When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims. Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.

Isaiah 1:10-18

Dear God, this is all so devastating to hear, and yet, I know this is as much for us (me) today as it was for the Israelites thousands of years ago.

I can’t help but think of some of the churches I know of who, from my perspective (and I could very well be wrong) have made a idol out of worshipping on Sunday morning. During the pandemic they continue their meetings as normal (some of which still don’t take basis safety precautions such as no masks). I know I can take a passage and interpret it any way that I want, but this whole part about worshipping vainly in your name makes me think about that:

When you come to worship me, who asked you to parade through my courts with all your ceremony? Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgusts me! As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath and your special days for fasting— they are all sinful and false. I want no more of your pious meetings.

We are such stubborn people, and I am included in this. So how am I being stubborn? How am I depending on your grace to save me instead of just turning loose of my sin and having a legitimate relationship with you?

Father, I am sorry I waste as much time as I waste. I use too much of my time each evening doing unproductive things like watching YouTube videos instead of being productive on other projects you might have for me. Help me to continue to move towards the man you need me to be. Love others through me. Use my life for your kingdom. Move me out of lethargy and into the actions you have for me.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on November 9, 2020 in Isaiah

 

1 Timothy 2:1-2

07 Nov

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

Dear God, yes, maybe this morning I should just spend some time praying for our leaders and our country. So for what should I pray?

  • Your glory to reign in the hearts of our leaders
  • The pain that is happening right now will be redeemed and fulfill your purposes. That it won’t be wasted. You will. Make it count.
  • Integrity in the process.
  • For the safety of election workers and all political officials involved in the count.
  • Wisdom for the decision makers.
  • That those who are charged with watching out for our safety 24/7 (FBI, CIA, military, law enforcement, etc.) will be given insight, wisdom, and discernment to continue to do their jobs well.
  • That you will give those making decisions about pandemic response the strength and wisdom to lead us as a nation, and that you will spare as many lives and as much pain as possible.
  • That you will give the winners of the elections the wisdom to lead our nation under your guidance, and those who did not win the grace to step aside and be a constructive influence on the future.
  • That our bottom as a nation will not have to go any lower in terms of division and hatred before we start to rebound.
  • That your church will know its role in the country. Where we should and should not be involved in politics. How we should respond to COVID-19. What new roots we should be developing sine our old paradigms have been shattered.
  • That those in need will have their needs met. From housing, to hunger, to medical care, to safety from violence, please raise up your church to meet these needs.

Father, these are just some of the things I can pray. I could sit here all day. Holy Spirit, move in our land. Take the Father’s presence into every office, every home, every business, every government agency. Bring repentance first to the church and then to the nation. And that starts with me. I’m sorry for the hate in my heart. I’m sorry for how I’ve judged people. I’m sorry for my hubris. I’m sorry I not been as grateful to you as I should be. I’m sorry I haven’t given you the glory you deserve. I love you, and I am sorry.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on November 7, 2020 in 1 Timothy

 

Ephesians 1:9-10

06 Nov

God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.

Ephesians 1:9-10

Dear God, I wonder what Paul would have to say about these verses now. Would he be surprised to know that it’s been nearly 2,000 years since he wrote these words and we are still waiting for your plan to be fulfilled? Better said, we are waiting on Paul’s perception of your plan to be fulfilled.

Part of me wants to sit and talk about whether or not Paul was right or wrong. Another part wants to sit and contemplate what your plan is. What exactly are you doing? But that’s a fool’s errand, and I am certainly in no position to form such opinions. No, I think it’s a mistake for me to try to figure out your plan. After all, what will it gain me? What will it gain the world to know your plan for the next 2,000 years? I said a long time ago that you keep me on a need-to-know basis and I very rarely need to know. Those words are as true now as ever.

What I need to focus on is worshipping you today, and being so in tune with the Holy Spirit that I can hear his voice giving me guidance at any given moment. So here is my worship to you. It’s from Daniel 2:19-23:

That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength. You have told me what we asked of you and revealed to us what the king demanded.”
Daniel 2:19-23

Father, you gave Daniel the information you needed him to have without burdening him with information he didn’t need. Please do the same for me. Give me wise counsel for others. Give me insight into the activities that should get my attention and energy. Move through me and bring others to yourself through my life. Be glorified in me so the world might know how amazing you are. And as you choose to raise up leaders here and there, I trust that you are doing exactly what you need, not necessarily for my person good in this moment, but for our good in the long run. It’s all about you and not about me. I am yours.

In Jesus’a name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on November 6, 2020 in Daniel, Ephesians

 

Romans 13:6-7

05 Nov

Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

Romans 13:6-7

Dear God, it’s just so much easier in life if you just pay people what they are owed–and even err in their favor when there’s a questions. As a manager, I could quickly build a culture of distrust if I operated in a way that tried to keep every penny away from staff that I could. I’ve worked for people like that before, and they completely lost my trust and loyalty. I think they even lost a little of my work ethic. There was one job that I would actually go to the bathroom before I left for lunch because I was going to go on the company’s time as opposed to my time. That’ll teach them! (I know that’s pitiful, but it’s true.)

The same goes with taxes. If the IRS contacted me tomorrow and told me an audit is coming my way, I would be at total peace because I know my wife and I have not shorted them in any way. If anything, they might find that we didn’t take advantage of enough breaks and we could have paid less in taxes. There is a joy in generosity, and I think it starts with tithing. If I can learn to give away part of my money and resources to the needy then I find I’m much less likely to hold onto it when it comes to my business dealings with others.

Case in point, I had a family who was looking for a wheelchair for their father. Our nonprofit has wheelchairs that people donate and then we, in turn, give away indiscriminately. The man came by to pick up the wheelchair I set aside for them and he was so grateful that he left a donation. The donation was not necessary, but our generosity of spirit inspired his generosity.

Father, I’m still not where you want me to be on the spectrum between selfishness and selflessness, but I feel like I’m at least making progress. Help me to continue down this path until I am truly willing to look beyond my own wants and needs and see what you’re calling me to share in any given situation.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on November 5, 2020 in Romans

 

2 Corinthians 3:6-18

04 Nov

He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life. The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away. Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory under the new way, now that the Holy Spirit is giving life? If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God! In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new way. So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever! Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

2 Corinthians 3:6-18

Dear God, it seems like I say this all of the time, but I really underestimate the Holy Spirit, and I really don’t think about or lean on the Holy Spirit enough. In all of the arguments over the law vs grace and all of that, the thing I tend to forget is letting go of all of that and just leaning on the presence, comfort, and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Even now, as I sit here this evening and type this prayer to you, how much am I talking to the Father in heaven and ignoring the Father’s Holy Spirit living in me. Are my prayers focused up or in? When I pray for my friends/family who are facing serious challenges, or when I pray for myself and the decisions or circumstances facing me, why do I forget about the counselor and comforter that Jesus sent us after he ascended to heaven?]

Father (and Holy Spirit), help me to be so in tune with you in every moment that your glory will shine off of me. If people around me see my life as “goals,” then let them see the path to the shine they see on me be a relationship with you. Be glorified in their lives. Be glorified through me. Use my life as you will–for your glory and not mine.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on November 4, 2020 in 2 Corinthians

 

Romans 13:1-5

03 Nov

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

Romans 13:1-5

Dear God, I’m just not sure how I feel about this. I mean, sure, I get submitting to authority, but Paul takes this to an interesting place when he starts talking about leaders supporting good actions and punishing bad actions. Logically, this makes sense, but there are a lot of leaders who are not logical. They will put down good people because they see them as a threat. And I’m not talking about our government. I’m talking about countries like Russia, North Korea, Venezuela, etc. What do I do when the leader is a despot?

Well, I think I still do what I do and then submit to the consequences. No one said that the person in charge harming me for doing what’s right isn’t part of your will as well. If I lived in North Korea and was found to be talking about things with which I disagree with the leader and was put to death for it, then I could accept that because, for whatever your reason, he is the person you have put in charge of that area of the world.

Obviously, this is the “verse of the day” on Bible Gateway because it is election day in our country. Everyone is very torqued up about it. Well, not everyone, but a lot of people are torqued up about it. They are fearful of the outcome, but I would posit that they (and I) should be submitted to and at peace with this outcome as much as we should submit to the authorities that Paul mentions above.

Father, I pray for our elections today. I pray that they will bring about the outcome that fits within your will for our world. Not only our country, but also our world. Bring glory to yourself through what happens. Bring peace. Make me an instrument of your peace to the people around me. Help me to simply live in your kingdom regardless of whether my physical home is here or I am in the place to come.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on November 3, 2020 in Romans

 

1 Peter 2:9-10

02 Nov

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

1 Peter 2:9-10

Dear God, I guess it’s hard for an American to recognize that we are not your chosen people. We are not Jewish/Israelites. We are Gentiles. In biblical history, we would bear more resemblance with one of the nations that made a treaty with Israel than we would with Israel.

But this passage is one of the reasons Christians feel this way. You had/have mercy on us. Because of Jesus, we were not a people, but now we are the people of God. We have received your mercy. “Mercy.” What a great word! What a beautiful word and beautiful sentiment. You offer us mercy. You welcome us into your family. We can now consider ourselves your special possession. You called us out of darkness into your wonderful light, and we can declare our praises to you. It’s how we are able to read the Old Testament and find our identity in the Israelites more than the Philistines. 

I went back and listened to Andy Stanley’s “Not In It To Win It” sermon again tonight. I think it’s the fourth time I’ve heard it. I wanted an inoculation before tomorrow’s election. I needed a booster shot of biblical, Godly wisdom and I think this sermon has it. One of the things he said is that it wasn’t the Democratic or Republican Parties that shaped Western civilization over the last several hundred years. It was Christianity. So we need to not find our identity in a political party that is motivated by winning and exercising power, but by simply loving others. He said that the church is at its worst and looks like the world when it is defending its own rights and at its best and most Christlike when it is defending the rights of others. 

Father, as I sit here quietly in bed and prepare to go to sleep for the night, my prayer for tomorrow’s election is that you will allow it to be mercifully decisive. I pray that we will know one way or another who won the presidential race by night’s end. I pray for graciousness on the parts of the winners and the losers. I pray that you will somehow use all of this to bring us, bring me, to repentance. I don’t know what you are doing in the grand scheme of things, but I know that this world is older than I can imagine and history will continue to unfold in ways I cannot imagine. But you know it all–past, present, and future–and you are in control. That’s all I need to know.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on November 2, 2020 in 1 Peter

 
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