Wait Patiently
I am sorry, Father, that it has taken me longer to get here today. I have allowed lots of things to distract me and now my mind is distracted as I sit here. I implore You to take the little I bring this morning and abundantly multiply for Your glory.
“…Abraham waited patiently and he received what God had promised.”
Patience may be a virtue but, at least for most of us, it does not come easily. Some things can give us instant gratification – a peppermint candy or a quick kiss from someone we love. But other things seem like they will never come – the end of a school for a teacher or Christmas for a child.
But what about God’s promises? Several years ago when I was a children’s pastor we had a guest speaker and he shared with the kids that God can answer our prayers in three ways – with a “YES”, or “NO’ or a “WAIT.” A WAIT? – now that’s a struggle! And adults struggle just as much as kids do.
Lord, sitting here I have no profound thoughts. What I do know is that You are faithful. For over 50 years You have taken care of me. You have never let me down. You’ve never forsaken me. You’ve never given up on me either. My faith in You is well founded. If I have to wait on You, I will do so patiently. You know what’s best.
Mar 17th, Thurs, 8:44 am
Thorns and Thistles
Thank You for answered prayers yesterday, Father. I had prayed that You would work through me and I am grateful and humbled that you did. I have the day off from Kohl’s today but ask for Your blessings on my actions and interactions today. Use me as You will. Amen.
Hebrews 6:7-12 (<<click here)
Reading through this passage, Lord, it is obvious that our world is a “field [of] thorns and thistles” and many believe that condemnation and burning is just around the corner. Only You know if our pending judgment is imminent.
But, Lord, it is my heartfelt desire that regardless of what the future may hold, I want to “keep on loving others as long as life lasts” and my goal is “to inherit [Your] promises because of [my] faith and endurance.” v. 11-12
Lord, I’m not telling You anything by saying that our world is replete with evil on every possible level. But… we, Your followers, are in no way hindered from “loving others” and no matter how much it may want to, evil cannot snuff out our “faith” if we will just “endure” by abiding in You.
I would pray that love would be the victor in every circumstance of my life that my faith would come to the forefront. Lord, I know that life will continue to try and whittle away at my resolve, it will try and drain away the reserves of faith and love. But I would ask that You would continue to replenish my inventory, that whatever is drained away will be exceedingly replaced from Your infinite supply! Amen!!
Mar 16th, Wed, 6:59 am
Our Choice
Today is a full day of things to be done, Father. Please guide me every step of the way. Help me to see through Your eyes today, to love with Your heart, to handle life with Your wisdom, to touch others with Your hands and to speak with your tongue. As Your child may I reflect my Father well. Amen.
Hebrews 6:4-6 (<<click here)
Lord, I must admit I am struggling – struggling with this passage – for that matter Hebrews in general is a challenge for me. There are many wonderful passages but for some reason I’m having a hard time. Help me to see and understand what You would have me to.
The two words that jump out at me are “repentance” and “rejection”. To repent means to turn from the way that we think is right – which does not include You – which is based on our own selfish mindset and to turn to You – to take on Your mindset. It is turning from evil to good – from death to life. It is a renouncing of sin and its control over us and turning to You to find forgiveness from sin and subsequently, in Your power, being victorious over sin.
Your word calls us to repentance but You will never force us to do so. We must choose. There is no straddling of the fence. It is either You or sin. We can accept you as Lord and Savior – being under Your control and having our sins forgiven. Or we can choose to reject You – allowing ourselves to be controlled by a multitude of sins, heaping condemnation upon ourselves.
We will never be forced to accept You as Savior – that is our choice. But there will come a day when we will stand before You and we will have no choice but to face the reality of Your Lordship.
“…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue declares that Jesus Christ is Lord…” Philippians 2:10-11
I proclaim for all to hear, Jesus, You are my Lord and my Savior. Lord, lead me on!
Mar 15th, Tues, 5:30 am
Going through the Backpack
Thank You, Father, for the wonderful day yesterday. Even the constant rain could not dampen our spirits! Thank You for Your presence in worship and watching over us as we spent some family time together. We are truly blessed!
Hebrews 6:1-3 (<<click here)
Lord, when we were in school and had a big test we didn’t spend our test time going through our backpacks. We took the knowledge we had and applied it.
When it comes to You and Your Word there comes a time when we have to stop rummaging about and start applying it. We either know it or we don’t, more studying isn’t going to help, leafing through the textbook to review what we already know is counterproductive. We must move forward. We’ve got to get what we’ve learned out. It’s the best way to see if we’ve got it down.
Lord, I have sat at Your feet for many years. I realize that there is a lot yet to learn but there are many things that I have learned that simply need to be lived out. Every day there are a multitude of opportunities to show the world Who I know and because of that relationship I can impact those around me by responding, not as the world does, but as You do. I can live my life with joy… and peace… and love… and patience – things of which the world sees way too little.
Lord, give me the wisdom to know what to say and do when I need to say and do. Fill me with Your presence so You can touch the world through me.
Mar 14th, Mon, 5:21 am
Spiritually Fit?
Thank You, Father, for a good night’s sleep. Use me this day that I may be an impact in the lives of others, at home, at church and in the world. May I be a true reflection of You. Amen.
Hebrews 5:11-14 (<<click here)
In this passage, Lord, the writer speaks of believers who never move from a basic knowledge of You and Your ways to a deeper and broader knowledge. This is truly a challenge for many. Others can handle a little “meat” with their “milk” but they need to be spoon fed. Once a week they come to the table and take a few bites but unfortunately they are reluctant or are too busy to feed themselves. Another problem is that many ingest way too much junk food – either things that have some spiritual nourishment but are pretty much just fluff or many munch on bags of “nothing” which provide no spiritual sustenance whatsoever and which leads to a very bad case of “truth” decay! Help us, Lord, to strive for better spiritual health.
Another problem some have is being on a good, solid diet buy not being spiritually active. We do what we need to do but are, in all honesty, not spiritually fit. We love to sit around and chew the fat but we don’t work it out in our daily lives. Yes, we need the spiritual “head knowledge” but if we aren’t’ doing something with it, not applying it in our lives, we become spiritually overweight which becomes a detriment to ourselves and others.
Lord, as our great “Trainer,” help us to learn to ingest what benefits us most, and then may we get up and put it all to work for You and Your kingdom!
Mar 13th, Sun, 6:25 am