Love and a Short Fuse
Father, today is going to be a very long day. I would ask that You would help me to focus on You today. Help my thoughts to align with Yours. Help me to pause and think before I speak. When stray, unwelcome thoughts pop into my head help me to quickly squelch them. Permeate me with Your presence this day.
2 Timothy 3:3a (<<click here)
“unloving…unforgiving”
Lord, these are traits that we are definitely not drawn to. In fact, when we see them lived out in front of us, it is repulsive. A couple of weeks ago a couple checked out at my register and through the course of conversation the lady mentioned that they were out celebrating their 44th Anniversary. The last thing she pulled out to be rung up was a beautiful, glittery top – she asked him if it was OK to get and he went off about why she was asking him, she didn’t need it, etc. etc. You could tell it stung, but you could also tell that his reaction was nothing new. He paid for it all as she stepped away but why the need to be unloving?
I strive to not be that way, but Fowlers can have a short fuse. I would be so better off if my brain would kick in before my mouth, Lord, You have helped me a great deal in this area but I still have a ways to go, especially in my personal relationships but in my work interactions as well. Help me to love with Your heart, each and every day.
Nov 25th, Wed, 8:08 am
I Do What I Want!
I’m having some difficulties this morning, Father, and would ask for Your help. Due to some issues with my glasses my eyes have been strained. They are achy and it is a challenge even to write without my glasses. Please touch my eyes and enable me to get my glasses adjusted. May my time with You be profitable this morning, regardless.
2 Timothy 3:2b (<<click here)
“…boastful and proud, scoffing at God…”
What this communicates to me, Lord, is not so much the idea that we stand defiantly against you in our pride and arrogance but more the idea that we are full of ourselves and think that You are not even worthy of our attention
In the last few days, as I’ve read over this passage, the phrase “disobedient to their parents” has stuck out. I realize that it’s wrong but it seems rather mundane in comparison to “scoffing at God” but when it is put together with “ungrateful” and considering “nothing sacred” it all fits together.
It all begins on the home front. It is foundational that we bring up our children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” Ephesians 6:4 KJV. Nurture equals discipline and admonition means a warning of behavior or being open to instruction. This is a very complicated issue but it boils down to the fact that we don’t like being told what to do and that attitude has been passed right along to our children, some even going so far as to feeling it is wrong to make children obey or do things the way we think they should for fear that it may harm or stifle them in some way. But nothing could be farther from the truth. Out of our fear of discipline has come a generation (multiple ones now) of individuals who respect no authority whatsoever – much less You, Lord…and our world is crumbling around us because of it.
Everyone does what they want, when and how they want with relatively few restraints – what a mess! Lord, begin with me – continue to guide and direct me, wash me, instruct me so that I may stand in the strength and wisdom only You can provide and then help me to proclaim You and that mindset to those around me.
Nov 23rd, Mon, 5:35 am
All About Me?
Father, this time of year wreaks havoc on my routine. Help me to have the determination to apply myself to make time for You. I benefit in so many ways when I am able to sit at Your feet and as You told Martha, it is the “only thing worth being concerned about.” Luke 10:38-42
2 Timothy 3:2a (<<click here)
Lord, reading this passage I am tempted to just clump all these issues together but they need to be thought through carefully. You never once implied that following You would make for an easy journey through this life. And on many fronts it’s not so much about other people’s response to us about being followers of You, the greater struggle is standing strong against the onslaught that we bring upon ourselves. Our own want and desire, our sinful nature – our “flesh” – always desires what is detrimental to our souls. (Galatians 5:17) Lord, I pray that Your Spirit would be the victor in my life.
When it comes to loving myself (v2a), I want the biggest piece of cake. I want the work schedule that encroaches least on my lifestyle. I want my path to be smooth and easy, regardless of how it impacts others. I like to think that I’m not selfish but I am and it truly takes a conscientious decision to think of others before myself.
Lord Jesus, help me to be like You. Help me to place others above myself. Help me to love others so much that my response is to give instead of to take. Amen.
Nov 22, Sun, 6:30 am
Be Prepared
I continue to be in awe, Father, that You love me the way You do…so many things flood my mind just writing that statement. No one else gave their one and only Son so that I, and all of humanity, could once again have an intimate relationship with You. That act in and of itself is mind numbing! But to realize that we don’t even come close to being worthy, much less deserving Your act of love. And that is universally huge! But then to think that You care enough to gently wake me this morning. You love me so much that You do so every morning, regardless of when I need to be up, You are there for me. Father, thank You for Your love. Help me to lift Your name up so that others may see You for who You really are. Help me to live the life You have so freely given me in all its abundance!
2 Timothy 3:1 (<<click here)
Lord, Your imminent return was a driving force for Paul and all he did. Even almost 2,000 years ago in the midst of the beginnings of the church sin was having its way. So much so that Paul felt it of utmost importance to warn Timothy.
End times mentality is rampant in the church today. The internet is full of those proclaiming “Repent! The end of the world is near!” And it truly is. Lord, help me to not be overwhelmed by its closeness or to be overly distraught over the deluge of sin and the great diversity of wickedness in the world. I would ask that I would be discerning of the situations in which I find myself and that the right amount of urgency is in place to say and do what is best in Your eyes Fill me with Your wisdom. Help me to be focused and diligent as You would be. Amen.
Nov 18th, Wed, 6:30 am
Salty
Father, I must admit that I am still in shock over the death of Scott. But, I am also grateful that his death came as no surprise to You. You know our comings and our goings. My day will come – all of our days. Let me be ready. But in the meantime may I be diligent, may I be intentional about who I am in You, Father. And may our relationship impact the lives of everyone I meet.
2 Timothy 2:23-26 (<,click here)
As I read through this passage, Lord, I am encouraged. When it comes to my expression of our relationship with the world around I am not loud and pushy. Abrasive would not describe my style. I strive to live out Paul’s advice to Timothy- “to be kind to everyone” and to “be patient with difficult people.” v24
I wouldn’t get very far with many people if I deviated from this mindset. I pray that my love for others is like salt. I pray that it permeates through to the core of my interactions with others – that even after short encounters that my contact continues to flavor their minds and hearts. Lord, and for those with whom I interact on a daily basis, may Your touch through me draw them to You. May they develop a craving for You that goes beyond my relationship with them. May it be that they cannot go through life without You flavoring their lives on a day by day basis.
Lord, use me this and every day. May I be the salt shaker in Your outstretched arm.
Nov 17th, Tue, 4:59 am