A Tall Order
Father, today may I be a vessel used of You. All that I do and say, all that I have had a hand in, may it all be used by You to lift You up so others can see You more clearly. As John the Baptist said of Your Son, “He must increase but I must decrease.” John 3:30 May this be my proclamation today.
1 Timothy 2:1 (<<click here)
I am called to pray, Lord, for “all people”. This, obviously, is an all-inclusive statement and that is how it must be. As I think about the width of it, “all” includes a lot of people who don’t think like I do. It includes, literally millions who don’t think like You do! But You, very clearly call me to “ask [You] to help them.” You call me to “intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.” That is one tall order! And the thing is that it is way more than people just not thinking like You do. They oppose You! Many deny Your very existence! But You called us to pray for them, to ask that You help them, to intercede on their behalf, to be thankful for them! Yes…that is a tall order but how can I do anything less. All I have to do is to look at our relationship – Yours and mine. Have I done anything to deserve Your love? No… Am I worthy in and of myself, to be accepted by You? No… The only thing that enables this sinner to stand in Your presence is that fact that I have accepted Your love and forgiveness – grace has been extended and gratefully accepted. (Thank You, Lord…)
Lord, help me to pray, and intercede and thank You for those who are not a part of Your family…yet! And help me do it one person at a time, each and every day!
August 28th, Fri, 6:49 am
I Have Issues!
Father, as this day begins, I want to consciously hand it over to You. You have truly – miraculously – changed many things in me for the better. But we both know that You are not finished with me. Father, please help me be the person You want me to be. My brain cannot process all the why’s in regards to my anger issues but Father, You and I know they need to be dealt with! I am incapable of dealing with them but, Father, You are not! Help me address them and help me to love others as You do. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:15-17 (<<click here)
Lord, it was difficult writing out today’s prayer. None of us like to announce, “I have issues!” But as Paul proclaims in v.15, “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’- and I am the worst of them all.” And I like Paul, can say, “But God had mercy on me…” v.16a
I am, by no means, perfect. I truly strive to be obedient to Your call on my life as a follower of You, Lord. But it is no secret that I fail. I say things I shouldn’t say – hurtful things. I do things I shouldn’t do – my anger spews forth and I don’t stop it. I think things unbecoming a child of God – perverse things, hateful things. “But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” v.16
“Great patience…” O, Lord, where would I be without Your “great patience.” Once again I join Paul in proclaiming “All honor and glory to God forever and ever!… Amen.” v.17
Without You I would surely be lost. Only because of You am I found. Yes, I most assuredly have a multitude of things to work on but, thanks be to God, I’m not on my own! Lord, You are with me, You love me more than I will ever truly comprehend on this side of eternity and You, the Creator of all that is, You want me to succeed! I will be victorious!…but only because of You. Amen!
August 25th, Tue, 5:57 am
Deeper
Yesterday was sure a mixed bag for me, Father. I enjoyed Your presence and am grateful You could use me. But later I felt my weaknesses inhibited what You wanted to happen. I was fearful and didn’t address an opportunity as I should have. And then in a separate incident I was slighted and instead of finding comfort in You, I had to “discuss” it with others. I’m sorry… The only solution is to draw closer to You, so as to spend more time with You, so as to become more like You. Amen
1 Timothy 1:12-14 (<<click here)
How apropos the notes of my study Bible for this morning’s passage are for me today, Lord. Initially Paul stood against the followers of the Way but You were able to turn him around. But now he is bold and rock solid in his relationship with You – no matter what is thrown at him. As yesterday clearly points out, that is not me. But, as my study Bible notes read, “we can remain confident that Christ will help our faith and love grow as our relationship with him deepens.”
I am dependent upon You, Lord. Please continue to draw me to Your side. I have no doubt that You love me and I truly believe that Your plan for me is victory – I will overcome the adversities of this life. I would ask that You would turn my detriments into determination! May Your name be forever praised my loving and patient Lord and Savior!
August 24th, Mon, 5:51 am
Balance Law with Love
1 Timothy 1:1-11 (<<click here)
Lord, this passage has my head spinning! Help me focus onto what You would have me see this morning.
Paul says “the law is good when used correctly.” v8 It is important for me to know the law, gaining knowledge of right and wrong but it is to my detriment (and others for that matter) if a majority of my time is consumed in such pursuits. It’s possible that I can invest too much time in dissecting and discussing minute points of the law.
Again it’s important to know the law. But Paul stresses that “the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful…” v9a
My goal is to be “filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” v5 I am called to live out that love and to proclaim “the glorious Good News of salvation through Christ – through You, Lord!
Being so “law” minded seems to lead us to be too legalistic and judgmental in our interactions with the world – with those who the law is for. But not one of us likes to be berated about our lifestyles and our life choices.
The old adage comes to mind. “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” Lord, help me to love others as You love others. Help me to invest myself in them. Help me to be a reflection of You in their lives – genuine, wholesome, transparent, loving, truthful compassionate. Lord, shine through me!
Without a doubt I believe that You love us. Every encounter recorded in the Gospels (the Good News) that you had with sinners was filled with compassion and understanding. You told them the truth but it was always communicated with love! You didn’t say their sin was acceptable but your overwhelming emphasis was true, genuine LOVE! Use me, Lord, to love like You do!
August 22nd, Sat, 7:50 am
“WORK” – A Four Letter Word
Thank You, Father, for a productive day yesterday and a good night’s sleep. I am so grateful that You are not just God of the big things but that You are with me through all the many little things of life. My heart’s desire is to give You today to use as You see fit. Use me to touch the many people I will encounter.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 (<<click here)
Lord, in our lives the word “work” can quite often be considered a four letter word. Some avoid it like the plague; others are totally consumed by it. Today, Lord, may I find the right balance of where work should factor in to my life. No matter what work I do, may I do it to please You. May I be diligent and work with the utmost of integrity. Then on the other hand help me to not get so caught up with the task at hand that I neglect to see the people that cross my path – family, friends, work associates, customers, and total strangers. Help me to see them with Your perspective.
Once again, even as we came together this morning You from the start were directing my thoughts to the topic of this morning’s scripture before I had even read it. Jesus, thank You for loving me and guiding me. Thank You for Your patience. Help me to love You more and more each day.
August 21st, Fri, 6:18 am