Acts 3:3 "When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms."

The people I see that are in need do not often ask for much.  They are just trying to get by.

I hear both sides of the story when there is discussion about the people who stand on the side of the road with signs asking for money.  Some say they are taking advantage of the good will of others and that they are lazy, trying to make an easy buck.  Maybe that is true, maybe not.

When I see folks asking for help I give them non-perishable food.  I hand them easy open cans of soup or cans of fruit and a plastic spoon so they can eat without difficulty.  It is not my place to know their hearts.  I cannot know their motivations.

When I think about these “beggars” I do not think they have chosen the easy way out.  There is something broken in them, whether it is physical, mental or spiritual.  If my simple gift to them can bring a moment of grace or love, we have both been blessed.

I have not experienced miraculous healing like Peter and John gave that day but our generosity and willingness to love beyond barriers brings healing too.  Share God’s love today.

Lord,

I know I will likely see some people in need today.  Open my heart and my eyes to see how I can assist.  Use me as a vessel of your love and grace that can be poured out to others, shared with all.  All glory and honor to you.  Amen.

Ezra 7:10 "For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach the statutes and ordinances in Israel."

Studying is a lot of work.  This week there are many kids wrapping up their studies in college and coming home for the summer.  I have not heard one wishing they could just keep on going.

Each morning I get up and spend time in prayer and meditation on the word of God.  Each morning I write my pondering thoughts and share them with those who will read them but do I study?

My dictionary defines study as “the pursuit of knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research.”  When I seek to gain knowledge I need to learn what the passage means.  I need to understand it, not only in message but in context.  Then I can turn it around and apply it to my life more deeply.  Then I am able to share my knowledge with others with more confidence.

Ezra studied the law of the Lord, he did it and he taught it to others.  I will continue to study the law of Love, do it and share it, God willing.

Lord,

You laid this quest on my heart years ago and it has never wavered.  Guide each of us in your ways so that we may each serve and honor you in the path you have chosen for us.  Whatever we do, I pray that we glorify you and your kingdom in it today.  Thank you for your Word and your Spirit to guide us.  Amen.

Romans 10:1 "Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved."

If I do nothing else with my life on this earth, I pray that I draw someone to salvation.

We all come into contact with people that are kind and generous, friendly and helpful.  We do not know their hearts or their beliefs because we do not know them.  Then there are those we know well and care for.  All of them come into our lives with different history and paths and none of us walk the same journey; we are individuals with unique souls. How do we find salvation?  How do we find God?

Why do some quit searching and longing, why do they stop listening to the cry of their souls?

I pray each morning for many people, Christian and non-Christian alike.  I know I have salvation but I also know I am not immune to the deceit and lies of this world.  How much more susceptible are those who do not have the Holy Spirit as a guide?

The time is drawing near and the crying souls are heavy on my heart.  Kyrie Eleison.

Lord,

Only you know the timing of your glorious return.  I am thankful that I will be with you when that time comes.  I am heartbroken for those who have not heard and do not yet believe. Lord, have mercy. Help those of us who blaze with your Spirit draw others into the warmth of your love.  Help those of us with only embers draw closer so we, too, can blaze.  I ask this through Jesus, my Redeemer.  Amen.

Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"

One of my favorite things about mornings is hearing the songs of birds as the sun rises.

There are so many things that weigh on my heart; it seems that I have and endless list of things I pray for.  I think of homeless people who struggle to find shelter and food.  I pray for the people who work in service to others.  I pray for the churches who struggle to keep the lights on.  I pray for war torn places and the people who live there.

I could list so many more prayers...

God knows our hearts; God knows our every need.  Just as the water from snow nourishes the plants that shiver underneath the flakes, his Spirit nourishes our souls.  Just as seeds from growing plants and bugs that hatch feed the birds of the air, so God nourishes our very being whenever we need it.

No matter what else happens in my days, each morning begins with bird’s joyous songs fill the air.  Their songs are a lesson to my soul.

Lord,

Let the bird songs remind us of your care for them and your care for us.  Your word promises that you give us whatever we need.  Open our hearts and hands to receive what you give.  Help us recognize our needs clearly and use what you give as you intend it.  I ask this through Jesus, our Lord.  Amen.

2 Thessalonians 2:8 "And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will destroy with the breath of his mouth, annihilating him by the manifestation of his coming."

We are waiting for a spring snow storm in Colorado.  The snow will start sometime today and fall through the night into tomorrow.  The weather forecast is for several inches to fall and the snow will be very wet and heavy.

What does snow have to do with the lawless one, you may ask?

Spring snow is destructive.  It comes and weighs down everything that has begun to grow.  Trees that have leaves on them risk broken limbs or worse.  Flowers and vegetation will be buried alive.  This is not the end of the story though.

Once the snow comes and does its damage, the water in it will turn to moisture for nourishment.  The warmth of spring and the sun will come again and the thing that caused so much destruction will be turned and used for benefit of the earth.  New growth will come out of destruction.

As we prepare with brooms and shovels, boots and coats, let us remember the lawless one.  He wreaks havoc but he will not prevail.  The breath of Christ will annihilate him and we will be redeemed forever!

Lord,

Help us see the beauty beyond the destruction.  When we are broken and weighed down, remind us that you are stronger and your love prevails.  We call out your name to protect us, to heal us and to renew us in your everlasting love.  Amen.

Jeremiah 29:13 "When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart,"

Do we seek the Lord; do we search for him with all our hearts?

I thought of all the people we seek out for wellness in our lives.  We call doctors and seek their medical knowledge and treatments to keep our bodies healthy.  I visit my chiropractor regularly as a part of my health regimen.

I call my family and friends on the phone or seek them out on social networks as well as visit them in person to keep in touch with them; I seek them for relationship and love.

As I ponder how I seek the Lord I know already there are blessings because I seek him.  The struggle comes in seeking with all my heart.  I am often distracted and unfocused in my time with God.  My mind wanders off on tangents so easily.  I am learning to bring myself back into the moment but it is an ongoing process to be sure.

There are times, when I am centered well, that I find God in profound ways.  There are moments I am seeking him with all my heart and he is there.  These are treasured times and I continue my journey, learning to seek with my whole heart.

Lord,

Help me shut out the busy schedules, the noise and distractions in the world around me and in my own mind.  You know my limitations better than I do and I ask you to teach me, grow me and stretch me to new levels of intimacy with you.  You are always there, help me find you.  Amen.

1 Peter 1:8-9 "Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." *

We all have five senses that we use, more or less, to determine the world around us.  We touch, taste, smell, hear and see; these senses are vital to us.

We cannot see the wind but we can feel it and we can see the effects of it.  We cannot see galaxies and planets beyond our line of vision but we trust that the telescopes sending pictures are reporting truth.

As I get older and my eyes do not see as well I am required to lean on other senses more.  As my ears struggle to hear as well as they used to I am even more hindered in my five senses.  What am I to do?  What about those who are missing sight or hearing; how do they know and learn?

The good news is this: the Spirit guides our hearts.  We cannot see him but we feel him and see the effects of him.  We may not hear him but our souls speak with him when we seek him.

We rejoice in things we do not see because we see with our hearts.  We rejoice in our salvation!

Lord,

Thank you for our senses, help us rely not only on them.  Move us beyond tangible into deep spiritual sense so we continue to grow in you.  All praise to you, my Savior and Redeemer.  Amen.

* All scripture references are verified through www.biblegateway.com