Philippians 2:14-15 "Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world."

  

The night sky without stars and the moon would be nothing but darkness.  It is so glorious and breathtaking because of the stars.  Each one shines individually yet, they are a part of a much bigger scene. In my mind I can picture the world from space when the sun is on the other side. Do you remember pictures you have seen like this?  The city lights can be seen from space!  There is so much darkness but so many lights sparkle to bring a sense of life and warmth.  When I murmur and argue I can feel the darkness in me.  Those selfish arguments do not bring light to me.  It is when I walk with Him and abide in Him that I feel filled with light, blameless and innocent and without blemish.  When I come to Him, cleansed by the redemption of Jesus, I can do what He asks: in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation - shine like a star in His glory.

Lord,

You know my deepest desires and you know my human weaknesses.  I come to you so I may be cleansed, forgiven and made whole, without blemish in your sight.  I want to be a light in this present darkness.  Help me shine your light and bring glory to your name in all I do.  Amen.

Isaiah 51:1 “Listen to me, you that pursue righteousness, you that seek the Lord.  Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug.”

As my family and I prepare for a vacation in the mountains of Colorado I will hold this verse in my heart.  There is nothing I have seen that looks like the Rocky Mountains.  They are rugged and beautiful and seem unmovable in their strength.  God is the rock we from which we have been hewn.  He is rugged and beautiful and He is unmovable in His strength.  We have been created by this Rock, and we are a part of him; we came from His quarry.  On days that I feel weary and worn, this verse will give me strength in the Lord.  Verse 7 in chapter fifty of Isaiah says “I have set my face like flint”.  When I read this passage these verses stood apart to me.  I am cut from the Rock and I set my face like flint.  We need to be strong and unmovable, rugged and beautiful, just as our Creator is.  He has the ability to remove the flaws and bind the fissures so that we can be strong in Him.  Take heart and hope in the Lord this day.  Pursue righteousness and seek the Lord, He will give you the strength you need.

Lord,
You amaze me every single day.  You come to me wherever I am and bring me words of encouragement, guidance or correction to lead me in your path.  As I spend time in your mountain grandeur, I will lift my heart and praise to you Lord.  You are creator of the rugged mountains.  Give me the strength to be a rock made in your image; strong and unmovable through you.  Amen.


*** I will be away from any technology that allows me access to the internet.  Look for Word for Today to resume next Sunday the 30th and until then,
Blessings!

Nehemiah 5:9 “So I said, ‘The thing that you are doing is not good.  Should you not walk in the fear of our God, to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies?’”

One nation under God – a part of our pledge to this nation we live in.  There are times I look at how our nation behaves and I cannot imagine that God is pleased.  We have many programs set up to feed the hungry of other nations and yet we starve many in our own nation.  We persecute people in our own nation for different beliefs and fight amongst ourselves over petty things.  I have heard it said that people of other nations think Americans are arrogant and selfish.  I can see why they might think that when I look at our nation.  Bringing the view in closer I see there are many good things that are being done too.  There are food banks in cities to combat the hunger there.  Shelters are set up to house the homeless.  Programs are running to educate those who would not receive education otherwise.  We are a diverse nation with many different desires and beliefs.  I know I could do more to help those around me with less than I have.  When I receive abundance I hope that I remember this verse and share my blessings with others.  Join me this week in buying an extra bag of groceries and giving that to a food bank nearby.  Search your heart as I search mine to see where the Lord is calling each of us to do good things.  Let’s walk in the fear of our God, hand in hand.

Lord,

You bless and we hoard.  You call and we do not answer.  Soften our hearts to the struggles around us and open our hands to share the blessings you have given us.  Let us once more be a nation among nations, honoring you in all we do.  Amen.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”

Do you ever wake up in a grumpy mood?  There doesn’t have to be a reason, the day just starts that way from the moment you open your eyes.  When I got out of bed and grabbed my bible for quiet time I was grumbling in my head about things, first thing!  As I prayed for those petty bothers to be lifted away so I could spend time in meditation and prayer I was led to this passage in Thessalonians.  Verse 3 says “But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.”  These two verses were my meditation this morning and I am feeling so blessed to have the Word to lift my clouds of grumpiness and direct me back to the love of God.  Where would I be without the guidance of the Word and Spirit of God?  I would be living in darkness and despair; we all would.   It is because of Christ and his steadfast love that we live in love and grace.  When we come to him in humility and honesty, He will give us what we need.  When we ask according to his will, we receive.  Our Savior is our shepherd and our friend.  He is faithful; He will guide us and protect us.  He will direct our hearts to Love and the steadfastness of Christ. 

Lord,

Your Word lifts my spirits every time.  I cannot express my thanks and joy in reading it and spending time with you through it.  You are gracious and I humbly accept the grace you so freely give.  Direct our hearts to your Love today.  Give us the ability and desire to share your love with others so that all may come to know you.  Amen.

James 1:5 “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.”

I quickly realized this morning that I have fallen into a selfish space again.  Even in my prayers it was “I want, I need” statements.  One of the things I asked for before opening my bible was wisdom.  As I was led to James I questioned it because the women’s bible study I am participating in starting this morning is studying James.  I shrugged my shoulders and thought to myself, “Okay, at least I will start there”.  When I turned to this verse, I was brought to my knees once more.  How many times will I need to be reminded that God is God and I am his servant?  I willingly come to Him, offering myself to serve for his kingdom and then turn around and start asking for my desires and wishes to be granted.  When I remember and truly realize who is in charge, I am humbled and grateful.  James gives my heart hope.  I seek wisdom in the Lord and I am encouraged that when I seek through the Lord, it will be given generously.  I know this:  God is gracious and generous.  He has done nothing but given and blessed, guided and secured me.  He loves each and every one of us so when we ask him for gifts that bring us closer to him, He will not deny them.  I suspect he smiles in that moment and pours the blessings down.

Lord,

Your word is my guide.  Your will is my deepest desire.  Help me set aside my selfish desires and seek to serve you fully and humbly.  Grant me your wisdom so that I am able to serve as you call me to.  I know you are my God and my King.  I bow to you in humble adoration and begin again.  Amen.

1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.”

My little boy has been up sick this morning for the last couple of hours. I hope he is better in the next few hours so he can go to preschool tomorrow since he is special helper for the day. I need to call the home school co-op teachers to let them know we will not be there. I need to memorize music for my hand bell ensemble.  My sister and her husband are separated.  I need to write a bio and contact my fellow prayer warrior.  My oldest daughter needs health care insurance... the list goes on and on.  If there is anything I am good at it is carrying anxiety.  The Lord does not want us to live in fear and anxiety.  Those worries lead to bigger worries and things easily grow out of hand.  When we cast our anxiety on him we put our trust in Him.  We allow the grace he freely offers to flow deep within and relieve the worries and anxiety we have over big and little things.  Just as I try to soothe the fears of my little boy with his upset tummy, God wants to soothe us and help us feel better too.  He cares about every part of our day and night.  He cares for us in every way.  He will bend to touch us whenever we call on him.  His word brings guidance, healing, love and grace.  With all that, what do I have to be anxious about?  Go in peace.

Lord,

Thank you so much for relief.  Thank you for allowing us to come to you filled with anxiety and worry and for allowing us to drop all those things on you.  When we cast our anxiety on you, help us leave it at your feet; fill us with your grace and love instead.  Then we can turn and walk with you in humble thanksgiving.  All praise and honor are yours forever and ever.  Amen.

Psalm 35:12-13 “They repay me evil for good; my soul is forlorn.  But as for me, when they were sick, I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting.  I prayed with head bowed on my bosom.”

In these verses prayers and fasting are offered for the psalmists enemies.  He is praying for those people who have been pursuing him, lying about him and treating him with contempt.  This is one of the hardest things to do.  Praying for the well-being of your enemies seems backwards.  If our enemies were sick or weakened in some other way, there would be relief for us.  We wouldn’t have to worry about being treated badly or being persecuted somehow.  All would be well in the world.   Yet this verse calls us to pray for our enemies, other scripture tells us to love our enemies.  We are reminded throughout the word of God that we are all children of God.  A children’s song tells us that Jesus loves all the children of the world and we know we are called to follow in Jesus footsteps.  Who do you struggle with?  Who is your enemy?  Search your heart and open your ears to hear who God is calling you to pray for and to love as He loves.  It could be a nation or religion; it could be leaders of your country or state.  It may even be a co-worker or a neighbor.  When you find yourself feeling mistreated in some way, lift a prayer for well-being of your enemy.

Lord,

When we pray, hearts are changed.  Help us see the need to lift everyone in prayer, even our enemies.  You have called us to love as you love but we cannot do it without your help.  Change our hearts, hear our prayers and guide our steps in love and peace.  Amen.