Scripture
2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Observation
As I read this verse I was reminded of a recent episode of 'Watter's World' on Fox news re the University of Missouri's racism protests and demonstrations on campus. Bitter and hateful outbursts reigned among the protesters. It was ugly - but racism is ugly. It came across as wild, radical, and violent.
Incidents such as this, was overshadowed in the news by the horrific attack on Paris.
The 'god of this age' has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel, instead they are allowing themselves to be manipulated by the master deceiver who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy, to divide, stir up trouble, dissension, and feeds on hatred as an expression of what they stand for.
Application
I am a servant of Jesus Christ and I understand what great love God has for me and for all people. He has made His light shine in my heart that I might be a light to others as I share the good news of salvation to any who will listen. Jesus came that we might have life to the full.
Prayer
Let me be a light that shines in the darkness and a bearer of hope to the hopeless. Only Jesus Christ can open the eyes of the blind and enlighten the mind of a lost soul.
~ I pray for students across this land that there would come an awakening of Your Holy Spirit on campuses and a revival of salvation would begin to emerge. I bind a spirit of racism and division and release God's Spirit to bring love and peace.
~ I pray that You would show Yourself strong in every believer and that they would have boldness to share their story with those who are searching for truth and light.
~ I pray against the terrorist evil infiltrating our world through ISIS and other known hate groups whose only mission is to steal, kill, and destroy. Bring the enemy's plans to nothing and set people free who have been deceived and entrapped into a web of evil doings and devastation.
~ Give wisdom I pray, to our leaders that they would be instruments of Your will and purposes. Raise up godly men and women who will take a stand for righteousness.
'We wrestle against principalities and powers, rulers of the darkness of this age and against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places' - but 'at the Name of Jesus Christ every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is LORD.'
There is power in the Name of Jesus to defeat the enemy and thwart his plans!
So I pray in Jesus Name. A-men.
Scripture
Titus 2:3-5, 7-8
3-5 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good. So that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children. To be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so the word of God will not be dishonored.
7-8 In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is above reproach so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
Observation
This scripture exhorts the Titus 2 woman of God and encourages her how to behave, as an example for others to follow that will honor God.
Application and thoughts
With the help of the Holy Spirit and His power and love, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' as I trust in God and rely on His Holy Spirit in 'becoming' a woman of God.
If I was in ever in doubt that I am now an 'older' woman, 5 year old granddaughter, Zoe, certainly made it clear to me yesterday that I am indeed 'old'. After handling what she calls, a 'sneaky' bug, which I believe was a boxelder beetle, I cautioned her that they bite! (I'm living proof because I got bit or stung or whatever it did and it hurt!) She assured me repeatedly and matter of factly with no malice in her tone, 'No Grammy, they don't bite. If it bit you, it's because you are so old. It does not bite me because I am young."
I couldn't believe what I heard her say. My jaw dropped and eyes must have been bugged out, because she said it again. "They don't bite! If it bit you it's because you are old. I am young. They don't bite kids."
Prayer
So today Lord, I am old, Zoe said so. I officially qualify as an older woman. As I read Your word, and submit myself to You, may I be the kind of example that will honor You and that will influence those I touch in a positive, God glorifying way. I may be old now Lord, but compared to Methusaleh (age 969), I'm still a babe! In Jesus name, A-men.
Scripture
Colossians 4:2,17
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.
17 Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord that you fulfill it.
Observation
Talk to God often! Wake up! Be on the alert, wide eyed, watching, listening, with gratitude in your heart always. Be careful that nothing prevents you from fulfilling what you've been equipped and called to do.
Application
Do all things God's way! Pray, listen, talk to Him, and He will direct my steps - my going in and my going out. Invite the Lord, follow His plan, and pray. Be watchful. The enemy does not want me to succeed or prosper - he comes to kill steal and destroy, but the Lord wants me to have life to the full!
Prayer
Father, sometimes I fall short of what is in my heart and mind to do. I get distracted so easily especially when I am praying. I'm glad I can pray in the understanding and in the Holy Spirit! Help me to stay on task Lord. I ask that You would fill my heart with thankfulness and Your overflowing joy as I set my mind on You! Complete what You have begun in me, and may I do today well. Help me hit the bulls eye! In Jesus Name, for Your glory, A-men.
Scripture
2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the LORD direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.
Observation
This is a prayer that the LORD through His Holy Spirit will lead and guide our hearts into learning to understand and express God's unconditional and abounding love as we walk with Him day by day. The steadfast, unwavering perseverance of Christ leading us as we love God and love people.
Application
God's love is multifaceted like a gem; redeeming, reassuring, overwhelming, overflowing, overcoming, and amazing. God is my strength and it is He who establishes and grounds me in His love so I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. When there is no love in my heart, or at least not enough love, then God will and can love through me when I trust in Him.
Prayer
Open my heart LORD. Do a work in every dark corner - bring the light of Your love so that this heart is yielded and submitted to You for direction, instruction, and correction. Cleanse my heart so that Your love will flow through me. May Your Holy Spirit have full access to this heart that I gave to You - that You purchased through the precious blood of Your Son Jesus Christ. May Your will and purposes be lived out in this life I have offered You. May I become all You have created me to be for Your glory.
Luke 11:36 If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight is shining on you.”
Scripture
Psalm 106:13 But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for His plan to unfold.
Observation
How soon the children of Israel forgot what great things God had done for them. Not waiting for His plan . . . but making their own plans - giving in to their cravings and desires. They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things, miracles, and awesome deeds for them. But they forgot. They were impatient. They did things 'their way'. They despised the pleasant land, did not believe His promises, grumbled, and disobeyed the LORD.
Application
Psalm 77:11-12 says, "I will remember! I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago. I will consider all Your works and meditate on all Your mighty deeds."
And so, I will remember what a wonderful and faithful GOD I serve and worship. He saved and rescued me. In February 1970, Louie and I were at the home of his Uncle Bruce and Aunt Dottie. They opened the Bible and read the verses out loud for us to hear the good news of salvation and forgiveness, grace and mercy - about God's power and love. That's a day to remember! He gave us new life and a new beginning, a future and a hope.
I will wait for Your plan to unfold, Your will, Your way be done in my life.
Prayer
Father God, You are Holy and Just! What god is as great as my God? There is none like You! You are the GOD of miracles! You do them every day! I give You thanks and praise! Help me never to forget but always remember You. May I patiently wait for Your glorious plans for me and not give in to my own cravings and wants. May I rest and trust in You always.
For Your glory! A-men.
Scripture
1 Corinthians 16:9, 13-14
For a wide door for effective service has opened to me and there are many adversaries.
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong.
Let all that you do be done in love.
Observation
When I read these verses early this morning, my first thoughts were that it was referring to an open door or opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others, but in doing so, there would be some opposition. So be strong in the Lord and be sure that whatever you do - do it in love. But after short ride in the car, I realized we don't have to be in conversation with someone about God to be used by God in a meaningful way.
This morning I followed Louie in his car to drop off my car for repair at an auto service. He took another route than what I was expecting - sort of a back way to the place. On the way, we passed what appeared to be an accident. About 7-10 construction workers were gathered around a man lying on the sidewalk; two were kneeling, and one was touching the injured man. I could hear that emergency vehicles were fast approaching the scene. Not knowing what had happened, but seeing the desperate situation, I prayed for the helpless man lying there.
God gave me a 'favored moment' to be able to minister His love and grace - even though I was only driving by - I prayed.
The Bible says 'our adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour; and he comes to kill, steal, and destroy.' We are to be on the alert, keeping watch, standing steadfastly in the faith, and do all things in love. There's not much else I could've done to assist the man - but I could pray. Sometimes we think praying isn't enough - but it is. Praying for others in times of need is a very effectual service to the Lord and to the person we are praying for.
Application
Through what happened this morning and thinking about these verses I feel encouraged by the Lord. To 'go for it!'
With those 7-10 construction workers around that man, only 2 were kneeling down to really try to help; like loosening his collar, speaking comfort, encouraging the man - they actually were 'hands on' to help him. The other guys appeared to be talking to each other, looking at what was happening, and waiting for the emergency vehicles. But then there was me; just a 'drive by' a 'looky loo.' For sure there was nothing for me to do - I would only be in the way! But God said, 'Pray'. So I prayed as I drove on by. God reminded me that an 'opened door for effective service' can come in any number of ways. Just listen, be open, and be ready. When I see a 'favorable moment' or chance to be used by God, go for it.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I won't be afraid or timid, for You are with me. I will trust in You and not turn away from those divine appointments and life lessons You have prepared for me. Though the enemy may whisper in my ear and remind me or accuse me of all my shortcomings and failures - I choose to be bold, to be strong in faith believing You have called me to effective service - not to be a spectator. With the help of Your Holy Spirit power in my life, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
Scripture
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Observation
Paul compares our 'walk' with Jesus to training and running in a race. Discipline yourself in such a way that you finish the race and win the prize. Persevere and bring your physical body into subjection so that you won't give into fleshly desires. It's not enough to begin a race . . . but the goal is to run the race and complete it! Finish well!
Application
This reminds me of my granddaughter Alyse who is a cross country runner in track events at her high school. She trains in all weather - when the sun is shining or when it's cold, windy, blustery, and overcast! She's out there with the other runners, running sprints, warming up, stretching, preparing for the race. She competes against her own times, setting herself for the long haul. She paces herself. She familiarizes herself as much as she can with the terrain, the running course. Endurance, strengthening, and focus are a part of her every day schedule. She watches her diet, gets rest, and keeps a positive attitude. She looks to her instructors for ways to improve and is open to necessary corrections. She runs and trains with teammates who push her to the limit and encourage her to keep going. Quitting is not an option.
I can learn something here. Spiritual disciplines are God's training program for me! They will help develop character and endurance, faith, and positive attitude! By practicing some daily devotional habits everyday, I can run the race to win and not get side lined because of a lack of self - discipline. Setting aside a morning time at the feet of Jesus is essential, as well as getting necessary rest, eating right, prayer, worship, Bible reading, quiet, journaling, serving, fellowship - these are all a part of my daily 'training' program for the race. I will stay the course! Take a day at a time! And so I will run this race to win the prize of Your high calling in Jesus Christ my Lord!
Prayer
Father, thank You for this reminder. It's timely. I give You praise for helping me refocus and to keep moving forward - and for encouraging me through the life of my beloved granddaughter. She inspires me! May I continue to run the race to win, with the thought of doing 'today well' in such a way to bring glory and honor to Your Name! In Jesus Name I pray. A-men.
