Category - Devotionals

1/1/03 Revelation 20:10
And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Make no mistake about this, God knows what is going on and is in control of all things. I can trust God to lead me as I live my life. I must get before Him many times each day to know what He is saying.

1/2/03 Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Choices determine my life. If I choose to spend time with Jesus I will become like Christ.

1/3/03 Galatians 5: 19-22
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not *inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

I am asking the Lord to point out my bad ways and put me on the right path. I do this everyday. Jesus will not fail me. Christ has the power I need to live a Christ-like life.

1/4/03 1 John 3:16-18
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

I am my neighbor’s keeper. My life, and my resources belong to Jesus. I pray that as the Lord sends opportunities for me to partner with Him in this world that I will not close my eyes to my responsibility.

1/5/03 Luke 6:35
Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.

I have been praying for several people that I don’t like this past month. I am praying that God will do good to them. I am praying that my attitude will change. Pray for me as I pray for you.

1/6/03 Ephesians 4:1-2
THEREFORE I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love.

I beg you to love those close to you. Be gentle to them. Think about one special thing they have done for you. Thank the Lord for this precious person He has entrusted to you.

1/07/03 Colossians 1:9-11
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience;

My prayers for you are valuable. Jesus wants me to be involved in His work. I am praying for you today.

1/08/03 1 Peter 2:20
For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.

Suffering is a part of the human experience. When I make wrong choices and suffer for them I can find help from God.

1/09/03 John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that one *lay down his life for his friends.

Jesus loves people. He loves me. When I care for and love others I am acting like Jesus.

1/10/03 John 15:11
These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

Jesus brings joy. Christ makes life count.

1/11/03 John 16:20
Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy

God is in control. He will make my life work out for His good purposes. Knowing this I can rejoice. Jesus is Lord.

1/12/03 Hebrews 12:2
[Let us fix] our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus died for me. Jesus rose for me. I have a friend in Jesus. I look to Jesus for all of my needs.

1/13/03 John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

I have life in Christ. It is a valuable life. It is a secure life. Because of Jesus I can have peace. It is mine to claim. Fear is from the enemy. Peace is a gift from God.

1/14/03 Hebrews 12:14-15
Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;

Hate destroys me. Jesus gives me the strength I need to stop hating. When I choose to love Christ gives me the grace I need.

1/15/03 Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

My problems begin with me and end up with me. I am the worrier. I am the unhappy one. Only in Jesus can I find peace in chaos and joy in life.

1/16/03 1 Corinthians 9:27
I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

The way I live is important. There is no time out in the hustle and bustle of life. I am the one in control of my hands and feet. My words can be very hurtful.

1/17/03 1 Timothy 4:7
Have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;

If I want to be like Jesus I will pay a price. I will have to give up hate and worry. I will need to spend time with the Lord.

1/18/03 2 Peter 1:5-8
Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today is a result of the way I live.

1/19/03 Galatians 6:9
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

I am learning that everything I do I must do as unto the Lord. When Jesus says well done, it is done.

1/20/03 Micah 6:8
He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?

I have a responsibility to everyone I meet. I choose to treat them with value and worth. Strength for living is found in caring for others.

1/21/03 Colossians 3:12
Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

God chose me. He knew me, all about me and He chose me. Thank you Lord for saving me. Help me to share the joy of my salvation with everyone.

1/22/03 Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

God wants me to live. He will give me wisdom to face every event in my life. God is able if I am willing.

1/23/03 Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Do the next right thing. That is important in living a Christ-like life.

1/24/03 1 Timothy 5:25
Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.

The only person I ever hide my sin from is me. Sins reward is death and destruction. Whatever else I may think I am wrong. I will never be close to the Lord when sin is in control of my life.

1/25/03 Matthew 25:21
His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

I do good with what I have not what I am going to have. I must bend the knee to Jesus now not “when I” because “when I” never comes.

1/26/03 Revelation 2:10
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Satan uses fear. If I will take my fears to Jesus I will be strong in the Lord.

1/27/03 2 Timothy 2:13
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

Jesus loves me. He will forgive me of my sin. He will use me. He has saved me and will never let me go.

1/28/03 Titus 3:1-2
REMIND them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.

As a child of God I do not have the option to sit on the fence of life. I am responsible for the way I act. My actions are not negotiable. I either do right or do wrong.

1/29/03 Galatians 6:1
BRETHREN, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

If I love Jesus I will love you. Real spirituality is measured by my willingness to respond as Jesus would respond.

1/30/03 1 Peter 3:15
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.

Jesus died for my sin. He paid a price I could not pay and gave me a relationship I cannot lose. He is Lord of my life and I serve Him.

1/31/03 John 1: 1,2,& 14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God… And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Everything begins and ends with Jesus. Jesus is God’s everything.

12/01/02 Matthew 7:11
(Jesus said,) If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him?

I belong to Jesus. I can go to Him for all of my needs. God is trustworthy. I cannot explain Him but I can trust Him.

12/02/02 Romans 2:21
Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal?

Every time I criticize someone and point my finger at them there are three fingers pointing back at me. No matter how well meaning my criticism is it most often could go unsaid. Guard my mouth Lord that I might praise you.

12/03/02 James 1:17-18
Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven’s lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows. In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession.

I am amazed at how much I have changed in my short life. All around me change is the constant. God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He has always loved me. He loves me this very moment and always will love me.

12/04/02 Psalm 86:5
O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask your aid.

A dull pencil is sharper than the brightest mind. To help me focus and remember what I want to talk with the Lord about I keep a daily prayer list with my Bible. I want to make sure that I am talking with the Lord about everyone I know and about the things I need.

12/05/02 Hebrews 9:12
Once for all time (Christ) took blood into that Most Holy Place, but not the blood of goats and calves. He took his own blood, and with it he secured our salvation forever.

The blood of the Lord Jesus Christ saves me. His blood was given for my sin.

12/06/02 I John 1:7
But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from every sin.

I cannot ever forget that people are important. They are important enough to Jesus that He died for each one of us as if there were no one else. People count with God. I want to make sure people count with me.

12/07/02 I Corinthians 15: 3-4
I passed on to you what was most important and what had been passed on to me – that Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said.

The Word of God is authoritative and true. There are 7,000 plus promises in His Word that apply to me. My life counts, my work is important. I am not alone nor will the Father leave me short of the resources I need to do His work.

12/08/02 Romans 10:9-10
For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.

I am on a journey with Jesus. Everything that happens to me is an integral part of that journey. Telling others about Jesus is simply communicating what is happening in my life. Jesus is Lord and I can talk about Him.

12/09/02 Psalm 1: 1-4
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth’s foundations on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols, and never tell lies.

There is nothing too hard for God. Your life is important. What you are doing counts. Take the activity of your life to the Father and He will take care of you.

12/10/02 Matthew 19:1-4
“Haven’t you read the scriptures,” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning God made them male and female. And he said, ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one separate them, for God has joined them together.”

I am grateful for my wife. She is a constant blessing for me. She isn’t perfect but then neither am I.

12/11/02 1 Corinthians 15: 47-49
Adam, the first man, was made from the dust of the earth, while Christ, the second man, came from heaven. Every human being has an earthly body just like Adam’s, but our heavenly bodies will be just like Christ’s. Just as we are now like Adam, the man of the earth, so we will someday be like Christ, the man from heaven.

I am just passing through this world. It is not my home. My goal is to become a servant like Jesus. My security is in Christ Jesus the Lord. One day I will leave this world and go to be with Jesus and see Him face to face.

12/12/02 Colossians 1:13-14
For he has rescued us from the one who rules the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood, and has forgiven all our sins.

I am free in Jesus. I am no longer in bondage to sin. I can recover when I sin. I can change. I can become more like Jesus. I can have an abundant life.

12/13/02 II Peter 3: 8-9
But you must not forget, dear friends, that a day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise to return, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He doesn’t want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent.

I am important to God. He is concerned about everything in my life. My challenge is to not let time destroy my confidence. The Lord is faithful and always on time.

12/14/02 Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble.

Teamwork is important. My church is home base for teamwork. I can survive and grow in the Lord’s family.

12/15/02 Ecclesiastes 3:11-13
God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they can. And people should eat, drink, and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

Worry will always defeat me. I can turn to Jesus with my worry. He will encourage me and strengthen me as I face the day. What I worry about today is often wasted time. My time with Jesus is always beneficial.

12/16/02 Exodus 34:6
(The LORD) passed in front of Moses and said, “I am the LORD, I am the LORD, the merciful and gracious God. I am slow to anger and rich in unfailing love and faithfulness.”

I am so glad that Jesus loves me. He is my counselor, my strength and my guide. Bless the name of the Lord.

12/17/02 Deuteronomy 34: 8-10
Then you will again obey the LORD and keep all the commands I am giving you today. The LORD your God will make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and your fields will produce abundant harvests, for the Lord will delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors.

God loves me. He rejoices in a relationship with me. He will answer my prayers and supply my needs. Jesus lives in my heart and will guide me in my daily life. There is great joy in being in the presence of the Lord.

12/18/02 Psalm 34: 8
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!

I can find the answers for my life in Jesus. It takes time and energy for me to build a relationship with Christ. I need to read His Word, trust His direction and obey His instructions. The result is that I will have real joy as I live my life.

12/19/02 Psalm 100:5
For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

God will not forsake me. He cares for me. I am the recipient of His good favor.

12/20/02 Psalm 119: 65-68
You have done many good things for me, LORD, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. You are good and do only good; teach me your principles.

Jesus is committed to me. He has a plan for my life. If I follow that plan I will succeed. Jesus is Lord and my privilege is to make Him Lord of my life.

12/21/02 Lamentations 3: 25
The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him.

Jesus loves me. He loves me completely. I can have peace with Jesus in control of my life.

12/22/02 I Peter 3:15 (NLT)
You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are ever asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.

I love the Lord. I love Him because He loves me. He is in my heart and in control of my life. Ask me and I will be glad to tell you about what my Lord does for me.

12/23/02 Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

God did it all. He created me and He loves me. What a joy to live. What a blessing to belong to Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. There is not other. Jesus is Lord.

12/24/02 Hebrews 1:1-2
Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. But now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he made the universe and everything in it.

Jesus is God’s everything. I cannot fail when I place my trust in Christ. In Jesus I can find joy, peace, value and worth. Jesus is the reason for the season merry Christmas and peace on earth.

12/25/02 II Peter 1:20-21
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves, or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God.

Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit made a plan. The plan was made before there was anything else created. That plan was for God to save you. Jesus is the source of our salvation. His love is the evidence. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and have a blessed celebration of the Lord’s birth. Tell someone what Jesus has done for you.

12/26/02 John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

I believe in Jesus. I have eternal life. You can have life too. Ask Christ to save you and believe that He has. It will change your life.

12/27/02 Philippians 2:9-11
Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

When I talk with Jesus I am talking to God. As I serve the Lord I am acting as His agent. Jesus is my master.

12/28/02 Psalm 139: 13-14
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it.

We are wonderfully made and yet we are only a vapor. Life is here today and gone tomorrow. Our creator has a plan. I can appropriate His glory in Christ. When I have Jesus in my heart I am in the family of God.

12/29/02 Psalm 119:160
All your words are true; all your just laws will stand forever.

God is perfect and there is no other. Jesus Christ the Lord came to give me direction and guidance. Christ enables me to follow the Lord.

12/30/02 Romans 8: 12-13
So, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it and its evil deeds, you will live.

Jesus is able to help me change. I can turn over all the things I suffer from to Him. He will help me replace the wrong things my mind, hands and feet do with a holy heart and Godly actions. I serve a powerful Lord Jesus Christ the King.

12/31/02 Romans 1: 25-26
Instead of believing what they knew to be the truth about God, they deliberately chose to believe lies. So they worshiped the things God had made but not the Creator himself, who is to be praised forever. That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires.

I will not do what I have always done. My strengths are suspect. I plan in this new year to first ask the Lord if what I am doing, thinking or planning is correct. Then I will trust Him to speak to me or in His determined way stop or change me. I can trust Jesus to be actively involved in my life.

11/01/02 John 13: 34-35
(Jesus said): “I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

It’s the little things that trip me up. An unintended slight, or just lack of attention by another often causes my heart to bristle. Love is forgiving. Love says that the other person has my best good at heart. Life is real and so is my attitude. I choose.

11/02/02 John 15: 12-13
I command you to love each other in the same way I love you. And here is how to measure it— the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.

Forgiveness always costs. It is never easy. It is always profitable.

11/03/02 Romans 12:9-10
Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

You really count with God. You should count with me. What I do for you is the proof of how much you count with me.

11/04/02 Romans 13: 8-9
Pay all your debts, except for the debt of love for others. You can never finish paying that! If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill all the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments against adultery and murder and stealing and coveting—and any other commandment—are all summed up in this one commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

You are family. I am your brother. Your welfare is important to me. That includes physical and spiritual needs. If I really love you I will tell you about Jesus.

11/05/02 I Corinthians 13: 1-3
If I could speak with any language in heaven or earth, but didn’t love others, I would only be making meaningless noises like a loud gong or a clanging symbol. If I had the gift of prophecy, and I knew all the mysteries, but didn’t love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and cause it to move, without love I would be no good to anybody. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.

Real love is sacrifice. I must be willing to sacrifice reputation, status and power to get you the Good News. Jesus loves you and has a plan for your life.

11/06/02 I Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.

Our society is rough and ready. Tough is cool. Pain is macho. I love you. Not based on how you respond to me. My love is based on the gift I have already received from the Father. Jesus is God’s everything.

11/07/02 2 Corinthians 7:10
For God can use sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from sin and seek salvation. We will never regret this kind of sorrow. But sorrow without repentance is the kind that results in death.

I want to be with Jesus. I want to be with Him so much that I am willing to change. I will set aside sin and self and spend time with the Lord.

11/08/02 John 6:37
(Jesus said) Those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them

God wants you to be saved. Whatever you have done, wherever you are right now I want you to know that Jesus loves you. Jesus said whosever came to Him would be saved. Ask the Lord to save you and He will.

11/09/02 Philippians 2:13
For God is at work in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.

Jesus is not pensively wringing His hands at my lack of wisdom or uninformed actions. Jesus has a plan for my life and is actively at work in me molding me into His image. I want to become more like Jesus everyday. Christ wants me to do that.

11/10/02 Philippians 3:12
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward the day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be.

I will die if the Lord tarries. When I die the Lord’s plan for my life will be complete. I will step from this earthly plane into the presence of the living Lord Jesus. Come Lord Jesus.

11/11/02 1 Corinthians 13:5-6
Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

If I pay attention to what I am doing it is easy to know when I am off base. Tragically it is most of the time. I should suffer all, care for all and give to all. Help me Lord to wake up from this worldly sleep and serve you.

11/12/02 I Corinthians 13:7
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Jesus came for the whole world. You count. In Christ I can do all things and that includes never giving up on you. Each one of us has the attention of the Lord. He’s not lost or misplaced us. We are right where the Lord can help us.

11/13/02 Proverbs 12:1
To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.

The key to Godly living is careful planning. I am the one that sets my schedule. I am the one that chooses what I will do. I have just as much of the Lord in my life as I want.

11/14/02 Galatians 5:13
For you, dear friends, have been called to live in freedom—not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love.

I was created to serve. I am at my best when I bend my knee. Humility and love are powerful allies.

11/15/02 Ephesians 5:3-4
Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.

I must be different than the world. This difference enables me to serve and grow. Humility and love will push me into life. Pride and arrogance will separate me from service.

11/16/02 Joel 2:12
That is why the Lord says,” Turn to me now, while there is time! Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in grief; instead tear your hearts. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful. He is not easily angered. He is filled with kindness and is eager not to punish you.

I have everything I need in Jesus. Jesus is God’s answer to every problem I face. I can conquer fear, heartache, failure and any other created thing by the power of the living Lord in me.

11/17/02 Amos 5:14
Do what is good and run from evil—that you may live! Then the Lord God Almighty will truly be your helper, just as you have claimed that he is.

Discipline is important. I can only act like a child of God or a child of the evil one. This isn’t rocket science. I know when I need to change.

11/18/02 Matthew 3:2
Turn from your sins and turn to God, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near.

What I do with my life is a choice. Every choice I make has consequences. I will have a hard time breaking the habit of making bad choices. Consequences good or bad make up the life I will live tomorrow.

11/19/02 Genesis 1:27
So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them

God made me. God loves me. God will not leave me alone. God will fix the problems I face.

11/20/02 Genesis 2:23-24
“At last!” Adam exclaimed. “She is part of my own flesh and bone! She will be called ‘woman’ because she was taken out of a man.” This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.

God loves people most of all. He created man and woman to serve Him. I serve God by being myself. God will use me. I am one-half of my marriage. My wife is the other half. She is not more or less than me. We are equal and one. Together we praise the Lord.

11/21/02 Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love covers all offenses.

People don’t care how much I know. They want to know if I care about them. Love changes people and me. Love is the foundation for a good life.

11/22/02 Proverbs 17:9
Disregarding another person’s faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends.

I do not see my imperfections. I can see yours. It is in my best interest to learn to live with your imperfections.

11/23/02 John 13:14-15
(Jesus said) : “And since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.”

I can never repay my debt of love. I will discover great wisdom and unbeatable power taking on the role of a servant.

11/24/02 Matthew 9:13
Then Jesus added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this scripture: ‘I want you to be merciful; I don’t want your sacrifices.’ For I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough.”

I can never forget that I am a sinner. When I deal with people I must always remember to treat them the way I want to be treated. The ground at the cross is level. Jesus died for all of us.

11/25/02 Acts 17:30-31
God overlooked people’s former ignorance about these things, but now he commands everyone everywhere to turn away from idols and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.

The world is lost. Jesus is the way. He has saved me for eternity and for this day. I want to live each day with that eternal perspective. The Lord is victorious therefore I can live in victory.

11/26/02 Romans 2:4
Don’t you realize how kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Or don’t you care? Can’t you see how kind he has been in giving you time to turn from your sin?

Everything I do matters. What I think and say have consequences. I am important to the Father and my life is valuable. A life lived carelessly is an important life wasted.

11/27/02 James 4:10
When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor.

The Lord has a plan for my life.  It is a good plan that the Lord himself laid out.  I can live my life with the full knowledge that I count and that what I do is important.

11/28/02 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins to him, God is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.

I must deal with me. No one else can. If I am not going to be honest with the Lord and admit my sin, my life will be tentative and confusing. I will have no power and be at the mercy of the evil one.

11/29/02 Job 40:1
Then the Lord said to Job, “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?”

Satan prods me to question God. Has God said is at the beginning of every road of evil I have traveled. God is good. He is interested in me. The Lord Jesus died for me. He has a plan for my life. I can trust the Lord even when I don’t understand what is going on.

11/30/02 Isaiah 65:17
“Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth-so wonderful that no one will even think about the old ones anymore.”

I am with the Lord. I have safety and peace with Him. I am not alone. The Lord stands with me and will never leave me alone. No matter what has happened the Lord is real. I am His number one interest.

10/01/02 Romans 3:21
But Now God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight-not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago.

I am a sinner. I cannot fulfill the requirements of the law. Jesus provides forgiveness for me. God came in the flesh that I might be saved. No one is righteous. Jesus is the only way to the Father.

10/02/02 Romans 3:23-24
For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins.

Sin is sin. It is deadly and complete. No one can escape it. But God in his infinite wisdom provided a solution for you and me. Christ is the way. In Christ I have forgiveness of my sin and access to the Father. Jesus is God’s everything.

10/03/02 Romans 6:17
But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed.

I want to be like Jesus. I read His Word and remember what He says. When I do this daily I change. When I do things God’s way I become wise. Jesus is the only way and He is my role model.

10/04/02 Hebrews 9:15
For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

Jesus saw my failure and grief. He felt my loneliness and confusion. He experienced everything I would go through and did not sin. His perfection was offered up for me on the cross. He died for me and gave me His victory. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

10/05/02 Matthew 20:25-28
But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Servant living requires sacrificial giving. Jesus is Lord. I testify to His Lordship by caring for people. Jesus died for people. I am called to represent Him. People count with the Lord. They should count with me.

10/06/02 Matthew 21:18-19
In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs on it, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up.

The problem in the church today is the vast number of lost people in positions of power. They have a form of religion but they don’t belong to Jesus. Jesus changes lives and brings in a standard of living that gives first place to the Father and serves people. I will minister and I will be obedient if I belong to Jesus. If I live like the world I don’t belong to Jesus.

10/07/02 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

I am alive in Christ. Everything I do is measured by my new life. Jesus died for me and rose from the grave. He is Lord and there is no other. I love Jesus.

10/08/02 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

I have a new life in Jesus. I may have old memories and bad habits but Jesus has made me new inside. I will grow as I claim this new nature. Bible study, time with Jesus and a change in the things I do will let my new nature come out. Every day with Jesus I love Him more and more.

10/09/02 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

I have been reconciled to God and am at peace with Him. I want to tell everyone about this. It is the most important thing I know. Jesus died for me, paying for my sin and setting me free. God is good, all the time.

10/10/02 Psalm 27:13-14
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.

God will see me through whatever trouble I face. He will not desert me. He is with me as I go through the fiery trial. Today may be troubled but tomorrow I will see the Lord.

10/11/02 Romans 3:19-20
Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses and to bring the entire world into judgment before God.

Everyone knows they are a sinner. I must take them the Good News. Jesus has paid the price for the forgiveness of their sin.

10/12/02 2 Corinthians 5:1
For we know that if the earthly tent, which is our house, is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

One day I will be with Jesus. He knows that day and has already built my home in heaven. I am living in Christ’s victory.

10/13/02 2 Corinthians 5:2-4
For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.

I belong to God. When I go home to heaven I will have a perfect body that will never have sickness, disease, or pain. One day I will see Jesus face to face and will see the victory that He has already given me.

10/14/02 2 Corinthians 5:5
Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.

I can endure. What ever I face the Holy Spirit is with me. He points me to Jesus. Jesus is my victory.

10/15/02 2 Corinthians 5:6-8
Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.

Life is always a test. The question is will I let the Lord have absolute control of me including the plan of my life? Will I bend my knee to the Lord or choose to go my own way? Time will end. Jesus never ends.

10/16/02 2 Corinthians 5:9-10
Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

If I want to please Jesus I will often have to give up things I want. I am self-centered and quickly adapt to luxuries. Jesus calls me to care for the hurting. I have resources that can help others. When I focus my life on Christ, people are at the heart of my concern.

10/17/02 Matthew 22:35-40
One of them, a lawyer, asked Jesus a question, testing Him, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “”YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ “This is the great and foremost commandment. “The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

I cannot make my wants into a Holy lifestyle. When I obey the Lord I will care for people. I cannot say my life is focused on the Lord if I hate people. Jesus loves people most of all.

10/18/02 Matthew23:8-11
(Jesus said) “ Do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant.”

People need the Lord. I need to tell them about Jesus. They will hear my preaching if they know I love them.

10/19/02 Matthew 23:12
Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.

My life is not my own. I belong to Jesus. I am to be about the master’s business. The Lord’s business is to proclaim the Gospel, God has come to man and paid the price for our sin. Good News for a hurting world.

10/20/02 Matthew 24:45-47
Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions.

Obedience is critical. Jesus is not listening to my talk He is blessing my walk. The Lord is here and He loves me.

10/21/02 Psalm 127:1
Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain.

There is nothing I do that escapes the Father’s attention. He is guiding my every step. Obedience to the Lord is security. My focus is Jesus. The Lord’s focus is caring for me.

10/22/02 Psalm 32:1-2
How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit!

Christ paid the price for forgiveness of my sin. This is an eternal blessing with present benefit. What a joy. What a savior. I want to know Jesus better each day.

10/23/02 2 Corinthians 5:20
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Satan does blind the eyes of the lost. A lost person needs Jesus. I want to be able to communicate this. I cannot command it. I can only share what Christ has done for me. This requires honesty and transparency. It is a gift that I receive and do not earn. Jesus is Lord.

10/24/02 2 Corinthians 5:21
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Jesus died for me. His death paid a price I could not pay. He was resurrected from the dead, is seated at the Father’s side and is interceding for me. I asked Him to forgive me of my sin and save me. He did.

10/25/02 Galatians 6:1-2
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

Sin is evil, pervasive and always seeking to destroy me. I must live my life with care. Pride always trips a struggling soul.

10/26/02 Galatians 6:3-4
For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load.

People count with Jesus. If I am to be a good servant people must count with me. If I am always condemning others I cannot serve them.

10/27/02 Galatians 6:14
But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world

Jesus has a plan for my life that includes every part of my life. The power that He gives enables me to live my life. Jesus is God’s everything.

10/28/02 Psalm 27:1-3
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident.

Nothing is impossible with God. Jesus came that I might have life. Christ gives a life of value and worth. I count with God. I am somebody not because of what I do but because of the Lord’s ownership of me. Christ paid for me and He will protect me.

10/29/02 Psalm 27:4
One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple.

I want to know the Lord. God’s grace and mercy equips me, and brings me into His presence. God is good all the time.

10/30/02 Psalm 27:5-6
For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.

Trouble will come. It always comes unannounced and at the worst possible time. Jesus will stand with me and see me through any trouble I face. When my heart is focused on Jesus my body can survive and thrive in the bump and grind of life.

10/31/02 Psalm 27:7-9
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice, And be gracious to me and answer me. When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, O LORD, I shall seek.” Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation!

Everyday I need Jesus. Every moment I need Jesus. There is nothing I can do that I can accomplish without the Lord Jesus Christ. Pride begins at the point of my self-reliance. Jesus loves me and will be as involved in my life as I let Him.

9/1/02 Psalm 119:108
LORD, accept my grateful thanks and teach me your laws.

Jesus is the one that counts. Without Christ I am nothing. With Christ my life is complete. In Christ I have the power to be the person I was created to be. Life is tough. Christ equips me to deal with life and maintain a gentle heart and a kind spirit. Jesus I bend my knee before you.

9/2/02 Jonah 4:6
And the LORD God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. This eased some of his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant.

Three men robbed my missionary friend Rick in West Africa at gunpoint last week. The expression of His heart was gratitude to the Lord for his life. I want to learn to be grateful for the right things and satisfied with the things I have. Thank you Lord.

9/3/02 Philippians 4:10
How grateful I am, and how I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but for a while you didn’t have the chance to help me.

I exemplify Jesus when I am helping others. Kind words are important. Helpful actions are even better. Help someone today.

9/4/02 John 3:25
At that time a certain Jew began an argument with John’s disciples over ceremonial cleansing.

Religion imprisons. Christ gives freedom. I want to serve the living Lord. He sets me free from bondage to sin. He empowers me to be myself in the midst of the storm and in the face of adversity.

9/5/02 Hebrews 10:1
The old system in the law of Moses was only a shadow of the things to come, not the reality of the good things Christ has done for us. The sacrifices under the old system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship.

Jesus is the perfect sacrifice. He provides permanent, powerful, sin destroying forgiveness for me. I am saved by His shed blood and protected by His strong hand. Jesus is my redeemer.

9/6/02 Ecclesiastes 8:1
How wonderful to be wise, to be able to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person’s face, softening its hardness.

If I want to be wise I must get to know Jesus and learn to trust Him. Often I will not understand why things are happening but I can always know the one who is in charge of things. Jesus is Lord and He is my savior.

9/7/02 Jeremiah 10:23
I know, LORD, that a person’s life is not his own. No one is able to plan his own course.

I am grateful to be alive. I want today to be the best day of my life. My joy is not controlled by me circumstance. Christ in me is the foundation of my joy.

9/8/02 Amos 5:6
Come back to the LORD and live! If you don’t, he will roar through Israel like a fire, devouring you completely. Your gods in Bethel certainly won’t be able to quench the flames!

One day I will die. When I die I will stand before the Lord. I want to make sure that I have Jesus in my heart now so that He will stand for me then. Jesus is Lord.

9/9/02 Matthew 15:31
The crowd was amazed! Those who hadn’t been able to speak were talking, the crippled were made well, the lame were walking around, and those who had been blind could see again! And they praised the God of Israel.

I know Jesus is real because He changed me. He has been faithful in every aspect of my life. Thank you Jesus for the miracles you work in my life.

9/10/02 Matthew 20:22
But Jesus told them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of sorrow I am about to drink?” “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”

I will face trials and tribulation if I am faithful in sharing my faith and faithful in living a Christian lifestyle. I cannot compare my pain to the pain Jesus experienced. I can choose to be faithful whatever the cost. When I am faithful I am suffering for Jesus.

9/11/02 Psalm 116:6
The LORD protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and then he saved me.

The finality of life is expressed in a split second. When a person dies this world ends and then they face judgement. I must seek to live every day with an awareness of this. I love my wife. My children count. My job is useful. Flowers are beautiful. Music is a stimulating joy. Thank you Lord for my life. Help me tell someone about your love for me.

Second for 9/11/02:
9/11/02 Genesis 22:1
Later on God tested Abraham’s faith and obedience. “Abraham!” God called. “Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.”

The marvelous message of this passage is that the Lord was concerned about Abraham. Christ is concerned about me. He is here with me. Whatever good or bad is happening in my life Christ will not desert me.

Third for 9/11/02:
9/11/02 Mark 11:22
Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God.

When it looks as if all is lost, I can trust God. He is faithful. He loves me. He will protect me with His strong right arm. My destination is my home with Him. He will make provision for my journey.

9/12/02 Mark 4:33
He used many such stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they were able to understand.

God’s Word always speaks to my need. When I study the Word Scripture that I have read many times will often shed new light on a nagging or overwhelming issue in my life. Scripture that I memorize will be used by the Holy Spirit to give me a word of truth or power in my hour of need. God is good all the time.

9/13/02 Acts 20:32
“And now I entrust you to God and the word of his grace – his message that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.

I care for you. I pray for you every day. I trust the Lord. I am confident that I can live with the full knowledge that the Lord is in control of my world and your life. Jesus is Lord.

9/14/02 Romans 4:21
He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything he promised.

Jesus promised that I could have an abundant life. I want it. I find it by grounding my life in Christ. In Christ I have access to a relationship with God. My life is not structured by what I don’t have or cannot be. My life can be the exciting, abundant life that Jesus intended for me to have when He created me.

9/15/02 Romans 6:11
So you should consider yourselves dead to sin and able to live for the glory of God through Christ Jesus.

Jesus will deal with my sin. He will enable me to redirect the activity of my life away from sin and to the Lord. I am not at the mercy of the world. My old habits don’t have a choke hold on me. Jesus is Lord of all.

9/16/02 Matthew 26:60-61
But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, there was no testimony they could use. Finally, two men were found who declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.'”

What I say and what I do matters. When a lost person deals with me they are evaluating Jesus by the way I act. This puts a great responsibility on me to stay close to the Lord. Life hits by surprise. I don’t want my responses to be a surprise.

9/17/02 Exodus 20:20
“Don’t be afraid,” Moses said, “for God has come in this way to show you his awesome power. From now on, let your fear of him keep you from sinning!”

Jesus is everything to me. I have a relationship with Him through faith. I am encouraged to spend time with Him. When I get away from Jesus I am prone to act like a fool. Foolish actions require discipline.

9/18/02 Leviticus 25:17
Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the LORD your God.

Jesus loves people. I must make sure that whatever action I take affirms my love for people. I can love others because Jesus loves me.

9/19/02 Deuteronomy 6:24
The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today.

I want a good relationship with Jesus. Christ provides for my access to the Father and gives me the opportunity to have a good relationship with the Lord. Obedience is the path to a good relationship. The result of obedience to the Father is a good relationship with Jesus.

9/20/02 Deuteronomy 7:19
You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the miraculous signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the LORD your God brought you out. The LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear.

God has worked many miracles in my life. I keep a list of those miracles. When I am faced with the impossible I can pull out my miracles list, get before the Lord and simply request, Lord I need your miracle working power again. My miracle list helps me to stay focused on the awesomeness of a loving Lord that really loves me.

9/21/02 Deuteronomy 10:12
And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

The Lord calls me to be who I am. Jesus wants me to be real. Jesus rejoices in my uniqueness, my form and my potential. The challenge for me is not to be like you. My challenge is to be myself.

9/22/02 1 Samuel 12:24
But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.

God speaks to me. He speaks through His Word, He speaks in the quiet place where I pray and many times speaks through friends and family. He is intimately involved in helping me to mature and grow as His child. I need to remember the activity of the Holy One in my life. When I remember God’s activity in my life I am encouraged, empowered and enabled to face the unknown and deal with the reality of my life.

9/23/02 1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

God’s love for me is perfect. I do not have to fear failure. The unknown will not reshape my life. God’s love will always make a way for me to accomplish His purpose in my life.

9/24/02 Deuteronomy 20:4
For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.

Jesus can meet any and every need that I have. Focusing my life and my heart on Jesus will provide victory for me as I face the challenges of my life.

9/25/02 2 Samuel 22:36
You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great.

The Lord is thinking about me right now. So often my life gets bogged down with minutiae. God’s love and concern never get bogged down. He cares for me. When life gets out of control Jesus still has me on His heart. He is with me. I count. I am valuable to Him.

9/26/02 Psalms 60:12
With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.

Time is a great enemy. I am constantly bemoaning what lies ahead and regretting what I did. I should have been more in control or kinder or more understanding. The past pulls like a noose. The future looms ahead. The Lord is with me. The present is where I will always be. Jesus will stand by me through the consequences of my past. Jesus will equip me to face the future. He does it all right now in the present. The Lord is victorious. He permits me to participate in His victory.

9/27/02 1 Corinthians 15:54-55
When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

I am seated beside Jesus in the Father’s throne room. I can’t see that now but I know it by faith. When my day comes the Lord Jesus will walk me through the door into the spiritual realm. I will be with Him for eternity.

9/28/02 1 John 5:4
For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

Life is often an impossible journey. What may happen tomorrow can be very unnerving. I cannot properly prepare for the unknown by myself. God’s grace enables me to face tomorrow with strength, peace and joy. I am because He is.

9/29/02 Luke 10:17
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

I am not alone. I am not at the mercy of fate or the world. The Lord is a warrior who fights my battles. I can trust Jesus and follow His plan for my life. I am under the care of the Lord Jesus Christ.

9/30/02 Romans 8: 38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I belong to the Lord. It is not based on what I will or may do. I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. He will always be my Lord and will never cease to be my Savior. I belong to the Lord.

8/1/02 Mark 10: 50-52
Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Teacher,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way. Your faith has healed you.” And instantly the blind man could see! Then he followed Jesus down the road.

Lord I want you to help me change. Change my attitude, my actions and my faith. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

8/2/02 Mark 11:13-14
He noticed a fig tree a little way off that was in full leaf, so he went over to see if he could find any figs on it. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard him say it.

Lord my outer appearance is pure. I am careful to obey the law. Help me to develop my inner discipline which people can’t see as carefully as I develop my outer appearance.

8/3/02 Luke 22:50-51
And one of them slashed at the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “Don’t resist anymore.” And he touched the place where the man’s ear had been and healed him.

The Lord is at work in my life. Often the challenges and pitfalls of life, which seem so disastrous at the moment they occur, are in fact lessons for faith and practice. I want to be useful and usable. Help me stand fast in the face of spiritual opportunities.

8/4/02 John 21:6
Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get plenty of fish!” So they did, and they couldn’t draw in the net because there were so many fish in it.

Jesus is in control. He is not surprised by my failure or my success. He wants to take everything that happens to me and shape it for His good purposes. If I will let Him, He will.

8/5/02 Acts 16:11
We boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis.

Every great journey begins with a first step. What seemed like a simple change of direction at the time turned out to be the act that reached into western culture to evangelize me. I am a product of this missionary journey. God is so good.

8/6/02 2 Cor 2:12
Well, when I came to the city of Troas to preach the Good News of Christ, the Lord gave me tremendous opportunities.

Life is real. My opportunities will always be where I am. They never wait on my arrival at another destination. Opportunities always come knocking as I live my life.

8/7/02 2 Timothy 4:13
When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.

Life is real. It gets cold and we get bored. I want to have a hot heart for Jesus and to keep my heart hot I must stay close to Him. I read His Word every day, I talk with Him morning, noon and night and I am committed to do what He says. Lord give me ears to hear.

8/8/02 Acts 16:12
From there we reached Philippi, a major city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony; we stayed there several days.

Big cities often seem fearful. The truth is big cities are full of little people. Everyone I come into contact with has the same problems I have and each one needs the Lord. My prayer is that I will let the Lord equip me to minister to everyone I come into contact with.

8/9/02 Philippians 1:1
This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. It is written to all of God’s people in Philippi, who believe in Christ Jesus, and to the elders and deacons.

Paul chose to submit himself to the Lord. He was totally under the control of Christ. Everyday of his life he spent seeking to let Jesus use him fully. I am trying to do that. I want to be useable and available. Help me Lord to keep my eyes on you.

8/10/02 1 Thessalonians 2:2
You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, even though we were surrounded by many who opposed us.

My failure is not an indicator of my worth and value. Jesus loves me. He loves me because I belong to Him. His love of me does not ebb and flow based on my success or failure. His love is constant and eternal.

8/11/02 Acts 17:1
Now Paul and Silas traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.

My worship is important to the Lord. When I go to church I must remember that I am there to spend time with Jesus. The result of my worship should be that I am revived to serve Him.

8/12/02 Acts 17:11
And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth.

I love the Lord. I think about the Lord as I go about my daily life. I am always interested in what the Lord has to say. I search His Word for His promises. I spend time with Him so that I will have the wisdom and guidance I need for daily living.

8/13/02 Acts 17:13
But when some Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God in Berea, they went there and stirred up trouble.

The world is always opposed to Jesus. When I purpose to follow the Lord persecution will happen. My response will be a reflection of my maturity. If I respond like the world the Lord often will need to perform corrective discipline. If I respond like Christ I will grow.

8/14/02 Acts 20:4
Several men were traveling with him. They were Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus; Aristarchus and Secundus, from Thessalonica; Gaius, from Derbe; Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus, who were from the province of Asia.

When the Lord calls me to lead He sends followers. If I am leading and no one is following, I am simply taking a walk. The Lord is in control. I must make sure that I am letting Him have control of me.

8/15/02 1 Thessalonians 1:1
This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. It is written to the church in Thessalonica, you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May his grace and peace be yours.

My needs are so great. God’s grace perfectly covers those needs. My heart is so anxious; God’s peace brings perfect rest and comfort. Let not your heart be troubled for you are beloved of God.

8/16/02 Acts 17:16
While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city.

I am troubled by insignificant slights. I am troubled by my own foolishness. There is so much darkness. I am to be light in a dark world. Lord help me to be troubled by the darkness all around me.

8/17/02 Acts 17:22-23
So Paul, standing before the Council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious, for as I was walking along I saw your many altars. And one of them had this inscription on it ‘To an Unknown God.’ You have been worshiping him without knowing who he is, and now I wish to tell you about him.

Jesus is Lord and there is no other. He is the focus and foundation for my life. Without Jesus I cannot be what I was created to be. My witness to the world is not a theological treatise. It is a life lived by the power of Jesus. Christ in me is my only hope of glory.

8/18/02 Acts 17:24-25
“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve his needs for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need there is.

I need you Lord. I need to let you have leadership in all things I do. I need to seek your council before and not after I do things. Help me Lord Jesus to grow in my faith and service.

8/19/02 Acts 17:28
For in him we live and move and exist. As one of your own poets says, ‘We are his offspring.’

I am a child of God. He created me and gave me the opportunity to become His child by confessing my sin and proclaiming my belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a simple act but an act with eternal consequences. Praise the name of the Lord.

8/20/02 2 Corinthians 2:14
But thanks be to God, who made us his captives and leads us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume.

I am a servant not a master. The master travels in the chariot. The servant follows behind. My troubles always begin when I try to get up in the chariot. So often I just don’t get it. Jesus’ love always gets it and as a result I always benefit. God is good.

8/21/02 Matthew 8:8
Then the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed!

My worth and value is in Christ. He is the foundation upon which I can build my life. I stumble and fumble but in Christ I have wisdom and strength.

8/22/02 Matthew 12:18-21
“Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, and I am very pleased with him. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not fight or shout; he will not raise his voice in public. He will not crush those who are weak, or quench the smallest hope, until he brings full justice with his final victory. And his name will be the hope of all the world.”

God has a plan. I am in that plan. His timing is perfect and His victories are perfect. I often feel like I am twisting and turning in the wind, like life is out of control. God has everything under control. Christ is King and His reign is eternal.

8/23/02 Matthew 20:26-27
But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must become your slave.

God is the audience. All of my life is acted out before Him. He knows everything that is going on and is in control. When I believe God and live like I believe Him then my life will be in control. God is good and He has given me a good life.

8/24/02 Matthew 23:11-12
The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Everyone I come into contact with has a need. The Lord has charged me with the responsibility to serve those I meet. It is a charge from God empowered by Jesus. Obedience requires that I serve, it isn’t an option.

8/25/02 Mark 9:35
He sat down and called the twelve disciples over to him. Then he said, “Anyone who wants to be the first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”

I trust the Lord. I evidence my trust by obedience. Being a servant is part of that obedience. I don’t serve people because they are worthy. I serve people because Jesus is worthy and I love Him.

8/26/02 John 13:6
How true it is that a servant is not greater than the master. Nor are messengers more important than the one who sends them.

Jesus is my master. He will guide my every step. He has complete demand on my time and talents. My primary responsibility is to be an obedient servant.

8/27/02 Acts 3:26
When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways.”

I can never fully understand the magnitude of my sinfulness. I do know this, once I was dead in my trespasses and sin and now I am alive in Christ. Jesus delivered me from the realm of evil and brought me into the inner courts of the Lord High God. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

8/28/02 Romans 15:8
Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors.

Everything from the Lord is yes. All 7,000 plus of His promises in His Word are yes to me. He loves me and is seeking for my best good. I may not understand it, I may tremble and cringe when I am claiming them but the truth is unchangeable, God loves me.

8/29/02 Galatians 1:10
Obviously, I’m not trying to be a people pleaser! No, I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ’s servant.

I go to the Lord for His directions for each day. Where He leads I will go. What He says I will do. I begin each day with this commitment. I end each day seeking forgiveness for where I have failed and then go to sleep.  In the morning I begin the journey fresh and new.

8/30/02 Revelation 1:1
This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him concerning the events that will happen soon. An angel was sent to God’s servant John so that John could share the revelation with God’s other servants.

God wants fellowship with me. He guides me towards obedience. I choose whether I will obey Him or ignore Him. Life is very simple. People are very complex. God is good praise His holy name.

8/31/02 Revelation 15:3
And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are your actions, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations.

Jesus is God’s everything. I can never go wrong following Christ. He makes the blind see. He heals the hurting and brings the hated to the banquet table. I may walk through the shadow of death but the Lord will never let me go. Jesus is Lord of all and my Lord.

7/1/02 John 2:11
This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was Jesus’ first display of his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

Everyday looks like the other. Hard times seem to stay forever. When I go to Jesus He changes me. Life is fresh and I am free.

7/2/02 John 4:50
Then Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed Jesus’ word and started home.

The impossible always looms large. I cannot do this or cannot accomplish that. Then out of my need the Lord answers. As I mature one of the significant benefits of aging is a growing awareness of our Father’s presence, meticulous attention to my life and His love for me.

7/3/02 Mark 1:25-26
Jesus cut him short. “Be silent! Come out of the man.” At that, the evil spirit screamed and threw the man into a convulsion, but then he left him.

Satan can and does affect my life. I will never be able to stand up against him. Jesus is the ruler over all things. When I turn my focus to Jesus victory is mine.

7/4/02 Mark 1:30-31
Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away. He went to her bedside, and as he took her by the hand and helped her to sit up, the fever suddenly left, and she got up and prepared a meal for them.

Religious activity is at an all time high in America. The only problem is that the religious are worshipping man and not Jesus. Jesus cares for the unclean and hurting masses. Christ died that I might have life. When I make it more complex than that I am following man’s ideas. I cannot understand or control Jesus I can only worship Him.

7/5/02 Luke 5:4
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper and let down your nets, and you will catch many fish.”

Christ is my friend. He is interested in the minute detail of my life. I will never have a better friend. My life is important. God loves me.

7/6/02 Mark 1:41-42
Moved with pity, Jesus touched him. “I want to,” he said. “Be healed!” Instantly the leprosy disappeared – the man was healed.

How many times have you ached because of a failure? How often have you looked at your life and felt useless? That is a ploy of the evil one. We are not failures. Each one of us has an important part to play in the grand design of God’s creation. Our value is inside not outside. Christ in me is my hope of glory.

7/7/02 Mark 2:5
Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My son, your sins are forgiven.”

Jesus forgives my sin and enables me to have fellowship with God. The world I live in is always changing. God never changes. I need time with the Lord to equip me to live in this changing world.

7/8/02 John 5:8
Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your sleeping mat, and walk!”

I can develop a close relationship with the Lord. Not because of what I do but because of what Jesus did. He died for me to set me free to be in intimate fellowship with the Father.

7/9/02 Luke 6:10-11
He looked around at them one by one and then said to the man, “Reach out your hand.” The man reached out his hand, and it became normal again! At this, the enemies of Jesus were wild with rage and began to discuss what to do with him.

People save whales and kill babies. They are focused on perverted values. The world is always against God. It cannot have life and it doesn’t want me to have life. In Jesus I have life.

7/10/02 Luke 7:9-10
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd, he said, “I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all the land of Israel!” And when the officer’s friends returned to his house, they found the slave completely healed.

I believe the Lord. I don’t trust in what I see instead I trust in the one who sees me. I belong to the Lord and He is committed to me.

7/11/02 Luke 7:13-14
When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “get up.”

God created the world with rules that benefit us. Jesus is not limited by rules or interpretations. He died for you and me so that we might have life here and now. He loves people most of all.

7/12/02 Luke 11:14-15
One day Jesus cast a demon out of a man who couldn’t speak, and the man’s voice returned to him. The crowd was amazed, but some said, “No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons!”

Sin is accusatory, destructive and evil. It is always seeking to hurt us. It will not stop unless we are destroyed. Jesus forgives my sin and reclaims my relationship with the Father.

7/13/02 Mark 4:39
When he woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the water, “Quiet down!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.

We are not at the mercy of the world. I can live my life with the full knowledge that the Lord cares for me. Jesus will help me to walk through whatever mess I make or problem that life greets me with. Jesus will not forsake me nor will He desert me. I can count on the Lord.

7/14/02 Mark 5:6
When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him. He ran to meet Jesus and fell down before him.

Satan is alive and well on planet earth. He is my adversary and is seeking to devour me. Jesus says that I can put my sin problem in His hands. He will fight for me and defeat my foe. He will give me the power to stand before the enemy and not fail. Jesus is in control.

7/15/02 Mark 5:34
And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. You have been healed.”

My humanity betrays me. My body is wearing out. Christ will see me through. I may deal with sickness and poor health but in Christ I am whole. My physical shortcomings do not rob my spiritual vitality. I am God’s property.

7/16/02 Mark 5:41-42
Holding her hand, he said to her, “Get up, little girl!” And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! Her parents were absolutely overwhelmed.

Our God deals with the realities that we face. My need is my reality. Are you afraid? Is their anything that has you blocked in serving Jesus? Take that fear to the Lord and He will give you the courage you need.

7/17/02 Matthew 9:29
Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.”

I am blessed by God’s mercy. I deserve justice and I get love. I deserve punishment and I get kindness. Jesus loves. I belong to Him.

7/18/02 Matthew 9:32-33
When they left, some people brought to him a man who couldn’t speak because he was possessed by a demon. So Jesus cast out the demon, and instantly the man could talk. The crowds marveled. “Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!” they exclaimed.

I can choose to win or lose. I am not condemned by my family’s history nor am I at the mercy of some bad choices I have made in life. When I choose Jesus I am a winner. He will help me to come to grips with my life. The abundant life is taking what I have and doing well with it. I can you know. I am a child of the king.

7/19/02 John 6:11
Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and passed them out to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate until they were full.

I will never give up. I will lose and I will fail but I will never give up. I can say this with absolute confidence because my redeemer lives. In Him I have eternal life. I will never give up.

7/20/02 Matthew 14:31
Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him. “You don’t have much faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Even when I fail a test of faith in life the Lord is with me. My relationship with Jesus is based on Jesus and not on me.

7/21/02 Matthew 15:28
”Woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.

I believe in you. I believe in you because you belong to Jesus. He will never, never leave you. Be blessed, the Lord is with us.

7/22/02 Mark 7:34-35
And looking up to heaven, he sighed and commanded, “Be opened!” Instantly the man could hear perfectly and speak plainly!

Jesus does everything well. When I pray and fellowship with Him it is perfect. Not because of how I feel or how well I pray or pay attention. My relationship is perfect because Jesus is perfect.

7/23/02 Mark 8:9
There were about four thousand people in the crowd that day, and he sent them home after they had eaten.

Jesus has power. His power is exactly enough to fit my need. He is never low on power when I need help. Jesus is God’s everything.

7/24/02 Mark 8:25
Then Jesus placed his hands over the man’s eyes again. As the man stared intently, his sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly.

Jesus is the source for my relationship with the Father. I need to remember that I can turn to Jesus for everything and anything. He is Lord.

7/25/02 Mark 9:23-24
“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly replied, “I do believe, but help me not to doubt!”

The spirit world is real. I cannot see into it but am impacted by it everyday. Jesus can see what is going on and is in control of all things. I need to be in constant contact with the Lord Jesus Christ.

7/26/02 Matthew 17:26-27
“They tax the foreigners,” Peter replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free! However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a coin. Take the coin and pay the tax for both of us.”

I need to let Jesus be Lord of me. My thoughts must be submitted to Him. My actions must come under His control. When I do this I change and become like Christ. His power is available when He is in control. When I am in control tragedy reigns.

7/27/02 John 9:35-37
When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” The man answered, “Who is he, sir, because I would like to.” “You have seen him,” Jesus said, “and he is speaking to you!”

Jesus is the light. When all else fails in life and I cannot see a way out Jesus provides the way. He is God’s everything. He will not forget me.

7/28/02 Luke 13:10-12
One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, he saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for eighteen years and was unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are healed of your sickness!”

You and I need to be faithful in praying that lost people might be saved. When they are saved we can trust Jesus to straighten out their lives. I can rejoice in the work that Jesus has done and not seek to load up new Christians with my list of dos and don’ts.

7/29/02 Luke 14:3-4
Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in religious law, “Well, is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?” When they refused to answer, Jesus touched the sick man and healed him and sent him away.

I can do all things through Christ. Fear cannot control my life.

7/30/02 John 11:43-44
Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And Lazarus came out, bound in grave clothes, his face wrapped in a head cloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”

God understands my life. His timing is perfect. I can count on Him for the right advice and accurate directions. Jesus is the real one.

7/31/02 Luke 17:12-14
As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, their leprosy disappeared.

God made me for good. I am valuable and my life has real meaning. I am required to take what I have and do what I can. I am not required to be you or to do your job.

6/1/02 Matthew 11:19
And I, the Son of Man, feast and drink, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of the worst sort of sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by what results from it.”

I am born to trouble. Everyday is a new challenge to overcome the hurt and pain of life. Suffering is always near. Jesus came to bring me good news. I no longer have to endure the pain and agony of the human condition. I have a rescuer named Jesus. He is concerned about me. He loves me and will never leave me alone.

6/2/02 Matthew 12:42
The queen of Sheba will also rise up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, because she came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And now someone greater than Solomon is here – and you refuse to listen to him.

Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. The caution for me is that I must include the Lord in my life. He brings life. If I ignore him or refuse him I sacrifice life. My choice.

6/3/02 Matthew 13:54
He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was astonished and said, “Where does he get his wisdom and his miracles?

God really means what He says. He is interested in my life and me. He will give me the wisdom, guidance, mercy and grace that I need to lead a joyful, abundant life.

6/4/02 Luke 1:17
He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah, the prophet of old. He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the people for his arrival. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will change disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom.”

If I say no to the world and yes to God all my problems are solved. I will have life. I will be reborn. The Father will adopt me into His family. I will never again be at the mercy of the world.

6/5/02 Acts 6:3
“Now look around among yourselves, brothers, and select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. We will put them in charge of this business.

People count with God. If I want to serve the Lord I will need to learn to love my brother. The activity of caring for my fellow man is the measure of my success as a member of the family of God.

6/6/02 Romans 11:33
Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods!

God knows everything. He knows my deepest hurts, my worst sins and my most prevalent shortcomings. There is nothing hidden from God. Out of His mercy and grace He provides for me. Not based on what I do but because of what Jesus did. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

6/7/02 1 Corinthians 1:19-20
As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy human wisdom and discard their most brilliant ideas.” So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made them all look foolish and has shown their wisdom to be useless nonsense.

I often get ahead of God. I think that I can take shortcuts and make things work out. They never do and I always end up making a mess of things. I am learning to wait on the Lord. In His time and His way is the only way that things will work out correctly.

6/8/02 1 Corinthians 1:21
Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never find him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save all who believe.

The message of the cross speaks to me. I cannot reach God. My sin was so deep, my heart so evil that I was totally separated from the Father. Then Jesus found me. He shed His blood for me and provided forgiveness for my sin. I cannot explain it I can only claim it. Thank you Lord for saving me.

6/9/02 1 Corinthians 1:24
But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the mighty power of God and the wonderful wisdom of God.

A friend of mine shared a thought with me about being called to salvation. He said that when we come to the heavenly gates written across them would be the words whosoever believed in the Lord Jesus Christ may come in. When I pass through those gates and look back written across them will be you are the chosen of God. Only Jesus can save me and I can choose Him.

6/10/02 1 Corinthians 1:30
God alone made it possible for you to be in Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made Christ to be wisdom itself. He is the one who made us acceptable to God. He made us pure and holy, and he gave himself to purchase our freedom.

I have a tendency to be a Pharisee. I major in lifting myself up and putting others down. That may sound harsh to you but truthfully each one of us tends to do that. When I keep my eyes on Jesus I am convicted of my smug self-satisfaction. Jesus helps me to see my real self and His deep love for me. Christ is my best friend.

6/11/02 Ephesians 3:14-15
When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.

Jesus died for me. He died that I might have a part in all that the Father has done. In Christ I become a member of the family of God. God is my Father.

6/12/02 Colossians 1:9
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom.

I must learn to live the life I have been given. God’s Word speaks to me of my Father’s love, concern, guidance and grace. It also tells me how valuable I am to the Lord. Jesus gives me everything I need to change the rigors of life into a celebration of life.

6/13/02 Colossians 1:28
So everywhere we go, we tell everyone about Christ. We warn them and teach them with all the wisdom God has given us, for we want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.

One day I will die. Death is a real event. The wisdom of God guides me to make the most of today. Tomorrow never comes. I only have right now. I love you in the Lord. Make the most of your time right now.

6/14/02 Colossians 2:3
In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Jesus is God’s everything. There is nothing about my life that is hidden from Him. He will equip me to deal with whatever comes my way. I can trust Jesus.

6/15/02 2 Timothy 3:15
You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

I really love the Lord. I really want my children to love the Lord. The best encouragement I can give them is to share God’s Word with them and to love them the way the Lord loves me. Love breaks down barriers and sets the captives free.

6/16/02 James 1:5
If you need wisdom – if you want to know what God wants you to do – ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.

God is committed to helping me work out His plan for my life. Step one of His plan is getting to know Him better than I know anyone else. If I will ask Him what He would have me do and then do it I will never be in the dark. God is light and in Him there is not one shred of darkness.

6/17/02 James 3:15
For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and motivated by the Devil.

Confusion and chaos are a signal for me to wake up. I immediately begin looking for wisdom. Have I walked away from the Lord? Am I the cause of the current catastrophe? All too often I discover that the real culprit in my struggle is me. I ask for forgiveness and strength and begin the journey back. Jesus never fails to give me adequate directions.

6/18/02 Revelation 7:12
They said, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and forever. Amen!”

Jesus is worthy of all praise, and honor and glory. His majesty and power equip me to face my weakness and shortcomings. Glory to God and to the power of His might. Jesus is Lord.

6/19/02 Matthew 5:9
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

Peace is a gift from God. Jesus equips me to be a peacemaker. As I grow into His image I learn how to make peace. It involves focus on God, forgiveness of others and faithful service. If I will die to self I can be a peacemaker.

6/20/02 Psalm 4:8
I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.

I cannot change what will happen. I can change me. If I will surrender my rights the Lord will bless me with His presence. When I am in the presence of God I will have peace.

6/21/02 Psalm 29:11
The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace.

I keep a miracle log and cannot begin to tell you the miracles the Lord has done in my life and in the lives of my friends. I know the Lord will meet my needs. My confidence is a struggle at times but His strength sees me through. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

6/22/02 Psalm 34:14
Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others.

I can choose how I will live. If I will read the Word of God, spend time with the Lord and put into practice what Jesus teaches me I will have peace. If I walk my own way peace will never be in control of my life. I may be saved but I will certainly be singed when I get home to the Lord.

6/23/02 Psalm 119:165
Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble.

I was in a war zone recently. Even the air that I breathed was tense. Everywhere I went people were discouraged and anxious. When I left my physical body felt a relief. Daily life is like that. God’s law is there to point me to peace. Jesus forgives me when I break the law and brings me back to peace with God.

6/24/02 Psalm 122:6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.

God is at work in His world. He is not surprised by anything that is going on. He loves His creation and by His own testimony loves Jerusalem. I love Jerusalem and pray for peace for Jerusalem daily.

6/25/02 Proverbs 10:10
People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.

I am to be plain spoken and direct. God is not to be mocked and people always count. Jesus is my first priority and proclaiming Christ is to be a part of my daily life. When I tell about Jesus I am simply sharing what Jesus is doing in my life. You need the Lord. The world is wrong.

6/26/02 Proverbs 12:20
Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

I have to be single minded. I cannot hate one person and love another. Hate and love do not mix. If I commit myself to loving others I will also have to commit myself to forgiving those that have done me wrong.

6/27/02 Proverbs 16:7
When the ways of people please the LORD, he makes even their enemies live at peace with them.

I have learned that not everyone will like me. Some may even vigorously oppose me. I can trust the Lord with my life and my plans. I can respect those that dislike me and turn them over to the Lord. God will protect my blind spots and I can sleep easily at night.

6/28/02 Psalm 145:17
The LORD is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.

The Lord really loves me. Even the times that I thought things weren’t working for my best good turned out in fact to be for my best good. The longer I live the more faithful I discover the Lord has been and is. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

6/29/02 Proverbs 3:3
Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart.

If I love the Lord I will organize my life to put Him first. Not just when things get rough but all the time. If I choose to do my own thing I will miss developing a close relationship with Jesus. I may not miss heaven but I sure will miss an abundant life.

6/30/02 Hosea 11:4
I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him.

I am grateful for the air I breathe. My body functions without any commitment on my part. Things and people that weren’t even a part of my life often bless me. How wonderful is the Lord Jesus that He is always thinking about me. Thank you Lord for your watch care over me.

5/1/02 Genesis 2:18
And the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him.

I have been married more than thirty years. I can truthfully say that my wife has been a real helpmate. At times she has led and at times she has followed my lead. We have worked together to profit from our mistakes and to enjoy good fortune. My wife has seriously enriched my life. This journey would be difficult without her.

5/2/02 Genesis 24:12
“O LORD, God of my master,” he prayed. “Give me success and show kindness to my master, Abraham. Help me to accomplish the purpose of my journey.

I have tried to consider my employers goals as my goals. I have never worked for someone that I didn’t respect and trust. God has called me to be diligent, resourceful and fair.

5/3/02 Matthew 15:25
But she came and worshiped him and pleaded again, “Lord, help me!”

There have been some days that I wouldn’t have made it without Jesus. The challenges of life are sometimes overwhelming. He has been faithful to me.

5/4/02 Daniel 9:18
“O my God, listen to me and hear my request. Open your eyes and see our wretchedness. See how your city lies in ruins – for everyone knows that it is yours. We do not ask because we deserve help, but because you are so merciful.

Sin is real. I am a sinner. Forgiveness also is real. Forgiveness erases my sin and equips me to fellowship with the Father. Thank you Lord for forgiving me.

5/5/02 Matthew 25:44-45
“Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ And he will answer, ‘I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’

God loves people most of all. He created every single person in His image. I will either serve those that God loves or I will slave for the demon Satan.

5/6/02 Mark 9:24
The father instantly replied, “I do believe, but help me not to doubt!”

I am a doubting Thomas. Oh I want to believe and I purpose to believe. The truth is only the power of God will equip and enable me to believe. Come Lord Jesus.

5/7/02 Exodus 23:5
If you see the donkey of someone who hates you struggling beneath a heavy load, do not walk by. Instead, stop and offer to help.

What I do counts. People need help. I may be the only help that those I come into contact with will get.

5/8/02 Matthew 7:4
How can you think of saying, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?

I always know how to fix other peoples problems. Lord help me to fix mine and keep my mouth shut.

5/9/02 Matthew 9:36
He felt great pity for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn’t know where to go for help. They were like sheep without a shepherd.

Problems come. Jesus solves problems. When I get up each day I commit that day to the Lord. I ask for wisdom, mercy and grace. Before the day is over I am claiming that help from the Lord. He has never failed me.

5/10/02 John 5:5-7
One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew how long he had been ill, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred up. While I am trying to get there, someone else always gets in ahead of me.”

Life seeks to make me miss the point. The point is I must go to Jesus for all my needs. If I mess up I need help. I don’t need to worry about fixing the situation. I need to fix me. In real life the problem that I must learn to deal with is me.

5/11/02 Acts 20:35
And I have been a constant example of how you can help the poor by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”

I can cry about what I don’t have or give what I can. I don’t advocate a give to get philosophy but my experience is that I have always reaped bountifully when I gave. Giving equips me for life and spiritual growth.

5/12/02 Romans 1:11
For I long to visit you so I can share a spiritual blessing with you that will help you grow strong in the Lord.

I need Christian friends. I need to express what God is doing inside of me and in my life. The miracles He shapes are important. The lives He touches through me are a blessing. It is amazing how much the Lord is doing in and through me and you.

5/13/02 Deuteronomy 8:5
So you should realize that just as a parent disciplines a child, the LORD your God disciplines you to help you.

I am self centered and blind. Some days everything I do is wrong. When I get this way I need correcting. The Lord is faithful to correct me, forgive me, and put be back on the right path. Often He does this quickly. If I will go to Him everyday I will seldom go more than a day in the wrong direction.

5/14/02 Ro 5:3
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us – they help us learn to endure.

I really don’t like learning experiences while I am going through them. But it is these very same learning experiences that equip me to serve the Lord Jesus. Father, as difficult as they are I am grateful to you. Help me to stand in the hour of learning and to always turn to you.

5/15/02 Deuteronomy 32:38
Where now are those gods, who ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their offerings? Let those gods arise and help you! Let them provide you with shelter!

The Lord is the only true God. Test Him. Call upon Him. See if He will be true to you. My own personal experience is that every promise of the Living God is true and He is always faithful.

5/16/02 Romans 12:13
When God’s children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night.

I am charged with helping the people that I come into contact with. It involves my physical involvement. Proxy charity doesn’t relieve me of a call to care for those in need.

5/17/02 Hosea 5:15
Then I will return to my place until they admit their guilt and look to me for help. For as soon as trouble comes, they will search for me.”

I must make sure that my time with the Lord is daily. I cannot build my relationship with the Lord only when the fireworks of life go off. Foxhole religion is alive and well but that kind of faith will not sustain me over the long haul. I need the Lord.

5/18/02 Romans 14:4
Who are you to condemn God’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him tell them whether they are right or wrong. The Lord’s power will help them do as they should.

Jesus is my model for the Christian lifestyle. I am charged with the responsibility of organizing and ordering my life. Christ is my Lord. If I keep my eyes on Jesus I will be able to love and serve others.

5/19/02 Romans 15:5
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other – each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other.

I need to take my personal problems to Jesus. He will listen, encourage and correct me. I have discovered that when my life is in order I don’t get out of sorts as quickly with others.

5/20/021Corinthians 14:12
Since you are so eager to have spiritual gifts, ask God for those that will be of real help to the whole church.

God gave my spiritual gifts to me. He has a plan for my life. I am not called to pick and choose the gifts that I want. I am called to exercise the gifts I have. The Lord evaluates me not the person I would like to be.

5/21/02 Deuteronomy 33:26
“There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor.

My God loves me. He loves me because He created me. He loves the way I do things. He rejoices when I smile and He hurts when I fail. The Lord is God and there is no other.

5/22/02 Judges 6:6
So Israel was reduced to starvation by the Midianites. Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help.

I love the Lord. I love Him because He first loved me. I love Him because He cares for me. I love Him because He helps me. I love Him because He never leaves me alone. I love Him because He makes my life worthwhile. I love Him because I will be with Him from this moment forever and ever and ever.

5/23/02 2Samuel 22:7
But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I called to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry reached his ears.

I serve a God who cares. He cares for me. He cares for me at my worst. When all else fails Jesus never fails.

5/24/02 2 Corinthians 6:2
For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, God is ready to help you right now. Today is the day of salvation.

I live in the now. Everything I do and say and am is now. I will never be what I can be tomorrow. I can only be what I am now. The world has a way of fooling me. It says tomorrow. Life is never tomorrow it is always today.

5/25/02 2 Corinthians 7:10
For God can use sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from sin and seek salvation. We will never regret that kind of sorrow. But sorrow without repentance is the kind that results in death.

I want to change. I want to be like Jesus. I can change if I will spend time with the Lord. I need to read His Word, I need to talk with Him and I need to listen for what He says.

5/26/02 Galatians 2:10
The only thing they suggested was that we remember to help the poor, and I have certainly been eager to do that.

I am among the 20% of the wealthiest people in the world. Chances are very good that you are too. Jesus said that I should care for the poor.

5/27/02 1Samuel 12:21
Don’t go back to worshiping worthless idols that cannot help or rescue you – they really are useless!

Addictions are the curse of our day. I get caught up in self and overwhelmed by the moment and lose sight of the Lord. It is imperative that I spend time with the Lord. I need to spend time in prayer and in reading His Word. If I do not organize my life to spend time with the Lord I will waste time being overwhelmed by the world.

5/28/02 Galatians 6:1
Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

It is hard is to be humble and gentle with someone caught up in sin. Since I am not naturally humble it takes thoughtful preparation for me to be able to respond with humility. I think that Jesus wants me to care for them as if He were there caring for them himself.

5/29/02 Philippians 4:13
For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.

I have significant problems with insecurity. My lack of confidence causes me to overcompensate in my dealings with others. This generally ends up with me responding inappropriately. Christ wants me to love others and be loved. If I will faithfully seek His guidance in daily interactions with others He will help me to respond to them properly.

5/30/02 I Thessalonians 5:14
And we exhort you, brothers: warn those who are lazy, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Life is a community event. If I choose to live like a hermit meeting only my needs and doing only my thing then I am living in total opposition to the teachings of God’s Word. God loves people and He uses me to minister to His children.

5/31/02 Hebrews 2:18
For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested.

The human experience is difficult and short and the Lord Jesus has walked the same troubled paths that I walk. The Lord knows everything about me. Jesus knows my name and feels my pain.

4/1/02 Matthew Mt 27:64
So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he came back to life! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.”

God’s plan is not sidetracked by my unbelief. God’s work will be done. His work will be done in the way that He directs. I can choose to follow the Lord. I can make a commitment to do His work. When I do, God will work with me to accomplish His assigned task.

4/2/02 1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions.”

I cannot fool the Lord. My character is not hidden from Him. He knows all about me. His knowledge of me is an encouragement. It means that the harsh things that happen do not surprise Him. I can have confidence as I serve the Lord that He knows my situation and me.

4/3/02 Mark 8:35
If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life.

When I get to age 65 I don’t want to look back on my life and say is that all there is? I want to serve the Lord. I want to hear Him say one day “well done thou good and faithful servant.” If I am going to accomplish that I must be about the master’s business today. Now is the time to prepare for tomorrow.

4/4/02 Mark 10:17
As he was starting out on a trip, a man came running up to Jesus, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what should I do to get eternal life?”

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved. Right then and for eternity. Salvation is a grace gift from the Father. It is not something I can work for or become good enough to win. It is a gift from God because He loves me.

4/5/02 Mark 10:29-30
And Jesus replied, “I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return, a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property – with persecutions. And in the world to come they will have eternal life.

I am not a free agent. My relationship with the Lord is that of a servant. The Father has a plan for my life. That plan includes serving others. Real freedom is found in submission.

4/6/02 Mark 10:45
For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.”

God stepped off His throne in glory. He came as the least so that I would know He loved me. I am valuable. I am loved. I can be the right kind of person.

4/7/02 Mark 16:8
The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, saying nothing to anyone because they were too frightened to talk. Then they reported all these instructions briefly to Peter and his companions. Afterward Jesus himself sent them out from east to west with the sacred and unfailing message of salvation that gives eternal life.

I needed to be rescued from my sinful life. I am not alone. God loves me. His wonderful gift to me is eternal life and friendship with Him.

4/8/02 Luke 4:4
But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People need more than bread for their life.’ ”

Life is uncertain. Changes come so quickly. I need to spend time with Jesus reading His Word. I need a quiet time with the Jesus every day. Most days I require several times with Jesus. He is my friend. He is closer than a brother. I need the Lord.

4/9/02 Luke 6:9
Then Jesus said to his critics, “I have a question for you. Is it legal to do good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing harm? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?”

I am called to care for others. The Lord will use me if I will let Him. People should be my first priority.

4/10/02 Luke 7:22
Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard – the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.

Jesus is God. No question about it. He came to rescue His creation. He has rescued me. How about you?

4/11/02 Luke 8:14
The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.

The Christian lifestyle is not easy. It demands that I live differently than the world. I am called to trust. I am commissioned to serve. Jesus is alive. He is alive in me. His life gives me life.

4/12/02 Luke 8:55
And at that moment her life returned, and she immediately stood up! Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.

Jesus commanded this woman’s soul to return to her body. She could take up her mortal life again. I want to make sure that I let Jesus have control of my life. He is the life giver.

4/13/02 Luke 9:7
When reports of Jesus’ miracles reached Herod Antipas, he was worried and puzzled because some were saying, “This is John the Baptist come back to life again.”

Jesus is the life giver. His followers experience the cares and worry of a dying world and get life. Jesus brings joy, peace, grace and love to people. He is light and in Him there is no darkness.

4/14/02 Luke 12:25
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not!

I was worried about my child at 2 a.m. I got before the Lord and expressed the concerns of my heart. He reminded me that He was also concerned. He hadn’t forgotten my child or me. I could trust Him. Laying aside worry is a hard thing to do. Sometimes I am afraid to lay it aside. Jesus helps me deal with my concern. He is enabling me to grow.

4/15/02 Luke 14:26
“If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters – yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.

The Lord places a lot of value on my life. The key for me to unlock this value is a single-minded focus on the things of God. Family is important. I cannot overlook them. God is eternal and I must learn to live life through Him.

4/16/02 Luke 15:22-24
“But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger, and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening in the pen. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.

God is in the forgiving business. I must be willing to put aside my pride, agree with God about the way I act and purpose to change. In a daily quiet time I give the Holy Spirit the opportunity to identify my sin. I see it, I understand it, and I agree with God it was wrong. My heart is changed and my actions reflect the change. At the point of confession forgiveness happens.

4/17/02 Luke 15:32
We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!'”

I am new in Jesus. All of the old things that pull me down are set aside. I asked God to rescue me and I was birthed into the kingdom. Once I was dead in sin and now I am alive in Christ.

4/18/02 Luke 17:33
Whoever clings to this life will lose it, and whoever loses this life will save it.

My reason always gets me into trouble. The reason that reasoning is a problem is my humanity. I have likes and dislikes that have nothing to do with righteousness. As a general rule the thing that I reason in the midst of emotion is usually wrong. But when I get before the Lord and ask Him what to do the result will be His way. God’s way is always the right way.

4/19/02 Luke 18:18
Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: “Good teacher, what should I do to get eternal life?”

I got eternal life when I asked Christ to forgive me of my sin, save me and then believed that He did indeed save me. Salvation is all of God and comes as a free gift. Acceptance of salvation is by faith in the goodness of God and power of Jesus Christ. He is Lord and has brought me into the family of God.

4/20/02 Luke 18:29-30
“Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you, everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, as well as receiving eternal life in the world to come.”

God’s intention for my life is that I live as His child. There is a demand for me to be exclusive in my interest in the Lord. This exclusiveness is not isolation. I am called to balance my life and in that balance put God first.

4/21/02 Luke 20:36
And they will never die again. In these respects they are like angels. They are children of God raised up to new life.

Heaven will be a great place. One of the many blessings of being in the family of God is that by faith I can enjoy the benefits of heaven right now. I am valuable, my best friend is the most powerful person in existence and He has my best interest at heart. In the ups and downs of life I have an anchor. That anchor is Jesus Christ the Lord. He will not leave me nor leave me at risk. Wow.

4/22/02 Luke 21:34
“Watch out! Don’t let me find you living in careless ease and drunkenness, and filled with the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth.

Loose and careless living is detrimental to the kingdom. I am called to be watchful. Death comes. I don’t know when it will for anyone. I need to deal honestly and carefully with my life and the way I respond to others. I cannot decide which act will be my last. I can decide that every thing I do will be proper and in order.

4/23/02 John 4:36
The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!

I want to have joy in my journey of life. This joy is the certainty that I am working together with the Father sharing His good news, freedom from sin and birth of a relationship with Him.

4/24/02 John 5:24
“I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.

I am a child of God. It’s not something I aspire to, work for or win, He, the Lord has given me new life. This is one of His 7,000 plus promises in His Word. The Lord is good, all the time.

4/25/02 John 5:26
The Father has life in himself, and he has granted his Son to have life in himself.

It’s all of God. He is the one that came looking for me. The Son died for me and the power of God raised Jesus from the grave. That same power is effective in my life. I too am resurrected from the dead. I was dead in my trespasses and sin and Jesus saved me. He can save you too.

4/26/02 John 5:28-29
Don’t be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to judgment.

I am lulled into inaction by the humdrum activity of life. Night follows day, bills have to be paid, celebrations come and go and nothing seems to change. One day everything will change. Jesus is coming back and the Bible says that it will be soon.

4/27/02 John 5:39
“You search the Scriptures because you believe they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!

The Word of God details how I should live. From Genesis to Revelation it consistently points me to Jesus. He is alive.

4/28/02 John 5:40
Yet you refuse to come to me so that I can give you this eternal life.

Jesus is my savior. He forgives me of my sin and takes me into the presence of the Father. He intercedes for me and makes me whole.

4/29/02 John 6:27
But you shouldn’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that I, the Son of Man, can give you. For God the Father has sent me for that very purpose.”

I am concerned about daily matters. I am often overly concerned to the point of anxiety. The Lord calls me to bring that concern and anxiety to Him. He will equip me so that I can live like His child should live.

4/30/02 Mark 7:20
And then he added, “It is the thought-life that defiles you.

What I think governs what I do. If I am focused on what I don’t have I will get depressed and feel bad about myself. If I focus on the opportunities that the Father gives me I can see my life through His eyes. God loves me. Every thought the Father has towards me are thoughts for good.