Today's Devotional Scripture

TODAY’S VERSE

“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

II Thessalonians 1:11-12

TODAY’S THOUGHT

Did anyone ever ask you, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Or have you ever taken a test to help you determine your passions and purpose in life? You could spend your whole life trying to find your purpose, that perfect job or the fulfillment of your childhood dream and never come close to what Paul was praying for the Christians in Thessalonica. What a wonderful prayer. The good news is that you can pray the same thing for your self. He has called you to serve Him and you can pray with Paul, “that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.” Can you imagine that? You see, this is God’s true desire for you, to use His power to help you fulfill every good purpose of yours. The result is that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in your life! So, what good purpose do you have today? What act prompted by your faith will you engage in today? Might He empower you by His grace to do all that He has called you to this day, so that He Himself will be glorified.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Father, thank You that You can fulfill every good purpose of mine and every act prompted by my faith! What an exciting thought. Please help me understand what this really means in my life. Help me not to waste this precious life You have given me. Might I live it today for Your glory.

Amen!

Today's Devotional Scripture

TODAY’S VERSE

“Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to you for help, as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.” – “Praise the LORD! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”

Psalms 28:2, 7-8

TODAY’S THOUGHT

David knew what it was like to be tormented. He knew the pain that comes with great need. He experienced difficulties that had no escape short of the mercy of an Almighty God. David came to God and cried out for mercy. That was the beginning of today’s passage. Verses later David is praising God. God had heard his cry for mercy. As David faces his situation we see that God becomes his strength and protection. David is comforted and decides to trust God with all his heart. The result is a deep spiritual joy. Notice that God did not take David out of his situation. David still faced his situation but instead of doing it on his own, God provided the strength that he needed. God protected David like a shield. David still had to choose to trust God but it was trust based on the very presence of God in his life. Do you have a story similar to David? Are there times when you need to cry out to God for His mercy? Rest assured He hears you. You too can praise God for He will be your strength. He will be your shield. You can trust Him with your situation. When you do, you too will experience the deep joy that can only come from Him.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Father, I come to You today asking for Your mercy in my life. I thank You for hearing my cry and offering me Your strength and shield. I accept this promise and put my all my trust in You. Thank You that I will not be disappointed. Fill my heart with a deep joy today so that I too will burst out with thanksgiving. In Jesus name I pray ~Amen!

Today's Devotional Scripture

TODAY’S VERSE

“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever!”

Psalms 30:11-12

TODAY’S THOUGHT

We go through seasons. Good times, bad times, times of sorrow and times of joy. I have clinical depression and this passage from Psalms has brought me comfort many times. I identified with David when he wrote in this same passage, “I cried out to you, O LORD. I begged the Lord for mercy.” I knew that God knew what I was going through so I claimed that He would turn my mourning into joyful dancing. I took comfort when David wrote, “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Through time, prayer, and counseling, the Lord did bring me to the other side. What are you mourning? What has broken your heart? What has you depressed or distraught? Bring it to Him today. I would not trifle with your sorrow. I would not minimize your pain. I only come today to offer hope. Only God can turn your mourning into dancing. That may seem so far from where you are right now, but it is not too far for God. Light slowly penetrates the back of a dark cave. The sound of laughter at camp ground seems so faint when you are in the back side of the forest. But know this, there is light for you. There will be joy for you in the morning. I pray that God’s grace will fill you with this truth and complete a healing process in you.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Father, I don’t even know how to pray for my sorrow, for my depression. I don’t know how to release the deep pain I feel. I come today crying out for your mercy. I thank you that weeping may last into the night but joy will come in the morning. Holy Spirit, I give you my heart, mend it, bring it back to life with your breath of love. Please begin a process in me to turn my mourning into dancing. Amen!

Today's Devotional Scripture

TODAY’S VERSE
“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.”
John 14:16

TODAY’S THOUGHT

Can you imagine someone knocking on your door and giving you a check for a hundred million dollars? Think of all you could do with that. How tragic would it be if you thanked the person, closed the door and put the check on your dresser top and never used it? Never helped anyone, never bettered your own situation. Instead, you live a meager existence, paycheck to paycheck, and die a pauper. We would shake our head and mutter, “What a shame to waste such a resource.” And yet, what must God the Father think of what we have done with the precious gift of His Holy Spirit? Jesus asked the Father to give us a counselor who will never leave us and lead us into all truth, and He has. You and I, when we became a child of God, received His Holy Spirit into our life and yet we barely know this third part of the Trinity. When have we ever asked the Holy Spirit to fill us, guide us or lead us into truth? We have been given Spiritual Gifts but do we know what they are or how they work? How much time have we spent contemplating how to cultivate the “fruit of the Spirit” in our life? God has indwelled us with the person of the Holy Spirit. Might we seek to understand more about this treasure that God has given us.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Forgive me for not knowing more about Him. Forgive me for not living in His power. Oh Holy Spirit, I ask that you would make me conscious of your presence in my life. Teach me, guide me, fill me and lead me into all truth. I give You control of my life and pray that You would produce Your fruit in my life and activate the Spiritual Gifts that You have given me. I pray this in Jesus Name ~Amen!

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:10

TODAY’S THOUGHT

For every truth there is a lie waiting to deceive us. Why is it so much easier to believe a lie? Why can doubt have so much impact on belief? A million people can believe the truth and yet one dissenter will get the nation’s attention. It is that way in the spiritual realm. Paul writes that we are significant. Specifically, “we are God’s masterpiece created to do the good things he planned for us to do” and what do we believe? Be honest, don’t we often believe we are no good, inferior, damaged goods and even hopeless? Where did that come from? It didn’t come from God! If we want to change what we believe, we must renounce the lies. Do it today. Lift up your heart and say it out loud, “I renounce the lie that I am no good, inferior, damaged goods or hopeless.” My friends, it is time to believe the truth about yourself. You are significant. You are a masterpiece made by God Himself. He absolutely loves you and desires you to accept the love He has for you. Renounce the lies; today choose to believe the truth.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Father, my Father. I confess I have believed lies about myself. I renounce these negative thoughts and feelings and command their power over me to be broken in the precious name of Jesus Christ! I choose to accept the truth, that you personally created me as a masterpiece to do the good things you have sent me here for. Thank you, dear Father, for giving me significance.

Amen!

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE

“Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love.”

Psalms 25:4-6

TODAY’S THOUGHT

Life is a journey. We are not settlers in this world. Heaven is our final destination. Instead we are called to go through life as an ambassador of heaven, a soldier in God’s army, a sojourner commanded to give away God’s peace and love. And the journey can get messy. That’s why it’s so important to learn to navigate, to solve problems and to discern what to do next. David is crying out that God would direct his path. But notice that it is a special kind of leading. He said, “Lead me by your truth and teach me.” Jesus said that truth would set us free. So much of our hardships, misdirection and hurts in this life are due to deception and denial. We need to pray that God would show us the truth and then teach us through each experience. This is how we develop our faith and hope in Him. They are learned behaviors that God imparts as we are led by His Spirit in each situation we find ourselves. Life is a process. We succeed and make progress by learning. David learned to put his hope in God and trusted that God’s compassion and love would not fail. That is what we need to do. May God lead you by His truth today and point out the road for you to follow. May He teach you more about the depths of His compassion and unfailing love.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Father, I need Your guidance today. Show me what road to follow. Guide me by Your truth and teach me to trust You. I put my hope in You and your compassionate unfailing love ~Amen!

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE

“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.”

Psalms 27:14

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

TODAY’S THOUGHT

Is it no surprise to me that “wait” is a four letter word. Doesn’t it often seem like a curse word? We would rather hear God say, “Yes, that is a great idea!” or “Certainly, anything else I can get you?” We want instant gratification. We want what we want often with little consideration for any other variables and become impatient if we do not get it. Or what about the times when we have waited and waited. We pray, seek God’s face and still there is no answer. The last thing we want to be told at a time like that is to, “wait”. Yet David and Isaiah both insist that part of our Spiritual journey is learning to wait. David knew first hand how hard it was to wait on God. He was named King by God but had to run and sleep in caves, running from the armies of Saul. David was brave and courageous over and over again and waited on God to work things out. He encourages us to do the same. Isaiah inspires us to wait on God. He shares how, in time, we will renew our strength, we will eventually run and not be weary, we will walk and not faint. What a picture. Life is often hard; we have struggles on all sides. It may seem like God doesn’t care, perhaps is not even there - but be encouraged today. You are not alone. God knows your situation. Pray, trust, hope and wait. God will renew your strength.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Father, waiting is so hard sometimes. I confess I get impatient. Forgive me and help me to focus on your love and to put my trust in you. Help me to wait patiently and not to worry. Lord, I claim the promise that you will renew my strength as I wait on you ~Amen!

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE

“I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within.”

Psalms 31:10

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.”

Psalms 103:11-13

TODAY’S THOUGHT

Guilt is an insidious emotion. The Psalmist knew this first hand. His sin had caused him much grief. It affected him emotionally and physically. Our misbehavior, our rebellion toward God does the same to us. Hundreds of studies have linked toxic emotions to physical disease. But it doesn’t have to be that way. God has provided a way for us to have freedom from guilt. It is through the forgiveness offered through the death and resurrection of His son the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle John wrote, “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He Himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” Do you know this same Jesus as your personal Savior? Have you accepted His death on the cross as the penalty for your misdeeds? If so, you can say with the Psalmist that as high as the heavens are above the earth so your personal history, with all it’s pain and regret, is removed from God’s sight. They are as far as the east is from the west.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Father, thank You for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for my sins. Thank You that when I confess and renounce any wrong doing, that You are swift to forgive and cleanse me. I thank You for your unconditional love that takes all my guilt and casts it into the deep sea. I praise You for Your unbelievable grace You give to me. In Jesus’ name I pray ~Amen!

Prayers for the Neighborhood

Dear Friends,

I've received emails asking for prayer for a number of our Blogland neighbors.  Then I've read some blogs and my heart has been touched so deeply for what is going on in some of your lives.  I've been unable to post since last Thursday, but thought that I would take the time today to mention some of the concerns and to ask all of you to pray for "one another." 

Marcy from Blessings Each Day is in need of prayer for her husband's illness and hospitalization.  Please remember her in your prayers.  My friend Bernie from On My Own has asked for prayer for a young woman who was 25 and 3 months pregnant and passed away in her sleep.  She was prone to seizures.  Please keep her family in prayer.

I'm asking for prayer for my friend Joannah at All Things New.  She is a young bride who has and is facing insurmountable obstacles.  Her husband, the love of her life, is dying.  One year ago they were being treated for infertility and that is when all this was discovered for Michael.  Now they are seeking Hospice for Michael.  Johanna, if you read this, know that I've been reading your blogs, I just haven't had the words to leave you a note or comment.  Please know that in spirit, I am embracing you.  I have no words to offer, but I am dedicating this blog to you and to Michael.  And as such, I am using the verse from Revelations that is the title of your blog - All Things New...

Revelation 21:4-6 (New American Standard Bible)

4and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."

5And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new" And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."

6Then He said to me, "It is done I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.

My prayers for my friends...

Abba, Father - do You hear me?  Do You hear my prayers of intercession?  I pray now Lord, that You would forgive me for the sin in my life.  Those sins I actively commit and then those of omission.  Cleanse me Lord, so my prayers may be heard...

Lord, I bring Marcy and her husband Michael before You - You know the circumstance and the illness he is facing.  Bring Marcy a sense of peace and comfort and minister to her spirit. 

I pray also for the young pregnant woman who passed on into Your presence.  Lord, be with her family.  I cannot begin to imagine the loss, but I pray You comfort them at this time.

I lift Joannah up to You at this time.  I am without words, Lord... I pray Your peace upon her, I pray Your comfort upon her.  I pray that in her pain You envelop her in Your arms and that she will know it is You.  I pray You give her the strength and stamina she will need during this time.  Grant her grace and mercy.  May she sense Your presence. 

I pray for her husband Michael - may you grant him comfort during this time.  Lord, I thank You that Michaeal has accepted You as his Lord and Savior and that all too soon, Revelation 21:4-6 will become reality. 

Abba... my heart is crying out to You... comfort these Your people in their time of need.

In Jesus name I pray ~Amen!

Tamara

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

Isaiah 43:2

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20

TODAY’S THOUGHT

The difference between Christianity the religion and Christianity the lifestyle is the personal application of Biblical truth. We take His word personally. When God says, “I will be with you,” it is not a religious phrase, it is a reality that brings us comfort, strength and hope. When there was a famine in the land, God told Isaac to stay in the land for “I will be with you”. When Jacob was in danger, God told him to return to his home land and said, “I will be with you”. When God commissioned Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, Moses shared how he felt that he was incompetent. God said to do it anyway because, “I will be with you”. When God asked Joshua to take over for Moses and lead the people into the Promised Land, He told Joshua, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.” God asked Gideon to lead His people into battle and Gideon was afraid and asked God, “How can I rescue Israel?” God said, “I will be with you” When Jesus was leaving earth to return to God’s right hand and commissioned the Church to make disciples, He promised, “I will be with you always.”

Life has its trials. God has commissioned us to serve Him. The tasks may be difficult. We may face trials, temptations and struggles but take comfort in this, even today, God is with you. He will never, never, never leave you or forsake you.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Father, thank You for Your ever abiding presence. Thank You for the comfort I find in the fact that You are with me. Today, make me keenly aware that nothing can separate me from You. Help my heart be filled with faith in the reality that You will never leave me or forsake me. In Jesus’ name I pray ~Amen!

Tamara

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE

“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”

I John 3:17-18

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

John 13:34

TODAY’S THOUGHT

It is harder to “walk our talk” than to “talk our walk.” We can say all we want about how loving we are, but the real proof is in our actions. If God’s love is a motivating force in our life, then helping others is going to be a natural by-product. Christians have lost much of their witness because we have not helped the poor and needy to the best of our ability. Sure our budgets are tight, but then look at what we spend our money on. Expensive cars, homes, furnishings, hobbies, entertainment and food all take their toll on our annual budget. Downsizing will allow us to have discretionary income that we can help others with. We are God’s ambassadors. If we are going to represent Him in this world, then we need to be able to be compassionate toward those that He brings across our path. John says it best, “let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” Ask God to bring someone across your path today that you can help – either materially or spiritually.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Father, You have blessed me with so much. Help me to be wise with the resources You have given me so I can be compassionate to those whom You bring across my path. Even today Lord, show me someone that I can be compassionate toward. Might there be no doubt that Your love dwells in me. In Jesus’ name I pray ~Amen!

Tamara

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!

I John 3:1

TODAY’S THOUGHT

I don’t know how John could have contained himself when he wrote this verse. Think about it, it has to be one of the most celebratory verses in the entire Bible! John understood the significance of being a child of God and implores us to understand it too. With the excitement of a child on Christmas morning John exclaims, “See how very much our father loves us!” Can you see it? There are four points to notice: First, “How very much”. God’s love for us is immeasurable. John wants us to see and examine the concept that God loves us so very much, and to really, really believe it! Second, is the phrase, “Our”. John is getting real personal using this pronoun – this plural, possessive pronoun! He isn’t talking about a God beyond our grasp, an impersonal Deity. Rather John is saying that this is our Father, which leads us to the third point: God is our “Father”, our Daddy, our Abba, our Poppa, not a dysfunctional or absentee parent. He is our loving, faithful and trustworthy Father. Finally, John shares with us that this Father, who calls us His children, also “loves” us very much. Knowing this should change everything. When you love someone and know that they love you, this is when the bridge of trust is built. You want to be with them. You want to share in their life. I pray that we can and will grasp with the Apostle John, how wonderful it is to know that the Father loves us. Rest assured, we have been called, “Children of God,” and this is what we are!

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Father, thank You for loving us and making us Your children. What a privilege to know You. What a joy to be Your child. May Your love fill my heart and guide my thoughts today. In Jesus name ~Amen!

Tamara

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE

“Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: ‘May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.’ Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.”

Numbers 6:22-27

TODAY’S THOUGHT

You probably recognize these verses as a Doxology that is sometimes given at the end of a worship service. It was really given to Moses from God Himself so he could bless the children of Israel. I pray the same for you today: May you have the assurance that God will bless you and protect you. May you sense the smile of God deep in your heart, and experience His graciousness to you. May the very favor of God Almighty fill you with strength. May knowing how He loves you and wants to bless you give you all the peace you will need to get you through this day. Know this, God Himself loves you so much and He is the one who will bless you this day!  ~Amen!

TODAY’S PRAYER

Father, who am I that You would bless me? And yet, You have said that it is Your desire to do so. So, Lord bless me today. Bless me till my heart overflows with the realization that I am Yours and You are mine! Thank you, dear Father. In Jesus’ name I pray  ~Amen!

Tamara

Planned Neglect

One evening, a man sat in the audience of a performing arts center and was moved to tears by the beautiful songs of a concert violinist.  At the reception following the concert, the man approached the artist.  He said, "You are so accomplished for your age! What is the secret to your success?"

The violinist smiled and gave a little chuckle as she replied, "Planned neglect!"  Noticing the confused look on the man's face, she explained: "Years ago I discovered that there were many things that demanded my time.  I would wake up, eat breakfast, then tidy up around the house.  I would check my mailbox and return phone calls and run errands.  Before I know it, the clock would be well into the afternoon as I began my violin practice.  But by then I was no longer fresh.  I was improving my music skills, but not enough to become a concert violinist.  I realized that this system failed to accomplish the desired results."

"I decided that I had to reverse things.  Now I deliberately set aside everything else each day until my practice period is ended.  My chores and errands still get completed, but my violin practice receives the best and freshest part of my day.  That system of planned neglect accounts for my success."

Likewise, when we put our relationship with Christ first in our lives, everything else will fall into place.  We will grow in our spiritual walk when we practice "planned neglect" of our earthly distractions.  And this begs the question, is your relationship with Christ suffering neglect or is it first in your life?  If I am to be totally honest, some of my days are much better than others.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Tamara

Today's Devotional

Psalm 1 (New Living Translation)

1 Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the LORD,
meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.
4 But not the wicked!
They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.
6 For the LORD watches over the path of the godly,
but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

Oh Lord, my God, what joy, what bliss there is in not following after the crowd, or slandering my brothers and sisters. If I do become a follower of anyone and anything, may it be after You, O Lord. May I seek to know You better by reading Your Word. May I be deeply planted in You and in my faith. May I find refreshment and renewal in Your Word.

May I be ever mindful that I should fellowship with the believers, with those who are Godly. Watch over me, I pray and keep my feet firmly planted upon the Word.

In Jesus’ name I pray ~Amen!

Dear Friends,


I thought it might be interesting to take a Psalm and then attempt to paraphrase the Psalm in my own words as a prayer for the day. So now I would like to encourage each of you to read the Psalms any one of them and then try to write them / it out in your very own words as a prayer.

Hugs to you all,

Tamara

TODAY’S VERSE

“May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed.”
Psalms 20:4

“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalms 37:4

TODAY’S THOUGHT
God cares about our plans and desires. He cares about our dreams and aspirations. David knew this and prayed that God would grant our heart’s desires and make all our plans succeed. But he also knew that we are fickle, immature and many, many times very unspiritual. Can you imagine God granting every selfish and immature desire we have had? Can you imagine if God allowed our envy, jealous and lustful desires to come true? What about vengeance, isn’t that a desire of the heart? That is why in Psalms 37:4 we read Paul Harvey's the “rest of the story.” David says that our first goal should be to delight ourselves in the Lord, then we will get the desire of our heart. I heard one preacher say it this way. “Love God and do as you please.” What he was saying was, if we truly love God, then our desires will line up with His. So today, start to delight in God. Really delight in Him. Love Him, get to know Him, worship Him. Start to delight in what He thinks and desires for your life. If you do, you will align your desires with His. When this happens, you can pray with David, “May He grant my heart’s desires and make all my plans succeed.”

TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord, help me delight in You today. Might You be my source of joy, passion and purpose. Help my plans and desires line up with Your goals for my life. I commit my life to You and trust You to guide me day by day. In Jesus Name ~Amen!

As I re-read this, it sounds so familiar.  I can't recall if I've read somthing similar or if I forgot to delete this from my "do this in advance" devotional workbook.  But I do want to delight in the Lord, not only today, but always.  So, apologies if I've printed this before or perhaps we (or better, I) need to hear and read this again.     Hugs to you all, Tamara

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE
We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.
I Thessalonians 1:2-3, 7-8

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Christianity is more than a belief system; it is a way of life. It is more than a way of life; it is a tour of duty. When we became a Christian, we enlisted in the service of Jesus Christ. There is a spiritual battle in the world. Poverty, injustice, abuse, and hatred are all part of the human condition going on around us. Depression, divorce, drug abuse, psychosomatic disease is all part of the world we live in and God has created us to be His ambassadors of love. You and I have a purpose beyond mere existence. We are disciples of Jesus Christ. No one knew this better than the church in Thessalonica. Paul was blown away by their seriousness and dedication. He thanked God for their faith, love and hope and committed himself to pray for them. But it wasn’t what we would consider “faith, love and hope.” Listen to what Paul wrote. He said, “your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope.” When is the last time we did something because of faith in a mighty working God? When did we labor in love? When have we had to endure hanging on to nothing else but hope? That is what it is to serve Jesus. You take the responsibility seriously. You involve yourself in the life of others. You step out, way over your head and know that only faith in God can get results. You take on situations that try your love beyond reason. It is hard, hard work. And when nothing else seems to be working, God comes through and you are inspired to get up and do it all again because there is hope. There is a hurting world. We have the answer. May we follow the example of the Thessalonians.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord, give me faith to live for You today. Help me love today the way You want me to. Fill my heart with hope so it spills over onto everyone I come in contact with. Lead me on, dear Jesus  ~Amen.

~Tamara

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE
“Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and prayed, ‘Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?’”
I Chronicles 17:16

TODAY’S THOUGHT
There is more to prayer than simply asking God for something. Think about it. In the last few times that you prayed have you asked God for something? It is not wrong to ask, but there is more to prayer than making requests. God desires a relationship with us. It is said of David that he was a man “after God’s own heart.” He had a relationship with God unlike any other. Today’s verse is proof. Notice what it says, “Then King David went in and sat before the Lord.” Think about it. This was almighty Jehovah. Only the Priests were allowed into the Holy Place before the Lord. They were to purify themselves, make a sacrifice, and go in and stand in reverence before the Lord of Hosts. Here is David. Does he purify himself? No, he had pure motives. Did he bring a sacrifice? No, he had a humble and contrite heart. Did he stand before the Lord? No, notice he, “went in and sat before the Lord!” How great is that? This is what Christ came for. His death was the payment for our sins so we could come before God and pray. But notice how David prayed. Did he ask for something? No, he started to relate to God. He shared his heart. He asked God a question. What a model for us to follow. You can come to God today and sit before Him. You can simply tell Him what is on your heart. Tell Him how you feel. Ask Him questions. Praise Him for His goodness in your life. Picture Him there with you and let Him penetrate your heart with His love. Then love Him back. Stop praying and start a relationship with God. When you do, praying will take on a whole new meaning.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I don’t want to simply pray. I confess most of the time I just ask for things - as if You are some Cosmic Santa Clause. I’m not sure how to relate to You. Please Father, today have Your Holy Spirit lead me in a conversation with You. Help me be honest with You and share how I am feeling. Then Father, help me to sense Your presence. Help me see You, hear you, feel You. More than anything else in the world, I want a relationship with You that is real and vibrant. Lord, let it start right now. I pray this in the Name of Jesus Christ. ~Amen!

~Tamara

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”
Psalms 19:14

TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is so easy to fall into a habit of deceit. It is easy to say what people want to hear. We use half truths, never saying what is really on our mind. It is easy to “promise” with all sincerity and yet never take the steps necessary to follow-through. We cover one missed deadline with another. We say, “tomorrow” but tomorrow never comes. I find this happens the most when I am trying to be a people pleaser and the words coming out of my mouth don’t match the thoughts going on in my heart. If we are going to be honest with others; if we are going to “do” what we say; if we are going to stop covering one lie with another, then we are going to have to change the way we think. We will have to ask God to take over our mind, emotions and will. He will have to be the master of all we think and do. The great news is we can start today. Today we can come to God and start to meditate on what He wants us to do. We can bring Him all our emotions and thoughts. We can be honest with Him and then let Him be honest with us. As we do, He will begin to affect our behavior. Today ask God to invade your mind and guide your meditation. Pray with David, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, you know what goes on in my mind. You know my meditations, thoughts and emotions. You know how far off base I can get. You know how I can become so unspiritual in my thought life. Help me Lord! Correct my thinking. Help me Lord be the person you want on the inside. I pray today that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart will be pleasing to you.  ~Amen

~Tamara