Sheep

“‘For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.'" Ezekiel 34:11-12 Father God, how I thank you for this promise. Thank you for bringing this scripture to my attention on the morning I awoke from disturbing dreams. How precious to know that you seek us out and you care for each one of us, like a shepherd his sheep. These are troubling days, Lord, and all I know to do is to stay fixed on you ... and to pray. So many people close to me need answers to prayer, so Lord I call on you, and wait for your answers for them, as well as for my own. You are trusted. You are holy. You are a caring God, and Lord I long to live in obedience to your will for my life. I praise your magnificent and powerful name. In Christ I pray!

Our Jars of Clay

2 Corinthians 4:6-7: "For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."
Precious Lord, Thank you for your amazing, lavish grace. Because of your love for me, I will boast of my wekanesses.  Where all the holes in my ability to be God's face show up, He, the face of Jesus, shines through.  Lord, use my holes, myu lapses and failing words as places you make yourself and your glory known to others. Let this idea guide me, be my dialogue with you, and my prayer.  Thank you, Father.

Holy Week

John 20:16 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). Dear Lord, it is during this wondrous Holy Week, that we turn to you once again to have the blinders pulled off of our eyes. We see a vision of you, standing there in our midst, yet unrecognized by us. Unseen. You are patiently, gently, waiting for us to call out to you. And, how often we repeat this story! Lord this year, let your call resonate deep within us. Open our ears to hear you, our eyes to take in the majesty of your Holy light. Move us to kneel at your feet and reach out to touch your garment. Stir us into prayer and take over our daily lives. We are nothing without you, Lord. You are our breath and our provision. Teach us your ways, Oh Lord. "But now, this is what the Lord says - he who created you,....'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'" Isaiah 43:1

Imperfections

Jeremiah 25:7 “But you did not listen to me,” declares the LORD, “and you have aroused my anger with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves.” Lord, how you love us! Though we are imperfect, you searched us out and called us to be yours. You sent your son to forgive us and the Holy Spirit to sanctify us, growing us toward your likeness. You are patient with the process, planting desire in our hearts to reflect your face in our lives. To each you have given a purpose, one which compliments the community of the body of Christ. We lose our step, you redirect us. We fall, you catch us. Jeremiah tells us of your wrath toward those who turned away from you, yet you offer us forgiveness if we repent and follow you, wrapped in the gift of your son. You have protected us from evil, you have sheltered us from storms, and you offer hope in apparent tragedy. Lord, I praise you and thank you for the power in calling on your Name. We are humbled before you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Thankfulness

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Lord, it is important during this catastrophic time to continue to look to you. As our hearts and hands go out to the people in Japan, we must guard our souls against carrying the burden. You are here for that, and I praise and thank you! Lord, you are bigger even than this looming crisis. As my heart aches for the thousands affected, and for the one, I praise you for simple things here. I thank you for fresh water, for callas that reach up to you with their blooms, for sunshine, and for comfort. You know your purposes, and your will is somehow in this. I trust you. "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Everlasting Light

Isaiah 60:19 "The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory." Lord, I need your light. It is always there for me, but I let circumstances bog me down, I can't see it! Lord, I pray the Hoy Spirit will take over! I give my circumstances to you...but the tension in my body creeps back, overwhelming me! Where, then, is my trust in you, I have to ask? Your power can accomplish all that needs to be done, and can make way for calm. Wash over me, oh Lord, with your peace! Be my light. Calm my nerves. Right my path. I pray in Jesus' precious name.

Love

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This is the BEST gift! Lord, your love is unfathomable. Your love is sacrifical, and your love is deep. Valentine's Day is a fun day to honor those we love, whether a friend, a family member, or a love! But I pray we remember the true love of Christ, and that you first loved us. Any love we have for one another or for you, God, is purely bccause of your grace. It is wonderful to feel loved by others. But, is is amazing to feel loved by you and to receive your gift of eternal life! Others may come and may go, Lord, but you never change. I praise you for the knowledge that I am yours. Thank you, Father!