Tag: prayer

Daily Word

Matthew 6

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Read Matthew 6 – Treasure awaits! Our chapter gives some of the most life-giving instruction you’ll find anywhere. Jesus teaches us!

First, he cautions us not to be outwardly religious for the admiration of others, and not to pray long-winded, flowery prayers meant to impress the hearer with little regard for the LORD. Take a fresh look at what we call ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. It is structured with praise and adoration first, then agreement with God’s will, a plea for daily need, a petition for forgiveness tied to one’s own forgiveness of others, and ends with a request to guard one from temptation and deliver from the evil one.

Beloved, how often is the Lord’s Prayer recited with little thought about what the words actually say? Remember, Jesus said, “This is how you should pray.” :9 and not ‘this is WHAT you should pray’.

Do not worry. Don’t you love that Jesus tells us this? I don’t know why it seems purposeful to worry when that is a giant lie! Jesus gives us the most peaceful examples of God’s great love for the birds, and the way he clothes the lilies…. He says, “If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith.” :30 O YOU OF LITTLE FAITH???? Is that a title we want? NO! So let’s believe Jesus and do what he says – stop the worry!

Jesus tells us to simply, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” :33-34

Amen and amen!

Daily Word

Psalm 35

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Read Psalm 35 – It all comes down to relationship, not religion. This Psalm felt somewhat like I was eavesdropping on David’s lunch date with God. He is so transparent in his need and desired outcome.

The Lord is teaching us about the relationship he longs for in this Psalm. Notice how specific David is. He asks the LORD to contend with those who contend with him in verse :1. That is somewhat general, but he goes on to say, “Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me.” :2-3. That is quite specific.

Beloved, when you pray be specific. If you pray vague prayers, how will you even know if they’ve been answered?

We had quite an adventure landing in Costa Rica on Monday. There was a heavy rain cloud over the airport forcing us to circle for a bit in hopes of it moving on. This monster cloud was so low and treacherous that the runway was too dark and slippery to safely set down our plane. David prayed that against his enemies, “May their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.” :6 (side note, we did land safely about 30 minutes late… praise God, no need to divert to San Jose for fuel!)

David goes on in his petition then says something curious. “Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in His salvation.” :9 The way I relate to this is how much sweeter our landing was, knowing God answered many prayers and showed us favor. An uneventful landing would not have stirred the round of joy and delight this one did. My pilots are extremely talented, but they cannot move the weather.

As you consider David needs, consider your own. What is the last answered prayer you can recall? Are you aware of who you are praying to? Words of praise and adoration will get your heart in a right place, and your words will be a light for others.

“My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long. ” :28

Daily Word

Deuteronomy 9

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Read Deuteronomy 9 – Today is the day.  Before you go forward, remember that every lesson that has brought you to this moment is because the LORD is your God.

Beloved,  as you read this passage consider the two layers.  On one layer,  Moses is speaking to the Israelites before they cross into the Promised Land that the LORD will hand them.  The other layer is to read this passage as a model for your own life.  Remember you are under the LORD’s care and control.  A healthy fear of the LORD, and surrender of any pride that would usurp Him is the right way to live.

In verse :4 the Israelites were clearly warned not to brag about their righteousness as the LORD brings them victory against the Anakim giants and their fortified cities.  And the LORD is doing this because of the wickedness of these nations, and His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, not because of any earned merit on the part of Israel.

They are reminded of their stubbornness and some of the poor choices they have made that provoked the LORD to anger (:6-25).  Likewise we should never get ahead of ourselves.  God’s Word says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus”  Romans 3:23-24

Moses’ prayer in :25-29 changed the LORD’s wrath over the golden calf incident.  Look closely at the prayer as a model for your prayers.  Moses humbles himself, laying prostrate for 40 days before uttering a word.  He exalts the LORD; he reminds Him of the great things He has done because of who He (the LORD) is!  Moses reminded God of His promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

Beloved, when you pray, get your thoughts quiet and focused before you celebrate the holiness of the Lord your God.  Thank Him for all He has brought you through.  Remind Him of the promises found in His Word, and then humbly present your petitions.  Pray like Moses.

Daily Word

Mark 9

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Reflections on Mark 9 – Wow!  Jesus gives us a glimpse of himself as he truly is – radiant and in the company of Elijah and Moses (two of the old testament heroes) .  

Peter, James and John were witnesses to His transfiguration. Sweet Peter didn’t know what to say; it seems like he just wanted to seem useful without understanding how when he offered to build shelters.  And then God’s voice is heard from the cloud,  “This is my beloved Son; listen to him. ” And then the moment was over as Jesus stood with Peter, James and John,  instructing them to stay quiet about these events until He had risen from the dead.

Beloved, can you imagine? Do you imagine?   I encourage you to do so. 

Next,  Jesus heals the boy with the unclean spirit.   The boy’s father asked Jesus to heal his son, and adds ‘if you can’:23.  Jesus calls him out on this to which he responds,  ‘I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!’ :24.  Isn’t that an encouragement?   I have something I’ve prayed for a very long time, and there is a measure of unbelief,  but Jesus,  I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!  How about you,  Beloved? 

There’s more treasure to uncover.   What spoke to you most in Mark 9? I would love to hear from you. 

Now,  on to Mark 10!

Daily Word

John 17

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Read John 17 – My heart is overflowing with gratitude!  Sweet Jesus!  Mighty Jesus!  John 17 is his prayer to our Holy Father. 

Think about it, without Jesus, humans would try really hard.  They would define god for themselves and decide what was “good” and “bad”.  In Proverbs 16:25 we are told, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”  Yet, praise God for Jesus!  He fulfilled his earthly mission and plainly says: “And this is the way to have eternal life – to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.” 

Verse :6 rang especially sweet in my ears, “I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world.  They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word.” 

THEY WERE ALWAYS YOURS…. Beloved, you were always Gods.  You just had to realize it!  This wonderful truth comes with the joyful responsibility to reflect Jesus every day.  Jesus’s prayer for you is that you experience such perfect unity that the world will know that God sent Jesus and that He loves you as much as He loves Jesus(:23).  Now, go, shine brightly, Beloved.💖💝💖😍💖💝💖