Lord, Let Me Daily Search Your Word!

Amos 8:12
People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from border to border searching for the word of the Lord, but they will not find it.

Lord, I love your word! I love my daily word search! I love that you speak to me daily from your word. Lord, there is a whole world of people out there searching for you but they never find you because they are staggering around looking in all the wrong places. Please use me to guide them in the right direction. Use me to send them to your word! In Jesus' name, amen. <3

We Can't Manipulate God!

1 Samuel 6:1-3 The Ark of the Lord remained in the Philistine territory seven months in all. Then the Philistines called in their priests and diviners and asked them, "What should we do about the Ark of the Lord? Tell us how to return it to its own country." 
"Send the Ark of the God of Israel back with a gift," they were told. "Send a guilt offering so the plague will stop. Then, if you are healed, you will know it was his hand that caused the plague."

Lord, just like these Philistines, so many unbelievers seem to think they can bargain or bribe you to get into heaven. They totally miss that all they need is a broken and repentant heart.

Psalm 51:16-17
You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.
You do not want a burnt offering.
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

Lord, I pray that you would grant many unbelievers this broken and repentant heart this weekend as they attend Easter services at different churches. I know that you are the only one who can give this kind of repentance. I pray that there will be many, many new believers this weekend. In Jesus' name, amen. <3

God Is Not In The Ark

1 Samuel 4:22 Then she said, "The glory has departed from Israel, for the Ark of God has been captured."

Lord, these people thought that since the Ark had been captured then you were no longer with Israel. But we cannot put you into a box! Not even the Ark! As long as there is even a tiny bit of faith you are there. You have promised never to leave or forsake us.

Lord, please forgive me for trying to put you into a box and expect you to do things the way I think they should be done. After all, you are the original out of the box thinker! Please teach me to think and pray out of the box.

Help me to remember that just because I am not seeing e-mails or getting calls for interviews doesn't mean that you are not preparing the perfect job for me. Help me to trust in YOU! Don't let me listen to my fears and insecurities. In Jesus' name, amen. <3

My Deception Factory

1 Samuel 2:22
Now Eli was very old, but he was aware of what his sons were doing to the people of Israel. He knew, for instance, that his sons were seducing the young women who assisted at the entrance of the Tabernacle.

Lord, I pray that you will forgive me for not taking any real actin for my kids not doing school. I need YOU to empower me in this area. Please show me what to do. For far too long I have been ineffectual in my role as teacher. Lord, help me to change that, please.

I think I've been listening to the wrong voices when it comes to this. I've been allowing them to tell me that there isn't much left for the kids to learn at this point. What a lie!!

Lord, it's crazy how deceptive my own heart can be! I'm so glad that I have you to show me when I am deceiving myself! I know you had a reason for letting me go on like that for so long.

Lord, if I was so completely fooled on this, what else am I deceived about?? Please show me. In Jesus' name, amen. <3 

Pouring Her Heart Out

1 Samuel 1:15-18
"Oh no, sir!" she replied. "I haven't been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the Lord. Don't think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow." 
"In that case," Eli said, "go in peace! May the God of Israel grant you the request you have asked of him."
"Oh, thank you, sir!" she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad.

What a beautiful picture of someone pouring her heart out fully to you, Lord! Hannah didn't care who was watching her. She dumped out all her anguish and pain to you. I bet she said a lot more than just what is recorded here. She probably had a lot to say about Peninnah.

Lord, help me to run to you to pour my hear out. Don't let me infect other people with my discouragement, frustration, or anger. It is so ingrained in me to want to go vent to someone else about these things. The world tells us that is the proper thing to do. But your word tells me not to copy the customs and behavior of this world. Lord, help me to get better at pouring my heart out to you. I know that means you are going to give me opportunities to do that. Which means friction with other people. I don't relish that prospect, but I do want to grow closer to you and better at doing your will. In Jesus' name, amen. <3

Let Me Be Satisfied With My Assignment

Judges 8:1

Then the people of Ephraim asked Gideon, "Why have you treated us this way? Why didn't you send for us when you first went out to fight the Midianites?" And they argued heatedly with Gideon.

The people of Ephraim were upset because they were left to do cleanup duty instead of getting to take part in the glamour of fighting in the main battle. Gideon assured them that the part they played was every bit as important as what he and his army had done.

Lord, sometimes I get a bit frustrated that I never seem to get the privilege of leading people to Christ. It seems that I'm always planting seeds or helping them to learn to follow you. Help me to remember that those assignments are just as important as actually getting to lead someone to Christ. I should never stop sharing the gospel in the effort to bring people to Christ, but help me to be satisfied with cleanup duty, Lord! As long as I am doing it for You and Your kingdom, it all counts.

In Jesus' name, amen. <3

God is: the job assigner

I am: just as needed as all his other servants

My purpose is: to do as he directs

MEMORY VERSE

Proverbs 16:9

We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

Proverbs 16:9

YEAR VERSES

Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

Psalm 37:3-5

 

Psalm 90:17

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:17

Order My Steps, Lord

Judges 6:11-12

Then the angel of the Lord came and sat beneath the great tree at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash of the clan of Abiezer. Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a wine press to hide the grain from the Midianites. The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, "Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!"

Lord, I am so glad that you don't see us as we are right now, but as the people you intend for us to become. You have promised to be with me and I can trust in that. Help me to walk in obedience and trust. I have nothing to fear as long as I am following you!

I am so excited about the direction you are taking me personally and our homeschool as well! Having the kids take Lynda.com courses is ingenious!! I praise you for putting that thought in my mind. You are so amazing and trustworthy, Lord! You never cease to blow my mind.

I'm thrilled about MyHero's Salt & Light leader telling me to get my portfolio to him and he will get me connected with the right people where he works. What a blessing! 

I can literally see you ordering my steps! I am so unworthy of such tender love and mercy. It's only because of Jesus! Thank you, Jesus, for sacrificing yourself so that I can have this incredible relationship with the Father. I am truly one of the riches girls in the world!

In Jesus' name, amen. <3

Psalm 37:23 NKJV
The steps of a good man/woman are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his/her way.

Proverbs 16:9
We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

God is: ordering my steps

I am: walking in obedience and trust

My purpose is: to follow hard after Him

MEMORY VERSE

Proverbs 16:9

We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

Proverbs 16:9

YEAR VERSES

Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

Psalm 37:3-5

Psalm 90:17

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:17

I Choose Praise

Judges 5:3

"Listen, you kings!

Pay attention, you mighty rulers!

For I will sing to the Lord.

I will make music to the Lord, the God of Israel."

Lord, I choose to praise you in every situation, when things are going well, and when they are not. You are the one who gives me the very breath that keeps me alive. I praise Your Holy Name!

Please guide me as I search for a new job. Help me to find a job where I can glorify you by using my talents and abilities. It would be nice to find one somewhat close to home, but it's ok if I have to commute. Lord, you know how much we need this extra income. Don't let us get focused on all we can do with the extra money. Help us to keep our focus on YOU. Lord, I see this as the start of a new career for me, hopefully doing something I love. You gave me these talents and abilities. Now, please let me use them to glorify you!

In Jesus' name, amen. <3

God is: Worthy of all our praise

I am: choose to praise Him

My purpose is: to glorify Him always

MEMORY VERSE

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

2 Timothy 4:5

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

2 Timothy 4:5

YEAR VERSES

Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

Psalm 37:3-5

Psalm 90:17

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:17

God Uses Whatever it Takes

Judges 4:1-3

After Ehud's death, the Israelites again did evil in the Lord's sight. So the Lord turned them over to King Jabin of Hazor, a Canaanite king. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-haggoyim. Sisera, who had 900 iron chariots, ruthlessly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help.

So as I searched to find what you wanted to say to me from this, Lord, I went to David Guzik's commentary. Then it jumped out at me. He said almost word for word what I was thinking this morning before my quiet time.

As I was driving home from dropping MyHero off at work, I was thinking about the situation with my neighbors and praying for them. I thought about how you will use whatever it takes to get our attention and bring us to yourself. Then I read in David Guzik's commentary, "God can, and will, use anything to get our attention and keep us in line with His will."

Lord, even though it is often painful, I am so glad you do this! Please continue to use whatever it takes to get my attention and the attention of those I love who don't yet know you. Use me to point them to you! Let me keep short accounts with you so I can stay available to be used for your holy purposes.

In Jesus' name, amen. <3

God is: jealous for us

I am: loved by Him

My purpose is: to point others to Him

MEMORY VERSE

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

2 Timothy 4:5

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

2 Timothy 4:5

YEAR VERSES

Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

Psalm 37:3-5

Psalm 90:17

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:17

Use My Gifts!

Judges 3:15

But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, the Lord again raised up a rescuer to save them. His name was Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed man of the tribe of Benjamin. The Israelites sent Ehud to deliver their tribute money to King Eglon of Moab.

Lord, you used Ehud's special ability, left-handedness, to defeat the Moabites. You have given me special abilities as well. Help me to use them for your glory wherever I am.

It seems that you have me embarking on a new season in possibly a new career. I pray that you will lead me to the job you have for me. Let me use the skills you have given me not just to advance my career, but to shine the light of your love to a dark and dying world.

This is an exciting yet scary time for me, Lord! There are so many details that I can't see how they are going to turn out well if I am working full-time. But since you seem to be leading me down this path, I will choose to trust you!

 In Jesus' name, amen. <3

God is: leading me and in control

I am: gifted with many special abilities, talents and skills

My purpose is: use my abilities, talents, and skills for his glory and to show his love to the world.

MEMORY VERSE

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

2 Timothy 4:5

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

2 Timothy 4:5

YEAR VERSES

Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

Psalm 37:3-5

Psalm 90:17

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:17

He Keeps His Promises!

Joshua 21:45

Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.

Lord, it is all too easy for me to get discouraged when I can't see progress. Help me to remember that you work things out on your timetable, not mine. Help me to trust that you are at work in my Father-in-law's heart.

Lord, I so desperately want him to know you so he can go to heaven. Let me be a light shining into his darkness. Let me be Jesus for him, even though he won't let me talk about "religion."

 In Jesus' name, amen. <3

God is: the ultimate promise keeper

I am: a recipient of his many promises

My purpose is: to be/show Jesus to a dark and dying world.

MEMORY VERSE

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

2 Timothy 4:5

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

2 Timothy 4:5

YEAR VERSES

Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

Psalm 37:3-5

Psalm 90:17

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:17