Luke 12:6-7“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Who rules your life?
Have you ever seen those bumper stickers that say, “God is my co-pilot?” If you want God to be in total control of your life, how can he just be the “co” pilot? Shouldn’t he be the Pilot? Watch lava sometime on T.V. As it flows it oozes into the smallest cracks and crevices of the earth. That’s the way our lives should be with God. Surrendering every crack and crevice of our life to God is hard, but that is what he asks us to do.
God knows you better than you know yourself. In Psalm 139:2-3 it says “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar…you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word comes out of my mouth, you know it completely.” Yep! God can read your mind! And He isn’t even a fortuneteller with a crystal ball!
Consider these words from Psalm 139:6-7: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” God knows everywhere you go and everything you feel! God is closer than your shadow!
Look at Joseph in Genesis 37-47. He was just a teenager when his brothers sold him into slavery. In Egypt, one bad thing after another happened to him, but he continued to trust God because he understood that God was in control of his life. Eventually, he became the second most powerful man in Egypt. Check out how God blessed Joseph for trusting in Him!
Give God every crevice in your life: your friends, your music, the movies you watch, the books and magazines you read, your parents, the places you hang out, and your future. In Psalm 139:13 it says that he knit you together in your mother’s womb and his eyes saw your unformed body. Doesn’t it make sense to let the person that made you and intricately knows you have control of your destiny?
The truth is, even if we don’t yield our lives to him, he’s in control anyway. You might as well give up, wave your white flag and throw your arms in the air. Don’t fool yourself. God controls your life, no matter what you think. Comfort yourself with this reality. Life will be much easier when you quit trying to swim upstream away from God and instead swim along side him! It’s mighty exhausting swimming away from Almighty God!
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Father, I praise you for breathing life into my unformed body. I thank you Lord for caring about the number of sparrows, and for caring so much more about me. If You, O God, can raise people from the dead, then you can certainly take care of me. God, I give you complete control of my life. Help me to walk in your ways. Please accomplish your purpose in my life. Amen.
Written by Anne Parker, Flagstaff Arizona
Monday, September 28, 2009
My Life's in Good Hands
Luke 12:6-7“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Who rules your life?
Have you ever seen those bumper stickers that say, “God is my co-pilot?” If you want God to be in total control of your life, how can he just be the “co” pilot? Shouldn’t he be the Pilot? Watch lava sometime on T.V. As it flows it oozes into the smallest cracks and crevices of the earth. That’s the way our lives should be with God. Surrendering every crack and crevice of our life to God is hard, but that is what he asks us to do.
God knows you better than you know yourself. In Psalm 139:2-3 it says “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar…you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word comes out of my mouth, you know it completely.” Yep! God can read your mind! And He isn’t even a fortuneteller with a crystal ball!
Consider these words from Psalm 139:6-7: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” God knows everywhere you go and everything you feel! God is closer than your shadow!
Look at Joseph in Genesis 37-47. He was just a teenager when his brothers sold him into slavery. In Egypt, one bad thing after another happened to him, but he continued to trust God because he understood that God was in control of his life. Eventually, he became the second most powerful man in Egypt. Check out how God blessed Joseph for trusting in Him!
Give God every crevice in your life: your friends, your music, the movies you watch, the books and magazines you read, your parents, the places you hang out, and your future. In Psalm 139:13 it says that he knit you together in your mother’s womb and his eyes saw your unformed body. Doesn’t it make sense to let the person that made you and intricately knows you have control of your destiny?
The truth is, even if we don’t yield our lives to him, he’s in control anyway. You might as well give up, wave your white flag and throw your arms in the air. Don’t fool yourself. God controls your life, no matter what you think. Comfort yourself with this reality. Life will be much easier when you quit trying to swim upstream away from God and instead swim along side him! It’s mighty exhausting swimming away from Almighty God!
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Father, I praise you for breathing life into my unformed body. I thank you Lord for caring about the number of sparrows, and for caring so much more about me. If You, O God, can raise people from the dead, then you can certainly take care of me. God, I give you complete control of my life. Help me to walk in your ways. Please accomplish your purpose in my life. Amen.
Written by Anne Parker, Flagstaff Arizona
Who rules your life?
Have you ever seen those bumper stickers that say, “God is my co-pilot?” If you want God to be in total control of your life, how can he just be the “co” pilot? Shouldn’t he be the Pilot? Watch lava sometime on T.V. As it flows it oozes into the smallest cracks and crevices of the earth. That’s the way our lives should be with God. Surrendering every crack and crevice of our life to God is hard, but that is what he asks us to do.
God knows you better than you know yourself. In Psalm 139:2-3 it says “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar…you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word comes out of my mouth, you know it completely.” Yep! God can read your mind! And He isn’t even a fortuneteller with a crystal ball!
Consider these words from Psalm 139:6-7: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” God knows everywhere you go and everything you feel! God is closer than your shadow!
Look at Joseph in Genesis 37-47. He was just a teenager when his brothers sold him into slavery. In Egypt, one bad thing after another happened to him, but he continued to trust God because he understood that God was in control of his life. Eventually, he became the second most powerful man in Egypt. Check out how God blessed Joseph for trusting in Him!
Give God every crevice in your life: your friends, your music, the movies you watch, the books and magazines you read, your parents, the places you hang out, and your future. In Psalm 139:13 it says that he knit you together in your mother’s womb and his eyes saw your unformed body. Doesn’t it make sense to let the person that made you and intricately knows you have control of your destiny?
The truth is, even if we don’t yield our lives to him, he’s in control anyway. You might as well give up, wave your white flag and throw your arms in the air. Don’t fool yourself. God controls your life, no matter what you think. Comfort yourself with this reality. Life will be much easier when you quit trying to swim upstream away from God and instead swim along side him! It’s mighty exhausting swimming away from Almighty God!
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Father, I praise you for breathing life into my unformed body. I thank you Lord for caring about the number of sparrows, and for caring so much more about me. If You, O God, can raise people from the dead, then you can certainly take care of me. God, I give you complete control of my life. Help me to walk in your ways. Please accomplish your purpose in my life. Amen.
Written by Anne Parker, Flagstaff Arizona
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
God Trouble
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Reflections on Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Verse 1) He is your refuge and strength, an ever-present help whether it’s your first or last day of middle school. He is your refuge whether you get good grades or often fail. He is your help whether you are the most popular guy in school or you wonder if anyone knows your name. God is your source of strength in every situation.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Verse 2) Because you have God, you need not fear, though your parents threaten to divorce, though your best friend turns her back on you, or you get cut from the basketball team. You world won’t collapse when you have to stand in front of the class and give a speech, even thought you are shy and unsure of what you’ll say. You will not fear!
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. (Verse 4). Though you often struggle with loneliness, worries, and insecurities, God is there. Though things look dark now, a promised new day will come. God is great at changing darkness into light and despair into joy.
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Verse 7) The Lord Almighty is with you in your situation – no matter what threatens you, no matter how powerful your enemies are. God is your fortress, a strong, impenetrable place of safety.
Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations He has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear, He burns the shields with fire. (Verses 8-9) Come and see the works of the Lord! See all the good things He has done in your life! He is your friend. He is with you always. He gives comfort, joy and peace. He makes all things beautiful in His time.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (Verse 10) God is speaking directly to you. He says, “Stop. Be still. And think about Me. I am your God! I love you! I only want what’s best for you. Will you trust me? Will you praise me at home, at school and when you’re out with your friends this weekend?”
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Verse 11) The Lord Almighty is with you; God is your stronghold. Praise the Lord!
Today’s Prayer:
Jesus, I come before you with a heart overflowing with praise that you are my refuge and strength. You are my ever-present help in trouble. I will not fear though the news broadcasts speak of war, though my parents are fighting, though my worries are many. You know my fears and troubles. Help me to be still and trust you because you are my God. Help me to praise you in the sunshine and in the storm. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Written by Lenae Bulthuis, Renville, Minnesota
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Reflections on Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Verse 1) He is your refuge and strength, an ever-present help whether it’s your first or last day of middle school. He is your refuge whether you get good grades or often fail. He is your help whether you are the most popular guy in school or you wonder if anyone knows your name. God is your source of strength in every situation.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Verse 2) Because you have God, you need not fear, though your parents threaten to divorce, though your best friend turns her back on you, or you get cut from the basketball team. You world won’t collapse when you have to stand in front of the class and give a speech, even thought you are shy and unsure of what you’ll say. You will not fear!
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. (Verse 4). Though you often struggle with loneliness, worries, and insecurities, God is there. Though things look dark now, a promised new day will come. God is great at changing darkness into light and despair into joy.
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Verse 7) The Lord Almighty is with you in your situation – no matter what threatens you, no matter how powerful your enemies are. God is your fortress, a strong, impenetrable place of safety.
Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations He has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear, He burns the shields with fire. (Verses 8-9) Come and see the works of the Lord! See all the good things He has done in your life! He is your friend. He is with you always. He gives comfort, joy and peace. He makes all things beautiful in His time.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (Verse 10) God is speaking directly to you. He says, “Stop. Be still. And think about Me. I am your God! I love you! I only want what’s best for you. Will you trust me? Will you praise me at home, at school and when you’re out with your friends this weekend?”
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Verse 11) The Lord Almighty is with you; God is your stronghold. Praise the Lord!
Today’s Prayer:
Jesus, I come before you with a heart overflowing with praise that you are my refuge and strength. You are my ever-present help in trouble. I will not fear though the news broadcasts speak of war, though my parents are fighting, though my worries are many. You know my fears and troubles. Help me to be still and trust you because you are my God. Help me to praise you in the sunshine and in the storm. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Written by Lenae Bulthuis, Renville, Minnesota
Monday, September 21, 2009
what i was made to do.
Ephesians 2:10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
We’re created and saved for service to God.
Years ago, our family owned a Border collie. The first time we took her in the woods as a puppy, we noticed that she got very concerned when the members of our group didn’t stay together. My son rode his bike and was racing ahead so he could do some jumps. My husband lagged behind taking a picture of some wild flowers. My daughter and I just strolled along enjoying a good talk. Poor Missy didn’t know what to do. She nearly ran her legs off trying to check on everyone. We laughed and laughed at her efforts. They seemed terribly foolish from our point of view.
Missy was absolutely committed to her task, though. She persisted in checking on all of us because of who she was. Border collies are bred to herd and guard sheep. They just naturally try to keep them together because a stray sheep will almost certainly become coyote food. Missy didn’t understand why her barks and jumping in front of us didn’t turn us back into the pack.
There are some similarities between Missy and us, particularly when we consider what we are designed to be and do. Before God saves us, we just naturally sin. We’ve been born with a sin nature that desires to please self more than anything. But, after Jesus saves us, He gives us a new nature that desires to please God more than anything. The most natural thing in the world for a saved sinner to do is to obey God. It’s what He made us for.
God will never accept us in His presence because we keep His commandments or do good things for other people. He requires absolutely perfect holiness of anyone who enters into His presence. We can never make it by what we do. But, God made it possible for us to become righteous as we place our faith in Jesus and His death on the cross as the sacrifice for our sin. Once we believe, we do right things as an expression of our gratitude and to show our new character.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Father, thank you for making it possible for me to have a personal relationship with You. Thank you for Jesus who died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. Now that You have saved me and given me a new heart, please help me serve you faithfully and honorably. Help me be what You made me to be. Amen.
Written by Martha E Menne, Flagstaff Arizona
We’re created and saved for service to God.
Years ago, our family owned a Border collie. The first time we took her in the woods as a puppy, we noticed that she got very concerned when the members of our group didn’t stay together. My son rode his bike and was racing ahead so he could do some jumps. My husband lagged behind taking a picture of some wild flowers. My daughter and I just strolled along enjoying a good talk. Poor Missy didn’t know what to do. She nearly ran her legs off trying to check on everyone. We laughed and laughed at her efforts. They seemed terribly foolish from our point of view.
Missy was absolutely committed to her task, though. She persisted in checking on all of us because of who she was. Border collies are bred to herd and guard sheep. They just naturally try to keep them together because a stray sheep will almost certainly become coyote food. Missy didn’t understand why her barks and jumping in front of us didn’t turn us back into the pack.
There are some similarities between Missy and us, particularly when we consider what we are designed to be and do. Before God saves us, we just naturally sin. We’ve been born with a sin nature that desires to please self more than anything. But, after Jesus saves us, He gives us a new nature that desires to please God more than anything. The most natural thing in the world for a saved sinner to do is to obey God. It’s what He made us for.
God will never accept us in His presence because we keep His commandments or do good things for other people. He requires absolutely perfect holiness of anyone who enters into His presence. We can never make it by what we do. But, God made it possible for us to become righteous as we place our faith in Jesus and His death on the cross as the sacrifice for our sin. Once we believe, we do right things as an expression of our gratitude and to show our new character.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Father, thank you for making it possible for me to have a personal relationship with You. Thank you for Jesus who died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. Now that You have saved me and given me a new heart, please help me serve you faithfully and honorably. Help me be what You made me to be. Amen.
Written by Martha E Menne, Flagstaff Arizona
Friday, September 18, 2009
"Fatherly Love" in the City of Brotherly Love
"Fatherly Love" in the City of Brotherly Love
Today's Story
Little girl's foul toss makes dad a celebrity.
PHILADELPHIA – Dad could not believe his good luck.Steve Monforto made a great grab, catching his first foul ball after years of going to Phillies games. He fist-bumped his buddies, high-fived his 3-year-old daughter and then handed her the prize.
Big mistake.
Little Emily threw the ball over the railing. Stunned by his toddler's toss Tuesday night, all Pop could do was hug her. "I didn't want her to think she did anything wrong," Monforto said on WIP-AM radio Wednesday.
Philly crowds are known for being a tough bunch, but everyone at Citizens Bank Park cheered — first his catch, then his cuddle. "This was the true reflection of what Philly fans are like," said Bonnie Clark, the team's vice president of communications.
Cameras captured the scene of Monforto reaching over the railing and snagging Jayson Werth's foul in the fifth inning against Washington. The video was displayed at the top of the Yahoo! Web page and made the NBC national news. The entire family traveled from their home in Laurel Springs, N.J., to appear on the "Today" show Thursday.
Steve Monforto said he was surprised at the flurry of attention their day at the ballpark has attracted. He said he didn't consider the possibility that Emily might toss his treasure. "At the time I was just excited to give it to her," said Monforto, a season-ticket holder who shares games with friends. "I've been waiting so long to catch a foul ball, and over the edge it goes," he said with a laugh.
Monforto, 32, and his daughter still went home with a baseball, brought to them in the stands by Phillies executive Mike Stiles. On Thursday at the Today Show, they got another ball — this one signed by outfielder Jayson Werth, who hit the foul ball in the fifth inning that made the Monforto family famous. The family of four also received personalized Phillies jerseys.
Story found at www.news.yahoo.comPhoto found at www.images.google.com
God's Story
Malachi 3:10-12 (English Standard Version)
10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. 12Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts.
What does God's Story teach us about Fatherly Love?Since I saw Today's Story I have continually asked myself, "What if this little girl wouldn't have thrown that ball back?" That family's world is different today, because little Emily simply thought the ball should go back to it's "rightful owner."
Because she gave up that treasure, look at what they've received ...
A baseball, brought to them in the stands by Phillies executive Mike Stiles
As appearance on the "Today" show
Another ball signed by outfielder Jayson Werth, who hit the foul ball
Personalized Phillies jerseys for the family of four
Throughout God's Story we read about the tithe, or the first ten percent. In Malachi we read that there is a blessing that follows the obedience of giving that tithe. Today, we don't know how God, our Heavenly Father, is going to bless us when we return to Him what is already His. But we do know, that out of His love for us, He will bless us. It doesn't mean we will become rich by society's standards. But it does mean that we will have all that we need. And that is an incredible blessing!
My Story
Connecting My Story to God's Story.
Do you receive a weekly allowance from your parents? Do you have income from a part-time job? If so, have you given any thought to what God's Story says about tithing? If so, great? If not, why not start this weekend. Give ten-percent of whatever you made this week to your home church this weekend.
Are you already tithing? Why not think about going a little beyond that amount this weekend and give an offering to God about your tithe. Ask your parents for some suggestions on where you could give it.
Their Story
Connecting Today's Story, God's Story, and My Story to Their Story.
Ask your friends if they saw or heard about Today's Story. If your friends are following Jesus yet, they may not grasp onto the idea of tithing, but you can use that conversation to ask some of these questions ...
What if you would have been that father? Would you have reacted the same way?
What if you did what that little girl did? Would your father have reacted the same way?
Why do you think the little girl did that?
Move on to share some similarities between God's Story and Today's Story about forgiveness and God's Fatherly Love for His children.
Today's Story
Little girl's foul toss makes dad a celebrity.
PHILADELPHIA – Dad could not believe his good luck.Steve Monforto made a great grab, catching his first foul ball after years of going to Phillies games. He fist-bumped his buddies, high-fived his 3-year-old daughter and then handed her the prize.
Big mistake.
Little Emily threw the ball over the railing. Stunned by his toddler's toss Tuesday night, all Pop could do was hug her. "I didn't want her to think she did anything wrong," Monforto said on WIP-AM radio Wednesday.
Philly crowds are known for being a tough bunch, but everyone at Citizens Bank Park cheered — first his catch, then his cuddle. "This was the true reflection of what Philly fans are like," said Bonnie Clark, the team's vice president of communications.
Cameras captured the scene of Monforto reaching over the railing and snagging Jayson Werth's foul in the fifth inning against Washington. The video was displayed at the top of the Yahoo! Web page and made the NBC national news. The entire family traveled from their home in Laurel Springs, N.J., to appear on the "Today" show Thursday.
Steve Monforto said he was surprised at the flurry of attention their day at the ballpark has attracted. He said he didn't consider the possibility that Emily might toss his treasure. "At the time I was just excited to give it to her," said Monforto, a season-ticket holder who shares games with friends. "I've been waiting so long to catch a foul ball, and over the edge it goes," he said with a laugh.
Monforto, 32, and his daughter still went home with a baseball, brought to them in the stands by Phillies executive Mike Stiles. On Thursday at the Today Show, they got another ball — this one signed by outfielder Jayson Werth, who hit the foul ball in the fifth inning that made the Monforto family famous. The family of four also received personalized Phillies jerseys.
Story found at www.news.yahoo.comPhoto found at www.images.google.com
God's Story
Malachi 3:10-12 (English Standard Version)
10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. 12Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts.
What does God's Story teach us about Fatherly Love?Since I saw Today's Story I have continually asked myself, "What if this little girl wouldn't have thrown that ball back?" That family's world is different today, because little Emily simply thought the ball should go back to it's "rightful owner."
Because she gave up that treasure, look at what they've received ...
A baseball, brought to them in the stands by Phillies executive Mike Stiles
As appearance on the "Today" show
Another ball signed by outfielder Jayson Werth, who hit the foul ball
Personalized Phillies jerseys for the family of four
Throughout God's Story we read about the tithe, or the first ten percent. In Malachi we read that there is a blessing that follows the obedience of giving that tithe. Today, we don't know how God, our Heavenly Father, is going to bless us when we return to Him what is already His. But we do know, that out of His love for us, He will bless us. It doesn't mean we will become rich by society's standards. But it does mean that we will have all that we need. And that is an incredible blessing!
My Story
Connecting My Story to God's Story.
Do you receive a weekly allowance from your parents? Do you have income from a part-time job? If so, have you given any thought to what God's Story says about tithing? If so, great? If not, why not start this weekend. Give ten-percent of whatever you made this week to your home church this weekend.
Are you already tithing? Why not think about going a little beyond that amount this weekend and give an offering to God about your tithe. Ask your parents for some suggestions on where you could give it.
Their Story
Connecting Today's Story, God's Story, and My Story to Their Story.
Ask your friends if they saw or heard about Today's Story. If your friends are following Jesus yet, they may not grasp onto the idea of tithing, but you can use that conversation to ask some of these questions ...
What if you would have been that father? Would you have reacted the same way?
What if you did what that little girl did? Would your father have reacted the same way?
Why do you think the little girl did that?
Move on to share some similarities between God's Story and Today's Story about forgiveness and God's Fatherly Love for His children.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Way less than daily
Okay so I have not done so good this week with the blog. My excuse is I have been subbing and have a little cold or something so totally wiped out. I look to be off work tomorrow and I will get a blog up I promise. I will even get a few ready to go for days I have to leave the house early.
Hang in there. Read an old blog you have not read before until I am back up and running.
Becky
Hang in there. Read an old blog you have not read before until I am back up and running.
Becky
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Love Is
Love Is . . .
I Corinthians 13:4-8a
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
Building from His Blueprints
This past Christmas, we left the evergreens and snow in Minnesota for the cactus and desert temperatures of Arizona. Instead of being surrounded by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins for our annual Christmas Day party, we spent the day with strangers. My husband and I, along with his parents, and our three daughters, spent part of the day serving dinner to the homeless on a vacant parking lot in the middle of Tucson. Our celebration was certainly out of the ordinary.
My 10-year old daughter Melanie, touched by the experience, wrote an email to her Minnesota cousin and asked me to edit it before she hit the send button. It read: “Christmas Day was great. We went to church and then served dinner to the homely people.”
I bit my lip and smiled. “Melanie,” I questioned, “Do you know what homely means?”
She admitted that she didn’t. As soon as I explained, her eyes widened and her hand quickly covered her mouth. “Oops! I didn’t mean that! I meant homeless!” We giggled at the error, made the correction, and sent it off.
Personally I can think of many errors I made on Christmas Day as I reached out to the homeless. I felt awkward in knowing what to do, what to say, or how to encourage and build these people up. I watched other volunteers do it so well. I wanted to be as perfect and accomplished as they were, but I was painfully aware that I fell short.
God gave us His Word, the Bible, as a blueprint for how to build others up. Rereading 1 Corinthians 13, I noticed that the Bible’s love chapter never instructs us to love perfectly. It can’t be done! Only Jesus loves with perfection!
So how do we love and build others up using God’s blueprints? We love others like Jesus did by being patient and kind. We strip envy, boasting, and pride from our thoughts and conversations. We strive to not be rude, self-seeking or easily angered. We never keep track of all the wrongs others have done against us. We hate evil and delight in the truth. We love with a love that always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. That kind of love is like God’s love, and it will never fail. It will never fall short.
What’s keeping you from building others up? Don’t let your desire for perfection become a roadblock to obeying God’s command to build others up. Meditate on 1 Corinthians 13 and then go and love others like Jesus loves you.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for the blueprints in Your Word that show me how to love and build others up. Please help me to encourage others up by loving them with patience and kindness. Keep me from envy, boasting and pride. Help me to be quick to forgive and slow to become angry. Lead and guide me in the greatest and most excellent way: a life of loving You and loving others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by Lenae Bulthuis, Renville, Minnesota
I Corinthians 13:4-8a
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
Building from His Blueprints
This past Christmas, we left the evergreens and snow in Minnesota for the cactus and desert temperatures of Arizona. Instead of being surrounded by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins for our annual Christmas Day party, we spent the day with strangers. My husband and I, along with his parents, and our three daughters, spent part of the day serving dinner to the homeless on a vacant parking lot in the middle of Tucson. Our celebration was certainly out of the ordinary.
My 10-year old daughter Melanie, touched by the experience, wrote an email to her Minnesota cousin and asked me to edit it before she hit the send button. It read: “Christmas Day was great. We went to church and then served dinner to the homely people.”
I bit my lip and smiled. “Melanie,” I questioned, “Do you know what homely means?”
She admitted that she didn’t. As soon as I explained, her eyes widened and her hand quickly covered her mouth. “Oops! I didn’t mean that! I meant homeless!” We giggled at the error, made the correction, and sent it off.
Personally I can think of many errors I made on Christmas Day as I reached out to the homeless. I felt awkward in knowing what to do, what to say, or how to encourage and build these people up. I watched other volunteers do it so well. I wanted to be as perfect and accomplished as they were, but I was painfully aware that I fell short.
God gave us His Word, the Bible, as a blueprint for how to build others up. Rereading 1 Corinthians 13, I noticed that the Bible’s love chapter never instructs us to love perfectly. It can’t be done! Only Jesus loves with perfection!
So how do we love and build others up using God’s blueprints? We love others like Jesus did by being patient and kind. We strip envy, boasting, and pride from our thoughts and conversations. We strive to not be rude, self-seeking or easily angered. We never keep track of all the wrongs others have done against us. We hate evil and delight in the truth. We love with a love that always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. That kind of love is like God’s love, and it will never fail. It will never fall short.
What’s keeping you from building others up? Don’t let your desire for perfection become a roadblock to obeying God’s command to build others up. Meditate on 1 Corinthians 13 and then go and love others like Jesus loves you.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for the blueprints in Your Word that show me how to love and build others up. Please help me to encourage others up by loving them with patience and kindness. Keep me from envy, boasting and pride. Help me to be quick to forgive and slow to become angry. Lead and guide me in the greatest and most excellent way: a life of loving You and loving others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by Lenae Bulthuis, Renville, Minnesota
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Remembrance or ritual
Remembrance or Ritual
Luke 22:19-20And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
Communion that Means Somthing
One reason the movie The Passion of Christ impacted so many Christians was that it portrayed Jesus’ suffering so vividly. As the Roman soldiers beat and ridiculed Jesus, our hearts broke at his pain. When he stumbled under the load of the cross, we wanted to lift it off his shoulders ourselves. As the nails pierced his hands and feet, they tore into our hearts. Many who saw the movie wept at the cruelty and injustice of the crucifixion.
Think back to the last time you took communion. What did you think about? Was it important to you or just a ceremony? Did you try to imagine the bread being Jesus body hanging on the cross? Did the color of the grape juice or wine remind you of Jesus’ blood running down his face and back as he bore the cross through the streets of Jerusalem?
Jesus established Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, as a reminder of the great sacrifice he gave in order for us to be saved. His red blood flowed because of our sin. His skin was flayed and his joints were literally broken apart so that we could be healed from our sin sickness. He instructed us to remember his sacrifice whenever we partake of Communion.
Next time you take communion, try to focus on Jesus’ sacrifice. Consider what it cost Him to make it possible for you to have salvation. Worship and praise him for suffering so much on your behalf.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for dying for me. I confess that I don’t think enough about what it cost you to give me forgiveness and right standing with God. I want to be more grateful. I want to honor your sacrifice by remembering your suffering. Please help me understand the significance of your death on the cross. Help me to truly take Communion “in remembrance of You.” Amen.
Written by Martha E Menne, Flagstaff Arizona
Luke 22:19-20And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
Communion that Means Somthing
One reason the movie The Passion of Christ impacted so many Christians was that it portrayed Jesus’ suffering so vividly. As the Roman soldiers beat and ridiculed Jesus, our hearts broke at his pain. When he stumbled under the load of the cross, we wanted to lift it off his shoulders ourselves. As the nails pierced his hands and feet, they tore into our hearts. Many who saw the movie wept at the cruelty and injustice of the crucifixion.
Think back to the last time you took communion. What did you think about? Was it important to you or just a ceremony? Did you try to imagine the bread being Jesus body hanging on the cross? Did the color of the grape juice or wine remind you of Jesus’ blood running down his face and back as he bore the cross through the streets of Jerusalem?
Jesus established Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, as a reminder of the great sacrifice he gave in order for us to be saved. His red blood flowed because of our sin. His skin was flayed and his joints were literally broken apart so that we could be healed from our sin sickness. He instructed us to remember his sacrifice whenever we partake of Communion.
Next time you take communion, try to focus on Jesus’ sacrifice. Consider what it cost Him to make it possible for you to have salvation. Worship and praise him for suffering so much on your behalf.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for dying for me. I confess that I don’t think enough about what it cost you to give me forgiveness and right standing with God. I want to be more grateful. I want to honor your sacrifice by remembering your suffering. Please help me understand the significance of your death on the cross. Help me to truly take Communion “in remembrance of You.” Amen.
Written by Martha E Menne, Flagstaff Arizona
Saturday, September 5, 2009
God is powerful
1 Samuel 4:7-8The Philistines were afraid. “A god has come into the camp,” they said. “We’re in trouble! Nothing like this has happened before. Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? They are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the desert.
God is Powerful
One of the most important reasons for reading the Bible is to learn what God is like. What we know about God’s character, and personality greatly influences how we relate to him. It determines how much we can trust him to help us when we’re in trouble. Beginning today, we’re going to look at seven stories to discover some of the important aspects of God’s character.
1 Samuel 4 tells the story of how the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant in a battle against Israel. The Ark represented God's presence and power. The Jews had carried it into the battle for that very reason. After losing the battle the day before, they decided they could only win against this stronger and better-equipped army if God fought for them. When the Philistine army found out that the Ark had arrived in the Jews’ camp, they were terrified. They realized that they would have to battle the God of Israel. This was the same God who had delivered the Jews from Egypt using terrible plagues. They knew they were in deep, deep trouble.
These days the army that has the most “Star Wars weapons” wins. Men armed with weapons they can carry are no match for those whose missiles are guided to their targets by satellites. This Bible story provides the same contrast. Both Israel and the Philistines knew they same thing about God. They knew about his awesome power. The Philistines understood that they faced an army whose most important weapon was their God. And, Israel knew she could win the battle only if God would use his power to fight for their side.
God’s power has helped Israel miraculously win many battles over the course of history. For instance, he made Israel win over Egypt and Syrian in the Six-Day War in 1967 through a series of coincidental mistakes made by her enemies. That same power is available to God’s children today.
We often battle powerful enemies like fear, depression, sorrow, and peer pressure. These are powerful enemies. How can we possibly win? In the same way the armies of Israel defeated superior powers and weapons. We win by tapping into the power of God who promises to be our defender. As we admit that we are weak and ask for his help, we release the power that God used to create everything in the universe by just speaking it into existence.
That power is the most important weapon we have in our battle against sin. Let’s do like the Israelites did and ask for God’s presence to help us in our battles.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Father-God, I need your power today. I know I can’t win without your help. I ask you to help me win my battles today because I know that you are truly on my side. Please fight for me, especially when you know I’d lose if I tried to go it alone. Amen.
Written by Martha Menne, Flagstaff Arzona
God is Powerful
One of the most important reasons for reading the Bible is to learn what God is like. What we know about God’s character, and personality greatly influences how we relate to him. It determines how much we can trust him to help us when we’re in trouble. Beginning today, we’re going to look at seven stories to discover some of the important aspects of God’s character.
1 Samuel 4 tells the story of how the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant in a battle against Israel. The Ark represented God's presence and power. The Jews had carried it into the battle for that very reason. After losing the battle the day before, they decided they could only win against this stronger and better-equipped army if God fought for them. When the Philistine army found out that the Ark had arrived in the Jews’ camp, they were terrified. They realized that they would have to battle the God of Israel. This was the same God who had delivered the Jews from Egypt using terrible plagues. They knew they were in deep, deep trouble.
These days the army that has the most “Star Wars weapons” wins. Men armed with weapons they can carry are no match for those whose missiles are guided to their targets by satellites. This Bible story provides the same contrast. Both Israel and the Philistines knew they same thing about God. They knew about his awesome power. The Philistines understood that they faced an army whose most important weapon was their God. And, Israel knew she could win the battle only if God would use his power to fight for their side.
God’s power has helped Israel miraculously win many battles over the course of history. For instance, he made Israel win over Egypt and Syrian in the Six-Day War in 1967 through a series of coincidental mistakes made by her enemies. That same power is available to God’s children today.
We often battle powerful enemies like fear, depression, sorrow, and peer pressure. These are powerful enemies. How can we possibly win? In the same way the armies of Israel defeated superior powers and weapons. We win by tapping into the power of God who promises to be our defender. As we admit that we are weak and ask for his help, we release the power that God used to create everything in the universe by just speaking it into existence.
That power is the most important weapon we have in our battle against sin. Let’s do like the Israelites did and ask for God’s presence to help us in our battles.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Father-God, I need your power today. I know I can’t win without your help. I ask you to help me win my battles today because I know that you are truly on my side. Please fight for me, especially when you know I’d lose if I tried to go it alone. Amen.
Written by Martha Menne, Flagstaff Arzona
Friday, September 4, 2009
Scared of the Dark
Matthew 6:22 The eye is the lamp of the body. . . If your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness.
Darkness vs. Light
Most carnivals and theme parks feature a “Tunnel of Terror.” It is a dark place with frightening monsters, and oversized tarantulas that suddenly drop down or pop up right in front of a person. People pay money for the adrenalin rush of confronting pretend ghosts and monsters. It’s altogether different, though, if we find ourselves alone in the woods at night without a flashlight. And it’s even worse to be walking down an unlit alley in the middle of a big city. The slightest sound gnaws at our nerves, setting us on edge and making our survival instincts kick in.
The darkness of evil is similar to both of these experiences. Because we have a sin nature, evil often attracts us like a carnival ride. We lie to get out of trouble. We might experiment with alcohol or marijuana just to see what it’s like. We might get an adrenalin rush by shoplifting at the mall or sneaking out at night to be with friends. These situations are similar going through a “Tunnel of Terror.” They are scary, but the consequences are not necessarily permanent.
The reality of evil, though, is much closer to walking through unknown, potentially dangerous territory in the dark. Just as we could fall into a ditch and break a leg in the woods, we can suffer severe spiritual injury by walking in spiritual darkness. In fact, spiritual darkness holds the threat of the ultimate evil, eternal separation from God in hell.
Once we realize how perilous it is to walk in darkness, we know we need a rescuer. Just as the arrival of police car with its headlights beaming would drive away our terror in that dark alley, the light of the gospel beams into our hearts, giving us spiritual safety and security. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Every one of us is born in darkness. We’re all walking in the dark in a blind alley with hosts of demonic powers lurking in the doorways ready to pounce on us. But, we don’t have to stay in the dark. At any moment, we can cry out “Lord, save me!” When we do, He immediately shines His light into our lives and frees us from the darkness and terror of sin, evil, and hell.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me see how dangerous it is to live in the darkness, dabbling in sinful behaviors. Please, shine your light of salvation into my heart today. Also, give me your Holy Spirit to help me recognize when I am heading into the darkness instead of walking in the light. Amen.
Written by Martha E Menne, Flagstaff Arizona
Darkness vs. Light
Most carnivals and theme parks feature a “Tunnel of Terror.” It is a dark place with frightening monsters, and oversized tarantulas that suddenly drop down or pop up right in front of a person. People pay money for the adrenalin rush of confronting pretend ghosts and monsters. It’s altogether different, though, if we find ourselves alone in the woods at night without a flashlight. And it’s even worse to be walking down an unlit alley in the middle of a big city. The slightest sound gnaws at our nerves, setting us on edge and making our survival instincts kick in.
The darkness of evil is similar to both of these experiences. Because we have a sin nature, evil often attracts us like a carnival ride. We lie to get out of trouble. We might experiment with alcohol or marijuana just to see what it’s like. We might get an adrenalin rush by shoplifting at the mall or sneaking out at night to be with friends. These situations are similar going through a “Tunnel of Terror.” They are scary, but the consequences are not necessarily permanent.
The reality of evil, though, is much closer to walking through unknown, potentially dangerous territory in the dark. Just as we could fall into a ditch and break a leg in the woods, we can suffer severe spiritual injury by walking in spiritual darkness. In fact, spiritual darkness holds the threat of the ultimate evil, eternal separation from God in hell.
Once we realize how perilous it is to walk in darkness, we know we need a rescuer. Just as the arrival of police car with its headlights beaming would drive away our terror in that dark alley, the light of the gospel beams into our hearts, giving us spiritual safety and security. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Every one of us is born in darkness. We’re all walking in the dark in a blind alley with hosts of demonic powers lurking in the doorways ready to pounce on us. But, we don’t have to stay in the dark. At any moment, we can cry out “Lord, save me!” When we do, He immediately shines His light into our lives and frees us from the darkness and terror of sin, evil, and hell.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me see how dangerous it is to live in the darkness, dabbling in sinful behaviors. Please, shine your light of salvation into my heart today. Also, give me your Holy Spirit to help me recognize when I am heading into the darkness instead of walking in the light. Amen.
Written by Martha E Menne, Flagstaff Arizona
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
wait til you see me when I am done.
Philippians 1:6He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
God Finishes the Job
God chose you, called you, declared you not guilty, and is now glorifying you. Sometimes we think that God can’t possibly make us to be like Jesus. But, He can because he is God. He can and he will—It’s a promise.
It’s very interesting to watch a master potter work, especially if you can track the whole process of making a single bowl. First, he prepares the clay, which involves wetting it, beating it, cutting it, and kneading it over and over again. It often takes a total of several hours over two or three days to make the clay just right.
When the clay is ready the potter places it on a wheel that spins it while he presses on it to make the shape emerge. He pushes and pulls and cuts and carves until the shape he has in mind emerges. Then, he sets it on a shelf for a few days to dry before firing it.
The firing process is usually done in two stages. The first stage hardens the clay so it isn’t so fragile while the artist applies the glaze. After the first firing, the potter applies glaze to the bowl. The glaze is very thin clay with chemicals that will change into beautiful colors as they melt. At this point, the piece still looks like some carefully shaped and hardened dirt. The final firing heats the bowl to over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes the bowl very hard and durable. It also reveals the colors and designs the potter applied to the surface. Only after the clay has been beaten, shaped, stretched, and fired can we see the beauty that was in the mind of the potter from the very beginning.
Remember that God is the master potter of your life. He planned, prepared, and organized every part of who you are and what you will experience so that he can reveal the beauty he has in mind. He will keep on working, forgiving, and training you throughout your whole life. He will keep the heat on when it’s needed. But, he’ll also give you times of rest and peace.
The most important facts in all of life are these: God loves you and there is nothing that can keep him from making you perfect and complete. When you stand before him in heaven one day, all the beauty he built into your character will be clearly seen. Don’t be surprised when you realize that you look very much like Jesus, the glorious Son of God.
Today’s Prayer:
Lord God, I praise you that you do have a plan to make me perfect and complete, just like Jesus. I also praise you for being so loving and powerful because that makes me confident that you will complete the job you’re doing on me. Please help me.
Written by Martha E Menne, Flagstaff AZ
God Finishes the Job
God chose you, called you, declared you not guilty, and is now glorifying you. Sometimes we think that God can’t possibly make us to be like Jesus. But, He can because he is God. He can and he will—It’s a promise.
It’s very interesting to watch a master potter work, especially if you can track the whole process of making a single bowl. First, he prepares the clay, which involves wetting it, beating it, cutting it, and kneading it over and over again. It often takes a total of several hours over two or three days to make the clay just right.
When the clay is ready the potter places it on a wheel that spins it while he presses on it to make the shape emerge. He pushes and pulls and cuts and carves until the shape he has in mind emerges. Then, he sets it on a shelf for a few days to dry before firing it.
The firing process is usually done in two stages. The first stage hardens the clay so it isn’t so fragile while the artist applies the glaze. After the first firing, the potter applies glaze to the bowl. The glaze is very thin clay with chemicals that will change into beautiful colors as they melt. At this point, the piece still looks like some carefully shaped and hardened dirt. The final firing heats the bowl to over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes the bowl very hard and durable. It also reveals the colors and designs the potter applied to the surface. Only after the clay has been beaten, shaped, stretched, and fired can we see the beauty that was in the mind of the potter from the very beginning.
Remember that God is the master potter of your life. He planned, prepared, and organized every part of who you are and what you will experience so that he can reveal the beauty he has in mind. He will keep on working, forgiving, and training you throughout your whole life. He will keep the heat on when it’s needed. But, he’ll also give you times of rest and peace.
The most important facts in all of life are these: God loves you and there is nothing that can keep him from making you perfect and complete. When you stand before him in heaven one day, all the beauty he built into your character will be clearly seen. Don’t be surprised when you realize that you look very much like Jesus, the glorious Son of God.
Today’s Prayer:
Lord God, I praise you that you do have a plan to make me perfect and complete, just like Jesus. I also praise you for being so loving and powerful because that makes me confident that you will complete the job you’re doing on me. Please help me.
Written by Martha E Menne, Flagstaff AZ
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Born According to Plan
Ephesians 1:4-5For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.
Chosen and Adopted
We learned that God designed you as a wonderful and unique person for a job that only you can do. He could do that because he knew his plan for you before he had even created the world. The scripture above makes it very clear that you are not an accident. He had your life all mapped out way before you were born. One vital stop on the highway of your life is the day you become his adopted child by accepting his offer to forgive your sins and save you for all eternity.
The word “predestined” means that God planned everything out and made sure you got saved so you could be his daughter or son. I never quite understood this concept until I learned what God did for my friend Margaret. I met Margaret at a Christian homeless shelter. She had suffered some of the worst tragedies we could imagine. She had been terribly abused as a child. As a teenager she used drugs and alcohol. After she was grown, she spent years and years living in poverty and unhappy relationships until she finally lost everything. She went to the shelter so she wouldn’t have to live in her car.
Soon after she arrived, Margaret accepted Jesus as her Savior. She immediately enrolled in the yearlong disciples’ Bible study program. In time, she shared her story. One day, it dawned on me that nearly every one of the women in the class had gone to church and read the Bible as children. They knew about Jesus and often prayed to him when things went wrong. God worked behind the scenes to move them here and there. He kept them alive until they came to the shelter and heard about Jesus.
Fortunately, God’s plan for most of us doesn’t include what Margaret suffered. Instead, he gave us Christian parents who love us dearly and tell us about Jesus from the time we’re born. They take us to church and share the plan of salvation with us. And one day, it all makes sense and we pray to receive Jesus as Savior. We ask him to forgive us for all the bad, mean, dishonest things we’ve done. He gives us a new heart and makes us pure enough to go to heaven when we die. At the very moment we ask him to save us, we are adopted into God’s family—all according to plan, right on time, and without fail.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for planning for my salvation. Thank you that before I was even born, you knew you would adopt me into your family. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to hear about Jesus and the faith to accept him as my savior. Please help me be a good son/daughter to you, one that will make you proud. Amen.
Written by Martha E Menne, Flagstaff AZ
Chosen and Adopted
We learned that God designed you as a wonderful and unique person for a job that only you can do. He could do that because he knew his plan for you before he had even created the world. The scripture above makes it very clear that you are not an accident. He had your life all mapped out way before you were born. One vital stop on the highway of your life is the day you become his adopted child by accepting his offer to forgive your sins and save you for all eternity.
The word “predestined” means that God planned everything out and made sure you got saved so you could be his daughter or son. I never quite understood this concept until I learned what God did for my friend Margaret. I met Margaret at a Christian homeless shelter. She had suffered some of the worst tragedies we could imagine. She had been terribly abused as a child. As a teenager she used drugs and alcohol. After she was grown, she spent years and years living in poverty and unhappy relationships until she finally lost everything. She went to the shelter so she wouldn’t have to live in her car.
Soon after she arrived, Margaret accepted Jesus as her Savior. She immediately enrolled in the yearlong disciples’ Bible study program. In time, she shared her story. One day, it dawned on me that nearly every one of the women in the class had gone to church and read the Bible as children. They knew about Jesus and often prayed to him when things went wrong. God worked behind the scenes to move them here and there. He kept them alive until they came to the shelter and heard about Jesus.
Fortunately, God’s plan for most of us doesn’t include what Margaret suffered. Instead, he gave us Christian parents who love us dearly and tell us about Jesus from the time we’re born. They take us to church and share the plan of salvation with us. And one day, it all makes sense and we pray to receive Jesus as Savior. We ask him to forgive us for all the bad, mean, dishonest things we’ve done. He gives us a new heart and makes us pure enough to go to heaven when we die. At the very moment we ask him to save us, we are adopted into God’s family—all according to plan, right on time, and without fail.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for planning for my salvation. Thank you that before I was even born, you knew you would adopt me into your family. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to hear about Jesus and the faith to accept him as my savior. Please help me be a good son/daughter to you, one that will make you proud. Amen.
Written by Martha E Menne, Flagstaff AZ
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)