He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
— Isaiah 53:5-6 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
I don't know how Jesus could stand up under its weight. He had my sin, your sin, our sin. He allowed it to be placed upon him so that we would not have to bear the ultimate consequences of it at all. But in that sacrifice, as horrible as it was, we find ourselves healed -- cured of the most awful disease a person can have, a sin-sick soul. He was pierced, crushed, and punished for our sins. In their place, he has left us his transforming peace and a place to belong.
My Prayer...
God of peace, fill my soul with the wonder of your grace. Let me not forget the cost of your love. Stir in me the constant and abiding memory of your redemptive grace. Thank you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Thankful for:
- birds singing in the morning
- green grass to lay in
- wonderful meals with friends
- beautiful trees blooming
- time with family
- another birthday celebrated with Poppy
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and he carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
— Isaiah 53:3-4 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Jesus was everything and became nothing for us. Yet most of the people alive on earth with him when he came, even his very own people, didn't know him or accept him even though he came to save them. The crowds just assumed he deserved what he got. Most did not repent. But there was something about that sacrificial story that has grabbed hearts over the years and called God's lost children home. In our journey home, we find him to not only be a Savior, but a servant who lived and died for our salvation as well.
My Prayer...
God Almighty, your plan to redeem me takes my breath away. Why you chose to take your precious son and expose him to such public disgrace while he was on earth I will never comprehend. But this I do know: you love me with an everlasting love and I will serve you with all of my strength in thanks for his great sacrifice. Thank you for your love. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, I pray. Amen.
Today, I thankful for:
- God's love
- Jesus' sacrifice
- friends that are there when the going gets tough
- answered prayers
- healing solutions
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
— 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Righteousness! That's what we are. We are not righteous. No, it is much bigger than that. We are God's righteousness. We are the testimony of how holy, just and gracious he truly is because, in Jesus, we are his righteousness!
My Prayer...
Almighty God, thank you for making me righteous in the blood of your son's death. May people see in me a reflection of your holiness, justice, and mercy as I try to share your grace with them. Through Jesus, your sacrifice for my sins I pray. Amen.
Thankful for:
- fun weekends
- good phone conversations
- lots of good laughs
- sunshiny forecast
- good deals at Good Will
- hugs from my niece and nephews
- others patience
- the things I take for granted
- Sunday morning worship
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.— Philippians 1:29 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
When we read the book of Acts, we find the disciples overjoyed at suffering "for the sake of the name." Since Jesus has already victoriously passed through that kind of ordeal, we should consider it a privilege, not a hardship, to share in his sufferings, not just a hardship. The truth of our commitment is often best shown to the skeptical when we are "under fire." So let's keep our character when under attack and rejoice, because we've seen in Jesus what happens when God's children are faithful even at the cost of their lives.
My Prayer...
What a precious name you have given to your son, O Lord. May it be exalted in all the earth and throughout all the heavens, until every heart knows that he is truly Lord. In Jesus name, and for his glory, I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- sufferings of Christ for me!
- that I can suffer for him to show Him how much I appreciate it
- Sunny Saturdays
- leaps of faith
- payday
- great friendships
- fun photo shoot days
- a break from the same ole same ole
- caring people
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
— 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
We can be forgiven of our sins! That's great, but there's even better news. We can be purified of any stain from sin!! That's incredible: not only am I forgiven, but I'm also made clean and new again! But only because of God's grace and perfect sacrifice for our sins.
My Prayer...
Forgiving Father, please forgive me today for my lack of passion to love and forgive others in the way you have so graciously forgiven me. Create in me a heart like your own: faithful, forgiving, and gracious. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
I'M FORGIVEN by Sanctus Real
Well the past is playing with my head
And failure knocks me down again
I’m reminded of the wrong
That I have said and done
And that devil just wont let me forget
In this life
I know what I’ve been
But here in your arms
I know what I am
[chorus]
I’m forgiven
I’m forgiven
And I don’t have to carry
The weight of who I’ve been
Cause I’m forgiven
My mistakes are running through my mind
And I’ll relive my days, in the middle of the night
When I struggle with my pain, wrestle with my pride
Sometimes I feel alone, and I cry
In this life
I know what I’ve been
But here in your arms
I know what I am
[back to chorus]
When I don't fit in and I don’t feel like I belong anywhere
When I don’t measure up to much in this life
Oh, I’m a treasure in the arms of Christ ‘cause
[back to chorus]
Today, I am thankful for:
- wonderful friends
- perspective on how really blessed I am
- the power of time to heal
- great conversations with a friend who can relate
- understanding, when things don't make sense
- laughter
- good food
- flowers in bloom
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
— Romans 6:23 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
If we receive death as our payment for sin, we're only being paid what we're owed -- sin is rebellion against the God who loves us and gave us his most precious gift to redeem us from sin! But God's gift is free -- eternal life in Jesus Christ. We could not earn it, deserve it, or demand it. So God offered it by grace.
My Prayer...
Thank you God for loving me when no one else could or would. Thank you for sacrificing the most precious gift of heaven so I could join you there. Of all the gifts I've ever received, yours is the best. I offer this praise in the name of one whose gift has given me life! Amen.
Thankful for:
- time with my sister and her kids
- Bible time with friends
- Morning Star and all the things it does to help those in need
- generous people
- smiles in morning
- love of friends and family
- good health insurance
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
— James 1:12 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Only Christians win at life. That's because none of us who is human has the power to hold back our awful enemy, death. But when we have persevered, we are given the ultimate victory: LIFE that will not end because our lives are in the hands of the one who defeated death!
My Prayer...
Thank you Father, for sending your Son to defeat the power of death and provide me the ultimate victory. In Jesus' name I praise you. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- relaxing evenings at home
- money to get my oil change, so I can keep my car going a little longer
- a morning without waking up with a stomach ache
- 65 degree weather
- spring sports
- a great job!
- events to look forward too!
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
— Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Many of the struggles in our lives are not mere accidents! Many of them are not put there by God. Our challenges often come from the hand of our enemy, Satan. He always prowls about looking for the best scheme to knock us out of our commitment to and relationship with the Lord. Placing ourselves firmly in the hands of the Lord and using his tools of warfare will help us defeat our enemy who has already been humiliated by Jesus and the cross.
My Prayer...
Strengthen me, O God, that I may stand against my foe and triumph by the power of your Spirit so that I may bring honor and glory to my conquering Savior who will return one day and take me home in victory. In the name of the victorious Rider on the White Horse I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- giving hearts
- recovering from being sick
- friend's who look out for me!
- reminders of how sickness is not necessarily all bad, just a reminder to be thankful for good health and an opportunity to rest
- sunshine on the weekend
- good practice with friends
- a successful bake sale, especially thankful for those who gave their time and money!
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
— Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
A lot of different religious groups will give you all sorts of ways to know whether or not you have the Holy Spirit. Jesus has one simple answer: "by their fruit you will know them." Paul gives us the definition of holy fruit -- LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS and SELF-CONTROL. Now why not repeat them out loud and ask the Lord to make this fruit yours in full measure?
My Prayer...
Abba Father, through the Spirit I call upon you. Please fulfill in me the character you possess. I want to exhibit the qualities of your child, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
Thankful for:
- fresh drinking water
- the birds singing in the mornings
- a good nights rest
- people who can relate to me
- the opportunity to love others!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
— Romans 15:13 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Hope and joy and peace sound terrific. Two things are vital for these two blessings to be a part of our lives. First, we must trust God to meet our needs and get us to where we need to be. Second, we expect the power of the Holy Spirit to bless us and empower us with God's qualities.
My Prayer...
Great and Mighty God, bless me with greater trust that you are nearby and long to help. Dear Father, bless and empower me to be the person you want me to be. Fill me with your Spirit so I may live my life here more like Jesus lived his life here on earth. In the name of the Savior I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- good conversation with my parents
- Poppy making me laugh
- learning new things
- time to study the Bible with my girls
- sunny weekends
- people with a giving heart
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
— Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
He restores my soul. My, that sounds so good. But it is more than talk. When we've reached that point where we can't go on, God blesses us with strength to just keep on walking. When we're in a struggle and things are tough, his power upholds us and we run to victory. When we're winning victories in his name, we can soar on wings like eagles. He is a shepherd and more. He is the Rock and Sustainer of our lives!
My Prayer...
O Gentle Shepherd, help me rest tonight in your grace and in the confidence that you are nearby. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Thankful, for:
- the faithfulness of the Lord
- good phone conversations
- productive evenings
- the ability to learn new things
- a job that I enjoy and provides for me
- lunch with a friend
- dress sales
- bright flowers
- lasting friendships
- baseball season
As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
— Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
"Wonder what I'll need to wear to that meeting?" Paul reminds us that there is a set of clothing that is always in style. We wear this clothing because we are special. This clothing is from the Ultimate Designer's collection that is called character and is best worn when with other people. These qualities are hard to wear, but always a blessing to those who meet us when we're decked out in this wardrobe.
My Prayer...
Abba Father, thank you for bringing me into your family. May I never disappoint you in the way I treat others. May they see in me the qualities of character that can be attributed only to your presence in my life. To you be the glory and the honor, forever and ever, in the name of Jesus my Lord. Amen.
Thankful for:
- night at the movies with a great friend
- good conversations
- warmer weather in the forecast!
- cheaper gas prices
- safe travels to and from work/events
- light traffic in the mornings
- answered prayers coming when least expected
It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth ... Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
— Acts 4:10-12 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
"Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. There's just something about that name!" The words to the song are right. Salvation from what is warped and broken in our world is found in no one else. He is our Savior because he was willing to come to this world, bear our limitations, shame, and sin and then triumph over them.
My Prayer...
Through the precious name of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, my Lord, I thank and praise you, God Most High. Your love has given the sacrifice for my sin and your power has given me the assurance of my resurrection from the dead. Your Son's willingness to spend a lifetime with us has given me a Great High Priest who intercedes with empathy for my struggles. His example lets me know of your great love. Thank you, O God! Thank you for being so gracious and giving me such a wonderful Savior. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- my fellowship group, what a great group of people
- that there is warmer temperatures in the forecast
- receiving my tax refund
- good food with great friends
He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
— 2 Peter 1:4 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
God made us to be like him in character and holiness. We are called to participate in the divine nature and are assured that we will be made ready when Jesus comes again. His promise is sure if we will commit to follow him wholeheartedly!
My Prayer...
Almighty God, my Everlasting Fortress, thank you for giving me your great promises. I long to know you more fully and be able to see your face today just as I believe I will at the day of your return. Please protect me and my heart from corruption. In all love and appreciation I pray in the name of Jesus, the One who made me yours. Amen.
Thankful for:
- hugs from friends
- sharing in Bible study
- songs that say what I have been trying to say all along
- God's love for me no matter what
- safe travels in the rain
- the things that make me smile
The Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
— Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
God is faithful and his covenant is a covenant of love. He will not forsake us but will treat us better than we deserve, just as a loving parent treats a rebellious child better than she or he deserves. But our hearts must be tuned to honor God as God, not as just a good luck charm or a weekly guest into our otherwise busy lives. What we do must be done in awareness that it is done before and for him!
My Prayer...
Faithful God, thank you for loving me so sacrificially and steadfastly. Thank you for the way you preserved your promises to the Israelites and brought Jesus just as you promised. I trust your promise to send him back to bring me home to you. Please receive the deeds and words of this day as my thanks to you for your covenant of love with me and those I love. In the name of Jesus, your gift of love, I pray. Amen.
Thankful for:
- the promises of God
- the faithfulness of God to stand by me in times of happiness and difficulty
- the birds singing in the morning
- fellowship with friends
- opportunities to serve
In your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
— 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
We are to be ready and able to tell folks about the hope that Jesus has brought to our lives! But when we share this hope, two things are important: our credibility -- is Jesus really Lord of our hearts -- and our character -- do we show gentleness and respect in our persuasion approach. The goal is not to win arguments but hearts to the God of character!
My Prayer...
Holy and Loving Father, thank you for speaking your grace in Jesus. I'm not sure I would have heard any other message. Give me the conviction I need to share my hope in Jesus, but in a way that reflects your grace. Through my Living Hope I pray. Amen.
Thankful for:
- the freedom I have to share Christ with others
- me time, with the Lord
- girl's Bible study so that I can grow closer to God and these girls
- volleyball nights to see other Christian singles having fun!
- sunny and 60 degree weather (love sandals)
- Johnna being one step closer to reaching her goal - so proud of her!
- baby Jake is healing well at home!
God has saved us and called us to a holy life -- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.
— 2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Before the beginning of time! How do you understand when that was? God first thought of us at a time we cannot even begin to understand! His reason for thinking of us was to demonstrate his grace and call others to his side. Jesus has always been God's plan and we have always been his goal. Let's make sure we respond by living his holy life!
My Prayer...
Thank you so much, Father, for knowing me and thinking of my needs even before there was a world. I dedicate this day, the days that follow, to your honor as I try to live a life that reflects your righteousness and grace. In the name of Jesus, the one who had no sin, I pray. Amen.
Thankful for:
- the beautiful weather
- for the rain that is coming to water the flowers (that will soon be blooming) - just wish it didn't rain for a week...ha
- for daylight savings time
- gifts from friends, even just a hug :)
- a great night's sleep, so that I am ok getting up in the morning
- self-control, learning from Jesus
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all of our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
— 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
We are comforted to comfort others. God doesn't bless us with his presence and comfort of his Spirit because we are somehow better than everyone else. No, he comforts us to equip, empower, and encourage others. God has human hands, but only when I use mine to his glory and for others comfort.
My Prayer...
Tender Shepherd, there have been times when I was so broken I could not go on. I know my strength to continue came from your rich grace and mercy. Please use me this week to offer your comfort and love to others so they may feel your warm embrace and come to yearn more for the day we see you face to face in heaven. Through my brother Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- safe travel to Oxford and back
- time with Poppy both at home and a worship
- seeing all my family in Oxford
- great food (thanks uncle dale for the great hog!)
- good exercise
- my wonderful friend, Alicia, making the trip with me
- seeing my buddy, Bryan
- good conversations
- the power for prayer
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
— Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
We are to begin each day with God. Every breath we take should be a powerful reminder that our Father has granted us another day of life to serve him. Each heartbeat is God's drumbeat of love, reminding us that we are blessed with another minute to offer him our best. This blessing is so easily forgotten. We best remember these truths when we teach them and show them and live them with and before our children. But, let's not leave their learning these truths to our example alone. Let's find teachable moments to explain our faith, to praise our Heavenly Father, and to teach God's truth.
My Prayer...
Almighty God, Gracious Sustainer, and Undeserved Friend, thank you! Thank you for this breath I take and for the heartbeat that sustains my life. Make me aware as I travel and talk and rest and work that you are there and are worthy of my intentional best. In the name of Jesus, my gracious sacrifice I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- compromise
- sunshine and nice walks
- friend's that understand
- busy days that make the day go by faster :)
- laughter!
"Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
— Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Never alone! What a promise. God will go with him, and us, through all the seasons of life, through all our ups and downs, through temptations and triumphs, even through death (cf. Psalm 139). So we can take courage and feel his strength. We are not alone!
My Prayer...
O God who is and was and is to come, thank you for being there and staying there when all others forsake and leave. You are the one constant in my life so full of change. Help me become more steadfast and faithful in my commitments and relationships to honor you and to learn more about you. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- prayers of sunshine
- getting much accomplished in a day!
- God's timing
- learning self-control, so that I feel better
- answered prayers, God works in so many ways!
Each day is a storehouse given you
Fresh every morn from God's hand;
Do you stop to think of this
When at its door you stand?
Twenty-four empty, waiting hours,
All ready for you to fill with
Worthwhile thoughts and worthwhile deeds
And service, if you will.
You're given a chance to store
Away treasures of love and joy,
And satisfaction of work well done
That time cannot destroy.
So put your best into all your day
With eyes opened wide to see, and
Eager hands stretched out to grasp
Each opportunity.
Isaiah 40:31
...but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
"My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
— Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
No matter how hard we try to perceive the awesomeness of God, he is still God and we are not. We must forever remember that the original, and still primary, sin was to try to become like God in terms of knowledge and understanding. We are to know God, but we can never fully know everything about him. We are to take on his character, but we cannot approach his majesty, righteousness, or holiness on our own. This is both exciting and frustrating. But, the promise remains that one day we will be like him and see him as he is (1 John 3:1-3) and know fully even as we are fully known (1 Corinthians 13:11-12).
My Prayer...
Tender Shepherd, thank you for being so patient with me when I cannot fully understand and appreciate your holy and transcendent character. Thank you for sending Jesus so I can know you better and trust you to know me better than I know myself. I look forward to seeing you face to face when Jesus comes to bring me home. Until that day, please know I love you. In the name of Jesus I offer my thanks and praise. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- a sunny weekend ahead
- long phone conversations with Poppy, he is so encouraging!
- time with my sister and her family
- the hugs and smiles I get from my nieces and nephews
- an opportunity to serve with some amazing women, who love to help others!
He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.
— Job 23:10-11 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
How we long for this to be our true confession. We are not yet gold, but long to be. We are not yet fully following his steps, but are trying. We have tried to not turn aside, but we sometimes falter. Thank God for his grace until our intentions and desires are fulfilled in our discipleship!
My Prayer...
Magnificent Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, I confess my sin and my inadequacy in following your paths. Forgive me as I recommit my life to serve you in holiness and joy. Thank you for your grace which covers my sin and perfects in me the character of Jesus. Through him I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- the avenue of prayer
- dinner with my cousin, that I don't see that often
- things to look forward to! (like lunch with friends on Sunday)
- flowers that brighten my day
- the blessings, of a home, car, ability to pay my bills, warm blankets
- God's creation, live is near boring when you think about all the things God has created
- days without headaches
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
— Psalm 73:25-26 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
What can truly fulfill and sustain us? Maybe the best way to answer that question is by asking another: What can we keep when our bodies are placed silently in their graves at death? Only our relationship with God and his people lasts beyond the grave. If he is what lasts, then how can we displace him for anything that doesn't?
My Prayer...
Mighty Yahweh, Strength of Israel, Keeper of the Covenant and Fulfillment Maker of every prophecy, you are my hope, my strength and my future. I live this day in wide open amazement that the Keeper of the Universe knows my name, hears my voice, and cares for me. Thank you for being my past, my present, and my future, the Great I Am. Through my Savior I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- the people in my grief class, they are such an encouragement
- Spring being in the air
- it being light outside when I get off work
- a good night's rest
- a great walk with a wonderful friend
- the opportunity to go see my poppy this weekend
- vacation's with friends
- hugs!