I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. — Psalm 18:1-2 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
We sing it and we say it in our public prayers: "Father, God, we love you." But notice very carefully the beginning phrase of our verse. "I love you, O Lord..." Even in public, community worship, we are taught the importance of a personal expression of love to God. When is the last time you told the Creator of the universe, "I love you!"
My Prayer...
Father in heaven, I love you. I love you because you are more than worthy of my love. I love you because you have first loved me. I love you because you sent your son to be my big brother and pay the price for my adoption into your family. I love you because of your faithfulness. I love you because you have permitted me in your grace to love you. In the name of Jesus I thank you. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- a new day
- the past being the past, it is the future that matters
- a good nights rest
- my sister, who's birthday is today
- the birds chirping in the morning, because it reminds me Spring is near
- a group of girl's I can study the Bible with
- the bridge that connects God and I - JESUS!
When anything in life brings pain,
Or anyone upsets my day,
If I can build a bridge to God
His peace will chase my fears away.
When problems leave me tense, unstrung,
And peace of mind cannot be found,
If I can build a bridge of faith,
He'll lift me up to higher ground.
If I can build a bridge of trust
To span the tensions of my day,
God's grace and understanding love
Will be a light upon my way.
No difficulty large or small,
Can come between my Lord and me
If I can build a bridge of prayer
To feel His presence constantly
Unknown
I don't like bridges, but when I think of bridges in this way - it makes me reconsider! I don't like man-made bridges, but love the ones God has provided for me to get to him.
I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
— Psalm 59:16 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
So many things in our lives can be stolen away by natural disasters, aging, and death. Satan could be appropriately called "The Thief of Always." But God is immovable and "unstealable"! We can invest ourselves in him and know our spirits are secure in his care. He is a fortress and a refuge.
My Prayer...
O Great Rock of my salvation, thank you for being unchangeable and faithful. Thank you for being the source of security and future in a day of chaos and change. Thank you for being God. You are my God and in you I place my life, my hopes, and my future. May you be glorified in me today. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for an unchanging God! I am so blessed!
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18, NIV
Thoughts from scripture...
"Talk is cheap!" "You can tell me with your words, but I'll show it with my life." "Put your life where your mouth is." We know the slogans; now let's love in truth. In a world where barter has replaced sacrificial and steadfast love, let's go against the grain and truly love in our words and actions.
My Prayer....
Sacrificial Father, I confess to you that at times I am selfish. Other times my intentions are good but my follow through and faithfulness are lacking. Use your Spirit to empower and enable me to be what I hope to become to your glory. May your love be seen in my actions of genuine concern today. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- my parents safe trip to Nashville and back home
- the Gannon babies, being born and doing ok - in spite of their tininess
- a warm bed to go home too
- healing power of time
- encouragement from friends
- laughter
- sunshine on a cloudy day
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
So many times Satan seduces us into a flat, 2 dimensional Christianity - going to church and doing good deeds. But God calls us to a three dimensional faith. He wants us to love him with all of our being in all of our actions and with all of our might.
My Prayer...
Dear Heavenly Father, I honor you as God Almighty. I appreciate you for all your kindness and blessings lavished upon me. I love you because you first loved me in Jesus. My heart's desire today is to demonstrate my love for you in all I do, and love and say. Through Jesus. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- answered prayers
- safe drive to work in the snow/ ice
- kind people that help others, even when they don't know them
- time with my family this weekend
- friend's that will go out of their way to show you they care!
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship him in spirit and in truth. — John 4:24 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Genuine worship is a gift. Since God is spirit, since he is holy, we cannot fully approach him without the gift and blessing of his Holy Spirit. As Christians who received his Spirit when we were baptized into Christ and born of God, we can now speak to him and worship him Spirit to Spirit.
My Prayer...
Abba Father, by the gift of your Spirit I come to you as your child. Thank you so much for giving me your Spirit so that I can approach you with confidence and know you hear the concerns of my heart. Please accept the worship of my heart, of my words, and of my actions. May the things I do each day bring you glory. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Today I am thankful for:
- friends that help me do what is right in God's eyes
- the avenue of prayer, so that I can give my 'stresses' to God
- a new day to start fresh
- a good night's rest
- a family that loved me!
- a coat to keep me warm during the cold winter days