Monthly Archives: April 2013

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April 8, 2013

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Faith & Hope, Trusting God

OUR SHEPHERD WILL LEAD US

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. … Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me. [Psalm 23:1,4 (NLT)]

Help us remember that both mountain tops and deep canyons are inevitable in life. Thank you, Lord, for never abandoning us, no matter where we happen to be. When we are in the depths of life, when we are disappointed, hurt or discouraged, remind us that you have provided all that is required to pass through those dark places. We just need to stop depending on our own strength and power and follow you, our Lord and Shepherd. You will lead us safely through all the valleys of life.

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April 7, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Obedience, Temptation & Sin

WE ARE GOD’S SERVANTS

Live as free people, but don’t hide behind your freedom when you do evil. Instead, use your freedom to serve God. [1 Peter 2:16 (GW)]

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that you are not there to serve me; rather, I am here to serve you! I may be free, but I’ m not the one in charge. Accept me as your enthusiastic servant so that I can serve you willingly and joyfully now and forever.

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April 6, 2013

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Church & Worship, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Forgiveness, Temptation & Sin

SOMETHING WE ALL HAVE IN COMMON

Healthy people don’t need a doctor – sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners [Mark 2:17 (NLT)]

Thank you, Jesus, for providing us with a church family. We can gather together, hear your word, offer prayers and praise, and even come together at your table. We are such a diverse group: young and old, wealthy and poor, coming from all walks of life. Some people are secure in their faith while others are filled with doubt. Yet we all share one thing in common: we all are sinners! Thank you for welcoming sinners into your family, and thank you for your healing hand of forgiveness so that we can begin each day anew.

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April 5, 2013

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Faith & Hope, Knowing Him, Prayer

WAIT QUIETLY

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. [Psalm 62:5-6 (NLT)]

Oh God, far too many of my prayers consist of me talking to you and far too few of my prayers involve me listening to you! Thank you for reminding me that only in my silence will I hear your voice.

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April 4, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Sharing Our Faith, Thanks & Praise

GET THE WORD OUT

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. … Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. [Psalm 34:1,3 (NLT)]

O Lord, do I glorify you in the way I behave? Do I acknowledge my faith in the way I speak? Do I reveal your Holy Spirit in the way I interact with others? Would someone recognize you when they see how I conduct myself? Would anyone want to know you when they hear my words? Lord, let my words and actions glorify you today and every day.

I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. … Join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out. [Psalm 34:1,3 (MSG)]

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April 3, 2013

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Fear & Doubt, God's Plan, Trusting God

HE KNOWS WHAT HE’S DOING

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28 (NLT)]

Paul assures us that God is always working in us and through the events in our lives. When we face adversity or suffer misfortune, however, it is difficult to see how our circumstances could possibly glorify God or serve His purpose. How do we make sense of sorrow or hardship? Where is God’s hand in our troubles? Why is there suffering or affliction?

Those questions are unnecessary because we don’t need to know the answers. Besides, even if we knew the answers, we would never be able to understand them! All we really have to do is trust God and know that He loves us. Remember, God knows what he is doing even though we don’t!