Monday, June 24, 2019 "Enough" Opening Prayer: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3) Scripture: Psalm 23:1-3 Journal: Is God enough for you? I mean, really? What does the enough-ness of God do within you? What does it free you from? What does it free you f...
Keep ReadingSunday, June 23, 2019 "Practices" Opening Prayer: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not...
Keep ReadingSaturday, June 22, 2019 "Belonging" Opening Prayer: Lord God, please remind us this day that before we can fruitfully belong to each other, we first must belong to you. That is the only way that true community can ever take place. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3 Journal: What is your level of belonging these days? How does it manifest itself? How do you try to satisfy ...
Keep ReadingFriday, June 21, 2019 "Hope Now" Opening Prayer: O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forevermore. Scripture: Psalm 131:3 Journal: What does it mean for you to put your hope in the Lord right now? What about forevermore? Which is hardest for you? Why? Reflection: "O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forevermore." Did you get that? Both now ...
Keep ReadingThursday, June 20, 2019 "Waiting" Opening Prayer: Forgive us in our waiting, O Lord, when we get frustrated or impatient and try to speed up the process. Waiting takes time to accomplish its full work in us. Help us, therefore, to open our hands and our hearts and simply wait for you in patience. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 130:5-6 Journal: Where does God have you waiting ...
Keep ReadingWednesday, June 19, 2019 "Wait" Opening Prayer: For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2, ESV) Scripture: Psalm 62:1-8 Journal: How are you waiting on God these days? What does that look like?What is it doing within you?How might God be waiting o...
Keep ReadingTuesday, June 18, 2019 "Be Still" Opening Prayer: Be still and know that I am God. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the...
Keep ReadingMonday, June 17, 2019 "Enough" Opening Prayer: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3) Scripture: Psalm 23:1-3 Journal: Is God enough for you? I mean, really? What does the enough-ness of God do within you? What does it free you from? What does it free you f...
Keep ReadingSunday, June 16, 2019 "Practices" Opening Prayer: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not...
Keep ReadingSaturday, June 15, 2019 "Belonging" Opening Prayer: Lord God, please remind us this day that before we can fruitfully belong to each other, we first must belong to you. That is the only way that true community can ever take place. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3 Journal: What is your level of belonging these days? How does it manifest itself? How do you try to satisfy ...
Keep ReadingFriday, June 14, 2019 "Hope Now" Opening Prayer: O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forevermore. Scripture: Psalm 131:3 Journal: What does it mean for you to put your hope in the Lord right now? What about forevermore? Which is hardest for you? Why? Reflection: "O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forevermore." Did you get that? Both now ...
Keep ReadingThursday, June 13, 2019 "Waiting" Opening Prayer: Forgive us in our waiting, O Lord, when we get frustrated or impatient and try to speed up the process. Waiting takes time to accomplish its full work in us. Help us, therefore, to open our hands and our hearts and simply wait for you in patience. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 130:5-6 Journal: Where does God have you waiting ...
Keep ReadingTuesday, June 11, 2019 "Be Still" Opening Prayer: Be still and know that I am God. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the...
Keep ReadingWednesday, June 12, 2019 "Wait" Opening Prayer: For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2, ESV) Scripture: Psalm 62:1-8 Journal: How are you waiting on God these days? What does that look like?What is it doing within you?How might God be waiting o...
Keep ReadingMonday, June 10, 2019 "Enough" Opening Prayer: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3) Scripture: Psalm 23:1-3 Journal: Is God enough for you? I mean, really? What does the enough-ness of God do within you? What does it free you from? What does it free you f...
Keep ReadingSunday, June 9, 2019 "Practices" Opening Prayer: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not ...
Keep ReadingSaturday, June 8, 2019 "Belonging" Opening Prayer: Lord God, please remind us this day that before we can fruitfully belong to each other, we first must belong to you. That is the only way that true community can ever take place. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3 Journal: What is your level of belonging these days? How does it manifest itself? How do you try to satisfy y...
Keep ReadingFriday, June 7, 2019 "Hope Now" Opening Prayer: O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forevermore. Scripture: Psalm 131:3 Journal: What does it mean for you to put your hope in the Lord right now? What about forevermore? Which is hardest for you? Why? Reflection: "O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forevermore." Did you get that? Both now a...
Keep ReadingThursday, June 6, 2019 "Waiting" Opening Prayer: Forgive us in our waiting, O Lord, when we get frustrated or impatient and try to speed up the process. Waiting takes time to accomplish its full work in us. Help us, therefore, to open our hands and our hearts and simply wait for you in patience. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 130:5-6 Journal: Where does God have you waiting t...
Keep ReadingWednesday, June 5, 2019 "Wait" Opening Prayer: For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2, ESV) Scripture: Psalm 62:1-8 Journal: How are you waiting on God these days? What does that look like?What is it doing within you?How might God be waiting on...
Keep ReadingTuesday, June 4, 2019 "Enough" Opening Prayer: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3) Scripture: Psalm 23:1-3 Journal: Is God enough for you? I mean, really? What does the enough-ness of God do within you? What does it free you from? What does it free you f...
Keep ReadingMonday, June 3, 2019 "Be Still" Opening Prayer: Be still and know that I am God. Scripture: Psalm 46:10 Journal: How able are you to be still and know that he is God? Why? Reflection: Finish this sentence: "Be still and know that I am God" If you are like me, it is likely that you responded, "Period." After all, most of us don't know, or don't remember, that there...
Keep ReadingSunday, June 2, 2019 "Practices" Opening Prayer: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not ...
Keep ReadingSaturday, June 1, 2019 This month we continue rotating the same devotional readings each week, although each day will feature new mission prayer requests. Our hope is that you will be inspired to reflect more deeply in the scriptures and let the prayers guide you. "Belonging" Opening Prayer: Lord God, please remind us this day that before we can fruitfully belong to e...
Keep ReadingFriday, May 31, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its m...
Keep ReadingThursday, May 30, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiven...
Keep ReadingWednesday, May 29, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him do...
Keep ReadingTuesday, May 28, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 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 th...
Keep ReadingMonday, May 27, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though...
Keep ReadingSunday, May 26, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day an...
Keep ReadingSaturday, May 25, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. I...
Keep ReadingFriday, May 24, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its m...
Keep ReadingThursday, May 23, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiven...
Keep ReadingWednesday, May 22, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him do...
Keep ReadingTuesday, May 21, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 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 th...
Keep ReadingMonday, May 20, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though...
Keep ReadingSunday, May 19, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day an...
Keep ReadingSaturday, May 18, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. I...
Keep ReadingFriday, May 17, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its m...
Keep ReadingThursday, May 16, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiven...
Keep ReadingWednesday, May 15, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him do...
Keep ReadingTuesday, May 14, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 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 th...
Keep ReadingMonday, May 13, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though...
Keep ReadingSunday, May 12, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day an...
Keep ReadingSaturday, May 11, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. I...
Keep ReadingFriday, May 10, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its m...
Keep ReadingThursday, May 9, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgivene...
Keep ReadingWednesday, May 8, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him dow...
Keep ReadingTuesday, May 7, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 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...
Keep ReadingMonday, May 6, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though ...
Keep ReadingSunday, May 5, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and...
Keep ReadingSaturday, May 4, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. It...
Keep ReadingFriday, May 3, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mo...
Keep ReadingThursday, May 2, 2019 Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of God that rises in your heart: Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgivene...
Keep ReadingWednesday, May 1, 2019 This month we will be rotating the same devotional readings each week, although each day will feature new mission prayer requests. Our hope is that you will be inspired to reflect more deeply in the scriptures and let the prayers guide you. Today's Devotional Reading Listen: Listen to the words of this ancient prayer and listen for the prayer of...
Keep ReadingTuesday, April 30, 2019 "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 139:17 Divine omniscience affords no comfort to the ungodly mind, but to the child of God it overflows with consolation. God is always thinking upon us, never turns aside his mind from us, has us always before his eyes; and this is precisely as we would have i...
Keep ReadingMonday, April 29, 2019 "The Lord taketh pleasure in his people." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 149:4 How comprehensive is the love of Jesus! There is no part of his people's interests which he does not consider, and there is nothing which concerns their welfare which is not important to him. Not merely does he think of you, believer, as an immortal being, but as a ...
Keep ReadingSunday, April 28, 2019 "All the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted." Today's Devotional Reading Ezekiel 3:7 Are there no exceptions? No, not one. Even the favored race are thus described. Are the best so bad? - then what must the worst be? Come, my heart, consider how far thou hast a share in this universal accusation, and while considering, be ready to take...
Keep ReadingSaturday, April 27, 2019 "The Lord is King forever and ever." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 10:16 Jesus Christ is no despotic claimant of divine right, but he is really and truly the Lord's anointed! "It hath pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell." God hath given to him all power and all authority. As the Son of man, he is now head over all thing...
Keep ReadingFriday, April 26, 2019 "Blessed is he that watcheth." Today's Devotional Reading Revelation 16:15 "We die daily," said the apostle. This was the life of the early Christians; they went everywhere with their lives in their hands. We are not in this day called to pass through the same fearful persecutions: if we were, the Lord would give us grace to bear the test; but t...
Keep ReadingThursday, April 25, 2019 "If any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him." Today's Devotional Reading Revelation 3:20 What is your desire this evening? Is it set upon heavenly things? Do you long to enjoy the high doctrine of eternal love? Do you desire liberty in very close communion with God? Do you aspire to know the heights, and depths, and l...
Keep ReadingWednesday, April 24, 2019 "The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land." Today's Devotional Reading Song of Solomon 2:12 Sweet is the season of spring: the long and dreary winter helps us to appreciate its genial warmth, and its promise of summer enhances its present delights. After period...
Keep ReadingTuesday, April 23, 2019 "Lo, in the midst of the throne stood a Lamb as it had been slain." Today's Devotional Reading Revelation 5:6 Why should our exalted Lord appear in his wounds in glory? The wounds of Jesus are his glories, his jewels, his sacred ornaments. To the eye of the believer, Jesus is passing fair because he is "white and ruddy;" white with innocence, a...
Keep ReadingMonday, April 22, 2019 "Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 91:5 What is this terror? It may be the cry of fire, or the noise of thieves, or fancied appearances, or the shriek of sudden sickness or death. We live in the world of death and sorrow, we may therefore look for ills as well in the night-watches as beneath the ...
Keep ReadingSaturday, April 20, 2019 "The precious blood of Christ." Today's Devotional Reading 1 Peter 1:9 Standing at the foot of the cross, we see hands, and feet, and side, all distilling crimson streams of precious blood. It is "precious" because of its redeeming and atoning efficacy. By it the sins of Christ's people are atoned for; they are redeemed from under the law; the...
Keep ReadingGood Friday, April 19, 2019 "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 22:1 We here behold the Savior in the depth of his sorrows. No other place so well shows the griefs of Christ as Calvary, and no other moment at Calvary is so full of agony as that in which his cry rends the air - "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" At th...
Keep ReadingMaundy Thursday, April 18, 2019 "And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good." Today's Devotional Reading Genesis 32:12 When Jacob was on the other side of the brook Jabbok, and Esau was coming with armed men, he earnestly sought God's protection, and as a master reason he pleaded, "And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good." Oh, the force of that plea! He was holdi...
Keep ReadingWednesday, April 17, 2019 "All they that see me laugh me to scorn; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 22:7 Mockery was a great ingredient in our Lord's woe. Judas mocked him in the garden; the chief priests and scribes laughed him to scorn; Herod set him at naught; the servants and the soldiers jeered at him, and brutally ins...
Keep ReadingTuesday, April 16, 2019 "And his hands were steady until the going down of the sun." Today's Devotional Reading Exodus 17:12 So mighty was the prayer of Moses, that all depended upon it. The petitions of Moses discomfited the enemy more than the fighting of Joshua. Yet both were needed. No, in the soul's conflict, force and fervor, decision and devotion, valor and vehe...
Keep ReadingMonday, April 15, 2019 "Lift them up forever." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 28:9 God's people need lifting up. They are very heavy by nature. They have no wings, or, if they have, they are like the dove of old which lay among the pots; and they need divine grace to make them mount on wings covered with silver, and with feathers of yellow gold. By nature sparks fly ...
Keep ReadingSunday, April 14, 2019 - Palm Sunday "Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him." Today's Devotional Reading Isaiah 3:10 It is well with the righteous always. If it had said, "Say ye to the righteous, that it is well with him in his prosperity," we must have been thankful for so great a boon, for prosperity is an hour of peril, and it is a gift from heave...
Keep ReadingSaturday, April 13, 2019 "And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt- offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him." Today's Devotional Reading Leviticus 1:4 Our Lord's being made "sin for us" is set forth here by the very significant transfer of sin to the bullock, which was made by the elders of the people. The laying of the hand was...
Keep ReadingFriday, April 12, 2019 "The king's garden." Today's Devotional Reading Nehemiah 3:15 Mention of the king's garden by Nehemiah brings to mind the paradise which the King of kings prepared for Adam. Sin has utterly ruined that fair abode of all delights and driven forth the children of men to till the ground, which yields thorns and briers unto them. My soul, remember th...
Keep ReadingThursday, April 11, 2019 "Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 25:18 It is well for us when prayers about our sorrows are linked with pleas concerning our sins - when, being under God's hand, we are not wholly taken up with our pain, but remember our offences against God. It is well, also, to take both sorrow...
Keep ReadingWednesday, April 10, 2019 "For there stood by me this night the angel of God." Today's Devotional Reading Acts 27:23 Tempest and long darkness, coupled with imminent risk of shipwreck, had brought the crew of the vessel into a sad case; one man alone among them remained perfectly calm, and by his word the rest were reassured. Paul was the only man who had heart enough ...
Keep ReadingTuesday, April 9, 2019 "Thy gentleness hath made me great." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 18:35 The words are capable of being translated, "thy goodness hath made me great." David gratefully ascribed all his greatness not to his own goodness, but the goodness of God. "Thy providence," is another reading; and providence is nothing more than goodness in action. Goodne...
Keep ReadingMonday, April 8, 2019 "I will fear no evil: for thou art with me." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 23:4 Behold, how independent of outward circumstances the Holy Ghost can make the Christian! What a bright light may shine within us when it is all dark without! How firm, how happy, how calm, how peaceful we may be, when the world shakes to and fro, and the pillars of t...
Keep ReadingSunday, April 7, 2019 "Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation; and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 51:14 In this solemn confession, it is pleasing to observe that David plainly names his sin. He does not call it manslaughter, nor speak of it as an imprudence by which an unfortunate accident oc...
Keep ReadingSaturday, April 6, 2019 "In the name of the Lord I will destroy them." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 118:12 Our Lord Jesus, by his death, did not purchase a right to a part of us only, but to the entire man. He contemplated in his passion the sanctification of us wholly, spirit, soul, and body; that in this triple kingdom he himself might reign supreme without a riv...
Keep ReadingFriday, April 5, 2019 "Before honor is humility." Today's Devotional Reading Proverbs 15:33 Humiliation of soul always brings a positive blessing with it. If we empty our hearts of self, God will fill them with his love. He who desires close communion with Christ should remember the word of the Lord, "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite ...
Keep ReadingThursday, April 4, 2019 "Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord." Today's Devotional Reading Isaiah 2:3 It is exceedingly beneficial to our souls to mount above this present evil world to something nobler and better. The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches are apt to choke everything good within us, and we grow fretful, desponding, perhap...
Keep ReadingWednesday, April 3, 2019 "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Today's Devotional Reading Isaiah 53:6 Here a confession of sin common to all the elect people of God. They have all fallen, and therefore, in common chorus, they all say, from the first who entered heaven to the l...
Keep ReadingTuesday, April 2, 2019 "He shall see his seed; he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand." Today's Devotional Reading Isaiah 53:10 Plead for the speedy fulfilment of this promise, all ye who love the Lord. It is easy work to pray when we are grounded and bottomed, as to our desires, upon God's own promise. How can he that gave th...
Keep ReadingMonday, April 1, 2019 "And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good." Today's Devotional Reading Genesis 32:12 When Jacob was on the other side of the brook Jabbok, and Esau was coming with armed men, he earnestly sought God's protection, and as a master reason he pleaded, "And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good." Oh, the force of that plea! He was holding God to h...
Keep ReadingSunday, March 31, 2019 "Then Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it for herself on the rock, from the beginning of harvest until rain fell upon them from the heavens. And she did not allow the birds of the air to come upon them by day, or the beasts of the field by night." Today's Devotional Reading 2 Samuel 21:10 If the love of a woman to her slain s...
Keep ReadingSaturday, March 30, 2019 "Let us search and try our way and turn again to the Lord." Today's Devotional Reading Lamentations 3:40 The spouse who fondly loves her absent husband longs for his return; a long protracted separation from her lord is a semi-death to her spirit: and so with souls who love the Savior much, they must see his face, they cannot bear that he shoul...
Keep ReadingFriday, March 29, 2019 "I called him, but he gave me no answer." Today's Devotional Reading Song of Solomon 5:6 Prayer sometimes tarryeth, like a petitioner at the gate, until the King cometh forth to fill her bosom with the blessings which she seeketh. The Lord, when he hath given great faith, has been known to try it by long delayings. He has suffered his servants' v...
Keep ReadingThursday, March 28, 2019 "Then I will accept you with your sweet savor." Today's Devotional Reading Ezekiel 20:41 The merits of our great Redeemer are as sweet savor to the Most High. Whether we speak of the active or passive righteousness of Christ, there is an equal fragrance. There was a sweet savor in his active life by which he honored the law of God, and made eve...
Keep ReadingWednesday, March 27, 2019 "And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master's table." Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 15:27 This woman gained comfort in her misery by thinking great thoughts of Christ. The Master had talked about the children's bread: "Now," argued she, "since thou art the Master of the table of grace, I know th...
Keep ReadingTuesday, March 26, 2019 "When he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." Today's Devotional Reading Mark 8:38 If we have been partakers with Jesus in his shame, we shall be sharers with him in the luster which shall surround him when he appears again in glory. Art thou, beloved one, with Christ Jesus? Does a vital union knit thee to him? Then thou art ...
Keep ReadingMonday, March 25, 2019 "The Son of Man." Today's Devotional Reading John 3:13 How constantly our Master used the title, the "Son of man!" If he had chosen, he might always have spoken of himself as the Son of God, the Everlasting Father, the Wonderful, the Counsellor, the Prince of Peace; but behold the lowliness of Jesus! He prefers to call himself the Son of man. Let...
Keep ReadingSunday, March 24, 2019 "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 10:21 The Savior was "a man of sorrows," but every thoughtful mind has discovered the fact that down deep in his innermost soul he carried an inexhaustible treasury of refined and heavenly joy. Of all the human race, there was never a man who had a deeper, purer, or more abi...
Keep ReadingSaturday, March 23, 2019 "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 19:40 But could the stones cry out? Assuredly they could if he who opens the mouth of the dumb should bid them lift up their voice. Certainly, if they were to speak, they would have much to testify in praise of him who crea...
Keep ReadingFriday, March 22, 2019 "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am." Today's Devotional Reading John 17:24 O death! why dost thou touch the tree beneath whose spreading branches weariness hath rest? Why dost thou snatch away the excellent of the earth, in whom is all our delight? If thou must use thine axe, use it upon the trees which...
Keep ReadingThursday, March 21, 2019 "Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?" Today's Devotional Reading Job 38:1 If inclined to boast of our abilities, the grandeur of nature may soon show us how puny we are. We cannot move the least of all the twinkling stars, or quench so much as one of the beams of the morning. We speak of power, but the...
Keep ReadingWednesday, March 20, 2019 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church." Today's Devotional Reading Ephesians 5:25 What a golden example Christ gives to his disciples! Few masters could venture to say, "If you would practice my teaching, imitate my life;" but as the life of Jesus is the exact transcript of perfect virtue, he can point to himself as ...
Keep ReadingTuesday, March 19, 2019 "And she did eat, and was sufficed, and left." Today's Devotional Reading Ruth 2:14 Whenever we are privileged to eat of the bread which Jesus gives, we are, like Ruth, satisfied with the full and sweet repast. When Jesus is the host no guest goes empty from the table. Our head is satisfied with the precious truth which Christ reveals; our heart...
Keep ReadingMonday, March 18, 2019 "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you." Today's Devotional Reading John 15:9 As the Father loves the Son, in the same manner Jesus loves his people. What is that divine method? He loved him without beginning, and thus Jesus loves his members. "I have loved thee with an everlasting love." You can trace the beginning of human affection;...
Keep ReadingSunday, March 17, 2019 "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 5:9 This is the seventh of the beatitudes: and seven was the number of perfection among the Hebrews. It may be that the Savior placed the peacemaker the seventh upon the list because he most nearly approaches the perfect man in Christ J...
Keep ReadingSaturday, March 16, 2019 "Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 19:13 Such was the prayer of the "man after God's own heart." Did holy David need to pray thus? How needful, then, must such a prayer be for us babes in grace! It is as if he said, "Keep me back, or I shall rush headlong over the precipice of sin." Our evil na...
Keep ReadingThursday, March 14, 2019 "I will take heed to my ways." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 39:1 Fellow-pilgrim, say not in your heart, "I will go hither and thither, and I shall not sin;" for you are never so out of danger of sinning as to boast of security. The road is very miry, it will be hard to pick your path so as not to soil your garments. This is a world of pitch...
Keep ReadingTuesday, March 12, 2019 "To whom belongest thou?" Today's Devotional Reading 1 Samuel 30:13 No neutralities can exist in religion. We are either ranked under the banner of Prince Immanuel, to serve and fight his battles, or we are vassals of the black prince, Satan. "To whom belongest thou?" Reader, let me assist you in your response. Have you been "born again?" If yo...
Keep ReadingMonday, March 11, 2019 "Thou shalt be called, Sought Out." Today's Devotional Reading Isaiah 62:12 The surpassing grace of God is seen very clearly in that we were not only sought, but sought out. Men seek for a thing which is lost upon the floor of the house, but in such a case there is only seeking, not seeking out. The loss is more perplexing and the search more per...
Keep ReadingSunday, March 10, 2019 "Man is of few days, and full of trouble." Today's Devotional Reading Job 14:1 It may be of great service to us, before we fall asleep, to remember this mournful fact, for it may lead us to set loose by earthly things. There is nothing very pleasant in the recollection that we are not above the shafts of adversity, but it may humble us and preven...
Keep ReadingSaturday, March 9, 2019 "Abide in me." Today's Devotional Reading John 15:4 Communion with Christ is a certain cure for every ill. Whether it be the wormwood of woe, or the cloying surfeit of earthly delight, close fellowship with the Lord Jesus will take bitterness from the one, and satiety from the other. Live near to Jesus, Christian, and it is a matter of secondary...
Keep ReadingFriday, March 8, 2019 "She called his name Benoni (son of sorrow), but his father called him Benjamin (son of my right hand)." Today's Devotional Reading Genesis 35:18 To every matter there is a bright as well as a dark side. Rachel was overwhelmed with the sorrow of her own travail and death; Jacob, though weeping the mother's loss, could see the mercy of the child's ...
Keep ReadingThursday, March 7, 2019 "It is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 118:8 Doubtless the reader has been tried with the temptation to rely upon the things which are seen, instead of resting alone upon the invisible God. Christians often look to man for help and counsel, and mar the noble simplicity of their relian...
Keep ReadingWednesday, March 6, 2019 "Before destruction the heart of man is haughty." Today's Devotional Reading Proverbs 18:12 It is an old and common saying, that "coming events cast their shadows before them;" the wise man teaches us that a haughty heart is the prophetic prelude of evil. Pride is as safely the sign of destruction as the change of mercury in the weather-glass i...
Keep ReadingTuesday, March 5, 2019 "Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 35:3 What does this sweet prayer teach me? It shall be my evening's petition; but first let it yield me an instructive meditation. The text informs me first of all that David had his doubts; for why should he pray, "Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation," if he were not somet...
Keep ReadingMonday, March 4, 2019 "They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 36:8 Sheba's queen was amazed at the sumptuousness of Solomon's table. She lost all heart when she saw the provision of a single day; and she marveled equally at the company of servants who were feasted at the royal board. But what is this to the h...
Keep ReadingSunday, March 3, 2019 "He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove." Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 3:16 As the Spirit of God descended upon the Lord Jesus, the head, so he also, in measure, descends upon the members of the mystical body. His descent is to us after the same fashion as that in which it fell upon our Lord. There is often a singular rapidity about...
Keep ReadingSaturday, March 2, 2019 "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." Today's Devotional Reading Ephesians 3:8 The apostle Paul felt it a great privilege to be allowed to preach the gospel. He did not look upon his calling as a drudgery, but he entered upon it with in...
Keep ReadingFriday, March 1, 2019 "He is precious." Today's Devotional Reading 1 Peter 2:7 As all the rivers run into the sea, so all delights center in our Beloved. The glances of his eyes outshine the sun: the beauties of his face are fairer than the choicest flowers: no fragrance is like the breath of his mouth. Gems of the mine, and pearls from the sea, are worthless things wh...
Keep ReadingThursday, February 28, 2019 "The barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah." Today's Devotional Reading 1 Kings 17:16 See the faithfulness of divine love. You observe that this woman had daily necessities. She had herself and her son to feed in a time of famine; and now, in addition, the pr...
Keep ReadingWednesday, February 27, 2019 "Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." Today's Devotional Reading Micah 5:2 The Lord Jesus had goings forth for his people as their representative before the throne, long before they appeared upon the stage of time. It was "from everlasting" that he signed the compact with his Father, that he would pay blood for blood...
Keep ReadingTuesday, February 26, 2019 "Behold, if the leprosy has covered all his flesh, he shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague." Today's Devotional Reading Leviticus 13:13 Strange enough this regulation appears, yet there was wisdom in it, for the throwing out of the disease proved that the constitution was sound. This evening it may be well for us to see the typical ...
Keep ReadingMonday, February 25, 2019 "But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa." Today's Devotional Reading Jonah 1:3 Instead of going to Nineveh to preach the Word, as God bade him, Jonah disliked the work, and went down to Joppa to escape from it. There are occasions when God's servants shrink from duty. But what is the conse...
Keep ReadingSunday, February 24, 2019 "O Lord of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy upon Jerusalem? And the Lord answered the angel with good words and comfortable words." Today's Devotional Reading Zechariah 1:12-13 What a sweet answer to an anxious enquiry! This night let us rejoice in it. O Zion, there are good things in store for thee; thy time of travail shall soon be o...
Keep ReadingSaturday, February 23, 2019 "Take up the cross, and follow me." Today's Devotional Reading Mark 10:21 You have not the making of your own cross, although unbelief is a master carpenter at cross-making; neither are you permitted to choose your own cross, although self-will would fain be lord and master; but your cross is prepared and appointed for you by divine love, an...
Keep ReadingFriday, February 22, 2019 "The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power." Today's Devotional Reading Nahum 1:3 Jehovah "is slow to anger." When mercy cometh into the world she driveth winged steeds; the axles of her chariot-wheels are red hot with speed; but when wrath goeth forth, it toileth on with tardy footsteps, for God taketh no pleasure in the sinner's death. G...
Keep ReadingThursday, February 21, 2019 "Understandest thou what thou readest?" Today's Devotional Reading Acts 8:30 We should be abler teachers of others, and less liable to be carried about by every wind of doctrine, if we sought to have a more intelligent understanding of the Word of God. As the Holy Ghost, the Author of the Scriptures is he who alone can enlighten us rightly t...
Keep ReadingWednesday, February 20, 2019 "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil." Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 4:1 A holy character does not avert temptation - Jesus was tempted. When Satan tempts us, his sparks fall upon tinder; but in Christ's case, it was like striking sparks on water; yet the enemy continued his evil work. Now...
Keep ReadingTuesday, February 19, 2019 "He first findeth his own brother Simon." Today's Devotional Reading John 1:41 This case is an excellent pattern of all cases where spiritual life is vigorous. As soon as a man has found Christ, he begins to find others. I will not believe that thou hast tasted of the honey of the gospel if thou canst eat it all thyself. True grace puts an en...
Keep ReadingMonday, February 18, 2019 "Father, I have sinned." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 15:18 It is quite certain that those whom Christ has washed in his precious blood need not make a confession of sin, as culprits or criminals, before God the Judge, for Christ has forever taken away all their sins in a legal sense, so that they no longer stand where they can be condemned...
Keep ReadingSunday, February 17, 2019 "Whereas the Lord was there." Today's Devotional Reading Ezekiel 35:10 Edom's princes saw the whole country left desolate, and counted upon its easy conquest; but there was one great difficulty in their way - quite unknown to them - "The Lord was there;" and in his presence, lay the special security of the chosen land. Whatever may be the mach...
Keep ReadingSaturday, February 16, 2019 "Thy good spirit." Today's Devotional Reading Nehemiah 9:20 Common, too common is the sin of forgetting the Holy Spirit. This is folly and ingratitude. He deserves well at our hands, for he is good, supremely good. As God, he is good essentially. He shares in the threefold ascription of Holy, holy, holy, which ascends to the Triune Jehovah. ...
Keep ReadingFriday, February 15, 2019 "Whereby they have made thee glad." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 45:8 And who are thus privileged to make the Saviour glad? His church - his people. But is it possible? He makes us glad, but how can we make him glad? By our love. Ah! we think it so cold, so faint; and so, indeed, we must sorrowfully confess it to be, but it is very sweet t...
Keep ReadingThursday, February 14, 2019 "She was healed immediately." Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 14:30 One of the most touching and teaching of the Savior's miracles is before us to-night. The woman was very ignorant. She imagined that virtue came out of Christ by a law of necessity, without his knowledge or direct will. Moreover, she was a stranger to the generosity of Je...
Keep ReadingWednesday, February 13, 2019 "There is therefore now no condemnation." Today's Devotional Reading Romans 8:1 Come, my soul, think thou of this. Believing in Jesus, thou art actually and effectually cleared from guilt; thou art led out of thy prison. Thou art no more in fetters as a bond-slave; thou art delivered now from the bondage of the law; thou art freed from sin,...
Keep ReadingTuesday, February 12, 2019 "He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever." Today's Devotional Reading John 14:16 Great Father revealed himself to believers of old before the coming of his Son, and was known to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as the God Almighty. Then Jesus came, and the ever-blessed Son in his own proper person, was the delight of ...
Keep ReadingMonday, February 11, 2019 "Thou hast left thy first love." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 22:32 Ever to be remembered is that best and brightest of hours, when first we saw the Lord, lost our burden, received the roll of promise, rejoiced in full salvation, and went on our way in peace. It was spring time in the soul; the winter was past; the mutterings of Sinai's thu...
Keep ReadingSunday, February 10, 2019 "I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee." Today's Devotional Reading Isaiah 44:22 Attentively observe the instructive similitude: our sins are like a cloud. As clouds are of many shapes and shades, so are our transgressions. As clouds obscure the light of th...
Keep ReadingSaturday, February 9, 2019 "Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil or, the evil one." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 11:4 What we are taught to seek or shun in prayer, we should equally pursue or avoid in action. Very earnestly, therefore, should we avoid temptation, seeking to walk so guardedly in the path of obedience, that we may never tempt the devi...
Keep ReadingFriday, February 8, 2019 "He shall save his people from their sins." Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 1:21 Many persons, if they are asked what they understand by salvation, will reply, "Being saved from hell and taken to heaven." This is one result of salvation, but it is not one tithe of what is contained in that boon. It is true our Lord Jesus Christ does redeem a...
Keep ReadingWednesday, February 6, 2019 "Pray for one another." Today's Devotional Reading James 5:16 As an encouragement cheerfully to offer intercessory prayer, remember that such prayer is the sweetest God ever hears, for the prayer of Christ is of this character. In all the incense which our Great High Priest now puts into the golden censer, there is not a single grain for him...
Keep ReadingTuesday, February 5, 2019 "At that time Jesus answered." Today's Devotional Reading Mark 11:25 This is a singular way in which to commence a verse - "At that time Jesus answered." If you will look at the context you will not perceive that any person had asked him a question, or that he was in conversation with any human being. Yet it is written, "Jesus answered and sai...
Keep ReadingMonday, February 4, 2019 "Your refuge from the avenger of blood." Today's Devotional Reading Joshua 20:3 It is said that in the land of Canaan, cities of refuge were so arranged, that any man might reach one of them within half a day at the utmost. Even so the word of our salvation is near to us; Jesus is a present Savior, and the way to him is short; it is but a simpl...
Keep ReadingSunday, February 3, 2019 "Tell me where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon." Today's Devotional Reading Song of Solomon 1:7 These words express the desire of the believer after Christ, and his longing for present communion with him. Where doest thou feed thy flock? In thy house? I will go, if I may find thee there. In private prayer? Then I will ...
Keep ReadingSaturday, February 2, 2019 "And these are ancient things." Today's Devotional Reading 1 Chronicles 4:22 Yet not so ancient as those precious things which are the delight of our souls. Let us for a moment recount them, telling them over as misers count their gold. The sovereign choice of the Father, by which he elected us unto eternal life, or ever the earth was, is a m...
Keep ReadingFriday, February 1, 2019 "Thy love to me was wonderful." Today's Devotional Reading 2 Samuel 1:26 Come, dear readers, let each one of us speak for himself of the wonderful love, not of Jonathan, but of Jesus. We will not relate what we have been told, but the things which we have tasted and handled-of the love of Christ. Thy love to me, O Jesus, was wonderful when I wa...
Keep ReadingThursday, January 31, 2019 "Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi." Today's Devotional Reading 2 Samuel 18:23 Running is not everything, there is much in the way which we select: a swift foot over hill and down dale will not keep pace with a slower traveler upon level ground. How is it with my spiritual journey, am I laboring up the hill of my own...
Keep ReadingWednesday, January 30, 2019 "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance." Today's Devotional Reading Ephesians 1:11 When Jesus gave himself for us, he gave us all the rights and privileges which went with himself; so that now, although as eternal God, he has essential rights to which no creature may venture to pretend, yet as Jesus, the Mediator, the federal head of ...
Keep ReadingTuesday, January 29, 2019 "The dove came in to him in the evening." Today's Devotional Reading Genesis 8:11 Blessed be the Lord for another day of mercy, even though I am now weary with its toils. Unto the preserver of men lift I my song of gratitude. The dove found no rest out of the ark, and therefore returned to it; and my soul has learned yet more fully than ever, ...
Keep ReadingMonday, January 28, 2019 "And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 2:20 What was the subject of their praise? They praised God for what they had heard - for the good tidings of great joy that a Saviour was born unto them. Let us copy them; let us a...
Keep ReadingSunday, January 27, 2019 "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 2:19 There was an exercise, on the part of this blessed woman, of three powers of her being: her memory - she kept all these things; her affections - she kept them in her heart; her intellect - she pondered them; so that memory, affection, and unde...
Keep ReadingSaturday, January 26, 2019 "All they that heard it wondered at those things." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 2:18 We must not cease to wonder at the great marvels of our God. It would be very difficult to draw a line between holy wonder and real worship; for when the soul is overwhelmed with the majesty of God's glory, though it may not express itself in song, or even...
Keep ReadingFriday, January 25, 2019 "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." Today's Devotional Reading Romans 3:31 When the believer is adopted into the Lord's family, his relationship to old Adam and the law ceases at once; but then he is under a new rule, and a new covenant. Believer, you are God's child; it is your first duty to obe...
Keep ReadingThursday, January 24, 2019 "Martha was cumbered about much serving." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 10:40 Her fault was not that she served: the condition of a servant well becomes every Christian. "I serve," should be the motto of all the princes of the royal family of heaven. Nor was it her fault that she had "much serving." We cannot do too much. Let us do all that...
Keep ReadingWednesday, January 23, 2019 "We will remember thy love more than wine." Today's Devotional Reading Song of Solomon 1:4 Jesus will not let his people forget his love. If all the love they have enjoyed should be forgotten, he will visit them with fresh love. "Do you forget my cross?" says he, "I will cause you to remember it; for at my table I will manifest myself anew t...
Keep ReadingTuesday, January 22, 2019 "Doth Job fear God for nought?" Today's Devotional Reading Job 1:9 This was the wicked question of Satan concerning that upright man of old, but there are many in the present day concerning whom it might be asked with justice, for they love God after a fashion because he prospers them; but if things went ill with them, they would give up all t...
Keep ReadingMonday, January 21, 2019 "He was sore athirst, and called on the Lord, and said, thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst?" Today's Devotional Reading Judges 15:18 Samson was thirsty and ready to die. The difficulty was totally different from any which the hero had met before. Merely to get thirst assuaged is n...
Keep ReadingSunday, January 20, 2019 "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 119:36 There are divers kinds of vanity. The cap and bells of the fool, the mirth of the world, the dance, the lyre, and the cup of the dissolute, all these men know to be vanities; they wear upon their forefront their proper name and t...
Keep ReadingSaturday, January 19, 2019 "Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 24:25 He whom we viewed last evening as opening Scripture, we here perceive opening the understanding. In the first work he has many fellow-laborers, but in the second he stands alone; many can bring the Scriptures to the mind, bu...
Keep ReadingFriday, January 18, 2019 "He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 24:27 The two disciples on the road to Emmaus had a most profitable journey. Their companion and teacher was the best of tutors; the interpreter one of a thousand, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The Lord Jesu...
Keep ReadingThursday, January 17, 2019 "And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house." Today's Devotional Reading 2 Samuel 11:2 At that hour David saw Bathsheba. We are never out of the reach of temptation. Both at home and abroad we are liable to meet with allurements to evil; the morning opens with peril, ...
Keep ReadingWednesday, January 16, 2019 "The Messiah shall be cut off, but not for himself." Today's Devotional Reading Daniel 9:26 Blessed be his name, there was no cause of death in him. Neither original nor actual sin had defiled him, and therefore death had no claim upon him. No man could have taken his life from him justly, for he had done no man wrong, and no man could even ...
Keep ReadingTuesday, January 15, 2019 "But I give myself unto prayer." Today's Devotional Reading Psalm 109:4 Lying tongues were busy against the reputation of David, but he did not defend himself; he moved the case into a higher court, and pleaded before the great King himself. Prayer is the safest method of replying to words of hatred. The Psalmist prayed in no cold-hearted mann...
Keep ReadingMonday, January 14, 2019 "Beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me." Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 14:30 Sinking times are praying times with the Lord's servants. Peter neglected prayer at starting upon his venturous journey, but when he began to sink his danger made him a suppliant, and his cry though late was not too late. In our hours of bodily pain a...
Keep ReadingSunday, January 13, 2019 "The iron did swim." Today's Devotional Reading 2 Kings 6:9 The axe-head seemed hopelessly lost, and as it was borrowed, the honor of the prophetic band was likely to be imperiled, and so the name of their God to be compromised. Contrary to all expectation, the iron was made to mount from the depth of the stream and to swim; for things impossib...
Keep ReadingSaturday, January 12, 2019 "I have yet to speak on God's behalf." Today's Devotional Reading Job 36:2 We ought not to court publicity for our virtue, or notoriety for our zeal; but, at the same time, it is a sin to be always seeking to hide that which God has bestowed upon us for the good of others. A Christian is not to be a village in a valley, but "a city set upon a...
Keep ReadingFriday, January 11, 2019 "I have prayed for thee." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 22:32 How encouraging is the thought of the Redeemer's never- ceasing intercession for us. When we pray, he pleads for us; and when we are not praying, he is advocating our cause, and by his supplications shielding us from unseen dangers. Notice the word of comfort addressed to Peter - "...
Keep ReadingThursday, January 10, 2019 "In my flesh shall I see God." Today's Devotional Reading Job 19:26 Mark the subject of Job's devout anticipation "I shall see God." He does not say, "I shall see the saints" - though doubtless that will be untold felicity - but, "I shall see God." It is not - "I shall see the pearly gates, I shall behold the walls of jasper, I shall gaze upo...
Keep ReadingTuesday, January 8, 2019 "Thy love is better than wine." Today's Devotional Reading Song of Solomon 1:2 Nothing gives the believer so much joy as fellowship with Christ. He has enjoyment as others have in the common mercies of life, he can be glad both in God's gifts and God's works; but in all these separately, yea, and in all of them added together, he doth not find ...
Keep ReadingMonday, January 7, 2019 "My sister, my spouse." Today's Devotional Reading Song of Solomon 4:12 Observe the sweet titles with which the heavenly Solomon with intense affection addresses his bride the church. "My sister, one near to me by ties of nature, partaker of the same sympathies. My spouse, nearest and dearest, united to me by the tenderest bands of love; my swee...
Keep ReadingSunday, January 6, 2019 "Now the hand of the Lord was upon me in the evening." Today's Devotional Reading Ezekiel 33:22 In the way of judgment this may be the case, and, if so, be it mine to consider the reason of such a visitation, and bear the rod and him that hath appointed it. I am not the only one who is chastened in the night season; let me cheerfully submit to t...
Keep ReadingSaturday, January 5, 2019 "And God saw the light." Today's Devotional Reading Genesis 1:4 This morning we noticed the goodness of the light, and the Lord's dividing it from the darkness, we now note the special eye which the Lord had for the light. "God saw the light" - he looked at it with complacency, gazed upon it with pleasure, saw that it "was good." If the Lord h...
Keep ReadingFriday, January 4, 2019 "And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him." Today's Devotional Reading Genesis 42:8 This morning our desires went forth for growth in our acquaintance with the Lord Jesus; it may be well tonight to consider a kindred topic, namely, our heavenly Joseph's knowledge of us. This was most blessedly perfect long before we had the slightest ...
Keep ReadingThursday, January 3, 2019 "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." Today's Devotional Reading Luke 3:4 The voice crying in the wilderness demanded a way for the Lord, a way prepared, and a way prepared in the wilderness. I would be attentive to the Master's proclamation, and give him a road into my heart, cas...
Keep ReadingWednesday, January 2, 2019 "Let the people renew their strength." Today's Devotional Reading Isaiah 41:1 All things on earth need to be renewed. No created thing continueth by itself. "Thou renewest the face of the year," was the Psalmist's utterance. Even the trees, which wear not themselves with care, nor shorten their lives with labour, must drink of the rain of hea...
Keep ReadingNew Year's Day 2019 "We will be glad and rejoice in thee." Today's Devotional Reading Song of Solomon 1:4 We will be glad and rejoice in thee. We will not open the gates of the year to the dolorous notes of the sackbut, but to the sweet strains of the harp of joy, and the high-sounding cymbals of gladness. "O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise ...
Keep ReadingNew Year's Eve 2018 "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, if any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink." Today's Devotional Reading John 7:37 Patience had her perfect work in the Lord Jesus, and until the last day of the feast he pleaded with the Jews, even as on this last day of the year he pleads with us, and waits to be g...
Keep ReadingSunday, December 30, 2018 "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof." Today's Devotional Reading Ecclesiastes 7:8 Look at David's Lord and Master; see his beginning. He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Would you see the end? He sits at his Father's right hand, expecting until his enemies be made his footstool....
Keep ReadingSaturday, December 29, 2018 "What think ye of Christ?" Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 22:42 The great test of your soul's health is, What think you of Christ? Is he to you "fairer than the children of men" - "the chief among ten thousand" - the "altogether lovely"? Wherever Christ is thus esteemed, all the faculties of the spiritual man exercise themselves with ene...
Keep ReadingFriday, December 28, 2018 "The life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God." Today's Devotional Reading Galatians 2:20 When the Lord in mercy passed by and saw us in our blood, he first of all said, "Live;" and this he did first, because life is one of the absolutely essential things in spiritual matters, and until it be bestowed we are in...
Keep ReadingThursday, December 27, 2018 "And the Lord shall guide thee continually." Today's Devotional Reading Isaiah 58:11 "The Lord shall guide thee." Not an angel, but Jehovah shall guide thee. He said he would not go through the wilderness before his people, an angel should go before them to lead them in the way; but Moses said, "If thy presence go not with me, carry us not u...
Keep ReadingWednesday, December 26, 2018 "Lo, I am with you always." Today's Devotional Reading Matthew 28:20 The Lord Jesus is in the midst of his church; he walketh among the golden candlesticks; his promise is, "Lo, I am with you always." He is as surely with us now as he was with the disciples at the lake, when they saw coals of fire, and fish laid thereon and bread. Not carna...
Keep ReadingFriday, November 30, 2018 Blessed by God Opening Prayer: Grant, O Infinite God, that I may ever cling fast to Jesus Christ, my Lord. Let His heart reveal to me how You are disposed toward me. I shall look upon His heart when I desire to know who You are. The eye of my mind is blinded whenever it looks only at Your Infinity, in which You are totally present in each and ev...
Keep ReadingThursday, November 29, 2018 Your Story with God Opening Prayer: Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. (Psalm 107:1-3, ESV) Scripture: Psalm 107:1-43 Journ...
Keep ReadingWednesday, November 28, 2018 Trinity Opening Prayer: Most holy and adorable Trinity, one God in three Persons, I believe that you are here present; I adore you with the deepest humility, and render to you, with my whole heart, the homage which is due to your sovereign majesty. O my God, I most humbly thank you for all the favors you have bestowed upon me to the present m...
Keep ReadingTuesday, November 27, 2018 Transformed Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, change me - from the inside out. Make me a new person, a new creation. Help me to leave to life of the flesh behind that I might become more and more the beautiful creation you dreamt of in the beginning. Amen. Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19 Journal: How has God been transforming your life recently? In the ...
Keep ReadingMonday, November 26, 2018 Deny Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me always to choose you, instead of me. Help me to start today. Amen. Scripture: Luke 22:24-34 Journal: What is your response to the scriptures today? Where and how is God asking you to deny yourself? In what ways might you be denying him? Reflection: Notice how Christ uses the word deny twice. He said to...
Keep ReadingSunday, November 25, 2018 Word Opening Prayer: How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Psalm 119:103) Scripture: Proverbs 4:20-22 Journal: Where and how has God's word been sweet and life-giving to you lately? What is he saying to you today? Reflection: All his words contain supernatural mysteries and are full of heavenly sweetness, if o...
Keep ReadingSaturday, November 24, 2018 Detachment Opening Prayer: To you alone, O Lord, do I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. (Psalm 25:1-2) Scripture: Psalm 62:1-8 Journal: What are you demanding from friends or family that only God is able to give? What would it look like if you let go of that demand and trusted God to be the one to fully meet that need for you? How w...
Keep ReadingFriday, November 23, 2018 Continuing On Opening Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to always live life by the power of your Spirit, not by the works of my flesh. Amen. Scripture: Galatians 3:1-3 Journal: How are you "continuing on" in the life of the Spirit these days? Where and how are you tempted to revert back to the ways of the "flesh?" Reflection: I hardly know a more sole...
Keep ReadingThankgiving Day - November 22, 2018 Overflow Opening Prayer: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3, ESV) Scripture: Psalm 23:5 Journal: What is your cup doing these days? What is the state of your soul? How, and to where, is the Good Shepherd trying to lead ...
Keep ReadingWednesday, November 21, 2018 Spiritual Disciplines Opening Prayer: Help us, O Lord, to constantly make time and space for you. For if we will make the time and the space, you will be faithful to show up in it. Thanks for that. Amen. Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7-8 Journal: What things bring your spiritual to life on a regular basis? How, where, and when will you make those ...
Keep ReadingTuesday, November 20, 2018 Knocking Opening Prayer: Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you! You were within me, but I was outside, and it was there that I searched for you. In my unloveliness I plunged into the lovely things which you created. You were with me, but I was not with you. Created things kept me from you; yet if they had...
Keep ReadingSunday, November 18, 2018 Decrease Opening Prayer: O Lord, forgive me when I invest so much time and energy trying to get people to see how awesome I am, when my real job is to get out of the way and help people see how awesome you are. Lord, have mercy. Amen. Scripture: John 3:24-30 Journal: How are you trying to increase these days? How is Jesus calling you to decrea...
Keep ReadingSaturday, November 17, 2018 Honor Opening Prayer: Thank you, O Lord, that my salvation and my honor depend on you and not on me. What a relief to know that I do not have to earn or achieve either of those. Therefore, my soul can find rest in you alone. Thanks be to you! Amen. Scripture: Psalm 62:7 Journal: What does it mean to you that your salvation and your honor (va...
Keep ReadingFriday, November 16, 2018 With Opening Prayer: God is our refuge and our strength, and ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3) Scripture: Psalm 46:1-11 Journal: How aware of God's presenc...
Keep ReadingThursday, November 15, 2018 Narrative Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to see that beneath every behavior lies a narrative - a story that drives that behavior which we have convinced ourselves is true. Thank you, Lord Jesus that you came to deconstruct the narratives within us that are false and replace them with ones that are true. After all, it is the truth that set...
Keep ReadingWednesday, November 14, 2018 Rest Opening Prayer: Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. Scripture: Psalm 62:5 Journal: How do you find rest in God? What keeps you from it? How will you rest in him today? Reflection: rest when the world is pressing in and my heart a jumble of anxiety and weariness i look to You i come to the quiet where your f...
Keep ReadingTuesday, November 13, 2018 Aware Opening Prayer: Don't let me miss you, O Lord. Do not let me allow the craziness and chaos of my life to keep me from seeing and knowing that you are always with me. Help me, in all times and in all circumstances, to be still and know that you are God. Amen. Scripture: Genesis 28:10-22 Journal: How aware are you of God's presence and wo...
Keep ReadingMonday, November 12, 2018 Abide Opening Prayer: Abide in me and I will abide in you. Scripture: John 15:1-11 Journal: What does God's invitation for you to abide in him do within you today? How will you take him up on his invitation? Reflection: We ministers of the Gospel, how we are in danger of getting into a condition of work, work, work! And we pray over it, but t...
Keep ReadingSunday, November 11, 2018 Shepherded Opening Prayer: God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook ma...
Keep ReadingFriday, November 9, 2018 Nothing Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to always remember that I am absolutely nothing apart from you, but more than I could ever ask or imagine when I abide in you. Help me to do that this day. Amen. Scripture: John 15:5 Journal: What is your sense of your own nothingness today? When and how are you trying to be something apart from Jesus...
Keep ReadingThursday, November 8, 2018 Exalted Opening Prayer: Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted in the heavens, I will be exalted on earth. The Lord Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Psalm 46:10-11) Scripture: Psalm 46:10 Journal: How is God being exalted in your life? How and where are you trying to exalt yourself instead? How does that aff...
Keep ReadingWednesday, November 7, 2018 Unshaken Opening Prayer: Be my ever-present help in trouble, O God, and let my faith in you not be determined by how I want things to work out, but by an unflinching trust in your unfailing love. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 46:1-11 Journal: How do you trust God even when things don't go the way you'd hoped they would? Reflection: The Lord is our...
Keep ReadingTuesday, November 6, 2018 All Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, you made yourself nothing. Nothing! Not something, but nothing. And you call me to do the same. Give me the grace and the strength and the courage to follow your example. Amen. Scripture: Philippians 2:5-8 Journal: How do you make yourself nothing? How are you tempted to make yourself something? What does it loo...
Keep ReadingMonday, November 5, 2018 Almighty Opening Prayer: Thank you, Almighty God, that you are with us. Thank you, O God of Jacob, that you are our fortress. May we find our rest and refuge in you. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 46:1-11 Journal: What does it do within you to know that the Lord Almighty is with you? Reflection: If you want to understand the keeping, remember that it ...
Keep ReadingSunday, November 4, 2018 Listen to Him Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, shut our mouths and open our ears, that we might hear your voice and order our lives accordingly. Amen. Scripture: Matthew 17:1-5 Journal: In what ways (or areas of life) do you need to listen to him these days? How can you encourage others to listen to him? Reflection: While he was speaking, a bright ...
Keep ReadingSaturday, November 3, 2018 Join In Opening Prayer: Lord God, you have breathed your life-giving breath into all of creation. Help us to have eyes to see and ears to hear your song of joy in all that is around us, that we might join in that song with all that is within us. Scripture: Isaiah 55:12-13 Journal: What is your soul most like these days, a thorn bush or a pine...
Keep ReadingFriday, November 2, 2018 Pour Opening Prayer: O God, you who expressed yourself fully in the Lord Jesus, help us - we who are made in your image - to be living expressions of your love, care, and creativity in this world. For it is only when we pour ourselves out, that we are being most like your Son. Help us to do just that, today and every day. Amen. Scripture: Philip...
Keep ReadingThursday, November 1, 2018 Will You? Opening Prayer: O God of all creation, you made us each to fearfully and wonderfully express you in a way no one else ever can or will. Give us the grace and the courage to be the people you made us to be. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:14-27 Journal: Will you use your gift today? How? Reflection: ...
Keep ReadingWednesday, October 31, 2018 Nothing Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to always remember your example, that the way to becoming something is by making ourselves nothing - for you. Give us the grace and the courage to do as you did. Amen. Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11 Journal: How are you trying to make yourself something these days? What would it look like to make yo...
Keep ReadingTuesday, October 30, 2018 Silence Opening Prayer: For God alone my soul waits in silence. (Psalm 62:1, ESV) Scripture: Psalm 62:1-6 Journal: What role does silence play in your spiritual journey? How might the practice of silence nurture the life of God within you? When, where, and how will you incorporate some silence into your life? Reflection: silence there is a...
Keep ReadingMonday, October 29, 2018 From Leading to Being Led Opening Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I am still so divided. I truly want to follow you, but I also want to follow my own desires and lend an ear to the voices that speak about prestige, success, popularity, pleasure, power, and influence. Help me to become deaf to those voices and more attentive to your voice, which calls me...
Keep ReadingSunday, October 28, 2018 Getting Ready Opening Prayer: O Lord, my God, as I come to you in this hour I realize that I am not ready to pray. My heart and my mind are still so full of noise and distractions. Settle me, O God. Calm my mind and still my soul. Plant me by the stream and let me become still and quiet and aware of your love and your presence. Then I will be rea...
Keep ReadingFriday, October 26, 2018 We Opening Prayer: How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. (Ps...
Keep ReadingThursday, October 25, 2018 Loved Opening Prayer: I feel your love as you hold me to your sacred heart, my beloved Jesus, my God, my Master, but I feel, too, the need I have of your tenderness, and your caress because of my infinite weakness. - Charles de Foucauld Scripture: 1 John 4:19 Journal: Do you understand how deeply you are love by the Father? He is very fond of...
Keep ReadingWednesday, October 24, 2018 Give Opening Prayer: Father, you give to me with a lavish hand, you do not withhold from me of your great grace and mercy. Let me live and serve you also with a generous heart. In the name of your Son, who gave his all. Amen. (Disciplines for the Inner Life by Bob Benson and Michael W. Benson) Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 Journal: Where a...
Keep ReadingTuesday, October 23, 2018 Blessed Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me for always trying to be something, when you have called me to become nothing. Ironically, the only way I can ever hope to become nothing, is to believe that you alone make me something. Lord, have mercy. Amen. Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12 Journal: What do you hear God saying to you today? Reflection...
Keep ReadingMonday, October 22, 2018 Ever Present Opening Prayer: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3, NIV) Scripture: Psalm 46:1-11 Journal: How aware of God's pre...
Keep ReadingSunday, October 21, 2018 Who Opening Prayer: Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:28-29, NIV) Scripture: Isaiah 40:12-31 Journal: Who is God to you...
Keep ReadingSaturday, October 20, 2018 Drink Up Opening Prayer: O God, fountain of life, you invite us continually to come and drink from your river of delights. Why on earth do we not do that more often? Scripture: Psalm 36:5-10 Journal: Why do you not drink more often from the wells of God? What keeps you from it? What helps you to do it? Will you stop and drink today? Reflecti...
Keep ReadingFriday, October 19, 2018 Ecstasy Opening Prayer: Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine. Scripture: Song of Solomon 1:2 Journal: Sit still in God's presence this day and receive his kiss. Reflection: Let us not suppose ecstasy is ruled out for ordinary people like ourselves. It is not as though we had invented it, or as though ...
Keep ReadingThursday, October 18, 2018 Led Opening Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I am still so divided. I truly want to follow you, but I also want to follow my own desires and lend an ear to the voices that speak about prestige, success, popularity, pleasure, power, and influence. Help me to become deaf to those voices and more attentive to your voice, which calls me to choose the narro...
Keep ReadingWednesday, October 17, 2018 Prayer Opening Prayer: God - you're my God! I can't get enough of you! I've worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory. In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains. I bless you e...
Keep ReadingTuesday, October 16, 2018 Arise Opening Prayer: O Lord, my God, Lover of my soul, you call me to arise and come with you. Give me the grace and the courage to do so. Through Christ, Amen. Scripture: Song of Solomon 2:10-13 Journal: What does "Arise, and come with me" look like for you right now? Reflection: arise song of songs 2:10-13 neither mood nor circumstance...
Keep ReadingMonday, October 15, 2018 Unity Opening Prayer: How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell together in unity. It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forever...
Keep ReadingSunday, October 14, 2018 Alive Opening Prayer: Make us alive, Lord Jesus, for if you don't we can only be dead forever. Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-7 Journal: How has Christ brought you to life? How is he currently making you alive? Reflection: But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgr...
Keep ReadingSaturday, October 13, 2018 Very Good Opening Prayer: O Lord, our God, when you breathed the world into being you looked at it all and said it was "very good." Thank you that we are a part of your very good creation. Thank you that the blessing preceded the fall. Help us to be a part of reversing the effects of the fall and restoring all things to their creation intent. T...
Keep ReadingFriday, October 12, 2018 Let It Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, you say, "Let my peace rule in your heart" and "Let my word dwell in your richly." All I have to do is let them. Why do I make it so difficult? Scripture: Colossians 3:15-17 Journal: Is Christ's peace ruling in your heart? Is Christ's word dwelling in you richly? If not, why not? Why are you not letting them h...
Keep ReadingThursday, October 11, 2018 God's Will Opening Prayer: Thank you, O Lord, that you are not trying to trick us. Knowing your will is really not all that complicated. You are not playing some cosmic game of hide and seek. Nor are you some tricky game-show-host-sort-of-God who is making us pick between door number one and door number two, knowing full well that disaster awai...
Keep ReadingWednesday, October 10, 2018 Parents Opening Prayer: O Lord, my God, you are indeed a good, good Father. Thank you for the way you have parented me through the years. How do I offer the same space and guidance and grace that you have offered me? Scripture: Ephesians 6:4 Journal: How were you parented? How has God parented you through the years? What does it look like to...
Keep ReadingTuesday, October 9, 2018 Goals and Rest Opening Prayer: Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 62:5-6, NIV) Scripture: Psalm 62:5-8 Journal: How do you find rest in God alone? What helps? What hinders? Reflection: So, I found something out on my latest vacation. ...
Keep ReadingMonday, October 8, 2018 Seek Opening Prayer: O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you. (Psalm 63:1) Scripture: Psalm 63:1, Matthew 6:33 Journal: What are you really seeking these days? How are you seeking God for what it can do for you, rather than seeking him for who he is? Reflection: Why do you seek God? No, really? What is the real reason? Go ahead, dig down be...
Keep ReadingSunday, October 7, 2018 Enemies Opening Prayer: To you, O Lord. I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. (Psalm 25:1-2) Scripture: Psalm 25:1-10 Journal: Who or what are the most regular enemies of your heart and soul? How do you fight them? How often do you triumph over them? Reflection: How often...
Keep ReadingSaturday, October 6, 2018 Fire Opening Prayer: Set a fire down in my soul that I can't contain, that I can't control. I want more of you God. I want more of you God. - Will Reagan Scripture: Acts 2:1-21 Journal: How and where is the fire of God's Spirit burning within you these days? What nurtures that fire? What hinders it? Reflection: fire burning within consuming...
Keep ReadingFriday, October 5, 2018 Still and Silent Opening Prayer: O Lord, let me never be presumptuous. Let me never begin my prayers with words rather than silence. Let me be still and silent before you, before I dare utter a word in your presence. Let me listen, in order that I might speak. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 46:10 Journal: Where does listening and being still fit into yo...
Keep ReadingThursday, October 4, 2018 Kissed Opening Prayer: I feel your love as you hold me to your sacred heart, my beloved Jesus, my God, my Master, but I feel, too, the need I have of your tenderness, and your caress because of my infinite weakness. - Charles de Foucauld Scripture: Song of Solomon 1:2 Journal: What is God's invitation to you today? How is he drawing you into m...
Keep ReadingWednesday, October 3, 2018 Listen Opening Prayer: Speak, O Lord, for your servant is listening. Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-21 Journal: How do you listen to God? What has he said to you lately? Reflection: how to listen butt in seat turn off phone quiet the noise come to stillness pay attention open ears wait wait wait Prayer for the church, for others, for myself Glo...
Keep ReadingTuesday, October 2, 2018 Must Opening Prayer: My God, I wish to give myself to thee. Give me the courage to do so. - Francois Fenelon Scripture: 1 Kings 8:54-61 Journal: What are your "musts" these days? What are God's "musts" for you? Reflection: We who have heard the call of our God to a life of entire consecration and perfect trust, must do differently from all thi...
Keep ReadingMonday, October 1, 2018 Stilled and Quieted Opening Prayer: I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord now and forevermore. (Psalm 131:2-3, NIV) Scripture: Psalm 131:1-3 Journal: What is the state of your soul these days? Why? What would it take to still and calm ...
Keep ReadingSunday, September 30, 2018 Dwell In The Land Opening Prayer: O Lord, I am so prone to worry and fret and struggle, when you offer me a much better alternative - trust and enjoyment and delight. Help me to live the way you desire me to live today, rather than the way I usually do. In your name and by your power I pray. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 37:3-4 Journal: Where are wo...
Keep ReadingSaturday, September 29, 2018 Lay Down Your Life Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that you laid down your life for us. Give us the grace and the courage to lay down our lives for one another. Lord, have mercy. Christ have mercy. Amen. Scripture: 1 John 3:16-18 Journal: Where and how is God asking you to lay down your life these days? Reflection: The laying down of...
Keep ReadingFriday, September 28, 2018 Write Me Opening Prayer: O Jesus, speak to me during this time about the story you are telling, the story I was made for. Open my eyes, Lord, to the ways that story is being told - and lived - in the events and circumstances of this day. Show me how all that happens to me this day echoes your larger Story if only I will keep my heart focused on...
Keep ReadingThursday, September 27, 2018 Shame Opening Prayer: To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you, O Lord, will ever be put to shame. (Psalm 25:1-3, NIV) Scripture: Psalm 25:1-3 Journal: How are shame and self-contempt affecting your life these days? How do you ...
Keep ReadingWednesday, September 26, 2018 Psalm 131 Opening Prayer: Forgive me, O God, when I start thinking more of myself, and my efforts, than I ought. Remind me that you are the only one who can change lives. Help me to pit my hope in you, rather than in my own gifts and efforts. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 131:1-3 Journal: Where in your life are you trying to grow larger and highe...
Keep ReadingTuesday, September 25, 2018 Breath Opening Prayer: O Loving God, who breathed me into being, breathe your Divine Breath in me again this day - that I might be filled with your life and guided by the winds of your Spirit. For the sake of your Son. Amen. (The Blue Book by Jim Branch) Scripture: Genesis 2:4-7 Journal: How is the Spirit giving life and breath to your soul ...
Keep ReadingMonday, September 23, 2018 Together Opening Prayer: How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life foreverm...
Keep ReadingSunday, September 23, 2018 Arrogance Opening Prayer: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore...
Keep ReadingSaturday, September 22, 2018 Wait Opening Prayer: I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his words I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. (Psalm 130:5-7) Scripture: Psalm 130:5-...
Keep ReadingFriday, September 21, 2018 Stop Opening Prayer: Stop us, O God, when we go running off in a-million-and-one directions instead of being still and quiet and allowing your voice to speak to us and direct us. For when we do not stop, look, and listen, there's a good chance we are following ourselves rather than following you. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 46:10 Journal: What or ...
Keep ReadingThursday, September 20, 2018 131 Opening Prayer: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. (P...
Keep ReadingWednesday, September 19, 2018 Low Opening Prayer: From the heights we leap and go To the valleys down below Always answering to the call To the lowest place of all From the heights we leap and go To the valleys down below Sweetest urge and sweetest will To go lower, lower still (Hinds' Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard) Scripture: Matthew 18:1-4 Journal: W...
Keep ReadingTuesday, September 18, 2018 Being and Doing Opening Prayer: O Lord, my God, I get so busy doing all of the things that I "need" to do every day, that sometimes I lose touch with who you have called me to be. Help me, O Lord, to only do that which helps me to become more and more who you want me to be. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 37:3-8 Journal: What is the tension between d...
Keep ReadingMonday, September 17, 2018 Must Opening Prayer: Compel us, Lord Jesus, by your great love; that we might follow you with glad and joyful hearts, wherever you may lead. Amen. Scripture: Luke 9:21-25 Journal: How are these verses taking shape in your life these days? How do you think Jesus wants them to take shape in your life? What does that look like? Reflection: If a...
Keep ReadingSunday, September 16, 2018 One Thing Opening Prayer: One thing I ask of you, O Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in your house all the days of my life. That I may gaze on your beauty, O Lord, and to seek you in your temple. Amen. (Psalm 25:4) Scripture: Luke 18:18-25, Luke 10:38-42 Journal: What is the one thing you lack? What is the one thing for you? How wi...
Keep ReadingSaturday, September 15, 2018 Walk Opening Prayer: Late have I loved you, O Beauty, so ancient and so new, late have I loved you! And behold, you were within me and I was outside, and there I sought for you, and in my deformity I rushed headlong into the well-formed things that you have made. You were with me, and I was not with you. - St. Augustine Scripture: Jeremiah 6...
Keep ReadingFriday, September 14, 2018 True Community Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we be one as you are one. May we continually pour precious oil on each other's heads. Teach us how to love each other fully and freely. In the name of Jesus. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3, Genesis 2:18-3:13 Journal: What is true community marked by? What inhibits or opposes it? Reflection:...
Keep ReadingThursday, September 13, 2018 Humility Opening Prayer: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermor...
Keep ReadingWednesday, September 12, 2018 Spiritual Practice Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to live in such a way that we will recognize you when you come and walk along with us. Amen. Scripture: Luke 24:13-35 Journal: What things help you be more aware and attentive to the presence and movement of God in your life? How often do you practice those things? How can you intentio...
Keep ReadingTuesday, September 11, 2018 Follow Me Opening Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I am still so divided. I truly want to follow you, but I also want to follow my own desires and lend an ear to the voices that speak about prestige, success, popularity, pleasure, power, and influence. Help me to become deaf to those voices and more attentive to your voice, which calls me to choose th...
Keep ReadingMonday, September 10, 2018 Dying to Self Opening Prayer: O God, this call to die is so scary and unnerving; no wonder I try to control it. The truth is that I can't possibly die to self if you do not give me the courage and the grace. Yet, that is exactly what you call me to. So help me to surrender myself completely into your hands and trust you, wherever it may lead. I...
Keep ReadingSunday, September 9, 2018 Determine Opening Prayer: Forgive me, O God, when I allow my circumstances, or the conditions of my life, to determine me. You want way more for me than that. Your love is really better than life. And you, the God of all creation, are my help. Let those be the things that determine how I live. Amen. Scripture: Psalm 63 Journal: What are your c...
Keep ReadingSaturday, September 8, 2018 Glorify Your Name Opening Prayer: Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. (Psalm 115:1) Scripture: John 12:23-28 Journal: What do your prayers look like these days? How do these verses challenge that? What does "Father, glorify your name" look like in your life right now? Reflection...
Keep ReadingFriday, September 7, 2018 Follow Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that life with you is really not that complicated. You call us to listen to you and to follow you, even as you head toward the cross. Give us the strength and the grace and the courage to do just that. Amen. Scripture: John 10:25-30 Journal: What does following Jesus look like for you these days? Wh...
Keep ReadingThursday, September 6, 2018 Savor Opening Prayer: Eternal One, let me understand my end and how brief my earthly existence is; help me realize my life is fleeting. You have determined the length of my days, and my life is nothing compared to You. Even the longest life is only a breath. In truth, each of us journeys through life like a shadow. We busy ourselves accomplish...
Keep ReadingWednesday, September 5, 2018 Flip This House Opening Prayer: Unless the Eternal builds the house, those who labor to raise it will have worked for nothing. Unless the Eternal stands watch over the city, those who guard it have wasted their time. God provides for His own. It is pointless to get up early, work hard, and go to bed late anxiously laboring for food to eat; fo...
Keep ReadingTuesday, September 4, 2018 Cast Your Cares Opening Prayer: O Lord, help me to cast all of my anxiety - my worries, my concerns, my burdens - upon you because you love me. I do not have to face or fight them on my own, if only I will let go and give them completely to you. Give me the ability to do so. Amen. Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-7 Journal: What are you doing with your...
Keep ReadingMonday, September 3, 2018 Yeast Opening Prayer: Keep the Festival of Unraised Bread! This marks the exact day I brought you out in force from the land of Egypt. Honor the day down through your generations, a fixed festival to be observed always. In the first month, beginning on the fourteenth day at evening until the twenty-first day at evening, you are to eat unraised b...
Keep ReadingSunday, September 2, 2018 Staying Opening Prayer: Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thr...
Keep ReadingSaturday, September 1, 2018 Eyes Opening Prayer: I lift my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2) Scripture: Psalm 123:1-4 Journal: What are your eyes focused on these days? What impact is it having on your life or heart? How might you fix your eyes of God instead? Reflection: In the...
Keep ReadingFriday, August 31, 2018 Expression Opening Prayer: Lord God, thank you that you fully and completely expressed yourself to us in Jesus. Now we do not have to wonder what you are really like because you have shown us your Great Heart of Love. Amen. Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-4 Journal: What does it mean that Christ was the full and complete expression of God? How has God ex...
Keep ReadingThursday, August 30, 2018 Complete Opening Prayer: Complete me, O God, in your own time and in your own way, that I may be a better and better expression of you in the world. Amen. Scripture: James 1:2-4, Philippians 1:3-6 Journal: How is God working to complete you these days? What are obvious areas of growth? What areas are still lacking/in process? Reflection: God'...
Keep ReadingWednesday, August 29, 2018 Strongholds Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that you alone hold the power to demolish the strongholds in our lives. Will-power won't do it. Good old-fashioned grit and determination won't do it. All of our best efforts and intentions won't do it. We've tried all that - over and over - and found it woefully lacking. Only you can give us wh...
Keep ReadingTuesday, August 28, 2018 Will You Really? Opening Prayer: Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding and my whole will. All that I am and all that I possess, Thou hast given me: I surrender it all to Thee to be disposed of according to Thy will. Give me only Thy love and Thy grace; with these I will be rich enough and will desire nothing mor...
Keep ReadingMonday, August 27, 2018 Trust Opening Prayer: Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore. (Psalm 125:1-2, NIV) Scripture: Psalm 125:1-2 Journal: What does it look like to trust in the Lord? Does it keep you from being shaken? ...
Keep ReadingSunday, August 26, 2018 The Long Way Opening Prayer: O God, help us to trust you, even when the way is long and the road is hard and there seems to be no end in sight. Help us to REALLY trust that you are doing something very good in us, so that we will REALLY have your peace. Amen. Scripture: Exodus 13:17-22 Journal: Where in your life does it feel like God is leading...
Keep ReadingSaturday, August 25, 2018 A New Land Opening Prayer: Lord God, there are so many times and so many places in my heart and life where I am still resistant to you and unwilling to let you have your way with me. I am unwilling to follow you to uncomfortable or unknown places. I am unwilling to set aside my own convenience and comfort to embrace your desire and direction for...
Keep ReadingFriday, August 24, 2018 God Directed Opening Prayer: Father, you alone know what lies before me this day, grant that in every hour of it I may stay close to you. Let me today embark on no undertaking that is not in line with your will for my life, nor shrink from any sacrifice which your will may demand. Suggest, direct, control every movement of my mind; for my Lord Chr...
Keep ReadingThursday, August 23, 2018 He Sat Down Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, Lamb of God and Great High Priest, you are our living sacrifice. You alone make us clean and pure and holy. You alone do for us what the blood of sheep and bulls could never do. Thank you that through your sacrifice we might be brought back into loving union with the One who made us for himself. It is what...
Keep ReadingWednesday, August 22, 2018 Truth Opening Prayer: Lord God, help me to hear your voice and to believe the truth of it the way your Son Jesus did in the desert. Do not allow the voice of the enemy to deceive or discourage me, but help me to trust in you. Amen. Scripture: Matthew 3:17-4:11 Journal: What voices are dominant in your life right now? What are they saying? Are...
Keep ReadingTuesday, August 21, 2018 Psalm 133 Opening Prayer: All praise and thanks to thee, most merciful God, for adopting us as thine own children, for incorporating us into thy holy Church, and for making us worthy to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Grant us, we pray, all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within ...
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