Title: A Strange Diet / Topic: Transformation

Today’s Reading: John 5, John 6

Scripture: John 6:53-58
53 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever."

Observation: The crowd listening to these words of Jesus reacted with a combination of horror and disgust, noting that this was a hard teaching. They were appalled at the idea of cannibalism that Jesus was advocating, and many people who had been following him to this point abandoned him. But being a disciple means accepting the difficult teachings as well as the easy ones.

Application: The older I get the more I understand the truth of these words. The old saying, "You are what you eat", applies. As I "eat" Jesus, he becomes my sustenance and I cannot live without him. I would die if I refused to eat food. In the same way, I would die without taking in Jesus. His body and blood become a part of me as I obey him and I am changed from a person who responds as any natural human being would to one who is able to respond like Jesus did.

Prayer: Father, I have experienced the changes in me as I eat the flesh and drink the blood of your Son, Jesus. It is a horribly graphic picture of the wonderful transformation that I continue to experience as my "diet" becomes limited to the Son. I don't want anymore junk food, but only that which will make me more like you. I have to admit, it's emotionally painful experiences that have taught me to be disciplined in my diet, and while I don't enjoy the pain, I do treasure the growth in my spirit and knowing you more intimately. Thank you for providing such rich food.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Go Tell It/ Topic: Witnessing

Today's Reading: John 2; John 3; John 4

Scripture: John 4:28-30
28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

Observation/Application : Witnessing takes no special theological training. Some people have told me they are afraid to witness because people might ask them a question abut the Bible that they don't know the answer to. This woman did the most effective kind of witnessing that anyone can do; she simply told about what Jesus did for her personally. No one can argue with that. She didn't even claim she knew for sure he was the Christ. She just enthusiastically shared her amazement at what he he had done for her and suggested that people come check him out. Anyone can do this. We just need to share our experiences with Jesus. If we share what we have experienced with enthusiasm, then others will be intrigued as well.

Prayer: Father, I thank you that you make things so simple for us. You don't ask us to do anything too difficult or that we need special training for. You set us up for success. Give me more opportunities to share with others all the wonderful things you have done for me. I love you so much and want others to experience the wonder of the freedom, love and forgiveness you bring.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: A New Name / Topic: Identity

Today's Reading: 2 Peter 1; 2 Peter 2; 2 Peter 3; John 1

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1
1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

Observation: Peter introduces himself with a name that embodies both his earthly and heavenly identities. He was named Simon by his parents and grew up, as we all do, with certain labels being put on him that told him he had both negative and positive characteristics. But Jesus met him and gave him a new name, Peter, that foretold of a new identity forged from the character that the Spirit would place in him (see John 1:42). He was known to be rash, but he would become a solid “rock” that would be known for his steadfastness and leadership. In his name Peter had a constant reminder of where he had come from and where he was headed for eternity.

Application: We all receive a new identity when we receive Jesus. I need to focus on my new identity and live up to the high calling it gives me. It's good to remember where I came from; it should provide a contrast to where the Lord has brought me to and as a result, a grateful heart. But I need to have my sights set on my new name, the one God gives me, so that I'm motivated to live up t it and refuse to indulge the weaknesses of my sin nature that I was born into in the physical realm. I am in this world but no longer of it.

Prayer: Father, sometimes I focus too much on the restrictions and weaknesses of my past. Help me to keep in mind that you have redeemed me from that and have given me a new nature that supercedes the limitations of my old nature that was bound in sin. Thank you that I am free to reach new heights of greatness because of what you have done for me. May I live up to my new name and thank you that you have brought me out of the former limitations of my old one.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Be Good for Goodness' Sake/ Topic: Purity

Today's Reading: 1 Peter 1; 1 Peter 2; 1 Peter 3; 1 Peter 4; 1 Peter 5

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-12
11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Observation: There are two related messages that I see here. 1) Indulging in sin may give me some temporary pleasure but it creates a war within me that will make it harder for me to do the good that I really want to do. Sin weakens my will so that I accomplish less in life, struggle with intimacy with God, and find it easy to make moral compromises that will cause non-believers to mock my faith. 2) Even if I live a blameless life, non-believers will not necessarily glorify God because of my good deeds until God's return, when they will no longer be able to deny the truth.

Application: Weighing the benefits of sin against the benefits of restraining sensual indulgence in favor of living a holy life makes the choices I face daily come into clear focus. The pleasure of indulging in immediate gratification is not worth the guilt, shame, lack of ability to hear God's voice and experience his power, lack of living a productive life, and spiritual hardness that come when I disobey God's guidelines for living. Doing good because it's the right thing to do is the way to go. Pleasing God leads to happiness; pleasing people never does in the long run.

Prayer: Father, I want to be strong in living a disciplined life which ultimately brings the peace, love and joy that I want and need. Help me to put to death the desires of my sinful nature, which seeks to enslave me, and to embrace the spiritual disciplines that bring true freedom and happiness in the end.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Seeing with Blind Eyes/ Topic: Self-Deception

Today's Reading: James 1; James 2; James 3; James 4; James 5

Scripture: James 1:22
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Observation: If we just listen to the Word of God without acting on what it says we are like a blind person who thinks he sees clearly; we are deceived. I think this happens because listening to the Word gives us the feeling that we know God and have the “truth” of correct doctrine. It's the same reason the Pharisees believed they were spiritually superior while completely missing the Messiah that was God is the flesh. We have to be obedient, doers of the Word , in order to avoid deceiving ourselves with a false sense of spirituality.

Application: If my life is not impacted by the Word so that it changes my attitudes, thoughts and behavior then Jesus is not my Lord. The very word Lord implies he calls all the shots. I conform t him, not the other way round. That means I forgive everyone every time they offend me. It means I love my enemies and do good to those who persecute me. It means I submit to the human authority figures that Gd has placed in my life. It means, in short, that I get rid of all self-centeredness and become God-centered.

Prayer: Father, show me my own heart. I want my life to conform to yours. Not my will but thine be done. May this always be my prayer.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Stop Your Whining!/ Topic: Character Development

Today's Reading: Hebrews 12; Hebrews 13; Jude 1

Scripture: Hebrews 12:4-11
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Observation/Application: I tend to whine and complain to God when I feel I am undergoing undeserved trials. But Jesus, who I am supposed to be patterning my life after, shed his own blood to defeat sin, and he certainly bore that undeserved suffering with grace! So I need to stop my whining when others treat me poorly and use those hardships as lessons to develop the same grace that Jesus had. Paul tells me to endure hardship as discipline. He also says that these words are words of encouragement. I can think of better ways to be encouraged! But with every hardship I endure, I do have an opportunity to practice grace, forgiveness, self-control (in not speaking poorly to others of those who hurt me), love, patience, and all the other fruits of the Spirit. I have had lots of opportunity to get this right and haven't had the greatest track record. But God, in his grace, keeps giving me more opportunities. In fact, I know that it is true that hardship and suffering test and reveal our character more than anything else. It's easy to have a great attitude when things are going well. It's when life isn't going well that we can see what we truly are made of.

Prayer: Father, I repent of not dealing with hardship, especially ingratitude and disrespect from those I love, with the grace that you would display. May I be one who is known for being kind, respectful and gracious even to those who treat me wrongly. I want to be just like Jesus, who forgave those who were crucifying him. I have never had to go that far in showing grace, but I would want to be able to if called upon to do so. Make me like you Lord. I thank you for the grace you have shown me.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: The Perfect Christian/ Topic: Purpose

Today's Reading: Hebrews 9; Hebrews 10; Hebrews 11

Scripture: Hebrews 10:7
7 Then I said, 'Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, O God.' "

Observation: This short statement made by Jesus to his Father in heaven contains the secret to being a “perfect” Christian (perfect in the sense of understanding what a disciple is supposed to be). It is the statement of his purpose in coming to earth. It is also the same purpose we were created for, and when we fulfill this purpose, we ourselves are fulfilled in every way. This purpose is to do the will of God. And just as Jesus had things written abut him “in the scroll”, we also are told that we have good works that were prepared by God beforehand (meaning before we were born) that we should do.

Application: I need to keep in mind that this short statement contains all I need to know to fulfill the purpose God has for me on earth. Will this understanding keep me from making mistakes? Of course not. But it will keep me listening to the voice of his Spirit for direction and keep me from straying too far off course. I am to always do what the Father's will is. The Christian life is no more complicated than that.

Prayer: Father, thank you for sending Jesus. Not only did he provide the way for us to be redeemed but he also gave us the pattern for living in alignment with you. May I always be telling you that “Here I am, I am here to do your will.” I know you will always show me what that is.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: The "Un-Cool" Jesus/ Topic: Judging Others

Today's Reading: Hebrews 5; Hebrews 6; Hebrews 7; Hebrews 8

Scripture: Hebrews 5:7
7 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

Observation: There is so much deep theology in Hebrews that it is funny that this verse should catch my attention. I never noticed before, in all the many times I've read Hebrews, that Jesus prayed with loud cries and tears. We are so concerned about “cool” and social decorum that we look down on people that are overly emotional in church (or anywhere else). Hmm. I wonder, if Jesus were to show up in my church dressed in modern clothes and praying with loud cries and tears, would I think him to be emotionally unbalanced and needing to be instructed in how not to be disruptive to the flow of the Spirit? Food for thought. Maybe it's my ideas of what's “proper” that need to change.

Application: I worship in a pentecostal church and consider myself to be open to the Spirit. But I still have my own cultural biases that don't necessarily line up with God's viewpoint on how things should or should not be done. I need to re-examine some of these biases based on what the Word says. Maybe I need to learn to not only be more tolerant of emotional, loud praying in church and other Christian gatherings but also need to learn to pray that way more myself.

Prayer: Okay Father, I will let you change me where you want to change me. I know you understand the cultures we come from and the strengths and weaknesses of each. I don't think my cultural norms are bad, but I do need to realize that they aren't the "gold standard" of judging the behavior of others either. Help me to be accepting of others and where they come from and to adjust where I need to adjust. Thank you Lord for your Word.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide / Topic: Accountability

Today's Reading: Philemon 1; Hebrews 1; Hebrews 2; Hebrews 3; Hebrews 4

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12-16
12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Observation: I have nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. My thoughts, motives and actions are judged by the Word and known to God. And I will give an account to him for even the most secret attitudes I have had. That is a scary thought. But the solution is in verses 14-16. I have a high priest who has suffered through the same temptations as I have but he has done so without sinning, ever. He knows the way to victory. Not only has he provided for my forgiveness, he has also provided for grace to overcome sin and grow in holiness.

Application: I need not be afraid of standing before God with everything in my life laid bare before him if I stay close to my Redeemer and submit to the Spirit of grace. If I choose to rebel or ignore the warnings in the Word and refuse the help offered me by his grace then I should be afraid indeed.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the solution to all my dilemmas. Thank you for grace and mercy. Thank you for coming and suffering and rising victorious over sin so that I may share in your love and glory forever.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: You Know Me / Topic: Discipleship

Today's Reading: 2 Timothy 1; 2 Timothy 2; 2 Timothy 3; 2 Timothy 4

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:10-11, 14
10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. ...
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,

Observation: Paul is encouraging Timothy to keep on the path he has been instructed in based on the fact that Timothy knows Paul, and the others who have taught him, very well. Timothy has watched and has seen the consistency with which Paul has lived by the principles he teaches. It is on the basis of their relationship that Paul appeals to Timothy to continue in that teaching and way of life.

Application: I need to make sure my life can be an example someone can follow and use it as a basis for calling others to follow me as I follow Christ. There is nothing wrong with saying to someone, “Hey, you know me. You've seen me through all kinds of circumstances. Follow me more than you would others who may teach well but who you are not well acquainted with.” Relationship is key to discipleship.

Prayer: Father, help me to be the best example of a disciple to others. May I be bold in calling others to follow you as Paul was. I know others are watching me. Help me to be consistent in all I do.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: The True and the Phony/ Topic: Discerning Faith

Today's Reading: 1 Timothy 5; 1 Timothy 6; Titus 1; Titus 2; Titus 3

Scripture: Titus 1:10, 16 and 2:11
10 For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group.
16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

Observation: Paul is instructing Titus that even in the church there will be people who act like they are holy but who are really deceivers. They claim to have spiritual authority and knowledge of God but “by their actions they deny him”. What actions tell us if they are true disciples or phony? The reference to the circumcision group indicates that one of their characteristics is a legalistic adherence to the Law as a means of salvation. Another key marker is a disobedient attitude. They are arrogant and unsubmissive. They do not take advice or correction easily, even from leaders with a proven track record. And they don't conform their lives to the Word through the power of the Spirit. They don't restrain sensual indulgence. Anyone who is a true believer learns to say “No” to ungodly desires, as defined in the Word, in increasing measure as they grow in Christ.

Application: These verses not only instruct us in how to discern true disciples from phony ones in order to protect ourselves and the Church but it gives us warning signals so that we may repent if we see any of these characteristics begin to take hold in our own lives. We need to examine ourselves in the light of these scriptures because anyone can become a religious hypocrite if they hold themselves to be an authority in spiritual matters and judge others more strictly than they judge themselves. Am I rebellious to authority? Do I receive correction with grace? Am I legalistic? Am I growing in my ability to say “No” to ungodly desires? I need to ask myself these questions and also listen to how others would answer them about me because we do not often judge ourselves crrectly. If the answers are not what they should be I need to repent.

Prayer: Father, give me discernment in these matters first for myself, to keep me on the right path, and then for others, so that I may help protect your Church.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Amazing Grace/ Topic: Transformation

Today's Reading: 1 Timothy 1; 1 Timothy 2; 1 Timothy 3; 1 Timothy 4

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-15
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst

Observation/Application : These verses are so encouraging to me. Paul tells us he was the worst of sinners; a man who was violent and spent his time persecuting people. But he was transformed by the forgiveness of God. Not only was he forgiven and transformed (the words “I was once” indicate he had undergone a transformation of his former self), but God called him to be a leader in the church. Amazing grace! I, too, am a recipient of God's amazing grace and transforming power. When I consider the changes that have come in my life as a result I want to make sure I put into practice the love and forgiveness of God toward others so that I can help be an instrument to help them transform as well.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for working such miraculous changes in my life. Use me to help others to experience the same grace that I have received.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: A Pattern of Peace/ Topic: Inner Peace

Today's Reading: Colossians 1; Colossians 2; Colossians 3; Colossians 4

Scripture: Colossians 3:15-17
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Observation: This is the third day in a row that my devotional reading has mentioned having peace within ourselves. There is a pattern I have noticed. Peace is always linked with an attitude of gratitude and with obedience. Peace is to rule in my heart. For that to happen I must let it rule as verse 15 says. It is my choice. I do this by letting the Word of Christ dwell in me and by receiving teaching and admonition from others (obedience). Obedience is inferred again in the last verse when it mentions that I must do all things in a way that honors the name of the Lord. Gratitude and thankfulness are mentioned three times in these three verses. Peace, gratitude and obedience walk together like a three-strand cord that cannot be broken.

Application: To have inner peace (something so precious that people all over search for it in various ways) I must choose to obey God and cultivate a thankful heart. Thankfulness is the soil in which peace grows and obedience waters the plant of peace. Both must be present for me to abide in peace and for peace to abide in me.

Prayer: Father, your Word is so practical. You tell us exactly what we need to know in order to have all the things we need most, and you repeat the lessons often so that we will have constant reminders of how to maintain and grow in all good things. I choose peace. Help me to grow in gratitude and obedience so that my peace flows like a river.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Practical Living for Gaining Inner Peace / Topic: Balanced Living

Today's Reading: Philippians 1; Philippians 2; Philippians 3; Philippians 4

Scripture: Philippians 4:6. 7, 9
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Observation/Application: These verses stood out to me in my devotional time today. I don't think of myself as an anxious person but the Holy Spirit brought to mind several areas where I have not been fully trusting God, and as a result have not been resting in the peace that is ours if we will follow the practical advice in these verses. I need to lose all my worries, anxiety about various situations and people, and “concerns” (concerns sounds so much more spiritual than worry or anxiety) by bringing all these to God in prayer and asking him to take care of them. I present these petitions to God with thanksgiving, knowing that he is able to do abundantly above all I could ask or think. Thanksgiving is important because it precludes worry and establishes confidence in the Lord that he will do what is right and best. The result this process is an inner peace that transcends my understanding. It guards my heart (the seat of my emotions) and my mind (the well-spring of my intellect and attitudes) from stress and the enemy's lies and distractions. Verse 9 speaks again of peace and links it to putting into practice all that I learn from God's Word and from human teachers that are instructing me in spiritual truth. Without implementation, all instruction is useless.

Prayer: My dear, precious, gracious Heavenly Father, I love you so much! You give me such wonderful gifts. Everyone wants inner peace and happiness and you tell me exactly how I can have it. Help me to put into practice all of your teaching so that my life will be full to overflowing and so that I can refresh others and demonstrate to them by example your superior power, love and blessings.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Blessing Like a Fountain, Peace Like a River / Topic: Benefits of God

Today's Reading: Ephesians 5; Ephesians 6; Psalm 119:1-80

Scripture: Psalm 119:1, 2, 32, 45
1 Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.
2 Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.
32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
45 I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.

Observation: I love this psalm! It is all about what the Word does for us and in us. These are but two themes among many in the psalm; that we will abide in blessing when we obey the Word and that we will be free in our hearts by following God's commands. I love the picture David gives in verse 32: He is running, with eager energy, in the path of God's Word. Why? Because he has experienced the freedom that comes as a result of obedience.

Application: There is a way for me to live in a place of blessing, and that is simply to seek God and obey what he says. There is also a way to live with peace in my heart no matter what turmoil may be around me, and that is to submit to God's ways as revealed in his Word. It is somewhat counter-intuitive that giving away control of my life to another would bring freedom, but that is what happens when I subject my own will to that of my Heavenly Father.

Prayer: Thank you for giving us your Word, Lord. I want to run in the path of your Law as David did. I know it its not the Law that saves us, it is only by your grace. It is by that same grace that I experience the power to live by your precepts and to overcome my own selfish desires that are ultimately destructive to me. Bless me abundantly Lord, so that I may be a testimony to the wisdom of following you. And give me that peace that surpasses understanding as I obey your commands. I know I can trust you because you always have my best at heart.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: The Perfect Prayer/ Topic: Intercession

Today's Reading: Ephesians 1; Ephesians 2; Ephesians 3; Ephesians 4

Scripture: Ephesians 1:16-19
16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Observation: Paul gives us here in these verses an excellent example of intercession. Oh, that we all would pray for each other like this! What could be better than all of us being enlightened in our understanding of wisdom, revelation, the sure hope of our salvation, and God's incomparably great power to accomplish anything that we need. How would I be different if others prayed this kind of a prayer for me? How could I help others in their walk with God if I prayed like this for them?

Application: I have often prayed that God would “fix” others so that they would not be bitter, angry or depressed. I have prayed for myself that way too (by the way, it's much more noble to pray for myself in that way than to pray for others in that way; there is danger anytime I assume I know best what needs fixing in others). This is a perfect prayer of intercession because when God answers it, a person would automatically get everything they need. Not only would they grow closer to God through all circumstances but they would see his power working in every situation. This prayer also does not assume any superior position to the one we are praying for.

Prayer: Father, help me to be one who intercedes for my family and friends with words such as these. What a perfect prayer for me and everyone else. Father, I do pray that you would give to me and t the entire Church a spirit of wisdom and revelation. I pray that we would receive enlightenment to know, understand, and appropriate the riches of our spiritual inheritance and the power you have given to us. May every situation we find ourselves in be productive in helping us to grow closer to you and become more like you. Thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth. I love you Lord.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Innocence Is Better/ Topic: Wisdom

Today's Reading: Romans 13; Romans 14; Romans 15; Romans 16

Scripture: Romans 16:19
19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

Observation: Obedience is good; it leads to joy for others and for oneself. And wisdom is knowing what is good, which according to Hebrews 5:14 takes maturity (“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”). Wisdom understands and distinguishes the difference between good and evil and yet is innocent about what is evil; being innocent infers that one hasn't had personal experience with engaging in evil behavior.

Application: I have a quote in my Bible which reads: “Innocence is better than penitence (repentance)”. I don't know who the quote is from but it expresses well the truth in this scripture. Some people learn from being instructed in what is right and wrong. They obey what they are told and their submission to their teachers keeps them from much pain because they stay on the path of goodness and have many blessings as a result. Others are more stubborn and have to learn the hard way through experience. The result is a lifetime of struggle against temptations that they opened themselves to unnecessarily through disobedience. I want to be one who learns from those who teach me and from the Word of God without having to “experience” all that life offers. A lot of what life offers isn't worth spit.

Prayer: Father, I want to be a child who brings joy to your heart by listening and learning without going astray. I don't want my heart t be hard. I desire to be a daughter who is not a lot of work for you but one who makes you proud. May I be one who is wise about what is good and innocent about evil.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Let There Be Peace / Topic: Living in Love

Today's Reading: Romans 9; Romans 10; Romans 11; Romans 12

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21 (excerpts)
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Observation: People long for peace on earth. We sing songs about it. We want everyone to just love each other and get along. These verses have the keys to being able to do that. They are not easy. If we want to live in love and peace with one another, we must consider others above ourselves (that means to put their interests first; be other-centered as opposed to self-centered). We must bless those who persecute us. That means no complaining to anyone else about how another person has wronged us, as well as praying for their well-being. We must be willing to associate with people from lower socio-economic groups without having a superior attitude toward them. We can't take revenge but must let God be the one who dispenses judgment. Our weapon against evil is doing what is good and right.

Application: Even following all of the practices above is no guarantee that all our relationships will be harmonious. Verse 18 makes that clear --- “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace...”.
In other words, I'm responsible to live by these words but others might choose not to and there is nothing I can do about their choices. It takes a lot of the power of the Spirit and prayer to be able to do these things. It is so tempting to speak of how others have wronged us or to take revenge in some way. But we are called to love in a way that is different from the way the world loves. We are called to a peace with one another that stands apart from typical human behavior. To continue to love someone who is unkind or disrespectful to you is difficult, but that is our calling.

Prayer: Father, I certainly have fallen short in obeying all these commands. But I repent, and I call on you to enable me by your Spirit to love beyond my own capacity. I resign as judge of others and put you alone in that place. I know I don't have to spend a lot of time with peple who don't love me or treat me as they ought to, but when I do, help me to bless them in every way possible no matter how they are responding to me. As far as it depends on me, may I live in peace with others.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Title: Our Great Hope/ Topic: God's Love

Today's Reading: Romans 5; Romans 6; Romans 7; Romans 8

Scripture: Romans 8:31-39
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long;we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Observation: What an encouraging scripture! If God is for us, it doesn't matter who is against us! It is God who justifies and however powerful a personage be that would condemn us, Jesus himself is our Advocate with God is always interceding on our behalf. There is nothing in life or in death, on earth or in heaven that can separate us from the love of God. We need have no fear therefore. Previous verses make it clear that the only possible way for us to be separated from God is to purposefully reject him ourselves by rejecting his Spirit within us. How glorious! What freedom from fear and guilt and shame! What peace!

Application: I need to remind myself of the wonderful promises contained in this scripture often. They are given to me as an encouragement and as a firm foundation on which to stand in times of trouble or doubt. Nothing can separate me from God's love and he is always victorious over the enemy.

Prayer: Thank you Jesus that you are always there to intercede for us before God's throne, Thank you for your love and grace that always keep us going. May I always stand on these precious promises of yours and prove more than a conqueror through the grace you have given me. I love you.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.