Daily Devotion, Daily Wisdom

baddison · Nov 16, 2013

November 16, 2013

Devotional:
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB)

The Stock Market can be fickle. Friends can disappoint you . Nothing is truly sure except one thing, or better yet, our very special Someone! If we build our lives on his work and his plan, we can hang in, persevere, and even triumph.

Prayer:
Give me courage and strength, O God, to not budge from my hope and confidence in your Son to bring me to your Home. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
Hear, my son, your father’s instruction And do not forsake your mother’s teaching; Proverbs 1 8:8 (NASB)

baddison · Nov 18, 2013

November 18, 2013

Devotional:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Philippians 4:23 (NASB)

Some prayers are so simple and so precious. To pray grace "on" someone is a great blessing. To pray that this grace be more than physical, external things, is greater still. So why not pray this prayer for those you love.

Prayer:
God, please pour out your grace on the following people that I deeply love and want to know your grace, mercy, and power. I pray for ______ in Jesus' name. Amen.

Wisdom:
Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions. Proverbs 10:12 (NASB)

baddison · Nov 19, 2013

November 19, 2013

Devotional:
The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of [fn]understanding. Proverbs 10:21 (NASB)

I have several friends who are very wise in the way they speak. When they do speak up, everyone listens attentively because their words are always wise, well-timed, and worthwhile. Their righteous lives and careful use of words blesses and nourishes all who listen. There are others, however, that are constantly talking about everything and spending little or no time practicing what they preach. Their words are discounted as nothing more than their own desire to hear their own opinions about matters on which they know nothing.

Prayer:
Holy and wise God, please give me wisdom and self-control to keep my mouth shut unless what I say can benefit those to whom I'm speaking. Help my words be helpful and true. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But the slow to anger calms a dispute. Proverbs 15:18 (NASB)

baddison · Nov 20, 2013

November 20, 2013

Devotional:
A Song of Ascents. I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. Psalms 121:1-2 (NASB)

Since God could speak into existence the universe, and since God knows our names and the number of the hairs on our head... surely we know that we can go to him for our help. Let's lift up our eyes and our hearts to El Shaddai, Lord God of the Mountains and know the Almighty sees our needs, hearts our requests, and cares about our hearts.

Prayer:
Holy and All-powerful Abba Father, I do look to you for help. You are the one true source of redemption, power, comfort, encouragement, hope, and excellence in my life. Please give me the wisdom to know your will and choose your will for my life. Thank you for being faithful through the ages to your people and throughout my life to me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wisdom:
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is [fn]safe. Proverbs 18:10 (NASB)

baddison · Nov 21, 2013

November 21, 2013

Devotional:
He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Psalms 121:3 (NASB)

I still remember when my children were little. I would sneak in and watch them sleep. Sometimes it was to check on them when they were sick. Sometimes it was to just sit and pray for them, joining the Lord as he watched over them while they slept. Sometimes it was to bathe myself in the grace and wonder of God's love for giving me such blessings. Even now that they are much older, I still love to look in on them and pray, marveling at the wonder of these precious gifts from the Father. To know that my Abba Father looks at me in the same way, but with even greater delight and joy, fills me with unspeakable wonder.

Prayer:
Now I lay me down to sleep, and pray that you, O LORD, will keep me safely in your loving care, by always knowing you are there. Thank you for your grace and love, and for Jesus now above, to share with you my every care, who lets me know you're always there. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, But a rod is for the back of him who lacks [fn]understanding. Proverbs 10:13 (NASB)

baddison · Nov 22, 2013

November 22, 2013

Devotional:
The LORD will [fn]guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever. Psalms 121:8 (NASB)

Does it matter to anyone that I'm here? Does anyone notice when I'm gone? Does anybody care if I make it home or never leave the house? The answers? "Yes! Yes!! Yes!!!" The LORD, the Savior of Israel and the Father of Jesus knows all about us and our comings and goings. He will watch over us, now and forevermore.

Prayer:
Father, thank you that when I rise up you are not only there, you are watching over me. Almighty God, thank you that when I return home at the end of my day, you are there, escorting me home and welcoming me. I thank you most of all, dear Father, that when I leave this life and go to the next, you are there to escort me out of this life and welcome me home to life with you, forever! In Jesus' name I praise you. Amen.

Wisdom:
He who restrains his words [fn]has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:27 (NASB)

baddison · Nov 23, 2013

November 23, 2013

Devotional:
Will You not Yourself [fn]revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? Psalms 85:6 (NASB)

God loves his children even when they are rebellious. However, God showed Israel that their rebellion would drive his presence and blessing from them. But with their genuine repentance, their confession of sin, God joyously returns to their lives to bring revival, renewal, and restoration.

Prayer:
Father and Almighty LORD, please forgive me for my sins. I confess them freely to you now... (be specific about sins you want to confess) Having you in my life, honoring your Kingdom with my behavior and honoring your love with my graciousness are very important to me. Please revive me again and empower me to love, good deeds, and holy living so that you will be praised. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wisdom:
He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf. Proverbs 11:28 (NASB)

baddison · Nov 25, 2013

November 25, 2013

Devotional:
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is [fn]lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, [fn]dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 (NASB)

Let's get our minds out of the gutter, and our hearts set on God's glory.

Prayer:
Righteous and Holy God, you are marvelous and glorious, perfect in every way and beyond my comprehension. Please awaken the character of your holiness within me by your Holy Spirit. Please help me see and focus upon the good and glorious things you place in my path today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out. Proverbs 17:14 (NASB)

baddison · Nov 26, 2013

November 26, 2013

Devotional:
Now to our God and Father be the glory [fn]forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:20 (NASB)

What will we share in eternally with God? His glory! What led Israel through the wilderness and shown upon the face of Moses? His glory. What is too wonderful and marvelous for us as humans to behold? His glory. So what should we do when we are seeking to honor God? Give him the glory that is due him. Praise him in glorious songs. Bring honor to Yahweh's holy name!

Prayer:
Wonderful and glorious God, you are majestic in holiness, patient with my imperfections, tender with my brokenness, and emphatic about my participation in your family. Please bless me to worthily bring praise to your throne of grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wisdom:
When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19 (NASB)

baddison · Nov 27, 2013

November 27, 2013

Devotional:
but [fn]sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always beingready to make a [fn]defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and [fn]reverence; 1 Peter 3:15 (NASB)

How do we effectively share our faith, especially in situations hostile to faith? First, we consciously submit our hearts to Christ as Lord. Second, we prepare a presentation of faith that focuses on the hope we have in Jesus. Finally, when we share our reason for hope, we do it with respect, gently sharing our faith with others. Of course we would never have an opportunity to share our faith if we don't live a life of faith that makes an impact on those around us.

Prayer:
Holy God and loving Father, please use my influence and the quality of my life to bring others to Jesus. Please give me wisdom as I seek to bring the following friends to Christ... May my words and actions lead them closer to you and show them my respect and love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished. Proverbs 16:5 (NASB)

baddison · Nov 28, 2013

November 28, 2013

Devotional:
Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions. Proverbs 10:12 (NASB)

Our worst tendencies want to repay evil with evil, spite for spite, pettiness with pettiness, and hatred with hatred. God has always wanted his people to be the redemptive influence in their world, society, and relationships. Paul reminded the Christians in Rome to "not repay evil with evil."(Rom. 12:17) Here, God's wise man teaches us a similar truth. Love removes the teeth out of difficult situations, while hatred only turns up the flames of bitterness and hate. We're called to be a different kind of people that leave the world a different place. It isn't always easy, but it is always powerful.

Prayer:
Father, I confess that when I'm wronged it makes me angry and I'm tempted to strike back in kind. Please, remove the baser side of my character through the cleansing and redeeming influence of your Holy Spirit and the love your Spirit inspires. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout So is a beautiful woman who lacks [fn]discretion. Proverbs 11:22 (NASB)

baddison · Nov 29, 2013

November 29, 2013

Devotional:
These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. Acts 1:14 (NASB)

Jesus' resurrection changed everything! The women who were so faithful to him through the crucifixion and resurrection are there, obediently praying in expectation. As we might expect, Jesus' mother is there praying as well. But look carefully and you will see Jesus' brothers, once doubting and ridiculing him, now praying in expectation of their risen brother's release of power through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Yes, they are waiting, but not idly waiting. Yes, they are praying, but they are also expecting the great work of the risen Jesus which will be done through them! God does amazing things when people who love the risen Jesus pray with expectation. So what are you waiting for? Get with a group of those who love Jesus, and pray with expectation for God's work to be done through you.

Prayer:
Almighty and All-powerful God, please bless my efforts as I seek to encourage others to join me in fervent prayer. I pray that you will bring revival among those who call on your name and a stirring among those who are hungry, but don't yet recognize their hunger is for Jesus. Please bring revival to your people and an outpouring of grace to those who need to know Jesus as their Savior. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts. Proverbs 17:3 (NASB)

baddison · Nov 30, 2013

November 30, 2013

Devotional:
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and [fn]without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 (NASB)

So often we act out of ignorance and face grave consequences for our actions. God longs to grant us spiritual wisdom, that not only helps us make wise choices, but also gives us the ability to act and react with grace and wisdom. Before we face each day, before we face challenging situations, before we make challenging decisions, let's seek God's face and ask for his gift of wisdom.

Prayer:
Holy Father, I need your wisdom to help me make the right decisions in the challenges and situations that will confront me today. Please pour your wisdom into my heart and head so that my actions, words, and choices will not only be pleasing to you, but a blessing to those around me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
The fear of the LORD prolongs [fn]life, But the years of the wicked will be shortened. Proverbs 110:27 (NASB)

baddison · Dec 2, 2013

December 2, 2013

Devotional:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any [fn]hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. Psalms 139:23-24 (NASB)

Most of us don't like being scrutinized and tested. But God knows us through and through. He has been with us from our conception and will work with us through the grave and beyond. So let's invite him into our interior world to search us, test us, and even scrutinize our anxious thoughts. He is not there to condemn or punish, but to cleanse and redeem so that we can be led to his eternal grace.

Prayer:
Search me, O God. I know that my heart is not always pure and my ways are far from perfect. Search me, O God, for I need your purifying presence. Search me, O God, for I want you to set the course and the destination of my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
The [fn]fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility. Proverbs 15:33 (NASB)

baddison · Dec 3, 2013

December 3, 2013

Devotional:
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:7 (NASB)

Let's keep this simple. First, we need to admit that with the complexities and perplexities of life, even the smartest of us is not all that brilliant. Second, the LORD our God is awesome in holiness, majesty, power, wisdom, and grace; he is far beyond us and all we can truly grasp of him is the smallest of glimpses of glory. Finally, let's stay away from anything that smacks of evil knowing that evil infects and confuses us, as well as separates us from God.

Prayer:
All wise and gracious Heavenly Father, your wisdom is matchless, your grace unfathomable, your holiness incomparable, and your love beyond comprehension. Thank you for all of your many blessings and gifts, but most of all I thank you for your gift of accessibility to those of us who have no right in your presence but who are invited here by your loving mercy. Please strengthen my will to withstand temptation and deepen my wisdom to see evil for what it is. Please empower me in my desire to stay far away from evil and its influence. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, But a just weight is His delight. Proverbs 11:1 (NASB)

baddison · Dec 4, 2013

December 4, 2013

Devotional:
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. James 3:13 (NASB)

Wisdom isn't shown by our "book learning," smart comments, or arrogance. No, true wisdom is shown by the godly character of our life lived with humility and kind deeds.

Prayer:
O Father, make me wise like Jesus. Please give me the ability to more fully know your will and more faithfully live it with kindness and humility. May the words of my mouth and the actions of my life please you and bring your grace to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wisdom:
Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of [fn]feasting with strife. Proverbs 17:1 (NASB)

baddison · Dec 5, 2013

Devotional:
but just as it is written, “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NASB)
Kids look forward to Christmas, Disneyland, and summer vacation. They imagine how great those things could be. Christians look forward to heaven and dream of seeing the Lord face to face, of being reunited with those we love that have gone home to the Lord before us, and of sharing in the glory of Jesus and his angels. But we can't even begin to imagine the great things that God has prepared for us. They are far more glorious than anything we can dream or imagine. So let's anticipate being surprised and live with passion for the cause of the Kingdom knowing that any loss, any wound, any trouble, will "not be worth comparing to the glory to be revealed in us." (Rom. 8:18)

Prayer:
Thank you, Father, for preparing a place of glory for me with you in heaven. I believe it is far greater than anything I could ever imagine. Thank you, Jesus, for going back to heaven to prepare that place for me. I look forward to the day I stand in your presence and praise you with the angels. In Jesus' name I praise and thank you. Amen.

Wisdom
A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his [fn]words, And the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him. Proverbs 12:14 (NASB)

baddison · Dec 6, 2013

December 6, 2013

Devotional:
He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, But he who ignores reproof goes astray. Proverbs 10:17 (NASB)
Discipline is not only important to us, but also to those who are influenced by our actions. So often we undervalue the impact of our personal decisions on others. But God has placed each of us in a circle of influence to be a blessing and a redemptive influence on those around us. To choose what is foolish, to ignore godly correction, not only jeopardizes our own future, but also the future of others.

Prayer:
Father, humble and correct me gently. I know I am weak and not where I want to be spiritually. Mature me with your Spirit and correct me with your Word, your shepherds, and your discipline. Make my influence a blessing to those you have placed around me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD. Proverbs 16:33 (NASB)

baddison · Dec 7, 2013

December 7, 2013

Devotional:
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (NASB)

God wants all people brought to repentance so they can receive his grace and live with him in glory. If that is God's passion, how can we not make it our passion?

Prayer:
Father, I know that you hold the day of Jesus' return in your hands, and the reason he waits to return is known only to you. However, dear Father, I also know that you want all people to come to know Jesus as their Savior. Please use me to share the message of salvation and the gift of your grace with someone around me this week. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
The [fn]fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death. Proverbs 14:27 (NASB)

baddison · Dec 9, 2013

December 9, 2013

Devotional:
“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, Luke 6:27 (NASB)

Jesus was the perfect example of this command in his life and death. Love has such redemptive, life-changing power. While not everyone responds, many do. While being kind in our deeds and loving in our hearts to our enemies is not easy, God's Spirit can fill us with Jesus' love and help us live powerful lives of grace even in the presence of those who hate us.

Prayer:
Dear God, I confess that I have trouble with a few people in my life. They seem determined to criticize, undermine, belittle, and defeat me. Please give me the character to resist their attacks and help me respond to their actions in a way that is redemptive and righteous. In the redeeming and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. Proverbs 16:32 (NASB)

baddison · Dec 10, 2013

December 10, 2013

Devotional:
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how [fn]can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. Matthew 5:13 (NASB)

Jesus never wanted us to give up our moral distinctiveness, our redemptive influence, nor our loving impact on those around us. The purpose of our presence in the world is to preserve our culture from further decay and season the bitter, dog-eat-dog world, with grace and mercy.

Prayer:
Dear holy and majestic LORD, please help me resist being conformed to my culture. Instead, dear Father, please use my distinctiveness as a Christian to bless others and to expand the influence and impact of your Kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
Adversity pursues sinners, But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity. Proverbs 13:21 (NASB)

baddison · Dec 11, 2013

December 11,2013

Devotional:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a [fn]hill cannot be hidden; Matthew 5:14 (NASB)

Darkness dominates our world. Despite appearances, darkness controls so much of what is said and how it is viewed by the world. When someone lives for Christ, they will be noticed. Their allegiance to Jesus and his righteousness cannot be ignored. So what are we going to do with that light? Are others going to see and be drawn to our Father in Heaven who sent his Son as Savior? Or, are they going to reject the way of Christ because our walk is all talk and not much service? Let's let them see God's grace through our lives so they will come to know the Savior!

Prayer:
Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for your grace that saved me. Please help me reflect your character and grace in all that I do so that when folks notice me and know of my Christian commitment, they will glorify you because of the service they have seen. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 (NASB)

baddison · Dec 12, 2013

December 12, 2013

Devotional:
While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 13:2 (NASB)

When people genuinely worship, when they fast seeking his will, God calls them to service and mission. Christian worship is not an end in itself, but a launching pad to Christian mission. Don't get so caught up in the worship experience that you leave it at the door when you walk away. Instead, understand that it is to inspire you to public worship and service in the world during your everyday life (cf. Rom. 12:1-2). As you worship with your brothers and sisters, also listen to the words of the songs, the message of the Scripture, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit on your heart. God may be calling you to a special mission in your world!

Prayer:
Father, please help me clearly discern your will and follow your leading while I am worshiping you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is [fn]trustworthy conceals a matter. Proverbs 11:13 (NASB)

baddison · Dec 13, 2013

December 13, 2013

Devotional:
Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:3 (NASB) While fasting is not widely practiced in many churches today, it was clearly something that was a part of the early church experience. Whether sponsored by our congregations or not, let's make sure that we prepare for major events with a time of prayer and fasting, asking for God's leading, power, and guidance as we embark on his work in the world.

Prayer:
O Lord, I know you love all people. Please bless those who are in cultures other than their own, seeking to lovingly share your Gospel with those who are lost. Bless their efforts with success, protect them from the evil one, and lead them in the direction they need to go. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips [fn]comes to ruin. Proverbs 13:3 (NASB)

baddison · Dec 14, 2013

December 14, 2013

Devotional:
My son, do not forget my [fn]teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you. Proverbs 3:1-2 (NASB) Those who are older are not as respected in Western cultures today as they once were and as "the elders" are respected in other cultures. The Bible repeatedly reminds us of our NEED to honor those who are godly and who have gone before us. Whether the father behind this passage is the physical father of the person receiving instruction or he was the teacher of this student seeking wisdom, either way the principle is the same. We have much to learn and much to gain from heeding the voice of those who have served God for many years and have proved themselves wise and faithful.

Prayer:
Loving God and Almighty Father, thank you for those wise people in my life that have shared your wisdom and their experience with me. Please help them know how much I appreciate their investment of love and guidance in me and please use me to do the same for those who come after me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud. Proverbs 16:19 (NASB)

baddison · Dec 16, 2013

December 16, 2013

Devotional:
The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright, But ruin to the workers of iniquity. Proverbs 10:29 (NASB)

What is your source of security, hope, and protection? The way of the Lord is a refuge, a strength, a place of security! Let's make sure we live our lives there, knowing that God's commands and demands for righteousness are for our protection as well as his glory.

Prayer:
Please, dear LORD, help me more perfectly find your will and have the courage to build my life there. I don't want to follow false voices, nor do I want to be tempted away from your truth and righteousness. May your will not only be my delight, but also my refuge. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
Even in laughter the heart may be in pain, And the end of joy may be grief. Proverbs 14:13 (NASB)

baddison · Dec 17, 2013

December 17, 2013

Devotional:
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, Philippians 1:9 (NASB)

Paul is possibly facing death. Yet he knows that his life, his future, is securely in the Lord's hands. The Holy Spirit will help empower him to be what he needs to be in the face of persecution and hardship. The Spirit will also work for his deliverance; either he will be delivered from prison and death to serve others, or he will be delivered into the presence of the Lord he loves. Either way, he awaits and expects deliverance!

Prayer:
O LORD, God Almighty, please give me the courage to never waiver in my confidence in your deliverance. In addition, dear Father, I have several beloved friends who are fighting for their lives with physical problems. Please bless them with your deliverance, whether it is your healing that restores their health or your grace that insures their future is with you and your triumphant Son, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge [fn]acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly. Proverbs 15:2 (NASB)

baddison · Dec 18, 2013

December 18, 2013

Devotional:
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NASB)

You've probably had a similar experience to this one. Someone asks you how you're doing. At first, they seem interested, but as you begin to share the burdens of your heart, you begin to realize that they aren't really listening and aren't really interested; they're just being polite. Most people have so many burdens they simply don't know what to do with more. Our Father in heaven, however, says "Cast all your anxieties on me. You can share all of them with me, because I genuinely care for you."

Prayer:
Father, I have been blessed in so many ways. Thank you so very much. I do have some really burdensome things, however, that trouble me. Please do with the following concerns what is best for each of the people involved and what brings you the most glory. (Please share your burdens and concerns with the Lord.) I thank you for listening to my words and my heart. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wisdom:
Better is a [fn]dish of [fn]vegetables where love is than a fattened ox served with hatred. Proverbs 15:17 (NASB)

baddison · Dec 19, 2013

December 19, 2013

Devotional:
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21 (NASB)

The ultimate question in each of our lives is simply this: do we have something to live for that is also worth dying for? Paul's answer is "Yes!" Christ is the answer, the reason, and the hope. Now if we can get our will and our heart to line up with our commitment, we can make that same statement, too!

Prayer:
O Lord, please forgive me for the things I have done or have said that have made the work of Christ in me more difficult to see. For as many years as you give me on this earth, I want my life to be a living testimony to Jesus and his powerful grace. I do look forward, dear Father, to the day that Christ comes in victory to bring me home to you. Until that day, please use me in your service. I am thankful that no matter what may lie ahead, I know that my future is tied to your Son and my Savior. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the afflicted. Proverbs 3:34 (NASB)

baddison · Dec 20, 2013

December 20, 2013

Devotional:
casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NASB)

So often our worries are so heavy because we refuse to put them down. Let's cast our burdens on the Lord. Let's consciously put our future in his hands. Let's trust our worrisome fears to his care. We know he loves us and longs to sustain and comfort us because of what he has done to save us.

Prayer:
Holy God and loving Father, I consciously place my fears, worries, anxieties, and burdens in your hands. I know that I have so little power to change the outcome of these events and I trust that you will work what is pleasing to you, and best for me, out of these situations. Forgive me for my anxious thoughts and for letting my own worry become an idol that robs you of my full trust. Strengthen and empower me to trust you more by the power and presence of your Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver And her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than [fn]jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her. Proverbs 3:13-15 (NASB)

Daily Devotion, Daily Wisdom

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