COFFEE ON THE DOCK

We exercise our bodies to be healthier, yet we ignore our lips, even though they are even more potent than our strongest muscles. We are told in Proverbs 18:21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” The things I say can enlighten or deceive, bless or curse, release or entrap, stir love, or cause hatred. In a world where communication and the expression of ideas, opinions, and commentaries are more accessible than ever before, even greater caution should be taken. We should be careful to only speak truth embodied in love. My mouth must be a fountain of blessings, not a cauldron of poison. My words must always be saturated with kindness and wisdom. O LORD My Maker, fill my heart and lips with words of life. Let my words bring sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

The St. Petersburg Airport was dreary, unfriendly, and cold in 1990 Soviet Russia. I was traveling alone, headed home after an exhausting week of ministry. Surprisingly, a small group of American college students was spread across the dimly lighted departure area. It was a sullen scene, but in an instant, everything changed. One of the young men stood on a chair and enthusiastically proclaimed: “Ladies and gentlemen, seated among us is Mr. Ted Williams, the greatest baseball player who ever lived.” It was true, and there sat Coach Bobby Knight as well; they had been filming a fishing show in Eastern Russia. At that moment, the whole place was transformed by the unexpected presence of greatness. Lord, You are greatness personified! Help me enthusiastically reveal Your Transforming Presence to others! 

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” Ephesians 4:32 NKJV.   Kindness is one of the principal characteristics of a spirit-controlled life. Kindness activates love, forgiveness, tenderheartedness, patience, and a host of other godly virtues. Kindness and forbearance are both listed as “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22 and should be our constant guides while passing through times of turmoil, anger, disagreements, and fights. Kindness is a forethought, not a reaction. I often feel angry reactions pop up like burnt toast within me, but I have learned the critical importance of bathing my reactions with patience and kindness, especially in those moments. LORD grant me fresh grace today to be kind in all I say and do. And help my neighbors, friends, family, fellow citizens, and our nation to be kind.

“Fear the Lord and shun evil,” Proverbs 3:7 NIV. “Shun evil.” These are biblical words that seem archaic in modern church culture. A huge mistake we often make in dealing with evil is to focus on the host rather than the source. People can become so overcome by evil, they seem like evil personified, but the fountainhead of corruption is Satan’s rebellion. This is critical to understand because even very good people can do evil things. It’s complicated, but a key to godliness is learning to shun sin, not the sinner. Yet his is a mistake often made by sincere believers. The fear of God is a death blow to evil. Godly fear is to respect and reverence Him above all else. We are to love and obey Him as Father and Lord and to hate sin yet love sinners. O LORD my Redeemer, deliver me from evil and help me love You and others with Your Perfect Love. 

“No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him,” 2 Timothy 2:4 ESV. High-level strategic planning and oversight from our Commander in Chief are critical to victory, but wars are not won at Headquarters; battles are won on the battlefield. The soldier’s heart and mind cannot be on civilian affairs or on future dreams. Battlefield victory is achieved when each soldier is WHERE they are assigned WHEN they are scheduled to be there and WITH the training, needed resources, and personal commitment to finish the fight. The LORD has appointed each of us to our position in this spiritual battle for souls. He has prepared us for our individual roles and armed us for what is ahead. LORD, I await Your order to hold position or advance on the enemy as You command. 

“Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying,   ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever   follows me will not   walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,’” John 8:12 ESV.  Light shining into darkness needs no clarification; when light appears, additional confirmation is not required; it is obvious what it is. When there is light within view, it is not hard to find the source. Darkness does not obscure light. In fact, deep darkness amplifies light’s beauty and transformative power when it arrives, even in the smallest amount. Considering these simple truisms gives new meaning to “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” This doesn’t sound complicated; the light within us and upon us points attention to the Father. LORD, You are the Light and Life of the World; help me to reflect the grace and love of Your Light to others.

“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day,” 2 Peter 3:8 ESV. Though small children have plenty of time on their hands they still must learn to wait. Nothing seems to put their little souls to the test more than having to delay something they want right now. A long road trip is especially hard for them to get their minds around and is usually repeatedly peppered with the question: “Are we there yet?” Actually, we never quite grow out of this; patience with God’s pace is still an issue for most of us. His timing is perfect so I must learn to not bail out before His chosen time of arrival. I must also resist the temptation to interpret the delay as a sign God doesn’t want me to do something. Heavenly Father teach me the difference between “No” and “Not Yet”. Grant me grace for the journey and help me not miss the lessons in the detours. 

“T he   Lord   appeared to him   from far away.   I have loved you with an everlasting love,   therefore   I have continued   my faithfulness to you,”  Jeremiah 31:3 ESV . Anytime you are around others, you can be sure someone needs affirmation or encouragement. No matter how things look on the outside, there is always more going on within than meets the eye. So, I try to stay on the hunt for those who may need an encouraging conversation. Speaking hopeful words is a skill that grows in effectiveness with practice. I, myself, am lifted as I seek to lift others, but genuine, intentional encouragement must be done without a selfish motive to be effective. Sometimes, I can actually feel the breath of God in those privileged moments when His love is reaching out to someone’s secret pain through me. What a joy! Lover of Souls, use me today to speak a good word to someone’s heart. 

“May the LORD direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 ESV. What a powerful prayer! “May the LORD DIRECT YOUR HEARTS.” Too often, my heart is drawn toward useless interests. As I’ve aged, I’ve increasingly realized that time is one of life’s most precious resources. I have moderate control over how I spend my time, but I cannot create more of it. I truly need the LORD to point me toward what He desires each moment of each day. My heart must be bathed daily in His love and recharged with the steadfastness of the Son of God. Jesus’ earthly mission was driven by His divine calling, and so should mine. In fact, this should be so for each of us who call ourselves His disciples. Father, grant me Your divine guidance this new day. Point my heart toward what pleases you and give me the courage to act accordingly. 

“He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken,” Psalm 62:2 ESV. Having lived in Costa Rica for a couple of years, we had become so accustomed to minor tremors that we didn’t even notice the actual earthquake until the ground began to heave and shake. It is very disorienting to discover that everything can be shaken at once and can last for such a long time! We don’t expect our world to convulse, but sometimes it does. In those bewildering moments, on what will I stand? “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,” Hebrews 12:28 ESV. “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ,” 1 Corinthians 3:11 ESV. Lover of my Soul, You set my feet on solid rock. My life is safely nestled in Your Mighty Hands. In You, I safely rest. 

  “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken,” Psalm 62:2 ESV. Having lived in Costa Rica for a couple of years, we had become so accustomed to minor tremors that we didn’t even notice the actual earthquake until the ground began to heave and shake. It is very disorienting to discover that everything can be shaken at once and can last for such a long time! We don’t expect our world to convulse, but sometimes it does. In those bewildering moments, on what will I stand? “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,” Hebrews 12:28 ESV. “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ,” 1 Corinthians 3:11 ESV. Lover of my Soul, You set my feet on solid rock. My life is safely nestled in Your Mighty Hands. In You, I safely rest. 

“You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain,” Psalm 119:118 ESV. The Living Bible translates the end of this verse:  “ They are only fooling themselves.” And Romans 8:14 states: “ For all who are   led by the Spirit of God are   sons   of God.”   Our Father has given us His Word and the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit as mankind’s best guidance system through life. Attempts to outsmart God by dependence on ourselves or any other source are futile. Turning to other forms of navigation is not only foolish but also dangerous. He created mankind “in His image” Genesis 1:27, but not as His equal. We are designed to “reign in life” Romans 5:17, but not to reign over the Giver of Life! LORD in Your Mercy, grant me forgiveness for my foolish attempts to work things my own way instead of Yours. Thank You for the divine provision of Your Word and Spirit.  

“No creature is hidden from his sight, but all are   naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account,” Hebrews 4:13 ESV.”  Each new day presents unanticipated battles and unforeseen foes lurking just beyond view. There is no chance I can be fully prepared for everything that awaits me, yet “how sweet the joy that fills my soul”, my victory rests in the Seer of the Unseen. Come what may, the Lord is my triumph; what is unforeseeable for me is in clear view of Almighty God. “The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me,” Psalm 118:7 ESV. While on ground level I may struggle to find a way forward, the LORD of Glory never loses sight of where I am nor what I will need to finish strong. I possess “blessed assurance” in the knowledge that God will make a way where there is no way. King of Kings, into Your hands I cast every care, You are my strength O Lord. I trust in Your unfailing love. 

“The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts,” Proverbs 17:3 ESV. Dross  is a mass of impurities floating in molten metal. Whether working with steel or precious metals, the quality cannot be improved without removing the dross. When the heat is on, gold grows purer while the dross masses become even more impure. Metal can’t purify itself; only the furnace can reveal its imperfections. So it is with a sports team, a church, or for that matter, any human enterprise. Those with impure motives, immaturity, or insincere hearts often want to be a part or even in the lead, but sadly, they are hindrances to a quality outcome, and sooner or later, they must change or be removed. And so it with my soul; the dross has to go. Lord, You are the Great Craftsman. Cleanse all impurities from my heart and deliver me from wicked pretenders. 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever,” Psalm 136:1 ESV. In this chapter, David states twenty-six times: “His love endures forever.” And every verse of this psalm repeats this simple but profound truth. At times I feel God’s love, yet at times, I lose awareness of it. But I know His love never diminishes, never grows cold, and never, ever ends: Lamentations 3:22-23 states: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Our human view of God’s love is clouded by our capacity to love without conditions or limitations. But 1 John 4:8 ends with this simple phrase “God is love.” He does not “fall in love,” become “more loving,” or “less loving”; He IS love. Father, make me an open channel of Your amazing love to all whom I encounter. 

“And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose,” Romans 8:28 ESV. Gladness is easier to embrace than letdowns, yet both have enduring value if I have the right perspective. Frankly, the multitude of unrelenting challenges life brings has done more to strengthen my character and soften my heart than the many joys I have known. The magnitude, multitude, and frequency of problems press me deeper into God’s hands. While I certainly do not prefer additional difficulties, I realize they come whether invited or not. This is another powerful reason to live a life driven by godly purpose instead of pursuing our own desires. Father, keep me from the snare of my own preferences. LORD, whatever may come, You make all things well and turn my sorrows into dancing.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:3 ESV.  The deepest darkness of night cannot hold back the morning light, nor can even the most difficult circumstances restrain hope. I am not referring to the garden-variety of hope wishful thinking produces; I am talking about the kind of hope that is firmly rooted in God’s Promises. The Word of God is an inexhaustible fountain of faith, hope, and love from which I may freely drink at all times. A life built upon Scripture comes fully loaded. The very thought of the transcendent “I AM” dispels my fears and grants instant, unmitigated assurance. Lord God Almighty, You are the great “I AM”, and in that faith-releasing declaration, my heart knows “I CAN” do all things through Your strength. 

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others,” Philippians 2:4 ESV. The simplest definition I’ve ever heard for the word “love” is a single word definition: “Others.” Attending to the needs of others with the same sensitivity and interest that we give to our own needs is what biblical love looks like. This level of love does not come automatically; it must be cultivated and consciously practiced daily to truly grow in love. Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians paints a beautiful picture of what l\our lives as believers should look like: “May the Lord make your love grow more and multiply for each other and for all people so that you will love others as we love you,” 1 Thessalonians 3:12. LORD, help me walk in love that grows and multiplies to others. 

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit,” Proverbs 18:21 ESV. Expressing feelings and opinions comes fairly easily for me but speaking without necessary restraints is never a good thing. Frankly, I have both wounded and healed with my words. Though I genuinely attempt to use care in what I say, far too often, the wrong things slip through anyway. The phrase “I really shouldn’t say this,” followed by saying whatever we shouldn’t anyway is a fool's game. Words guided by wisdom and bathed in love should be the constant way of the child of God. To withhold wisdom can rob someone of a blessing, but to just say whatever comes to mind is dangerous for both the speaker and hearer. Father, cleanse my lips, help me speak only what is filtered through love. Purify my heart that my mouth will be a fountain of blessing. 

Almost 40 years ago a fellow parishioner pulled me aside after a church service to encourage and instruct me. This was not some garden-variety conversation; he obviously had prayed over it, carefully planned it, and presented clear, precise, well-thought-out points. I still remember the power of the thoughtful gift he gave me that day. It was a mix of gentle rebukes, wise instructions, and encouragement to be the best husband, father, and leader I could be. I have received many gifts over a lifetime however, most were forgotten long ago. But not that gift, it is still with me and remains highly treasured. It is a gift I can “re-gift” to others time and time again, and so I have. Today, I will again have opportunities to promote, encourage, lift, love, appreciate, and celebrate others. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Lord, in Your Goodness, endow me with authentic love and make me an open-source of blessing to those around me. 

I was at a local retreat center speaking at a Pastor’s Retreat when the North Tower of the World Trade Center was struck at 8:46 a.m.     Within minutes someone rolled a TV into the room, and we sat in mesmerized horror, watching and wondering what it all meant. As we sat silently taking in the events unfolding in Manhattan, another plane crashed into the South Tower. I immediately stood and said to the pastors: “Gentlemen, captains need to be on the bridge at times like these.”     Everyone agreed, so we all packed our bags and headed to our respective churches. Two more planes were crashed in D.C. and Pennsylvania. Praying for wisdom as I walked into our offices, it came to me, “ those who know little of God’s love and supremacy will live in a constant state of fear.”  Lord, Your Sovereignty will always prevail. Even in the worst moments, Your Sovereign Hand is on the wheel. “Captain of Our Souls,” You are ALWAYS ON THE BRIDGE. 

“He must increase, but I must decrease,” John 3:30 ESV. Jesus’ simple words stand in stark contrast to the spirit of this world, especially in the self-aggrandizing atmosphere of today’s culture. Self-generated humility simply will not work since it is nothing more than another form of seething pride. Notice the order of transformation set by this passage; it does not begin by decreasing self; it begins by INCREASING HIM! The more God is genuinely exalted in and through our lives, the less our pride gets in the way. However, we can still fall into the “spiritual pride trap" that comes from taking credit for how much God is exalted through us. LORD, cleanse my soul of pride and show me how I may lift you higher with genuine humility. O Glorious One, You must increase, I must decrease. 

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.   Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor,” Romans 12:9-10. The men and women I have admired throughout my entire life, particularly my many spiritual fathers and mothers, have all had a common trait; they attentively and faithfully honored others around them. They were always pointing out the attributes and accomplishments of others. I wish to be that kind of person. While I have steadily grown in this characteristic, I realize I’m still a rookie compared to others. I know that I miss many opportunities to honor someone the way I should. Showing honor is not only kind, it is a biblical command and a principle characteristic of godliness. Glorious Father, help me to grow in this wonderful characteristic of giving honor to whom honor is due. 

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God!   Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” Psalm 143:10 ESV. As a born and raised Floridian, I had little experience with hiking in mountain terrain. But while living in Costa Rica and Ecuador as missionaries, I had many walks on steep, rocky trails. After long hikes to remote villages, I was always happy to return home to more level ground. Life can present some challenging paths to traverse, but the Grace and Goodness of God are always present for the child of God. It is the LORD: “Who keeps us among the living and does not allow our feet to slip or stumble,” Psalm 66:9 AMP. Father, thank You for keeping me safe throughout the many ups and downs of life. Use me to assist others as they traverse life’s deep valleys and steep mountains. 

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.   Therefore, be wise as serpents and   harmless   as doves,” Matthew 10:16 NKJV. These instructions of Jesus are incredibly insightful for guiding us into effective spiritual influence. “Wisdom” means good judgment, discernment, acumen, prudence, and foresight. “Harmless” means gentle, honest, with godly intent, and virtuous. Wisdom blended with Harmlessness maximizes our spiritual influence. Many sincere believers have little to no impact in their witness to unbelievers precisely because they ignore what Jesus said about presenting the truth to others. Dogmatic arrogance doesn’t work, but genuine love combined with good judgment is practically irresistible. LORD, help me to always deliver Your truth in the way You commanded. 

“Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high,” Luke1:78 ESV. The light of early dawn reminds me of my spiritual condition in this world. There is a noticeable but slow change emerging; darkness is slipping away as light is softly increasing. I am no longer in total darkness, nor am I fully in the light. Yet it is already clear, the light will win. This same process is also happening within me. I gratefully welcome the daybreak manifesting within my soul, but I desire to speed this process. There is no possibility of hastening the sunrise but stepping clear of all that shadows, accelerates the brightening. Lord God, Light of the World, chase away all gloominess of dark with Your resplendent Presence. Rip down the curtains of doubt and self-will within me that obscure Your blazing Glory. 

“And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’   His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and   faithful servant.   You have been faithful over a little;   I will set you over much. Enter into   the joy of your master.’”  Matthew 25:23 ESV. I desire to live God’s chosen life for me. No cheap substitute will do. In the "Parable of the Talents," there are three different servants. The first two understood their purpose; the last did not. Fruitfulness in our Master’s Kingdom is not an option; it is a command. It is simple, He is LORD; I am the LORD’S servant. His choices are my only choices. Therefore, I serve, longing to hear the words: “well done, good and faithful servant!” LORD, not my will but Yours be done.

Too often, I have hindered the approach of what God has designed for my tomorrow by over-attachment to things of yesterday. A hiker who attempts to lug along too much equipment will never make it to the summit. I sometimes strike out without first discerning between what will be absolutely necessary and what is merely an emotional connection that must be left behind. To follow hard after what is best demands that I lay aside every hindrance, including things that I once held dear. The decisions we make today determine how high we may ascend. Father, You are my only hope to reach the summit. You are already present in that yet unseen place, preparing the way and bidding me climb. I trust Your provision and divine care; You never miss a thing. 

“They refused to obey, and they were not mindful of Your wonders that You did among them…But You are God, Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness, And did not forsake them,” Nehemiah 9:17 NKJV. While waiting for a flight, I noticed three young boys poised by the window watching all the runway activity. The giddy wonder of their new experience prompted me to realize how much I’ve become indifferent to the wonder of modern flight. I’m so accustomed to moving across the world at amazing speeds that I resent that it is not even faster! Really? Sadly, I often do the same with the wonders of God. I have experienced so many blessings, miracles, and wonders that I sometimes take them for granted. God of Wonders, forgive my hubris and awaken my attentiveness to the wonders you perform. Help me see Your works with childlike eyes of innocence, fascination, praise, and wonder.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life,” John 3:16 ESV. As Christians, we most often use this passage to share our faith with unbelievers. Today I’m focusing on the words “SO LOVED.” I feel sad for the child of God who knows so little of God’s love that all they can see is their own concerns and needs. These words “SO LOVED” prick my heart in ten thousand ways. Even one drop of God’s pure love upon an open heart changes everything, reordering priorities, provoking a sense of purpose, and opening our eyes to the needs all around us, even those far, far away. When God’s love enters our heart, it comes fully loaded with such power it releases effusive joy, motivation, and faith to act. Blessed Father, God of Glory, Your Love offers far more than we could ever need or desire. Lord, make me a channel of Your amazing, irrepressible love.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. ’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these,” Mark 12:30-31 ESV. An ox will not walk straight without a harness holding him in place; however, great power is ready and waiting with needed constraints hitched on. I, too, need a yoke to stay on course. I cannot fulfill my high calling unless I’m firmly harnessed to God’s ways instead of my own. When we desert the safety of God’s love depravity and chaos rule. “Love your neighbor as yourself” is not a helpful hint for being a nicer person; it is the royal command of our Creator and the only path to a life filled with divine purpose. I must be continually harnessed to the needs of others to accomplish God’s highest and best. Father, You are Love. I confess that I love poorly, but I desire to learn to let love govern my heart and ways. Your yoke of love is my guide. 

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him,” James 1:12 ESV. Over a lifetime, I have been blessed with great opportunities that I did not deserve but were granted by God's grace. I’ve earned a few titles and received a few awards. Most of them now live stacked in drawers and closets or only have real value as a part of a story that comes up from time to time. In the end, they have no eternal value. One of my spiritual fathers, Dr. Costa Deir, would often say: “A great life can be summed up in one word: OTHERS.” This leads to the question of life that really matters, “have I made it my aim to encourage, lift and bless others?” Father, the only prize I now seek is to remain faithful to You by helping, strengthening, and lifting others. May my hands not be found empty when I join the gathering before Your throne in heaven, and we joyfully cast our crowns at your

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar,” Psalm 139:1-2 ESV. While my private contemplations may be hidden from others, all my thoughts, wishes, fears, motives, and aspirations are in full view of the LORD. He examines all my paths, not only those I have already taken but even those I merely consider. This would be a moment-by-moment battle of wills if I were still under the impression that my life was my own, but this issue is settled; I must decrease, He must increase. Though I sometimes forget to acknowledge His ever-present examinations, He never loses track of me, not even for the smallest measurement of time. This is sometimes disconcerting, but even my consternation is a sign of His “Wonderous Meddling.” Glorious Father, it is true, I am Yours. Have Your way in me in every way and at all times.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit,” Proverbs 18:21 ESV. Expressing feelings and opinions comes fairly easily for me, but speaking without necessary restraints is never good. Frankly, I have both wounded and healed with my words. Though I genuinely attempt to use care in what I say, far too often, the wrong things slip right out. The phrase “I really shouldn’t say this,” followed by saying whatever we shouldn’t anyway, is foolish and hurtful. Words guided by wisdom and bathed in love should be the constant way of the child of God. To withhold wisdom can rob someone of a blessing, but just saying whatever comes to mind is dangerous for both the speaker and hearer. Father, cleanse my lips, help me speak only what is filtered through love. Purify my heart that my mouth will be a fountain of blessing. 

“Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God,” Ephesians 5:2 ESV.  Tidal waters can be tricky for boaters, I have run aground a few times thinking I had sufficient draft. Surface appearances can be very deceiving, covering over serious dangers underneath and giving the appearance of depth and safety. Yet hidden below there may be something that could destroy your journey forward. In a similar manner, shallow love is also very perilous; love must run deep. Every attitude that is contrary to true love for God and our fellow man must be exposed and replaced with God’s awesome love. Commingling of motives must cease. Father, teach me to love authentically, faithfully, consistently, and tenderly. Let Your love flow through me without restriction.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you,” Isaiah 26:3 ESV. My best times of prayer are mostly done in quiet solitude, early in the morning. Quiet Time is the perfect remedy for the overstimulated soul. However, though it may be silent around me, my internal impulses often make my meditations feel like rush hour on the I-95 Corridor. Random thoughts, daily concerns, carping accusations from the evil one and incessant problem solving noisily crowd into holy space carved out for God alone. Like highway road signs for the lost traveler, the Holy One hangs patiently overhead, quietly instructing and directing me to the intended destination. The Word stored in my heart, enlightened by Holy Spirit, guides me to wonderful places I could never find on my own. Glorious God, only You can quiet my soul. Silence my thoughts and calm my inner storm. You are my peace. I await Your voice and instructions.   

“This is the day that the LORD has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!” Psalm 118:24 ESV. The table is set for a brand-new day. Only God knows exactly what is already prepared for my arrival in it. I must now leave behind days gone by and ready myself for new insight, a higher life, and greater things. Am I up for what today will bring? Only the day will tell, but the One who provides it will also carry me through it. One thing is sure; I will walk upon on sacred footprints since the Alpha and Omega has already trod this moment in advance, sprinkling blessings and divine opportunities throughout. I must pay attention so I don’t miss a thing He has placed along the path. Lord God, Lover of My Soul, today is the day You have made; I am so good with that and already rejoicing in what is to unfold. Lift me in Your arms and carry me through with faith, joy, and purpose. 

“Your testimonies are wonderful therefore my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple,” Psalm 119:129-130 ESV. Following God’s commands can be difficult, but the rewards they impart make the sacrifices of obedience seem small. After all, outstanding advice laden with generous dividends is pretty easy to follow. Too often, we construe a false narrative in our minds about the cost of obedience to God’s Word when in reality, the actual cost of disobedience is far greater. I love David’s description of the LORD’s “testimonies” as “wonderful,” for wonderful they are! Like the unexpected discovery of hidden treasures, the unfolding of truth in our lives brings many unforeseen blessings. Heavenly Father, open Your Word to my heart and soul afresh this new day. Grant me a willing spirit that I may obediently follow Your ways. 

“Discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you,” Proverbs 2:11 ESV. Discretion is a precious gift from God. If I ignore its protection, I will surely suffer the consequences. Just because I can say or do something doesn’t mean I should. The lack of discretion in modern culture harms us all and is responsible for so much unnecessary pain and suffering. Time spent with thoughtful people increases my tendency to make responsible decisions and helps guard me against inappropriate recklessness. Good judgment does not lock us away from the world around us but empowers us to walk boldly and safely in every circumstance. Giver of All Wisdom, grant me foresight and good sense today. Guard my mouth and actions by Your Spirit and Word. Help me be a faithful witness to others. 

The "Rocky Mountain Goat" resembles a goat but is actually not a goat at all. These sure-footed climbers often seen running full speed on steep, icy cliffs are in the same subspecies as antelopes and gazelles. They are born for the heights. Similarly, God’s children also resemble every other human of this world, but we too were bred for higher ground. While passing interests of the lowlands come and go, something far greater is at work deep inside the God-seeking heart. The Almighty Himself lays a foundation of desires that please Him and draw us to the higher purposes for which He created us. As we align our lives to follow His voice, these inward inclinations dissuade us from wrong choices and guide us upward. The Light of God illuminates our path through the darkness and dangers of this fallen world. Great Shepherd, You have bred Your lambs for the mountaintop; Your Presence liberates Your children’s feet to skip along the heights where others fear to tread.

“For the LORD, your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills,   a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey,” Deuteronomy 8:7-8 ESV. Even as it is just beginning for me, the Alpha and Omega has already passed through this day, sprinkling blessings throughout. Each sunrise provides new opportunities for me to grab low-hanging fruit placed there by God; incredible moments unfold to the person who learns to pay attention. How many times have I rushed by, foolishly missing a divinely arranged circumstance? Yesterday’s harvest has now passed. Thankfully some fruit made it into the barn. Yet, the goodness of God provides me another shot at ingathering throughout this new day. Father of New Beginnings, help me to see Your daily provisions. Awaken my soul to Your works; I do not want to miss a thing from dawn to dusk. 

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God,” Psalm 42:11 ESV. The LORD said of David: “‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will”. King David had many qualities and some really serious character flaws, but what is most clear about the psalmist is that he was a man who understood the power of praise. Praise was his daily entry pass into the heart of God. Paul and Silas were chained to a wall, but as they sang and praised God the shackles fell off and the prison doors flung open. Praise frees us from bondage! As it did for the Israelites when Jehoshaphat sent the choir out to battle, praise ensures victory over our enemies! Praise focuses our faith on God’s promises and delivers us from fear. O LORD My God, You are invincible, infallible, and irresistible! The power of Your awesome majesty is beyond description and Your love endures forever. 

“And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him,” Mark 14:35 ESV. Each heart knows its own bitterness, its own fears, its own self-doubts, and its own solitary path; though others may wish to accompany you, no one else can enter this private space. Likewise, no one else can fully share your soul’s deepest joys, its inexplicable peace, or its moments of irrepressible victory. In both bad times and good times, there are very private moments where we yearn to invite others, but they cannot join us; these are times of single-space passageways where no others may tread. These are the precious occasions of life when there is only God. Only The LORD can walk with you there. In fact, He is waiting for you there in those moments. Almighty Father, I am never alone or without recourse; You, O LORD, are the ever-present Shepherd of My Soul. 

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls,” Matthew 11:29 ESV. On the oceans of the world, an approaching storm can come so fast that there is no way to avoid it. Both Captain and crew are put to the test that can last for days on end. Growing weary in a fight against these unrelenting tempests is a normal part of life on the seas. Exhaustion becomes just as   hazardous  as the gale itself; making bad decisions increasingly becomes a dangerous potential. Dropping anchor to get some rest can be the only wise course of action. For the child of God, there is also rest in the storm that only our Heavenly Father can provide. I must cease from my own works to allow Him to do His Divine Work. The great hymn proclaims: “In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.” Dearest Father, Captain of My Soul, my anchor holds, I am at rest. You are LORD of All.

“The   pride of your heart has deceived you,   You   who dwell in the clefts of the rock,   Whose habitation is high;   You   who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’ ” Obadiah 1:2 ESV. The hardening of the heart is a slow descent into prideful distrust of all others, including distrust of God. It may begin as a particularly prized opinion or stubborn commitment to a specific course of action. Disappointments begin to pile up, and the stiffening process commences. Hardening increases by rebellion against needed disciplines, bitterness over circumstances or unbridled selfishness. As the hardening continues, excuses are made, all contrary opinions are cast aside, and no authority is trusted. In the end, a callous heart makes us resistant to truth itself. Father, grant me an open and pliable heart. May nothing I think or do be held so dear that truth may no longer penetrate.

“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day,” Psalm 93:1-3 NIV. The Bible is brimming with music, singing, and worship. After crossing the Red Sea, Miriam danced with a tambourine & led Israel in a song. The Psalms is not only jam-packed with praise; it is also the songbook of David, one of the Bible’s greatest worshippers. Jesus was born into this world among a chorus of angels, and heaven is continually filled with songs and unending worship. The heart of a child of God should remain a place of joyful praise. “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! Awake, my glory!     Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. Lord, You have placed a song in the heart of Your people, fill me with glorious praise,” Psalm 57:7-9 ESV. Today I again joyfully join th

“ Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand,” Ephesians 6:13 NKJV.  Much of what occurs on the battlefield has little in common with the noble scenes of bravery depicted in war movies. Most of what a soldier actually faces in warfare seems far less heroic, but in fact, it is where true heroes are born. The command to “hold position” is usually not an assignment to stand guard at a palace entry, but rather, it is an order to lay in a hole in the ground or crouch next to a damaged building or kneel next to the burned-out hulk of a vehicle. Yet, in the big picture, faithfulness to hold that ignoble space is critical to overall victory. So it is in our spiritual assignments. LORD of All, my Commander in Chief, no matter how lowly the place or how long I must hold position, I am here to obey. I delight to do Your will O God. 

“If you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,” 1 Peter 1:17 ESV. A sense of Christian duty drives much of what I do, so each day, I dutifully recommit myself to do the right things. This seems fine on the surface, but as a child of God, there is a more noble way. God seeks those who delight to do His will, even if they do it imperfectly. In Psalm 40:8, David prays, “I delight to do Your will,” yet later confessed, “I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.” Still, God said of David, “I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.” The LORD’s eyes move over the earth, searching for those who with grateful, love-filled hearts are turned toward Him, not only as a sense of duty but out of delight in pleasing Him. Father, I desire to permanently join the ranks of those who move from duty to delight. 

“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.   For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing,” James 1:22-25 ESV. I saw a news report describing how “skinny mirrors” are designed to make you look thinner and are utilized in the changing rooms of many retailers. Have we become so enamored with imagery that we would actually spend money to intentionally lie to ourselves? Yes, we would. However, lying to myself has no benefits; self-deception is toxic and dangerous. God’s Word is a perfect mirror; it never lies or projects a false image. We may ignore or forget the truth, but the truth never changes. Lord Almighty, may Your Truth and Mercy cleanse my heart of

“Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me,” Psalm 119:133 ESV. Like most people, I have stumbled on stairs plenty of times over a lifetime. Mostly slips here and there, but a few times, I had some real tumbles. I’m not sure why it took me so long to recognize the value of handrails. It’s not that I had never been instructed; I just thought they were needed for others, but not me. I still forget sometimes, but it only takes the slightest slip to send me reaching for the rail’s stabilizing safety. My entire life requires equilibrium and boundaries, so in His immense goodness, God provides the “handrails” of His Word and Spirit to keep me safe from foolhardy ways. Father of All Mercies, thank You for Your steadfast patience and constant care. Guide my steps and use me to help others make it safely through the ups and downs of this world. 

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” Isaiah 49:15 NIV. A mother loves her child for many reasons, but one powerful source of her deep love is that she studies her child. Her intense desire to understand this tiny new person in her arms requires more than a mere glance or passive ear. Deep love requires intense concentration. If I want to dismiss someone or even hate them, I can choose willful ignorance by placing them in a category of people I dislike and determining to learn nothing about them. God never does that. Instead, His Eye is constantly upon us, His ears attuned to our slightest whimper. And as Father of All, He requires that we, as His children, seek to understand the other objects of His love. Lord, increase my love for You and for all Your children. 

“For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; He adorns the humble with salvation,” Psalms 149:4 ESV. It is a stunning thought that God “takes pleasure with His people.” Yet, I think I understand. I still smile when I remember the times when our small children, and later, grandchildren, filled our home. At times it was constant mayhem. Other times, it was sleeping young ones draped over the furniture and floors. There was so much laughter and so many tears. There were sleepy hugs and wonderfully clunky conversations. Those are precious moments in life. I still treasure them. To think that God sees us as His children is both mind-blowing and heart-lifting. Yet He makes it very clear: “I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 ESV. He watches over us and guides us through perilous passageways and portals to blessings alike. Father, I am humbled and grateful to be Your child. 

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” Matthew 6:27 ESV. I have often fallen into the trap of feeling something was urgent or desperate, when in fact, it never was. I’ve wasted innumerable hours trying to think my way past problems, only to later discover they had never even existed the way I had perceived them. It is wise to be on our guard, but worry drains away the joys of life and directly contradicts God’s commands. For instance, we are told in Philippians 4:6, “Be anxious for nothing.” Instead, we are to let prayer, promises, and praise reshape our worries into the expectation of God’s intervention. Heavenly Father, today, I will again cast my cares upon You. You are the answer to every question and the provision for every need! Though I may deserve judgment and condemnation, You never turn away in disgust. I can truly say, "it is well; it is well with my soul."  

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you,” Luke 6:38 ESV. The first few months of a newborn’s life is filled with many moments of closed-fisted rage. They can’t express what they want or how they feel other than to wail, accompanied with lots of attempts to grab whatever is reachable. Then one day a tiny, open hand is extended in obvious affection. There is a lesson here. Grabbing all you can is for newborns, giving is for the more mature. The same is true of our spiritual growth. Takers remain as spiritual infants, but givers grow to spiritual adulthood. Live to give, live to lift, live to help, live to bless! Step wholly into the nature of the Giver of All Things. LORD You so loved the world You created that You gave Your Only Son! Make me a man of generous spirit. Use me as Your instrument of blessing.    

“One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor,” Proverbs 29:23 ESV. Even after so many years of mistakes, failures, and God’s patient dealings with me, far too much human pride still remains within. While increasingly pushed out of the spotlight, pride still stubbornly skulks around in the shadows, giving way only in forced increments. Though sometimes diagnosed and stopped before popping out in my words or actions, far too often, my hubris leaps back on center-stage in full-blossom. Frankly, it is both surprising and embarrassing that it still remains in such quantity. I am grateful that God’s Goodness will not leave me in this unreliable state. Thank You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for Your holy work of deliverance from swaggering pretentiousness. Blessed riddance. I must decrease, You must increase. 

“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.   Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalms 30:5 ESV. I am thankful that God does not hold grudges against His children. While I have rightfully felt His displeasure at my many failures, thankfully, one genuine tear of repentance opens the floodgate of His forgiveness. And since my Redeemer so freely washes away my constant failings, who am I to hold hatred toward those who have harmed me? How can I justify denying to others the grace and forgiveness upon which I necessarily depend? So, I’m clearing all accounts as I begin this day. Father, though my sins are as scarlet, you wash me white as snow in Your mercy, and Your favor remains. Cleanse my soul of all acrimony, anger, or prejudices toward others and teach me Your ways of grudge-free love. Use me to reveal Your amazing love to others. 

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me,” Psalm 51:10 ESV. We protect what is of great value, and nothing is more valuable than the heart of man. Occasionally, there are news stories about bags of money falling from the open doors of an armored truck. I always wonder how in the world this happens since the entire purpose of an armored car is to protect valuable things; leaving the door unlocked is self-defeating. But the same can be said of my affections. I can’t motor around life with my heart openly exposed to every passing whim; my affections must be managed. Proverbs 4:23 warns us: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” To guard one’s heart is not to close it and lock it down; rather, it is to protect it with God’s Word and infilling Spirit. Lord God, You are My Fortress and Deliverer. In Your Mercy, Guard my affections with Your Mighty Hand. 

“ Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord,” Romans 12:11 ESV. God’s children must be zealous. Fervency applied without good judgment can be brutal or even destructive, but faith without fervor is useless. Like food left abandoned in the back of the refrigerator, zealousness will eventually expire; its value is sadly lost down the disposal for lack of use. God is zealous, yet with the counterbalance of divine wisdom and perfect love. Zeal must first be bathed in wisdom and love before applied. Lord, grant me ardor, determination, devotion, diligence, drive, eagerness, earnestness, enterprise, fire, gusto, inclination, initiative, intensity, passion, perseverance, readiness, sincerity, spirit, stick-to-itiveness, urgency, and wisdom this new day. Use me today to be Your hands extended to everyone I encounter. 

“Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess,” Deuteronomy 5:33 NIV. Modern culture is increasingly swinging many people of faith into the dangerous mindset of the “Me-First Generation.” A heart too tied to this world knows little of the exquisiteness of obedience to the One who rules both heaven and earth. To do the will of God in ways large and small uncaps a wellspring of joy within, releasing a sense of purpose that nothing else in this world can offer. Short-lived happy feelings may accompany bargain-basement choices, but joy eternal fills the hearts of those who learn to practice extravagant surrender and who willingly embrace God’s choices over their own. Lord of Unquenchable Peace, deliver me from the sorrows of my own making and calibrate my heart and will to Your own. 

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way,” Psalm 37:23 ESV. Whenever I’m headed out on a road trip, I like an accurate ground plan before departure. But in chasing after godliness, I am not capable of mapping out God's Will in advance. Instead, I must trust Him to reveal it in each step of obedience I take. He has promised to “guide the steps of the righteous.” Frankly, I prefer more foreknowledge than just one step or two, but while advanced guidance seems reasonable, faith must be developed in God’s way and in God’s timing rather than my own. As Proverbs says: “The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” So there’s that. Lord, I am pleased to do it Your way. Deliver me from the terror of imagined perils to come and teach me the daily walk of faith and cheerful trust. 

“Father, if you are willing, remove   this cup from me.   Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done,” Luke 22:42 ESV.  My early years were spent learning WHAT to do, followed by decades of learning HOW to do what I do better. And while I am still learning “what and how” more recently the focus has shifted to WHY I do what I do. Perhaps it takes a lifetime of journeying through the twisted tangles of life to get to the question of motive. The ebb and flow of people, careers, circumstances, tragedies, wonders, gains, and losses and eventually strips away every veneer, depositing a simple prayer in our hearts: “Father, not my will, but Yours be done.” Lord, reveal and cleanse my deepest motives. May Your perfect will come forth in me and through my activities today. Shine Your Light into every corner of my soul and bring Your will into clearer focus. 

“For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few,” Matthew 7:14 (ESV). Long before satellite navigation was possible in a car, our family was traveling in the Smokey Mountains. After unfolding and studying a map, I took a road that looked like a good shortcut for us. As the road narrowed and became a curvy, steep plunge, I doubted my decision and stopped to ask a man if the road we were on would lead to where I was trying to go. He answered: “yep!” with a nod. Then he slowly surveyed our soccer-mom-van filled with four young children and said: “Mister, you don’t want to go that way.” We turned around and thankfully missed whatever peril he knew awaited us. Father, keep me from taking perilous shortcuts as I journey this day. Guide me to what is best. May my choices please You and always lead to Your perfect will. 

“To you, I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens!” Psalm 123:1 ESV. While on a morning walk, I scanned the bright blue sky above me and counted over thirty contrails slicing across the azure canopy. The wispy white streaks silently announced the passing of high-flying passenger planes filled with travelers and cargo. So much was happening above me, yet I would have missed it all if I had not looked upward. How much in life do I miss for failure to follow King David’s example by lifting my eyes? While keeping our noses to the grindstone on earth, we must do so with our eyes and heart toward God’s throne above. I need a daily Eye Lift. To You, I lift up my eyes. Lord of Glory, You continually act within heaven to enforce Your will here on earth, whether I notice or not. Father, point the way for me this day. 

“Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” Ephesians 4:15 ESV. Honesty is typically poorly timed and clumsily delivered. The reason for this is simple, the underlying motivation to say: "let me be honest" is most often rooted in a personal need for change rather than out of divine love for the other person. God always speaks truth with the purest of motives, while much of the time, we do not. We mostly speak up when we fear losing something, missing an opportunity,  or being harmed in some way. Honesty, in this case, is no more than our intent to control our surroundings. God always speaks the truth as an act of love, granting the hearer the chance to know a perfect way forward. Father, You are Love and Truth. Teach me Your ways. Purify my heart and put Your coals of fire to my lips. Help me speak the truth in love. 

“Do not be like the horse  or  like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you.” Psalm 32:9 NKJV. As big, beautiful, and strong as horses are, they are highly susceptible to panic. Horses have a natural “fight or flight response” that serves them well in the wild, but it can also be dangerous for them and others. I panic sometimes, but a life bridled by God’s leading hand will always turn us in the right direction. I am constrained and comforted by His perfect love, expunging fear from my soul. Hope and faith are the constant companions of those who trust God. Lord of Life, You set the captive free and set our feet dancing on the hilltops. Make Your Love my constant guide and use me for Your purposes. Bridle my heart, mind, and choices today, and may my ways always be wise and pleasing to You.  

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you,” Luke 6:27-28 ESV. I was driving along many years ago when a large Irish Setter ran into the street from between two parked cars. I didn’t see him quickly enough to avoid contact, but I hit the brakes hard and fast. My vehicle only bumped him slightly. I leaped out to check on him, and he was under my van, not seriously hurt but dazed and confused. I reached toward him to comfort him and he and snarled, crawled quickly from underneath the van, and ran away. His snarl and refusal of help were not personal; he reacted out of pain and confusion. When hurting, people will often do the same. It can be brutal, but genuine love is authenticated in these moments, and shallow love is exposed. Father, forgive my snarling resistances to Your loving touch. When others react to me as I have to You, please grant me the same patient mercy for them that You always exte

“A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul,” Proverbs 18:7 ESV. Each of us has been maligned at one time or another. It is equally true that each of us has maligned others, allowing inappropriate words to spill from our lips. Knowing how damaging and painful false judgments can be, we must take great care in forming and vocalizing our opinions before our thoughts have been bathed in love and truth. It is foolish to carelessly say whatever we think; loose talk starts wars, breaks hearts, and destroys relationships. Glorious God, forgive my indiscretions and brutish ways. Cleanse my mind of vain imaginations and govern my lips with wisdom and discretion. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer,” Psalm 19:14 ESV. 

“The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!” Psalm 119:64 ESV. God has established laws by which all things in creation are kept in order. Physical laws like gravity and motion are essential for Universal Order. In like manner, spiritual laws are critical to our existence as God’s children. The Bible and the leading of the Holy Spirit are not simply needed “add-ons” to our lives; they must be our constant “go-tos” for daily instructions on what we should do and how we should live. A life devoid of the infusion of the Word of God and the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit is destined for confusion, weakness, and self-centeredness. But a life saturated with the Word and Spirit of God prepares us for living as partners of The Almighty and tears away the limits on how and where He can use us. LORD, thank You for Your Word and Spirit. Teach me and use me as You will this new day. 

“O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water,” Psalm 63:1 ESV. Approaching the outskirts of Moscow in winter is a long train ride through a bitterly cold panorama of barren trees and snow-covered fields. It seems impossible that life can exist in these extremely harsh conditions. On one such trip, I was invited to a simple greenhouse behind a friend’s home. There, in the dead of winter, were summer green plants. Beautiful vegetables of many varieties thriving while surrounded by a completely frozen landscape! In like manner, worship and praise have a greenhouse effect in our souls, providing conditions for life in the midst of a spiritually barren environment. Lord of Life, I will praise You at all times! Faith springs alive in my heart, warmed by Your Glorious Presence and Resplendent Light in the midst of darkness.

“The tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’” Luke 18:13 ESV. A heart that understands the unmerited grace God offers will not fall victim to a superiority complex toward others. If we are still under the delusion that we're blessed because of our moral rectitude or exceptional knowledge, then, like the pharisee, prideful judgmentalism is assured. Religious arrogance paralyzes spiritual progress and sets us up for a fall. I want to believe that I’ve left all sanctimonious pride far behind, but it still pops up like burnt toast from time to time. Spiritual pride can remain in our soul camouflaged as feeling a notch above fellow believers. It's not pleasing to God for me to deny someone else the mercy and grace on which I so heavily depend. Lord, have mercy on my earthly ways and make me more like You. May my pursuit of piety never produce a holier-than-thou response to others. 

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,” Philippians 1:9 NKJV. Making well-informed and thought-through decisions is important for moving forward, but there is no dependable substitute for divinely guided discernment. We need good judgment and the help of God’s promptings to distinguish between inspired thoughts and selfish fantasies since they often appear the same at first glance. The immature soul, driven by personal desire and emotion, can be easily confused. Imagination is a wonderful gift from God, but like everything else in this life, it must be deliberately brought under surrendered obedience to Him through His Word and Spirit. There are no shortcuts to God’s highest and best. Lord of All Creation, teach me to truly submit my thoughts to You today. Help me calibrate my dreams, desires, and meditations to Your perfect path. 

“For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,” Psalm 116:8 ESV. While raising our children, we became quite accustomed to tears; each day offered many. Most of the tearful moments resulted from minor disappointments or injuries, but occasionally there was genuine heartache. While “The Wailing Show” was more easily dismissed, a single, silent tear poised on the cheek of a sorrowful little face was riveting. Everything else stopped while full household attention was given to that one anguished soul. It is the same with God and His children. Father, You turn our mourning into dancing and tears of sorrow to tears of joy! Lord of All Comfort, one small teardrop of true repentance, or one tiny tear of heartbreak unleashes angels, archangels, and the whole company of heaven to our troubles. 

My son keep my words and treasure up my commandments within you; keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye; bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart,” Proverbs 7:1-3 NIV. The Word of God identifies and repairs what is broken within us and when engraved upon the heart, it also protects us from future catastrophes. Daily intake of Scripture not only informs us, it transforms us, and transports us to higher ground. I am not capable of honest self-evaluation without standing before the lighted mirror of the Word of God. Nitro glycerin can unearth mountains and in like manner, Scripture applied deep within can unearth the most stubborn resistance. Hardness of heart is pulverized by God’s Holy Word. Blessed Lord flood my heart with Your Power as I drink deeply from the Well of Life. Your Promises are my counselors, protectors, my refuge, deliverer, and victory! 

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,” Colossians 3:1-2 ESV. Here, the apostle Paul speaks to believers as if their ascension into heaven has already happened! It has! The moment we die to self and take Christ as LORD, we immediately begin transitioning from this world being our life source and start living out of Heaven’s resources and power! We may boldly believe and declare, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” Philippians 4:18 ESV. To be clear, I can’t just do anything I   want, but I CAN do whatever God wants! So, the things He commands in His Word are not suggestions; they are our marching orders! His heavenly provision back-up His plans for us! LORD, use me for Your Glory as You will. 

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,” Ephesians 4:26 ESV. The powerful Santa Ana Winds are what fuels the California wildfires each fall. A fire needs plenty of air to reach its full potential. If ventilation is cut off, the flames die out. The same can be said of anger. While quiet, seething anger is dangerous, venting our anger openly to others can lead to a raging inferno. Spreading our anger to others does not get rid of it, it only makes intensifies it. Every emotion has a proper place in life but when anger is permitted to run freely, our rage becomes our destruction. We are warned: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice,” Ephesians 4:31 NIV. My consternations must remain surrendered to God. LORD, snuff out the embers of anger within my heart. Smother every flame within me that is displeasing to you.

“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters a nd  hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water,” Jeremiah 2:13 NKJV. Not every source of water is equal. On the surface, there is little difference between a spring-fed lake and a retention pond. The sky reflects beautifully over both, but in the lake abides healthy life-giving water. In the retention-pond is the runoff of the surrounding streets and lawns; its aquatic life is dangerous to consume, and no one with good sense would drink from its contaminated waters. I do not want my soul to be filled with the tainted runoff of the world around me. I need the daily flow of living waters to flood my soul. LORD, In Your Mercy, pour Your cleansing truth into my soul and make my heart like a pristine mountain lake, teeming with life and welcoming all to safely enjoy its bounty. 

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you,” Ephesians 4:32 ESV. Though past disappointments may still sting within, there is no loss in offering authentic kindness to others, even to those who have hurt us. When kindness is practiced without ulterior motives, we touch for a moment the glory and nature of God. I John 4:8 proclaims: “God is love.” Since kindness is one of the principal characteristics of love, offering kindness is one of the highest examples of genuine godliness. I Corinthians 13:4 ranks patience and kindness right at the top of the “Love List.” Even when our kindness is rejected by those to whom it is offered, it benefits the giver and invites the blessing of the Almighty. Father, You are love, and You are kind beyond description. Let Your loving flow through me that I may be more like You. Make me Your instrument of lovingkindness to others. 

“While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, And cold and heat, And summer and winter, And day and night Shall not cease,” Genesis 8:22 ESV. Understanding the principles of seedtime and harvest is a powerful motivator for wise planting. Everything we do or say is, in essence, spreading seeds in the ground; the people we meet, family, friends, co-workers, even strangers passing by are soil. We rarely know the full story of how our life impacts others, but it is sobering to realize there is a harvest, both good and bad, from the seeds I have scattered. In the case of the good seeds sown, I pray for a bumper harvest; as for the bad seed, I pray for God’s mercy and forgiveness and for permanent crop failure for those seeds. Lord of All, forgive me for forgetting how significant each action is. Help me display Your goodness to those You place in my path. May only good seed be spread from my life that You O LORD would be glorified. 

“For who has despised the day of small things?” Zechariah 4:10 NKJV. Actually, I have many times, but I’ve since learned that most really huge things begin very small; little seeds produce huge trees, huge buildings begin as tiny marker flags, a quick smile between two people can lead to a multi-generational family. Most importantly, I’ve learned that for God, nothing is too small, and nothing is too big. I’m more easily drawn into the big things, but I’ve learned that faithfulness in the small things leads to great results in the big picture.” “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much,” Luke 16:10 ESV. Today’s small acts of faithfulness lead to great possibilities for tomorrow. Blessed Father, grant me the grace to be faithful in the small things and use me in whatever capacity that pleases You. 

“There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us, therefore, strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience,” Hebrews 4:9-11 ESV. Rest and comfort seem similar but are actually quite different. Rest prepares me for what is next; comfort settles me into what has been. Everyone needs a little comfort, but too much of it feeds selfishness and feelings of entitlement, leaving us maladjusted for personal sacrifice. Rest stops are for those going somewhere, but comfort zones are for the dying. Our culture defines rest as relaxation, but Biblical rest is rooted in trust in God and is His gift to us for our journey ahead. Father, teach me to enter Your rest and to esteem your Spirit’s comfort above all other comforts.

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks,” Luke 6:45 NKJV. What I inwardly value, wish for, ponder, contemplate, daydream, or give more than a passing thought ultimately drives what I outwardly say and do. It is straightforward, garbage in, garbage out, good stuff in, good stuff out. Psalm 1:1-2 ESV proclaims: “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.” Jesus demonstrated to us how His inner life allowed Him to effectively minister among the worst of sinners while simultaneously exposing the hypocrisy of the outwardly religious. LORD, help me keep it real. May my love for You be genuine and my love for others be pure. 

“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work,” 2 Timothy 2:21 ESV. One of the discomforts of traveling in many Third-World nations is the common use of open sewage lines in otherwise modern cities. While not as terrible as one might think, still, the unpleasant odors become a constant nuisance. Over time you get somewhat acclimated to it and only occasionally notice its presence. The same is true of our spiritual walk; allowing sewage to run openly through our lives will dull our senses to its presence. While we live in this world, we must learn to walk carefully among those who are perishing and set an example of spiritual discipline. High and Lofty One, lift me from the squalor of worldliness and cleanse the polluting stream of immorality from my soul. Make my life a sweet savor before You and others.  

“O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and  watch,” Psalm 5:3 ESV. The miracle of light was the Creator’s first gift to creation, and it is still one of His most wonderful gifts. Each new daybreak brings all that is obscured by the darkness of night back into full view. It is so natural, so repetitive, and so normal that we lose sight of the miraculous blessing it is. Dark to light is God’s daily dispensation of life and benevolence. As it is with the earth, so it is with my soul. It is by the very same hand that lights the world that my darkest moments are transformed to resplendent beauty, my mourning to laughter, and my sorrows to gladness. Lord of Light, drive all darkness from my soul. Give light and divine insight to my spiritual eyes and keep my lamp burning. May others see Your radiance in me today. 

“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him,” Psalm 18:30 NIV. Americans have become very dependent upon electronic navigational tools to help them get from one place to another. But I also need to navigate relationships, circumstances, decisions, opportunities, losses, and disappointments. This is where only Divine navigational tools will work. Learning the “God’s Way” navigational system is vital for perfect arrivals. His Word, His Spirit, discernment, prayer, and the good counsel of spiritual people combine to provide needed guidance through unfamiliar territory. His promise: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you,” Psalm 32:8 ESV. “And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail,” Isaiah 58:11 ESV. Yes, LORD, so be i

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you,” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV. As soon as I awaken each day, my mind is bombarded with unresolved issues; there is never a shortage of them. My first inclination is to start working on solutions. Yet, I know from experience that this will only provide temporary relief at best and often leads to further confusion. Turning to the wrong sources for the answers I need will only deepen my sorrows; so instead, I will cast my cares upon Him who cares for me like no one else can. I will throw myself headlong into the nail-scarred hands and rest in the knowledge that His love never fails. I will turn to the Comforter for counsel and feast on the promises of God’s Word. Lord, I yearn for Your consoling voice and towering wisdom. Instruct me from Your limitless knowledge and strengthen me with Your benevolent power. 

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds,” Psalm 147:3 ESV. God, who created everything from nothing, is never put off by the size or amount of my needs. Human languages contain words such as unbearable, unapproachable, incomprehensible, inconceivable, invisible, untouchable, unsearchable, unchangeable, and the list goes on and on. But words such as these do not exist in God’s celestial vocabulary since He has none of these limitations. By one single breath life came to all mankind, with His words "Let there be light," darkness was vanquished, and by one act of love, redemption was wrought for the whole world for all time. Gracious and Majestic Lord, the more I learn of Your greatness the more my soul’s brokenness is defeated, and my healing accomplished. I will praise Your name forever and ever! 

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together  for good, for those who are called according to his purpose,” Romans 8:28 ESV.  Even after miraculous deliverance, Israel’s final escape from four hundred years of slavery in Egypt was fraught with complications. And just as things had greatly improved, they saw an army in angry pursuit to the rear, an opening sea ahead and empty desert beyond. When your back is against the wall, the only choice is to move forward. I get this. Most of my significant progress has been forced by difficult circumstances. The goodness of God doesn’t always look so good at first glance, but in the end, He works His will in us and through us, most often using circumstances we would never choose along the way. Glorious Father, I praise and exalt you. You formed me for Your will, and You keep pressing me into it. LORD, Your wonders never cease. 

No, I didn’t misspell it; please allow me to explain. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were “free, united and independent states.” While we did indeed declare independence from the British Government and its laws, we also declared dependence upon God and upon one another. A portion of the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence reads: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government.” Again, Independence Day represents independence from a foreign government but equally stands as the declar

“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot,” Proverbs 14:30 ESV. Why should I waste time wishing that God had made me differently? I was made to fulfill His sovereign plan in the earth, so changing the basic design would disqualify me from my created purpose here. After all, is it “My Life” in the first place? He is the Giver of Life, so I should trust his judgments. Envy has no place in the life of a true believer. I can be inspired by others, informed by others, and learn to emulate the good qualities of others, but only to enhance my life, not trade it for someone else’s as if mine was not divinely engineered by my Creator. LORD, deliver me from every trace of envy within my soul and help me be the best version of the man you designed me to be. And in Your Goodness and Mercy, use me to help others do the same. 

“The Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one,” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV. Having raised a houseful of children, we learned a few things about the challenges and blessings of childhood curiosity. When they were small, we often kept things just out of their reach, and certain things we kept away from our home altogether. As a child of God, I must keep in mind that whatever is beyond my reach was put there by my Heavenly Father. In some cases, things are just beyond touch to urge me forward or encourage me to climb higher. However, the extra distance is for my protection in other situations, keeping me from unnecessary pain or worse. It is comforting to know, the Holy One who places things beyond my grasp can just as easily drop them in my lap if it accomplishes His will. Blessed Lord, I trust Your ways, knowing that what is inaccessible for me is firmly in Your grip.