Ephesians 4:

As "children of the Light" we must no longer live with futile thinking, but "be made new in the attitude of our minds." (Ephesians 4:17-23.)

Negitive - dark - hopeless thinking halts God's will for us. When we indulge in fear, we acknowledge our lack of faith. When we allow ourselves to wallow in dark worry, we open the door for more darkness. Hopelessness is the result of faithless fear and dark worry.

When we lift our heads to view God's Light we find the path He has laid out for us. Though the path may be difficult, faith pushes us forward. The darkness disappears and we are aware of God's purpose for us. Hopelessness flees from faith in God.  We abandon our dreams in lieu of His vision for us. We see only Light - step-by-step moment-by-moment - we follow Jesus. Darkness has no more power. 

Thank you, Father, for Jesus, The Light. It's in your name I pray ------ Selah

Mark 5:22-24

"Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet and pleaded esrnestly with him. . .. So Jesus went with him."

Max Lucado in "He Still Moves Stones" says, "Jesus, who loves the honest heart, goes...."  What an amazing truth. All we have to do is come to Jesus with heartfelt honesty and He will respond.

Father, help me come to you without hesitation with all of my needs. Remind me every moment that you are always available for me to ask for anything.  No request is too small or too large for me to bring to you. Teach me constantly how to have unwaivering faith in your will for me.  I pray in the name of my always faithful savior, Jesus.  ------ Selah

Luke 5:5

"...'Master we have worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.' When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break."

How often, Father, do we not listen to your voice or not even seek your counsel.  We think: "This isn't  important enough to bother you, God."  "I know what I'm  doing; I don't  need to ask you, Lord."  "I hear you speak (through friends, loved ones or maybe even strangers), but I'm sure you don't mean what their asking, Father."

Most of the time we don't  mean to be disrespectful.  May of the times, we just don't remember to come to you. 

Now, though, We have a potential business opportunity which may be presenting itself to provide a more financially secure future for us. Help us, Holy Spirit. With each small step we prepare to take, speak your counsel.  Guide us to make the best decisions. Show us that it is an endeavor which YOU want for us - or, give us the wisdom to pass it up should the prospect be something that is not in our best interest. Most important, let whatever we do be for the benefit of sharing our faith in you with others.  Strengthen our faith. Speak to us - open our ears, our minds and our hearts.  Show us where and how to cast our nets; where you're will for us will be accomplished. I pray all in the name of  our precious Savior, Jesus ---- Selah.

Romans 8:24-25

"...hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." (Romans 8:24-25)

I sit in front of the fireplace pondering a possible dream come true; at least it is my dream. If he gets the job that is hoped for, it would relieve pressure which weighs heavily on him.  He will be able to relax into our life. In turn, I will be allowed to focus on making us a warm loving home - something of which I have always dreamed. I hope in you, Father. I pray that you will hear my plea. Let us find peace and joy is this life together.  Regardless of my wants, however, I pray that your will be done in our lives.  I turn "us" over to you. Let us first foremost desire to serve you. I pray in the name of Jesus ---- Selah

John 1:14

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."

I have begun reading an advent devotional by Max Lucado. (He is my favorite Christian writer.) I'm a little behind because today is the 4th day of advent but I will catch up.

Seldom do I stop and think about the reality of Christ as a human - all the physical discomforts and yucky things about our bodies. Yet, he lived a perfect life. Lucado suggests that we acknowledge the ugly parts of our physicality and allow ourselves to realize Christ's humanness. It does feel sacreligous to do so; to imagine the body of Christ in such an unappealing form. I am tempted to call it an imperfect form, but God does not create imperfection.

I believe Jesus had the most perfect body humanly possible. I wonder if he ever felt sick. Did Jesus get colds - stomach aches?  His health must have been good in order for him to carry out all that he did.

Theologically,  we are all perfect for God's plan. Whatever we see as a flaw, He has a purpose for it. Every handicap, mental illness, or general perceived  weakness can have a place in the Father's future for us.  Our imperfections can become strengths if we let God use us. With faith, we can embrace whatever difficulty comes each day to allow us to serve Him.

Thank you Lord. Here I am - use me, please.  I pray all in the name of Jesus - Selah

Phil 4:5-7

"Let your gentleness be evident to all"

I fully believe that you want me to remain free as a caregiver to others. I dont know to what extent that will require effort from me, but if it truly is the position you have for me during my time here, use me as you desire, Father.

As it stands today, I know I am needed in my roll by my children, grandchildren, my cousin/ward, the man I love, friends, the Center, and my Church. Help me, when the anxiety hits, to pray thankfully for your peace to guard me and carry me through.

I pray all in the name og Jesus --- Selah

Song of Songs 4:9

"You have  stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; ..."

The idea that we as believers in Christ can have such an intimate relationship with God sends my imagination spinning. What woman doesn't want to know that someone has heightened emotion for her such as is written in the Song of Songs - the most romantic chapter of the Bible by far. Taken at face value it is a heart rushing dialogue. Seen in terms of the Church being the Bride of Christ, it takes on a loftier tone - the most loving possible. Whose love has ever compared to God's? As a part of Christ's body, we are recipients of that love. As such recipients, isn't the poetic verse meant to put Gods love for us in yet another vision?  We are loved by God in every way possible. HE holds nothing back from us if we will only open our body, heart, mind and soul to HIM before anyone or anything else. We are permitted to read the beauty of the words in the Song of Songs as if God Himself is caressing us with the sweetness of HIS breath. Help us Holy Spirit be open in every way to the experiences God wants for us each day. I pray all in the name of Jesus ----- Selah