2 Chronicles 33-36

We read through 2 Chronicles 33-36, and wrap up another book in our Bible reading adventure.  It's a crazy roller coaster ride right now as we go from one king to the next ruling in Judah.  King Josiah, who begins his reign at eight years-old, proves that wisdom isn't so much about age as it is a willingness to seek God's direction in everything.  God's Word is the wake-up call everyone needs, but it's a wake-up call people don't always remember.  By the end of 2 Chronicles, Judah is taken over by the kings of Egypt, Babylon, and later Persia.  The Babylonians destroy God's people and the Promise Land, sending a remnant into exile for 70 years.  

This just doesn't feel like the happy ending we'd expect with God, right?  I mean let's admit it.  None of us go into our Bible reading looking for harsh reality.  We have large doses of that in our here and now.  We read for new life and the hope we all have in Christ, the Good News God promises us when we believe.  So, you might be struggling today, with me, to understand how all of this unfaithful, bad stuff fits into God's story.

We can all relate to this situation at some point or many in our lives.  We don't get the happy ending we imagined for ourselves, the ending we think we deserve, for various and sundry reasons.  What does that mean for our faith?  Does that mean God doesn't love us anymore, that He's left us, that He isn't the good God He claims to be?  Does that mean we've messed up one too many times with God?

Well, let me show you something I wanted to skim over as fast as possible in my reading at first.  It's a passage that's full of really bad news.  

15 The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. 16 But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy....

20 He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his successors until the kingdom of Persia came to power. 21 The land enjoyed its sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfillment of the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah.

2 Chronicles 36:15-21

As bad as the situation is in this passage, it is also connects us to the Good News God promises.  Before you call me crazy, read this sentence...

21 The land enjoyed its sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfillment of the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah.

2 Chronicles 36:21

Did you catch it?  Things are bad, but God is always faithful to His people and true to His Word.  We can always find joy in our Lord, no matter where we find ourselves, no matter how bad things get.  Things are happening just as God said they would at this point in the story.  God is still there with His people directing the story.  Even when we can't see Him or feel Him, He is there at work. 

Because God is true to His Word, we have never-ending HOPE in Christ.  We are never beyond our Heavenly Father's everlasting and perfect love for us.  Bad news and sad endings are never the end to the story.  They're just part of a bigger and better plan, drawing us closer to more and abundant life.  

God has to get us from here to there somehow.  And only He knows what that path looks like for each of us.  So even in the worst of news, we can cling to the cross.  God is who He says He is.  We have to keep reading and believing to know the fullness of God's perfect love for us.  Sometimes, the most faithful thing we can do is remind each other of that...  

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for choosing me to be a part of Your family and Your love story.  Thank You for sending Christ into the world to forever change things for the better.

I don't ever want to take You for granted.  No matter where I find myself, strengthen my faith and determination to rely on You and see Your abundant blessings.  

Help me let go of all the weighs me down.  Fill me with Your joy and peace so that I can light up the world for You and dance in Your grace. 

You are my rock and my refuge.

In Christ's name I pray,

Amen

Blessings,
   

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.

2 Chronicles 30-32

In 2 Chronicles 30-32, Hezekiah rules Judah wholeheartedly for God, and it makes all the difference in the world for God's people.  He starts by campaigning for God.  Back in the days without email, internet, and news channels, Hezekiah sends out a proclamation throughout Israel to celebrate the Passover in "large numbers" a week late in Jerusalem.  Then, Hezekiah takes the lead in praying for the people and worshiping God.  It's a real faith revival, and people leave Jerusalem renewed, encouraged, and equipped to give their lives and their "first fruits" to God.  Life is good, just like it had been so many years earlier in the days of King David and King Solomon.

One thing about it, as we try to live faithful lives, there is so much misinformation out there and so many misconceptions clamoring for our attention.  We need a "go-to" way to deal with it all so it doesn't have a chance to weaken our faith.

One source of misinformation is people who doubt God, who don't know Him enough to understand His unconditional love for us and His real power in our lives.  

The king of Assyria is one of these people in today's reading.  He wants to defeat God's people, and so he starts with words.  His opinions and voice messes with minds and scares people.  

We can't let people like that interfere with our faith and God's ability to fight our battles.  We have to believe.  And, King Hezekiah, and his faithful crew show us what to do if we believe.  They stay strong because they allow God to be in the middle of their conversations and their battles.  King Hezekiah reminds us,

7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. 8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.

2 Chronicles 32:7-8  

God's people fight with prayers.  And, the next thing we know, the entire Assyrian army gets annihilated beyond explanation.

No matter what we see, what others are doing or not doing, what we hear, no matter what- we can't give up on our amazing, mighty, and loving God.  He is sovereign, and He loves US.  His grace is life-giving. We can count on God's truth, and celebrate it.  He is the source of the "good life" we all desperately want and need.

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for taking care of me.  Thank You for giving me the "good life" through Your son, Jesus.  

Forgive me for all the ways I allow doubt and pride to cloud my heart.  I know  that You are the source of all success.  Nothing I accomplish for good is by my own abilities but by Your powerful grace at work in me.  Help me to help others draw closer to You with love and prayers.  Help me let go of my fears and selfish pride and hold on to life-giving faith in You.

You, Lord, are the one true miracle worker in my life and in the lives of those around me.  I give you thanks today for Your great works in my life [take time to reflect on those] and in the lives of ____________________. 

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Blessings,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.

2 Chronicles 26-29

As we've read through the book of 2 Chronicles this week, we've been going through this crazy time in Israel's history.  It's a real roller coaster of faith, leadership, and life.  Things are messy again today in 2 Chronicles 26-29.  We seem to be going back and forth on a sliding scale of rare whole-hearted reigns, half-hearted reigns, and disgustingly heartless reigns of king after king in Judah.   

I had to laugh today because I realized a little subtly in the text that gives us a real indication of how "good" these kings are at their jobs before we even get started reading through the days they rule.  Maybe you noticed it too?  

It's all about how a new king gets introduced to us.  If a new king gets introduced to us as doing "right in the eyes of the Lord," we know things from that point forward may not be perfect, but they're okay.  If a new king gets introduced to us as not doing what is "right in the eyes of the Lord," we know trouble is around the corner.

 And after that, we can even tell how "faithful" or how "unfaithful" a king turns out to be based on the father associated with that king.  A king is doing awesome if he gets compared to his father, David.  Anything less than that is questionable because at this point in the Bible, King David is our highest standard of faithfulness.

How many of us do the very same thing?  If I am being honest, I have to admit that I have a natural tendency to compare myself to others.  I get caught up in it from time to time.  

Today, I am reminded that, in Christ, we have new standard of goodness and faithfulness, and it has nothing to do with others.  It has everything to do with Jesus.  Instead of being weighed down by comparisons and inadequacy, I need to start looking for Jesus in others and praying to be more like Him.  These words are a great start to grounding my thoughts and prayers...

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.    

Galatians 1:10

And although we will never compare to Christ's perfection, there's hope for us as believers no matter what tomorrow brings.  We are made perfect in Christ.  Because Christ died for us and lives in us, we are vessels of His grace as He works through us in this world. 

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for Your grace that is at work in my life through the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus.

Give me the eyes and the tender heart to love gracefully like Jesus.  Forgive me for struggling with my own selfishness.

I want to serve and please, You, Lord.  Empower me to live by faith and share my faith in way that draws others closer to You.

I pray _______________ today who really needs Your miraculous love.

In the name of Jesus, my Savior, I pray,

Amen

Peace of Christ,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.

2 Chronicles 21-25

We're back to life as a biblical soap opera today in 2 Chronicles 21-25.  We've all been there at some point, right?  Life can be like that sometimes.

What a mess after King Jehoshaphat dies and his son, Jehoram, takes over in Judah.  Things seem to spiral out of control in the royal family, king (and one queen) after king.  We read through the disastrous reigns of Jehoram, Ahaziah and his crazy mother Athaliah, Joash, and Amaziah.  Try to go through all of those names fast, and you get an idea of how lost God's people become as God's leaders have abandoned His ways for their own.

As we've been talking about lately, we all have to be intentional about standing firm in our faith.  It's not easy in this crazy world.  It wasn't easy then in the days of Israel and Judah, and it isn't easy for us now.  It doesn't take much for us to become misguided from God's purpose for our lives.  

But, it's so important to remember that it is VERY POSSIBLE to be faithful followers because God makes every effort to help us.

In our reading, we see God use Jehoiada the priest to help Joash, and God continues to send prophet after prophet, offering His counsel to all.  The help is there, but no one seems to really listen to the "right" voice.

Have you ever been to a concert or big event where microphones are involved?  Regular "sound checks" are a must in these situations.  It's the same way with our lives.  We have a million voices clamoring and fighting for our attention.  And, our life is always a "big event, a big deal." to God.  We need to make sure that the voice that is magnified in our lives is God's voice.  

How many of you know how tricky this is?  It's tricky because God speaks to us through many voices.  He sends people and circumstances to keep us going in the right direction or to wake us up and turn us around when we're off course.  So, we have to take time to consider the source.  

God's voice is not defined by volume and loudness, pretty packages and crowd pleasing messages, predictable time frames, our personal comfort zones, or limited expectations.  God's voice is, however, defined by His grace and perfect love for us.

God speaks to us anytime, anywhere.  That's what Amaziah realized in 2 Chronicles 25.  We read about two specific experiences in which God tries to speak to him through other people.  When he listens to God's voice things go well.  When he listens to his own voice, it turns out to be a disaster.

I believe God is using these experiences today to remind us that no matter what WE THINK, HE ALWAYS knows better.

Amaziah pays lots of money for good help.  And "the man of God" reminds all of us of this important truth...

8 Even if you go and fight courageously in battle, God will overthrow you before the enemy, for God has the power to help or to overthrow.”

9 Amaziah asked the man of God, “But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?”

The man of God replied, “The Lord can give you much more than that.”

2 Chronicles 25:8-9

The Lord, our Savior, is the help we really need.  He gives us so much more than we could ever accomplish or imagine on our own.  

I don't know about you, but I want to make sure it's God's voice that's magnified and directing my steps.

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for speaking to me and guiding me.  Forgive me for all the ways I miss hearing Your voice.  Help me to know Your voice when You speak to me.  

I especially need to hear Your direction when it comes to ___________________________.  Tell me and show me Your way.  Give me the strength, the courage, and the resources to do what You need me to do.  

I also pray for ____________________ today.  Fill his/her/their life/lives with Your love and Your voice.

I praise You, Lord, my Savior, who fills my life full of perfect purpose and blessings.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

In Christ's love,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.

2 Chronicles 17-20

Asa's son, Jehoshaphat, is king of Judah in 2 Chronicles 17-20.  He does his best to be faithful to God.  Jehoshaphat is so smart to send a team of faithful officials and religious leaders throughout the land to minister to God's people.  See, God's people have become distracted and lost from the strong foundation they have in their Savior.  They are strengthened and renewed by God's Word.  God is with Jehoshaphat as he reigns, hearing his prayers and fighting his battles.   

Being a Christ follower doesn't mean we will have a life free of troubles and struggles.  It means we will never have to face our troubles and struggles alone...and that leads to so much more for us...

Jehoshaphat experiences a trying test in today's reading when many of his enemies (the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites) unite and try to attack Judah.  It's personal for Jehoshaphat, and he's scared out of his mind.  But, I think we can learn so much from how the guy handles the situation.

Look at what he does when He's scared to death and life is on the line...

3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.

2 Chronicles 20:3-4

Jehoshaphat shows all of us what it looks like to rely on our faith.  I realized as I was reading that we can apply his strategies not only to crisis situations but even in our more ordinary day to day moments.  Check it out...

1. Jehoshaphat is determined to seek God and trust Him, and he brings all God's people together to do it.  For believers, there's God power in numbers.

• So for you and me, we need to be determined about our faith, and we need a circle of fellow believers.  Who is in your circle?

2.  And where do we find Jehoshaphat and his crew of believers?  Notice, we don't find them locking their doors, packing up their belongings, and running away or hiding from what lies ahead.  No.  We find them where they can be close to God.  For them, that means being at the Lord's temple.

•  We all need a go-to place to be close to God.  Where is that for you?

3.  Most importantly, Jehoshaphat prays his heart out to God.  Instead of scrambling around like a chicken with his head cut off, Jehoshaphat takes time to be still and talk to God about what he is facing.  He acknowledges God's sovereignty in his life and God's great works and many promises.  Then, Jehoshaphat hands the whole situation over to God with these simple words...

For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.

2 Chronicles 20:12

• Whatever it is for us, whatever decisions, circumstances, and battles we face, these simple words will work for us too.  God wants us to keep our eyes on Him.  It's okay to admit we don't know what we are doing.  

 4.  As soon as Jehoshaphat and God's people humbly hand everything over to God, the battle is already won.  God assures them,

Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s...

You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you...Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.

2 Chronicles 20:15, 17

• God assures us too.  He can show us His power and be glorified through us when we face life with Him.  We have to be firm and resolved about remembering His promises. 

When we faithfully hand our lives to God, as Christ followers, He is able to work all things for good.  The more we hand over to Him, the more He can do...

God's love for us triumphs all, even death.  

A prayer for today...

Dear God,

Thank You for Your everlasting and powerful love.  Thank You for being with me and fighting through me and for me.  

Forgive me for all the ways I try to handle things on my own and fight battles that aren't mine to fight.

I trust You with all my heart.  I pray for Your love to triumph in my life and in the lives of those on my mind today ________________.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Peace of Christ,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.

  

2 Chronicles 13-16

Yesterday, Israel was just beginning to unravel and divide with King Rehoboam.  We now have two kings, one for Judah and one for the rest of Israel, and the two factions don't always get along.  Today in 2 Chronicles 13-16, the line of David continues to reign in Judah, first through Abijah and then through Asa.  There's a constant struggle throughout the land to stay focused on God. 

There's this theme that keeps recurring in our reading, and I see it again and again in my life.  Messing up and losing focus is natural.  It's easy.  I have to fight for my faith with determination each day.  How about you?  

Here's the thing though.  I think we get confused because we forget that we don't have to do the fighting on our own with our own power and resources (at least I do).  We have a Helper.  The question is never "Will God help us?"  The question is "Will we surrender to God so He can help us?"  Will we quit fighting with all our might and let God fight for us with all of His?  There's a huge difference.  

Here are the words we need to remember to say and mean with all our hearts-

Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God..."

2 Chronicles 14:11

The army we come against changes, but it's always the fight against sin in our lives.

The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.

2 Chronicles 151-2

I know I want to be with Him.  How about you? Are you with Him?

The win for abundant life (both here and now and for eternity) is guaranteed when we will surrender moment by moment to our Savior.

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for Your ever-present saving grace.  Thank You that by Your Son Jesus, I am forgiven for every single one of my imperfections.

I pray for Your courage and strength.  Fill my heart full of Your Holy Spirit and work in me and through me.  I surrender and rely on You, Lord.

There is no one like You to help the powerless against the mighty.  I pray for the powerless today.  I pray for __________________.  Be their mighty warrior and clothe them in Your powerful and transforming love.

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit I pray,

Amen

Grace and peace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.

2 Chronicles 9-12

King Solomon becomes well-known, far and wide, for his great wisdom, and then things go downhill for Israel as his son, Rehoboam, takes over as king (2 Chronicles 9-12).  These chapters are the beginnings of Israel's self-defeating and self-centered choices as a nation as they abandon God's Word for their lives.  God's people become divided on so many levels.  It is a struggle to find good and faithful leadership. 

As I think through these chapters from today's reading I go back and forth.  Gosh.  Life was so good with David and Solomon in Israel.  And then, things take a quick turn for the worse as soon as Solomon is gone.  What happened?  And how can we relate Israel's struggle to our own lives? 

As much as I'd love to be able to say that Israel and God's people then are nothing like my country and God's people today, I know we have these same exact struggles in our faith.

We have this innate tendency to get caught up in seeking "the good life" instead of seeking the source of all that we are and all that we have.

That's what happens to Rehoboam, Solomon's son...

14 He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord.

2 Chronicles 12:14

How do we guard ourselves against continuing to make these same mistakes day to day?  What does it mean for us to "set" our hearts on "seeking the Lord?" right now, wherever we are in this life God has given us?  

Something hit me today as I read over this verse again and again.  Setting our hearts on seeking the Lord has to begin with our mindsets.  It takes determination and intentionality on our parts.  We have to work to be mind-maker-uppers with God.  

And I don't know about you, but when I get caught up in the craziness of my day to day stuff, it is way too easy to "exempt" God from my immediate circumstances.  

The good news is that we know God loves us no matter what, and He also knows how easily we become disconnected from Him.  So, we don't have to rely on our own capabilities and powers to keep our hearts on Him and seek Him.  We can pray ourselves through our day.

If I think back to King David and King Solomon, that's the secret to their faithfulness.  

The more we pray, the more God can show us His way...

Dear God,

I am thankful today for the lessons and guidance you reveal to our hearts through Your Holy and Living Word.  Forgive me for all the ways I "exempt" You from what is right in front of me, in quick and "heated" moments. 

I especially struggle with _________________________.     

I know You are in my midst waiting to lovingly counsel me and transform my life with Your glory.  I pray for Your help.  I know I need You to fill my mind and help me stay focused on You.  Be with me, Lord, in all that I do, and give me a strong sense of Your direction for my words and actions.

Speak to me loud and clear, God.
What do You need me to do today?  Who needs my prayers?

Mold me and shape me, Lord, so that all the facets of my life are a reflection of Your perfect love.  Use my life to draw my family, my friends, my neighbors, my acquaintances, and even strangers closer to You.  Make my faith contagious and life-giving for others.

You are my rock and my strength.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Christ's peace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.

  

2 Chronicles 5-8

In 2 Chronicles 5-8, King Solomon leads all of Israel in celebrating the one true King that rules over all of our lives.  Solomon shows us all how to "pray" through our work.  The Lord's temple and Solomon's palace are finished after twenty years of service.  God appears to Solomon just like he did with King David, so Solomon knows the plans God has for him and the rest of His people.  Solomon keeps building and rebuilding faith and cities for God.  During this time in Israel, believers are able to spend some invaluable time reflecting on their Savior's great promises and amazing works.

3 When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying,

“He is good;

    his love endures forever.”

2 Chronicles 7:3

That's where my head is today.  

Reflecting on God's promises and handiwork in our lives, with thanksgiving, does wonders for nurturing our souls and strengthening our faith.

So, I want to stop and give thanks today.

It's easy to thank God for the obviously glorious things in my life.  But, I want to stretch myself today.  Knowing God is all good and all of His plans are perfect, I know I need to do that on a daily basis.  I need to give thanks for EVERYTHING, recognizing the breadth and depth of God's goodness and love in all circumstances.

Especially when the day is dull or hard and long, when we get stuck in our routines, when we are exhausted and emotional, when it's hard to take in the reality that is right in front of us, when we are struggling... that's when we have the most room for thankfulness and blessings. 

It feels counterintuitive I know.  But, we have to know God is so much more than a feeling in our lives.

It's these kind of days when we have to rely on faith and hope, the not-so obvious, the things that are unseen without effort, that's when we are able realize the fullness of God's powerful love at work in us and in those around us.   That's when I am most thankful for the everlasting blessing of God's love that comes to us through Jesus Christ. 

How about it?  What not so obvious blessings do we need to thank God for today?

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

I thank You for blessing me again and again with Your goodness and mercy.  I thank You for Your enduring love in my life.

Forgive me for struggling to be thankful in all circumstances.  Forgive me for being distracted by day to day annoyances that are so insignificant to You.  Help me reflect on all that is important to You.  Help me stay focused on Your power and presence and love every single day.

I give my day to you, Lord.  And I pray that You will also wrap ____________ in Your arms this day.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

In Christ's love,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.

2 Chronicles 1-4

Today we jump into 2 Chronicles 1-4.  This book covers Israel's history from the reign of King Solomon to the time when God's people return to Jerusalem after being exiled by the Babylonians.  

From the start, we can see David's legacy of faith in his son, Solomon.  King Solomon rules with God.  He leans on God for wisdom, and God blesses him beyond our wildest imaginations.  I read in awe as Solomon not only enlists the help of all the Israelites, he also leverages the support of his father's friends with skills and resources in far off places.  Things really come together as Solomon begins the enormous task of building a permanent temple for God on Mount Moriah, the same place where God appeared to his father years earlier.  

The author (Ezra the priest) of 2 Chronicles says this about King Solomon,

Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.

2 Chronicles 1

Although I didn't really think about this verse applying specifically to you and me, at least at first, it is the one that got my attention.  And so, I just sat with it for a while trying to figure out what this has to do with our here and now.   After all, most of us aren't kings ruling over a nation, nor are we the sons and daughters of a great king, like Solomon.  Oh, wait a minute...

Jesus, our Lord and Savior, comes to mind, and I realize that this verse about Solomon has everything to do with you and me.  As believers, we are God's children, sons and daughters to our Sovereign Lord.  Jesus has left us this everlasting legacy of faith as our foundation to do exceedingly great things for Him.

Look what Jesus has to say about the Kingdom of God...

“The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, 21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst."

Luke 17:20-21

As believers, we have a part in God's Kingdom.  His Kingdom is where we are, right now.  So knowing that these Holy Words have everything to do with us, how are we establishing ourselves "firmly" over this portion of "His Kingdom" that He has entrusted to us?

A prayer for today-

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for making me part of Your family through Your Son, Jesus.  Thank You for giving me a place and a perfect purpose in Your Kingdom, both here and now and for eternity.  

Forgive me, Lord, because sometimes I forget that Your Kingdom is in my midst wherever I go.

Help me to be firm in my faith as I live and work in Your Kingdom.  I pray for wisdom, courage, strength, and the joy that comes from walking with You.  Be a part of my relationships and fill them with the legacy of love that You established so long ago.  Enable me to relate to others the way You do.

God, I pray for _______________ today and ask that you wrap him/her/them in Your arms.  I don't know what to do, but You do.

You are my Rock and my Redeemer, Lord.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Peace of Christ,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.