He knows!

"Are not five sparrows sold for two cents?  Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.  Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows."  Luke 12:6-7
"And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying.  For all thee things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things."  Luke 12: 29-30

Curious.  How many times do we forget that He is not human, stuck with human tendencies.  He is God.  He doesn't fit in a box.  He doesn't fail us like we fail each other.  He is God!  His power is limitless.  His knowledge is limitless.  As this verse says, He is fully aware of how many hairs are on our heads.  I don't know about you, but my hair falls out constantly.  But He is always aware of the numbers of hair on my head.  He KNOWS me.  Every little detail.  Down to the tiniest thing, like how many tears I have cried.  He holds each one of us in the palm of His hands.  He genuinely cares!  He doesn't get frustrated at us, like we do with each other.  He just loves us and waits for us to turn back to Him.  There is no need to fear.  He already knows what is going to happen for each of the days we are allotted.  You know why we don't need to fear?  Because He has promised that He will ALWAYS be with us...seeing us through, no matter what happens.  And He cannot lie.  So we can take that to the bank.  He will ALWAYS carry us through and we will be stronger on the other side!  Guaranteed.  No worries, God is in CONTROL! 
What are you dragging along with you?  How can you give it, once and for all, over to God?  What worries are taking your focus off the God who takes care of it all for you?   Focus on Him, and the rest of it will fall into place.

Time

There is an appointed time for everything.  And there is a time for every event under heaven--
A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.  A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up.  A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance.  A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.  A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away.  A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak.  A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace.  Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

This time of year can be tough for so many.  For the divorced person who's life-as-they-knew-it was ripped apart.  For the family who lost a member.  For moms who lost their babies before they got to see them grow up.  For people who aren't on speaking terms with family or friends.  Or many, many other reasons.  But, we need to remember that there is a time for everything.  Life is a big cycle of ups and downs, gains and losses.  For everyone that struggles with a loss during this time of year, there is someone who is starting celebrations of their own.  New marriages, new families, reunions, reconciliations.  There is always, somewhere in the midst of it all, something to be thankful for and Someone to hope in.  I pray that through the bustle of this time of year, that you would remember the baby that was born in a manger, that grew up knowing that His purpose in life was to die in a horrible way, so that we all might be able to have a daily relationship with God the Father.  I also pray that you and yours would be blessed beyond your wildest imagination and that you would take the time to help make the holidays a little easier and brighter for someone you know.  How can you be Jesus' hands and feet, all December long, to share His love with all you come in contact with?  Who do you know that would greatly benefit from a phone call, a card in the mail, an offer to help with groceries, etc, etc, etc?  There is a time for everything under the sun.  It all comes back around.  What are you doing with your time?

Do not be afraid!

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."  Matthew 14:27

This is a great reminder for me.  I forget sometimes that I am walking this life WITH the creator of the universe, the One and Only True God.  He is right by my side, helping me every step of the way.  He has already created the path for me to take, and enabled me to take each step as He asks me to do so.  Everything that I will ever need, He has already provided for me.  There is NO need to fear.  He has already won the victory and life is too short to waste time on fear!  Nothing that ever happens will remove the complete security I have in Him.  Nothing!
What can you do today to put your full trust in Him and to fear not?

Strong in Him

O love the Lord, all you His godly ones!  The Lord preserves the faithful and fully recompenses the proud doer.  Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.  Psalm 31:23-24

Today my prayer for you is that you would love the Lord your God with all of your being and that it would impact the way that others see you.  That your growth in Him would be easily visible to all those around you.  That you would know that He is working on your behalf and preserving you as you faithfully walk with Him.  That you would not get discouraged when the way gets hard, but that you would choose to learn though those times and lean on Him for all things, and that your reward will be great in Heaven as you follow His will for you.  I pray that you would be STRONG in the Lord, that you would have the courage to do all that He asks of you the first time, and that all of your hope would be in Him.  This is my prayer for you.

Established

Establish Your word and confirm Your promise to Your servant, which is for those who reverently fear and devotedly worship You.  Psalm 119:38

Today my prayer for you is that you would know the reality that is God's promises for you.  That you would completely realize that if He said it, it will come to pass.  That He wants you to count on Him and His promises for you.  That He wants to make Scripture come alive in your life, and wants you to use Scripture to counter satan.  I pray that you would rest in the place where God has you and that you would establish yourself in His will for you and actively seek His word for your life.  That you would utilize the sharp, two-edged sword that is His Word.  I pray that your life would be worship to Him.  This is my prayer for you.

Pleasure

The Lord takes pleasure in those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy and loving-kindness.  Psalm 147:11

My prayer for you today is that you would know that the God of the universe takes pleasure in you.  Not only does He take pleasure in you, for you, but he also takes pleasure in your worship of Him, and when you hope in Him alone.  I pray that you may see Him all around you and that you would choose to hope in Him and expectantly watch for His evidence of being with you.  This is my prayer for you!

With my whole heart

How shall a young man cleanse his way?  By taking heed and keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to it].  With my whole heart have I sought You, inquiring for and of You and yearning for You; Oh, let me not wander or step aside (either in ignorance or willfully) from Your commandments.  Ps 119:9-10

Today my prayer for you is that you would be seeking God with your whole heart, all of your being.  That you would take heed and keep watch to see that you are living all-out for God.  That you would seek Him, first, and that what He says to you would be followed and obeyed!  I pray that you would seek, inquire, and yearn for our Lord and Savior.  I know that He will meet you right where you are and that He longs to have an intimate relationship with you.  I pray that you would not wander off the path that He has for you and that in all things, your life would reflect your love for Him.  This is my prayer for you.

satisfies the soul

Oh, that men would praise [and confess to] the Lord for His goodness and loving-kindness and His wonderful works to the children of men!  For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with good.  Psalm 107:8-9

Today my prayer for you is that you would lift your voice and heart in praise to the God who loves you more than you will ever be able to truly understand, this side of heaven.  That you would freely run to Him and confess to Him, all of your days.  That you would make Him the priority in your life and live sold-out for Him.  I pray that as you seek Him (and He WILL be found by you) that you receive the soul-satisfaction that only He can provide.  That He will fill your hungry soul with so much of Him that you overflow goodness and mercy and His loving-kindness to all people you come across.  I pray that you would fully seek Him as He is fully seeking you.  That you would know how very much He longs to have relationship with you.  This is my prayer for you!

Don't worry, God's got it!

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.  And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

My prayer for you today is that you would truly release all that is holding you captive.  That you would leap forward into God's arms, fully trusting Him to catch you and hold you as you do all that He puts on your heart to do.  That you would get a small group of trusted Christians to help hold you up as you walk the path that He is lighting up for you to take, one step at a time.  I pray that in everything that comes your way, EVERY thing, that you would thank Him for walking it with you and entrusting you with that thing.  That your heart would be in tune with His and that your ear would be trained to His voice.  I pray that you would go to Him first with your petitions and that you would hopefully, and expectantly, watch for His answers.  That you would know His peace...and that there is NOTHING that compares to it.  In all things, that you would stay your heart and mind on Him.  This is my prayer for you!

No Good Thing...

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor and [future] glory (honor, splendor, and heavenly bliss)!  No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.  Psalm 84:11

My prayer for you today is that you would know in your heart that He will not withhold a single good thing from you, that He knows is for your best.  That you would trust Him completely, and fully.  That you would have heart and head-knowledge that God longs to spend time with you, talking with you.  That you would long to spend time with Him in return and that that time would become incredibly precious to you.  I pray that each day, you would look forward most to the time that you spend with Him, the time that He can speak to your heart through His Word and all other means that are at His fingertips.  I pray that you would know how much He loves you and that He delights in you.  You are His beloved.  This is my prayer for you.

Fearfully and wonderfully made

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.  You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar.  You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways.  Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it all.  You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand on me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is too high, I cannot attain to it.  Psalm 139: 1-6

Today, my prayer for you is that you would know how precious you are in God's eyes.  That you would know that He loves you so much that He knows you better than you know yourself.  He knows what you are thinking without you even having to say a word.  He knows where you are going and how you will reach your greatest potential.  I pray that you would give Him your all and allow Him to lead you at all times.  That you would realize that you will never see things the way that He does, but that you can fully trust Him.  I pray that you would spend time in His Word and communicating with Him so that you can learn more about Him and who He is, every day.  That you would never make excuses or easily give away the time that you could be spending with Him.  That you would hunger and thirst for more of Him.  This is my prayer for you.

Refuge

Be to me a rock of refuge in which to dwell, and a sheltering stronghold to which I may continually resort, which You have appointed to save me, for You are my Rock and my Fortress.  For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my trust from my youth and the source of my confidence.  Upon you have I leaned and relied from birth; You are He Who took me from my mother's womb and You have been my benefactor from that day.  My praise is continually of you.  Psalm 71: 3, 5-6

Awe

And all men shall [reverently] fear and be in awe; and they will declare the work of God, for they will wisely consider and acknowledge that it is His doing.  The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be glad in the Lord and shall trust and take refuge in Him; and all the upright in heart shall glory and offer praise.  Psalm 64:9-10

My prayer for you today is that you would choose to live in reverent fear and awe of the God who has done so much for us.  I pray that you would be quick to sing His praises and to foster a thankful heart no matter what circumstances life throws at you.  That you would cling to Him and to His limitless resources as your Source of life and hope.  That you would join Him, on His path for your life, and embrace the adventure you can have walking with Him.  I pray that you would choose to be uncompromisingly living for Him and that you would trust Him with every single part of your life.  That you would chose to walk in an upright manner that is a pleasing and acceptable sacrifice to Him.  In all that you do, that you would praise and glorify Him.  This is my prayer for you.

Fixed

My heart is fixed, O God; my heart is steadfast and confident!  I will sing and make melody.  Psalm 57:7

Today, my prayer for you is that your eyes and heart would be fixed on God, and that your heart would be steadfast and confident.  I pray that you would have a joyful, singing attitude that is making a song with your Savior.  That you would not be swayed by ups and downs, but consistently, steadily joyful in Him.  This is my prayer for you!

What is your offering?

He who brings an offering of praise and thanksgiving honors and glorifies Me; and he who orders his way aright [who prepares the way that I may show him], to him I will demonstrate the salvation of God.  Psalm 50:23

Today my prayer for you is that you would see past what you can give God with your money and see what He might be asking you to give of your life.  That you would know the purpose He has for you.  That you would see Him shining through the toughest things that He walks through with you, and that you would cultivate a harvest of praise and thanksgiving to honor and glorify the God who sees us through.  I pray that in the darkest/hardest times, when you feel like giving up would be the easiest, that you would spend extra time in the Psalms and in His Word, letting Him put a soothing balm on your tired soul.  That you would never give up, but always look up.  That when you are in the desert times, that you would look around yourself and see who you can help along the way.  That you would not let yourself drown in your problems, but keep a continual attitude of thankfulness that He is right there guiding the way.  This is my prayer for you!

Pray Scripture

In You, O Lord, do I put my trust and seek refuge; let me never be put to shame or [have my hope in You] be disappointed; deliver me in Your righteousness!  Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily!  Be my Rock of refuge, a strong Fortress to save me!  Yes, You are my Rock and my Fortress; therefore for Your name's sake lead me and guide me.  Draw me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, for You are my Strength and my Stronghold.  Into Your hands I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, the God of truth and faithfulness.  [You and] I abhor those who pay regard to vain idols; but I trust in, rely on, and confidently lean on the Lord.  I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy and steadfast love, because You have seen my affliction, You have taken note of my life's distresses, and You have not given me into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a broad place.  Have mercy and be gracious unto me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; with grief my eye is weakened, also my inner self and my body.  For my life is spent with sorrow and my years with sighing; my strength has failed because of my iniquity, and even my bones have wasted away.  to all my enemies I have become a reproach, but especially to my neighbors, and a dread to my acquaintances, who flee from me on the street.  I am forgotten like a dead man, and out of mind; like a broken vessel am I.  For I have heard the slander of many; terror is on every side!  While they schemed together against me, they plotted to take my life.  But I trusted in, relied on, and was confident in You, O Lord; I said, You are my God.  My times are in Your hands; deliver me from the hands of my foes and those who pursue me and persecute me.  Let Your face shine on Your servant; save me for Your mercy's sake and in Your loving-kindness.  Let me not be put to shame, O Lord, or disappointed, for I am calling upon You; let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silent in Sheol.  Let the lying lips be silenced, which speak insolently against the righteous with pride and contempt.  Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear, revere, and worship You, goodness which You have wrought for those who trust and take refuge in You before the sons of men!  In the secret place of Your presence You hid them from the plots of men; You keep them secretly in Your pavilion from the strife of tongues.  Blessed be the Lord!  For He has shown me His marvelous loving favor when I was beset as in a besieged city.  As for me, I said in my haste and alarm, I am cut off from before Your eyes.  But You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried to You for aid.  O love the Lord, all you His saints!  The Lord preserves the faithful, and plentifully pays back him who deals haughtily.  Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord!  Psalm 31

I know that was long, but that Psalm resonated with my heart today, and touched me right where I am.  I challenge you to do as I did this morning, pray this psalm back to your loving, heavenly Father.  He knows your situation and wants to meet you right where you are.  Take some extra time today to sit in His presence and let this Psalm sink down into the depths of your soul.  You won't regret it!

Happy is...

Blessed (Happy, fortunate, to be envied) is everyone who fears, reveres, and worships the Lord, who walks in His ways and lives according to His commandments.  For you shall eat [the fruit] of the labor of your hands; happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) shall you be, and it shall be well with you.  Psalm 128: 1-2

Today my prayer for you is that you would know the true happiness that comes only from God.  That you would spend time with Him daily and allow Him to show you the plans that He has tailored specifically for you, that would fulfill the life-purpose He created you for, and that you would truly find happiness in being who He wants you to be.  I pray that you would go to Him for all things and let Him build you up and enable you to do every part of the 24 hours you are given each day.  That in Him, you would not let life overwhelm you, but that you would see the joy that comes from Him in an endless supply.  I pray that in Him, you know that you can do all things, and that He makes the way for you.  That nothing would seem impossible, as you look to Him.  This is my prayer for you!

Quality love

See what [an incredible] quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that we should [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God!  And so we are!  The reason that the world does not know (recognize, acknowledge) us is that it does not know (recognize, acknowledge) Him.  I John 3:1

Father God,  We come before you this evening and ask that You help us to feel Your love.  That You would reveal to us the incredible quality of Your love and blow us away, in a good way, with that love.  Please help us to know that we know that we know that we are named and called and counted your children and what a great privilege that is!  Help us to see that Your opinion is the one that truly matters--and that You want to build us up so that the world's opinion of us does not matter to us.  Reveal Yourself to us.  Show us what You want us to accomplish with our lives.  Reveal Your purpose for each of us, to our hearts.  Write Yourself on all of us so that we are living lives that point to You.  We worship You for You are a great and mighty God...the One and Only God of all!  You have made each one of us fearfully and wonderfully and are proud of what You made.  You don't make any junk.  Keep us coming to You and depending on You.  Use us for Your perfect plan.  We are all Yours!  Amen

His Name

His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun [indeed, His name continues before the sun].  And men shall be blessed and bless themselves by Him; all nations shall call Him blessed!  Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who alone does wondrous things!  Blessed by His glorious name forever; let the whole earth be filled with His glory!  Amen and Amen!  Psalm 72:17-19

My prayer for you today is that you would know Him in all His glory!  That you would be quick to praise His name.  That you would know Him as the God who was, is, and always will be.  That you would know the blessings that come from following the path He shows you.  I pray that you would have eyes to see the wondrous things He is doing all around you.  And that your family would be blessed by His glorious name forever.  This is my prayer for you.

Live on Purpose

Look carefully then how you walk!  Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.  Ephesians 5:15-17

My prayer for you today is that you would be very purposeful in your walk.  That you would be on the lookout for ways that you can touch others' lives for Christ and be His hands and feet at work.  I pray that you would be careful what you do, for Christ, and because you never know who is looking to you to model Christ for them.  That you would live for God in a way that shows all those around you that you honor the great sacrifice He made for you.  That you would never forget that Jesus died on the cross to cover your sins and make the way for you to have relationship with God the Father.  I pray that you would make great use of your time and the opportunities that Christ puts before you.  That you wouldn't be discouraged by how evil the world can seem, but instead would do your part to make a little bit of a difference and let God make that deed ripple out in crazy big ways.  I pray that you would be purposeful and distinct as you show and tell others about the God who lives inside you and has made such a difference in your life.  That you would know and understand and grasp what His will for you is.  This is my prayer for you!

Choose your attitude

Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I'm sure you are thinking, "it's not easy to be happy and rejoice in everything at all times".  Sometimes what life throws at us is not easy to be thankful for.  But if you have been around me any time lately, you know that it has made a world of difference for me...to find something, at ALL times, to be thankful for.  There is always something.  We just have to be looking.

My prayer for you today is that you would see that your happiness is truly up to you; that you have the choice to see the good in things or choose a good attitude no matter what is happening around you.  I pray that you would be glad-hearted and spread that contagiously around you.  I pray that you would never cease to pray in all things.  But most of all, I pray that you would train your heart to be thankful and to actively be seeking out the things that you have in your life that you can be thankful for.  I pray that God would bless you as you choose to thank Him in all circumstances.  This is my prayer for you.

May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality].  May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts!  May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love.  That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God's devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself!]  Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super-abundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever.  Amen  Ephesians 3:6-21

Today my prayer for you is this verse.  May God grant you strength and mighty power in your innermost being from His limitless resources.  May He indwell you in a way that the whole world could see and that you would not fear anything.  May He grow your faith and assurance in and of Him.  May you be rooted deeply in love and founded securely on it.  May you have the power and strength to apprehend and understand His love--the breadth, length, height, and depth of it!  May you know from experience His love which surpasses anything we could come up with on our own.  May you be filled to overflowing with His fullness and the richness of His very Presence in and around you.  May You know that you know that you know that He is mightily and powerfully at work in you, empowering you to do so incredibly much more than you could ever dare to ask or think up.  May He show you what He has planned for you that is so far outside the box of you highest prayers, hopes, desires, or thoughts.  And may He receive the glory as others see Him at work in and around you...at all times and for all generations.  That is my prayer for you.

Fruit

But the fruit of the (Holy) Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence).  Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].  Galatians 5:22-23

Today my prayer for you is that your life would be bearing fruit...lots and lots of fruit.  I pray that you would be surrounded by the fruit of the Spirit and that others would see that fruit in you.  I pray that His presence would fill you to overflowing with love.  That you would live a life that was joyful and that you would be quick to focus on the things that make you glad.  I pray that you would be surrounded by peace and exhibit that peaceful attitude that points others to Christ.  I pray that your temper would be controllable and that you would have patience to be able to accomplish all that He desires for you.  That you would be quick to be kind to those around you.  That you would be good to others and benevolent to others.  That you would be faithful in all things.  That you would be gentle, meek, humble and allow others to be first.  That you would have self-control and that others would enjoy being around you.  I pray that when others look at your life, they see Christ in it.  This is my prayer for you.

Firm, Immovable, Abounding

But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ!  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].  2 Corinthians 15:57-58

Today my prayer for you is that you would be quick to give thanks and praise to God, even in the times that are hard.  That you would remember that victory is already provided for you through Jesus, Who made you a conqueror, not a victim.  that you would stand firm, steadfast, and immovable.  That your life would abound in His work, and stand apart as His workmanship.  I pray that you would labor in the Lord with a willing heart that knows without a doubt that the work is not in vain.  That your eyes would be open to see Him moving all around you.  And that you would hear His still, small voice and know that you know that you know that He is right there on the path with you.  This is my prayer for you.

Examine yourself

Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it.  Test and prove yourselves [not Christ].  Do you not yourselves realize and know [thoroughly by an ever-increasing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you--unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected?  2 Corinthians 13:5

Today my prayer for you is that you would have the guts to closely look at your own life and see if you are the representation of Christ that you want to be and whether or not your life bears fruit.  I pray with you that God would grow and strengthen you in Him and be able to use your life completely for the purposes He has for you.  That you would know a full and happy life as you walk each step of the journey with Him.  I pray that you know Christ is in you and that you would shine brightly for Him everywhere that you go.  This is my prayer for you.

Alert and On Guard

Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it).  Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength!  Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God's love for us).  1 Cor 16:13-14

Going to go preachy a little here.  How many of us are treating those around us in love.  Do we really want them to turn around and treat us the way that we are treating them?  Do you smile at those around you or do you keep your head down hoping they will just keep on going and leave you to your work in peace?  If your son or daughter comes and sits by you, do you stop what you are doing and give them a hug or do you act as if what you are doing is more important and they need to give you a minute?  If it were Jesus standing in front of you, would you tease Him the way you interact with others or would you "clean" it up?  Is what you are doing reflecting that your inner spirit truly knows the love God has for you?  Just curious.  I feel like my behavior came sometimes really come up a notch.  Like maybe I am failing to reflect Jesus the way that my heart wants to, but my mouth just doesn't always do.  Maybe its just me.  Maybe you are always proud of your interactions with others.  Mine could really use some work.  The heart intention is right, but the mouth just doesn't always keep in line.  Sorry, that was free.
Today my prayer for you is that your life would truly reflect Christ and that you would be growing more like Him each day.  I pray that you would be alert and on guard against anything that might cause someone else to stumble in their walk or that might cause you to not reflect God in a good light.  That you would be in tune to the Holy Spirit's conviction in your life and that your relationships with all those around you would be respectful.  That you would trust Him completely and jump in obedience when He corrects you or encourages you to respond differently the next time.  That you would be sold out for Him and it would be obvious to all those around you and that you would be contagious in your excitement for God.  I pray that you would act like men and women of God who are courageously growing in His strength and that everything you do would be done out of your love for Him.  That His love would inspire you to love others more fully.  This is my prayer for you.

Sowing/Reaping

[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.  Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  2 Corinthians 9:6,7

Today my prayer for you is that you would open yourself up to live completely sold out for God.  That you would open up your life, make yourself available, and give of yourself with reckless abandon in answer to each nudge you feel from the Father.  I pray that you would not be have a heart that thinks only of yourself, but that you would allow God to do the thinking for you and that you would hold loosely to that which He has given you so that you can share with all those around you.  That you would see your very heart as a resource He can use and share from your own life experiences to help others out that might just need a kind word, a hug, or a smile.  That you would have a purposeful heart and mind to see how many lives you might touch for Jesus each day by being His hands and feet to the people around you.  That you might see your circle of acquaintances as your personal mission field and lovingly reach out to them.  This is my prayer for you!

Steadfast

Last night's full moon

How precious is Your steadfast love, O God!  The children of men take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.  They relish and feast on the abundance of Your house; and You cause them to drink of the stream of Your pleasures.  Psalm 36:7-8

Today my prayer for you is that you would feel the steadfast love of God in your life.  That you would take refuge in Him and put your full trust in Him.  That you would know that He holds you safe in the shadow of His wings, safe in His arms.  I pray that you would know His abundance in your life.  And that you would drink at the stream of His pleasures.  I pray that you would know that He delights in you and loves to provide for you...all the things that you need and even your wants.  That you would be able to see that He has your best interests at heart and that He is making the way for you.  This is my prayer for you.

Satisfied with Favor

The Lord upholds all those [of His own] who are falling and raises up all those who are bowed down.  The eyes of all who wait for You [looking, watching, expecting] and You give them their food in due season.  You open Your hand and satisfy every living thing with favor.  Psalm 145:14-16

Today my prayer for you is that you might find your ultimate satisfaction in Him.  That you wouldn't worry about things, or over think them as I tend to do, but just rest in the knowledge that He's got this (EVERY "this").  I pray that you would be conscious of the fact that He is upholding you even when it feels you are in free-fall and that He will raise you up when you are bent low in pain or with burdens too heavy to bear.  That His presence and help would be a constant in your life, that you would know that you know that you know.  I pray that you will embrace the times of waiting and keep your eyes on Jesus as you look, watch, and expect His answers.  That you will see what He might have for you to learn in the waiting as He readies you for the next step; that the time might not be wasted.  I pray that He would open His hand to you and that you would become satisfied in His favor.  This is my prayer for you.

Numbered Hairs

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?  And [yet] not one of them is forgotten or uncared for in the presence of God.  But [even] the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not be struck with fear or seized with alarm; you are of greater worth than many [flocks] of sparrows.  Luke 12:6-7

My prayer for you today is that you would know the feeling of safety and that you are wrapped in God's arms.  That you would comprehend the knowledge that He knows you so well that He knows every single hair that is on your head, and how many you lost today.  That you would seek Him so that you could begin to know Him even just a fraction of how well He knows you.  That you would not be living a life of fear but rather one of peace and confidence knowing that regardless of what happens, He has your back and is making the way for you.  That you would listen to His voice and be able to discern what path He wants you to be on and when He wants you to stay and be content where you are.  I pray that every day you are given, you would choose to live in the knowledge that He has a plan for your best and the best of all those around you.  This is my prayer for you.

Crushed!

I would have you well versed and wise as to what is good and innocent and guileless as to what is evil.  And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) be with you.  Romans 16:19b-20

Everyone has heard about your obedience and this makes me happy for you. I want you to do what is good and to avoid what is evil.  The God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. May the good will of our Lord Jesus be with you! (God's Word Version)

My prayer for you today is that you will learn what is good and wise, filling your life with those things and that you will abstain and be innocent of evil keeping the world from influencing who you are.  I pray that you would seek God in His word and speak with Him on a daily basis and that you would make Him the first priority in your life.  That you would show the value you put on your relationship with God by making it an active part of your daily life.  That you would set aside for Him part of you at your best and make time to get to know Him and listen closely to see what He says back.  That you would listen to His gentle nudges through out your day and be quick to jump into action and respond.  I pray that you would remember that our God, who is a God of peace, will soon be crushing satan underneath His feet.  That satan's time is limited and you need not fear what he can do to you, but rather be focused on what God can do through and in you.  That you would live in the victory that we find in Christ!  This is my prayer for you.

Unfathomable

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchable) are His judgments (His decisions)!  And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His methods, His plans)!  For who has known the mind of the Lord and who has understood His thoughts, or who has [ever] been His counselor?  Or who has first given God anything that he might be paid back or that he could claim a recompense?  For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.  [For all things originate with Him and come from Him; all things live through Him, and all things center in and tend to consummate and to end in Him.]  To Him be glory forever!  Amen (so be it).  Romans 11:33-36

My prayer for you today is that you would understand that you will never be able to fully understand all of His riches, wisdom, and knowledge.  But that you can continue to seek Him, and He will continue to show you a little more, and a little more, each day, as you can handle it.  That you would understand that He is so much more that anything we can imagine and that His ways and judgments, even when we don't understand it, are right and just and what we need at the time.  That you would realize that He knows what is best for all people at all times.  I pray that you would see things the way that He sees them and that the Holy Spirit in you would help you to face all things with the understanding that you are being helped and carried through.  That you would know that you know that you know that He is in control of all things and all things are answerable to Him.  That even demons have to ask His permission before they can do something.  I pray that He would be your center!  This is my prayer for you.

Temptation

 
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (The Message)

You are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted. But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and he will show you how to escape from your temptations. 1 Cor 10:13 (Contemporary English Version)

There isn’t any temptation that you have experienced which is unusual for humans. God, who faithfully keeps his promises, will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist. But when you are tempted, he will also give you the ability to endure the temptation as your way of escape. 1 Cor 10:13 (God's Word Translation)

My prayer for you today is that you would remember you are not alone and that God will never give you more then He will help you come through.  When you feel as if you are pushed to the limit, or passed it, that you will see the way out that He provides.  That you will trust Him and live in His power.  That you will remember that nothing you face is beyond what He faced as He walked on this earth, and nothing is new.  That you would always remember that someone has been in your shoes before and that you would seek help from people who truly understand.  I pray that you would be quick to share what you have learned with others and be the pillar of strength they might need as they face their own temptations.  That you would have someone to help hold you accountable and that you would return that favor for others.  This is my prayer for you.

He will NOT fail you

Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support, [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)!  [Assuredly not!]  So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is My Helper, I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified].  What can man do to me?  Heb 13:5-6

 My prayer for you today is also for me.  I pray that we would not be so caught up in trying to get more money and more things that we forget what God has already so graciously blessed our lives with.  That every time we see our Bible sitting by our bed, or wherever your's is, that we would remember the great love that He has for us and the freedoms we have here in the United States.  I pray that we would know, from the tips of our toes to the bottom of our souls, that He will never fail us or give up on us or leave us unsupported.  That we will know that He will never, never, never in any degree leave us helpless or forsaken.  That we would relax in His hold that He has on our lives.  That we would know He is our Helper and provides all we need and most of our wants as well.  I pray that we would live a life that shows we believe all His promises for us...to count on them!  This is my prayer for us.

wisdom, revelation, knowledge...of HIM

 [For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him, by having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones), and [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,  Ephesians 1:17-20

This verse is my prayer for you today!  Every single word of it, I pray for you.

Forgiven

Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind).  And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.  Ephesians 4:31-32

My prayer for you today is that you would not ask God how many times you were required to forgive others, but that you would instead forgive others without limits.  That you would let go of the things that eat us up, bitterness, resentment, quarreling, slander and malice and hold tightly instead to the characteristics of Jesus Himself.  That you would be able to grasp the enormous debt that Jesus canceled for you, not because you were good for it, but because He WAS.  That you would live your life as someone who has been released from huge amounts and able to forgive others for the irritation they sometimes cause you.  I pray that you would write off, as God has done for us, the things that you wish others might be held accountable for.  That you would find, for yourself, the freedom that comes only from forgiving others and leaving vengeance to the Lord.  That you would know that God's forgiveness is free but that it's not without consequences and that His forgiveness should freely flow from you.  That you would be a forgiven person who lives a forgiven life.  This is my prayer for you and me.

On my side

Out of my distress I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free and in a large place.  The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?  The Lord is on my side and takes my part, He is among those who help me; therefore shall I see my desire established upon those who hate me.  It is better to trust and take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in man.  It is better to trust and take refuge in the Lord then to put confidence in princes.  Psalm 118:5-9

Today my prayer for you is that you will call on God first and give Him the opportunity to answer the cries of your heart and listen to the freedom He wants to provide for you.  That you will fully rely on Him and have no fear.  That you would know that man can not do anything to you with out going through God and that He can teach you and bring you good through the worst that man can scheme.  I pray that you will know He is with you and has friends among you that He is using to bless your life.  That you would let go of your desire to destroy or get back at those who have hurt you and let God take care of that for you.  That you would trust fully in God, take refuge in Him and put your confidence in Him alone.  This is my prayer for you.

Pure Lips

For then [changing their impure language] I will give to the people a clear and pure speech from pure lips, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one unanimous consent and one united shoulder [bearing the yoke of the Lord].  Zephaniah 3:9

My prayer for you today is that you would think before you speak.  That you would continually choose to think about what you are going to say, how it's going to come out, and how it will be taken.  That you would weigh your words and see if they are something God would approve of.  That you would consciously use your words to lift others up and not to tear them down.  That you would see that the way you react to others and to situations is a choice that you always have and make every effort to make good choices with that privilege.  That God would help you to have a clear and pure speech that would point towards Him rather than harm your witness.  I pray that God would make your lips pure and that they would be one more aspect that you could please Him with.  That you would be serve Him with every single part of yourself, including your words.  This is my prayer for you!

Prize what is excellent

So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble]. May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honor and praise of God [that His glory may be both manifested and recognized].  Philippians 1:10 (Amplified version)

My prayer for you today is that you would live a life that prizes, above all other things, your relationship with God and things of God.  That you would know what is vital for life.  That you would approve and prize what is excellent.  That you would easily distinguish the morals that you want to build your life upon in Christ.  I pray that you would remain untainted and that your heart would be sincere.  That you would not cause others to stumble in their walks.  That you would be filled to overflowing with the fruits of right standing before God.  That your life would honor and praise God in all that you do.  This is my prayer for you.

Walk in His ways

Thus says the Lord of hosts:  If you will walk in My ways and keep My charge, then also you shall rule My house and have charge of My courts, and I will give you access [to My presence] and places to walk among these who stand here.  Zechariah 3:7

My prayer for you today is that you would actively make the choice to walk in His ways.  That you would scour your Bible for the truths that are in every word and that you would make them active in your life.  I pray that you would know God in a two-way-street kind of relationship and spend as much time listening to Him as you do talking.  That you would build up the relationship with God the way you would with a new friend.  That you would make God your confidant and closest ally.  I pray that you would take advantage of the access He gives you to be IN His presence and to walk with Him.  That in all things, at all times, you would know all that He wants of you and walk confidently in that.  This is my prayer for you.

Be Satisfied

And I will restore or replace for you the years that the locust has eaten--the hopping locust, the stripping locust, and the crawling locust, My great army which I sent among you.  And you shall eat in plenty and be satisfied and praise the name of the Lord, your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you.  And My people shall never be put to shame.  And you shall know, understand, and realize that I am in the midst of Israel and that I the Lord am your God and there is none else.  My people shall never be put to shame.  Joel 2:25-27

Today my prayer for you is that you would be satisfied in Jesus.  That you would see Him replace and restore your life for you, in Him, and that it would be better and more satisfying than you could have dreamed of before you were hurt.  That you would know life in Him and come to Him for that restoration and rebuilding, trusting that His process of refining is in your best interest.  I pray that you will always know what it is like to have enough to eat and that you would praise the name of the Lord for dealing so graciously with you.  That you would never be put to shame, but continuously stand firm for Christ.  That you will know that you know that you know that He is in your midst and that He alone is God.  This is my prayer for you.

the Truth (and freedom!)

If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples.  And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you fee.  ...So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.  John 8:31-32, 36

My prayer for you today is that you would know the true freedom that comes from knowing Jesus personally.  That you would know that He is the Truth and in Him you are free.  That you would live your life in a way that points others to Him and the freedom found in Him.  That you would hunger for time in the Word and time hearing from God.  That you would talk to your Savior with reckless abandon, holding nothing back, and allow Him into every corner and crevice in your soul.  That you would realize that everything Jesus said and did and is...that is what Truth is...He is the Truth we seek, and the Truth that truly sets us free.  I pray that you would saturate your life with Him and allow Him to do great and mighty things in and through you.  That all doubt would flee in the face of the Truth you put into your heart as you read your Bible, talk with others about what you are learning, and practice what He puts on your heart.  This is my prayer for you!

True Strength

For by You I can run through a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.  As for God, His way is perfect!  The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him.  For who is God except the Lord?  Or who is the Rock save our God.  The God who girds me with strength and makes my way perfect?  He makes my feet like hinds' feet [able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble]; He sets me securely upon my high places.  He teaches my hands to war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.  You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand has held me up; Your gentleness and condescension have made me great.  You have given plenty of room for my steps under me, that my feet would not slip.  ...For you have girded me with strength for battle; You have subdued under me and caused to bow down those who rose up against me.  Psalm 18:29-36, 39

Today my prayer for you (and me!) is that God would strengthen you in all you do and be your Right Guard.  That no matter how hard the situation feels or how much it threatens your sense of security (praying this for me too!) that you would keep trusting and keeping knowing without a doubt that this is not a wasted experience...that He has a plan for this and will use it to help you and others down the road.  I pray that You would know, in your life, that He is God and that He is moving and living in you.  That you would know, even in the stuff you don't understand or see the purpose in, that His way is perfect and His word is living and active.  That you would know that your God, and mine, is tried, tested and true.  Everything that He has ever said WILL come true...all His promises are there for you and me to count on and hold onto.  I pray that you would make Him your Shield and take refuge in Him and fully trust Him.  That you would know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He makes you stand firm and make progress in times of testing and trouble.  That He is what allows you to defeat and move past the things that satan throws in your path.  That you would know the strength He provides for you and walk confidently in that strength.  This is my prayer for you (and me!).

His sheep

For thus says the Lord God:  Behold, I Myself, will search for My sheep and will seek them out.  As a shepherd seeks out his sheep in the day that he is among his flock that are scattered, so will I seek out My sheep; and I will rescue them out of all places where they have been scattered in the day of clouds and thick darkness.  And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries and will bring them to their own land; and I will feed them upon the mountains of Israel, by the water-courses, and in all the inhabited places of the country.  I will feed them with good pasture, ...I will feed My sheep and I will cause them to lie down, says the Lord God.  I will seek that which was lost and bring back that which has strayed, and I will bandage the hurt and the crippled and will strengthen the weak and the sick, but I will destroy the fat and the strong [who have become hardhearted and perverse]; I will feed them with judgement and punishment.  Ezekiel 34:11-14a, 15-16

Today my prayer for you is that you would hear the Shepherd's voice.  That you would know His presence in your life and that when you have wandered off the path that you would listen for His voice and walk back in that direction.  That you wouldn't give up when things are hard and everything seems stacked against you or beyond your control.  That you would allow Him to provide you good pasture and rest.  That you would come to Him for healing and bandaging from all your wounds, allowing Him to heal you from the inside out.  I pray that you will never let life knock you out, but that you would instead embrace the gifts that each day brings and the growth that each challenge brings.  Don't run away from life.  View it as a gift and a treasure and see what you can learn from it and share with others.  I pray that you wouldn't be eaten alive by bitterness or the "need" to get even but that you, instead, would give all of that to God who tells us that vengeance, judgement and punishment is His.  Run to Him.  Allow Him to gather you in His arms and give you strength to face all that He asks of you.  This is my prayer for you.

A Tree firmly planted

 
[Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is.  For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green.  It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit.  Jeremiah 17:7-8

Today my prayer for you is that you would put your roots down deep in God.  That you would know what you believe and why you believe it.  That you would talk to God daily and spend time letting Him talk to you.  That you would dig deep into the Scriptures and that God would bring it to life for you.  That you would confidently put your hope in God and watch Him show you what He is doing all around you.  I pray that you will trust Him, believe Him, and firmly rely on Him as He shows you that He is enough!  That you would live a life that yields fruit that others can see and that you would have plenty of opportunity to share God with others.  This is my prayer for you.

Precious to Him

 

Because you are precious in My sight and honored, and because I love you, I will give men in return for you and peoples in exchange for your life.  Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east and gather you from the west.  I will say to the north, Give up! and to the south, Keep not back.  Bring My sons and My daughters from the ends of the earth--Even everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed, whom I have made.  

Isaiah 43:4-7

My prayer for you today is that you would have the guts to talk to the very God who created you, and that you would ask Him to speak to your heart and into your life.  That you would take the time to be still and prepare yourself to actually hear from Him.  That you will know how very precious you are to Him.  That you would know how very much He loves you.  That you would know that He is with you and you have no reason to fear.  That you would know He is in control and causes events to happen or not happen depending on His plan for you.  That He will never allow a single event in your life to be wasted, but that He instead can use each and every one...the good, the bad, and the ugly.  That you would feel His call on your life and know that He made you for His glory.  That you would remain useable by God no matter how hard life feels at any given instant.  That you would live out the life that He formed you and spoke you into existence for.  I pray, very enthusiastically, that you would hear God speak to your soul and that you would carry His words around, treasured always in your heart and mind.  This is my prayer for you!

His Plans

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.  Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you.  Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, says the Lord... Jeremiah 29:11-14a

Okay, you should feel mighty special now.  I just shared my life verse with you.  God gave me this verse in '97 or '98 and has kept reminding me of it often...every time I doubt.  The fun thing is, after He gave me this verse as my life verse, I began to hear it be talked about and preached on.  Sometimes I think we forget what it says and forget to claim this promise as our own because of how often it seems to be used now.  But it truly has been one I have clung to for the last 14 years.

Today my prayer for you is that you would be okay with leaving the planning in God's hands.  That you would keep walking the one step that He is showing you for today and leave your hopes and dreams in His hands and ask Him to help you to want His hopes and dreams for you more than your own.  That you would know without a doubt that what He wants for you is for peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.  I pray that you call on Him, pray to Him, and seek Him...knowing that He hears you, has the answers, and will be found by you.  I pray that He is a vital necessity in your life and that you crave time with Him as much as He craves time with you.  That you will search and follow Him with all your heart and allow Him to grant you the desires of your heart.  That you would fear nothing and follow Him fully into the unknown.  That you would remember that He never asks you to do anything that He doesn't equip you to do.  This is my prayer for you.