Day 34 - Dear God, I'm Yours (1 Corinthians 9:19-27)

Most people would agree that it's a good thing to care about others. To give to people in need. To feed and clothe the homeless. To pray for those that are hurting.

In today's reading, the Apostle Paul reveals his desire to meet people's greatest need.

If necessary, he's willing to make himself a "slave to everyone."
If necessary, he's prepared to "become weak" in order to help those that are weak.
If necessary, he's willing to "become all things to all men" in order to rescue others.
If necessary, he's putting himself through "strict training" so that he is ready whenever he's needed.

I wonder how the world would be different if all Christ-followers had a similar level of commitment.

I wonder how my church would be different if we shared Paul's intensity and sacrifice for the sake of reaching people who are far from God.

I wonder how my neighborhood would be different if I seized opportunities every day to make connections with them - to "become all things to all men" for the sake of someday sharing the GREAT NEWS about Jesus.

If you approach God in prayer, and tell Him honestly, "God, I'm yours..." If you do this on a regular basis, you're eventually going to love Jesus and desire to serve Him on every possible occasion. You'll take up His mission to seek and save people who are far from God. You'll embrace the kind of passion and focus Paul has, with a willingness to do whatever it takes to win others to faith in Christ.

Here's a question for you...

What person in your life went out of his (or her) way to share Jesus with you? What friend has really helped you see more clearly the good news, the amazing love that God has given to you? I'd be interested to hear any stories (in the 'comments' link below) about how God has used someone else in your life to help you grow closer to Him!

Dear God,

Open my eyes to see the people around me, and recognize how they need You in their lives. Open my mind to think about ways to connect with them, serve them, encourage them, talk with them, build a real friendship with them. Open my heart to ways that I can represent the lifestyle and compassion and joy that Jesus Christ himself would demonstrate with others.

Make me willing - like Paul - to become a servant to all... even to enter "strict training" because I know that the most important thing I do is to represent Jesus to other people whenever I can.

Day 33 - Dear God, I'm Yours (Hebrews 10:19-25)

Hebrews 10.

This is one of my favorite parts of the Bible. Click here.


In fact, this passage is yet another reminder of the two greatest commands. The two greatest joys, privileges, and responsibilities for human beings.

Love God, and love people.

Because of Jesus' sacrifice, you and I can enter God's presence with confidence. We can talk to Him without feeling shame. We can spend time with Him feeling a sense of freedom and peace, rather than guilt and shame.

Clean hands, clean conscience - it's all a gift from God.

And, because of God's goodness to us... we can be good to others.. That sounds too cliche. It's harder than that. It takes work to love someone well. It takes focus and thought to consider what THEY need.

Considering what others need is more important than merely giving them what I think they need... or what I want to give them.

Just as Jesus' life was not all about Himself (but for others)... my life should not be about myself (but for others)!

Easier said.

That's why I need to "consider" how to spur others on. Above, there's a picture of a "spur" - it pushes, encourages, communicates to the horse - "Giddy up, it's time to go! Time to move forward! Time to run, baby!"

I need friends that encourage me, push me, inspire me, and get in my face, saying, "let's go, Underwood."

And I need to be that kind of friend as well.

Dear God, thanks for the confidence and clear conscience I can have before you. Thanks for the freedom to talk (or blog) to you whenever and about anything. Please help me to take that confidence and faith and use it to encourage others. Starting with Jennie and my kids, help me to spur people on toward love and good deeds... Thank you, Lord, for this terrific reminder in these verses. Help me be a Spur in someone else's life!

Day 32 - Dear God, I'm Yours! (Luke 14:25-35)

Today's reading is Luke 14:25-35.

If you're going to do anything worthwhile in life, you're going to have to make sacrifices.

If you're going to live for God, you're going to stop living to please anyone else before Him.

Jesus made some bold statements, challenging people to declare God the most important person in their lives. That's what it means to be His follower. As Leader and Creator of everything there is... doesn't He deserve top billing in my little life?

These verses find Jesus challenging us to "carry a cross" and even to "hate" family members and ourselves. Shock value? You bet. In comparison with our loyalties and surrender to God's leadership and direction, any other person in the world - their opinions, their feelings, their demands on us - they pale in comparison to Him.

In verse 33, the challenge is to "give up everything." When reading any part of the Bible, we should look at the context... these verses all come immediately after Jesus encounters a wealthy religious leader. Religious leaders (sometimes known as "Pharisees") were known for their knowledge, pride, and elite "club."

In context, Jesus is challenging them to give all of that up. Give up the addiction to possessions or money. Give up the addiction to other people's approval. Give up addiction to your own performance or achievement. Give up the idea that you can prove your value to God and others.

Consider the cost... be willing to lay down your pride and your lesser dreams... and come follow Jesus.

Dear God,

Help me take a deep look at my life and motives. If there are things that I have placed in front of following you, then please help me see those and surrender those. Remind me that anything great is going to take some form of sacrifice - and knowing you IS the greatest thing in my life.

Remind me that YOU always bless and guide and strengthen those who will give up their lives to follow You. Help me do that today..

Day 31 - Dear God, I'm Yours! (Galatians 2:1-21)

I don't mean to brag, but I have Rick Florian's autograph.  

At this point, I'll pause so you can ask, "Who in the world is Rick Florian?"

No matter.

But he signed a shirt for me once, and after his name, he wrote, "Galatians 2:20."  This verse is part of today's Bible passage.

2:20 reads, " I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."

With that autograph and Scripture, he made it clear that nobody needs to remember Rick Florian or what famous thing he did or where I met him.

What's most important is that Christ lives in Rick.  And, if I have placed my faith in Jesus Christ and desire to follow Him completely - then Christ lives in Gary.  

And Christ will live in you.  Later on in that verse, Jesus is described as the one who "loved me and gave himself up for me." 

I couldn't be perfect, so Jesus gave me His own life as an example.

I couldn't gain a righteous and forgiven position before God, so Jesus gave Himself up - like a sacrificial lamb - to pay the price for my sins.

I can't represent God on my own efforts, so Jesus promises to "live in me."  When I let go of the old, dying man inside (sin nature), then Christ is free to live in me!  I surrender to Him, and He gives me the best of "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).

Dear God, I pray that Jesus Christ would live in me.  Help me today - with my words, my actions, my thoughts - all of it - to think first about following you... to let your heart and your voice and your truth and your patience and your love for people - rule my life.  

Thank you so much, Jesus, for loving me and giving your life for me.  That is true love.  Please help me - and my family - and my church - help us all LOVE YOU first in our lives!

Day 30 - Dear God, I'm Yours! (John 12:20-26)

John 12:20-26 reads..."Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus." Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.

Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."

Jesus Christ came on a mission.  He brought people a challenge.  "My Father will honor the one who serves me" (John 12:26).

Sometimes we get it backwards.  We think that God "belongs to us."  That He has to help us out, or we will decide not to follow Him.  Basically, we act as if God has to prove Himself to us.

Here, some Greeks want to see Jesus.  Andrew and Philip bring Jesus this news.  Jesus seems to ignore it as he starts talking metaphorically about his own death.  This "seed" is going to die, and produce many seeds.  

Jesus' life is supposed to be reproduced in many lives.  

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, your life should be a modern-day version of His very life.  Your life should be 100% focused on giving up your life for Christ.  Total loyalty, obedience, and self-abandonment here.

This sort of commitment is far from common these days, but this is the standard Jesus describes for us.  Lose your life.  Follow me.  Be my disciple.  Live by my word.

This sort of commitment only comes by prayer.  Only by seeking God's heart through Scriptures and studying the life of Jesus.  Only by putting my sinful desires and my past temptations to death.  Only by seeking to let my life "die," just as Jesus let his life "die."

This sort of commitment earns God's favor.  "My Father will honor the one who..."

Evaluate your commitment level today.  Does your life here on earth belong to God or to yourself?  What would it look like to let your "kernel of wheat" - your earthly existence - fall to the ground and die in the name of Christ?  

At some point, we decide if we want to pursue a lasting, eternal life that honors God... or not.  We decide each day whether to follow through with that pursuit... or not.  

Dear God, 

Help me learns what it means to "hate my life" - to let go of my personal ambitions or tastes, and make room for You as the top priority.  Help me seek to serve You before I serve myself.  Help me take every thought, every intention, every desire... and evaluate those things in light of my commitment to you.  Help me learn more this week about what it means to belong to you first, and not give in as a slave to selfishness.

Day 29 - Dear God, I'm Yours! (Psalm 25:1-15)

In seventh grade, I remember taking a class in American History. In tenth grade, I remember learning some of the basics of chemistry. That "periodic table" of elements presented a world of opportunities.

In school, some classes were "required" of us. General education. A certain amount of math, science, language, art, etc...

On many levels, we human beings are always "students." You may not be currently enrolled in a class, but you are constantly learning. Life experience, job training, culture changes, technology upgrades - there is always more to learn.

Let us never forget this - God created us to be life-long learners.

Don't drop out of the class, but continue to be "teachable" - ready, eager, and willing to learn more. That's the heart of today's Scripture reading - click here - Psalm 25:1-15.

King David describes the way he views God - "In you I trust, O my God..." Though he's got enemies coming after him, knows the failures inside him, and feels the sickness and stress of life on the run... David lifts his soul up to God. It's a prayer of remembering and drawing strength from life's best Teacher.

And David is teachable... "Show me your way... teach me your truth... guide me... "

Throughout life, will you remain open to the things God wants to teach? Are you humble and willing to keep reading, keep asking questions, keep noticing the "teachable moments" God has for us every day?

I hope I never reach the point where I think I know it all.

I hope I never close my mind and judge others based on my knowledge.

I hope I'm always willing to seek out God's path, His way, and then follow it.

I hope God continues to be patient with me, even when I am stubborn and don't want to learn.

I hope these things will be true of you as well.

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Dear God,

I do trust You first. Teach me how to do that more and more each day. Teach me how to trust you and follow you as I seek to be a better husband and father and friend. Show me your way.. how I should spend my time this week. The week seems already jam-packed with opportunities, meetings, and responsibilities. I'm excited and ready for a new week, but it would be wasteful to go after it without You.

Your way. Your truth. Your guidance.

Humbly, God, I ask you to open my heart to those things... and ask you to teach me more and more this week...

Day 28 - Dear God, Help! (Reflections)

I have a true Father.  The Bible reveals a God who cares more, gives more, teaches more, and disciplines better than any earthly dad.  

What does my Father want from me?  Love.  Here is God, my Father, who has promised to meet all my needs.  

If He is truly God, then He knows my needs better than I do.

He knows my next ten days, ten years, and ten centuries better than I do.

He knows my family, my job, my mind and heart far better than I do.

At times, I think it's pointless to pray, cause He already knows it all, He has it all, and He does it all.

However, here is a Father who wants me to pray.  Commands me to pray.  Teaches me to pray.  Rewards me when I pray.  Develops my mind, heart, soul, and relationships when I pray.

I can take breaks from prayer, but deep down, I know that this involves great risk.  

I'd suggest you read Philippians 4:10-19.   You'll see that famous verse, "I can do all everything through Him who gives me strength."  

For better or worse, this verse gets hijacked and mis-understood by people in all walks of life.  The athlete who wants to win more or get stronger.  The executive who wants a bigger market share or paycheck.  The student who aspires to write books or ace medical school.

Yes, God gives abilities and strengths to all of these... but that's not what this verse is talking about.

In these paragraphs, Paul shares that he has learned - through the ups and downs of life - that a relationship with God is all you need.  

He's been forced to learn that during times of brokenness.  He's been placed in situations where only God could provide.  Only God could rescue.  Only God could answer.  Only God could give hope.  

Few Americans are ever "forced" to brokenness in a lot of ways... except when you have a broken heart over the loss of a loved one, loss of job, or loss of health... 

That's when the athlete will see a God who can do everything.  That's when the up-and-coming student will learn what truly matters and lasts in life.  That's when the CEO can experience, learning first hand the truth of Philippians 4:19-20, which we end this day's journal with...

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.  To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever.  Amen."

Day 27 - Dear God, Help! (Ephesians 6:10-20)

Life is a battlefield.  Our eyes can see "battles" when we deal with problems with money, health, or relationships.  But have you heard that life also involves battles of the soul?  Spiritual battles?

Yes, there really is a devil.  Satan.  Enemy.  Deceiver.  Lion.  There is an evil, personal force whose mission is to destroy your life.  Jesus spoke frequently about the devil and gave a great example of how to defeat that lion.  

Paul says it here, "put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Ephesians 6:11).  If you read through

these verses, you'll notice that there are several parts to this armor, but "prayer" isn't one of them.  

No, Paul speaks about prayer repeatedly in the last few verses, Ephesians 6:18-20.  Prayer could be seen as the "how" to put on the armor.  Or, "what to do once you've put your armor on."  

He says: "Pray in the Spirit on all occasions."

He says: "Be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

He says: "Pray for me," asking others to pray that he'll represent Jesus without fear!  Remember that old slogan, "no fear"?  

Strong reminders that you can pray about anything at any time.  You should be praying for your friends who are in the midst of a spiritual battle.  It's easy to get discouraged, and we all need God's help.  

Finally, ask others to pray for you in the midst of your battle.  The battle is not just "against the devil," but it's also "for the victory of God" in your own life.  

As you seek God's armor of truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation, and the sword (Bible) of the Spirit... remember ALWAYS to call on God in prayer.  

"Dear God" - A sermon on asking for help... (Psalm 57)

Click here for Gary's sermon (2/15/09) on Psalm 57

Day 26 - Dear God, Help! (Ephesians 1:15-23)

Just a reminder... before you read today's journal from Pastor Gary, read today's verses, Ephesians 1:15-23.

One question to think about as you read these verses is this -- How would it feel to have someone.. even a great Christian like Paul... pray those words for you. Pray that God would give you his Spirit of wisdom. Pray that God the "eyes of your heart" would be wide open to see the riches, the power, the love, the eternal nature of God's blessing on your life.

He's praying for a spiritual awakening. Don't miss what God has in store for you! Don't close your eyes to the incredible power and purpose God offers you! Don't yawn at the opportunity to know God better!

I have heard several stories about those of you who are doing these daily readings... and how God is bringing your heart closer and closer to His. Some of you are "really praying" for the first time, or for the first time in a while...

In essence, many of us are learning and receiving the things Paul prays here... more love, more knowledge, more power, more openness with God, more wisdom. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

I think a lot of people reject God because they've never really known God.

I think a lot of people have never really known God because they've never made ANY effort.

I think a lot of people don't make the effort because we think that, if there is a God, then HE will make the effort.

Open your eyes. He's made the effort. He's given you life, breath, health, food, clothing, shelter. He's given you mind, heart, soul, and a chance to learn. He paints his love across the skies every morning. His words speak every day to those who will open that leather-bound book that we're all respectful of, but few of us really read.

Open the eyes of your heart. Seek God personally. Listen to what He has to day. You'll never be disappointed by what you find in Him.

Dear God, the things Paul mentions in these prayers are the most important things in our lives. Knowing you, experiencing your power, knowing the ultimate leader of all-time, Jesus Christ. Please teach me, remind me what's most important every day. Give me the "willing spirit" to keep seeking and knowing you - help me as a husband, father, friend, and pastor - to reflect your love and the same praying priorities as Paul...

I pray for my wife, my kids, my parents, my friends, my church family - I pray that each one of them would encounter you today... You know that some of them are too comfortable, and need to be challenged. You know that some of them are too challenged, and need to be comforted. Thank you, Father, that you know each one of our lives and our situations as we pray to you today. Thank you, even for the times when you seem distant, because even those moments are opportunities to trust you at greater levels.

You are worthy of an all-out search... help each one of us pursue a deeper love for you, Jesus!

Day 25 - Dear God, Help! (Matthew 6:25-34)

When I was five years old, I was fortunate to have clothing. I was blessed to have food. It was a great privilege to have a roof over my head.

At age five, I probably took those things for granted. These were a "given" in my world, and I didn't think twice about them, or realize how these essentials of life were provided to me. I never worried or fretted about money or having enough...

Now, at almost thirty-five, I see things from a very different perspective. I know that bills must be paid. I know that food must be selected and paid for. Clothing doesn't fall from the sky, either. Now, I spend time and care to make sure we have what we need... and it's easy to "worry" or think about the future, especially given today's economy.

Growing up has made me appreciate, understand, and admire the many sacrifices my parents made on my behalf. At age five, I didn't have a clue.

Today's Scripture reading is Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus teaches about the One who knows and cares for ALL of our needs. Read through it.

Dear God,

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for caring for my needs, my life, my health - in many ways that I have at times simply enjoyed or taken for granted. When I'm concerned about today's needs and bills... please help me seek YOU first, trust YOU first, and arrange my life to please YOU.

Help me trust you and release the worries that tend to arise. To bring my concerns and needs and worries to you, and depend on your goodness and love. Thanks that we can call you "Father," and that you are 100% trustworthy and capable of doing more than we ask for or imagine!

Day 24 - Dear God, Help! (Ephesians 3:14-20)

Obviously, God uses Paul to help lots of people grow.

The Apostle Paul, that is.

In today's reading, we read one of the greatest prayers of all time from Paul, a spiritual "father" to many believers in Ephesus. He prays that Christ would "dwell in their hearts through faith." That they may be strengthened with power through His spirit in their inner being...

In all of Paul's prayers, he prays for the spiritual growth and health of the people he loves. He doesn't pray that they'll have enough money, avoid suffering, or drive safely. He doesn't pray that they'll make the grade, pass the class, or win at life.

He's seeing his friends from an eternal perspective. Considering their relationship with God.

I want to pray for my wife, Jennie, and for my three great gifts from God - Allie, Luke, and Julie - for their spiritual love for Jesus. I want to pray for my friends and neighbors, for my church, and for my community.

I would encourage you to pray for people this way as well - pray for anyone who is looking up to you. Anyone who is learning from you or watching your life. Anyone who might consider you an authority, role model, or friend... pray that they would "know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge"!

Dear God, I pray that you would allow me to personally experience what Paul says is being "filled with all the fullness of God." All the love, all the understanding, all the motivation, all the purpose and focus and hope... I pray that You, Lord, would help me pray with a spirit-filled heart for my friends.

I pray for everyone who reads these words, follows this blog, or joins in this 40-Day "Dear God" journey... I pray that they, being rooted and grounded in love, would have your strength, your understanding, and your love in greater doses this week.

Life is hard. God, we need you. We need to seek and open our hearts to more of you. Thank you for revealing your love, teaching your truth, and giving us your Holy Spirit!

Day 23 - Dear God, Help! (John 17)

If I'm going to learn how to pray, it would seem like Jesus Christ would be the very best example to learn from. He had a perfect one-ness and love relationship with God the Father.

In John, chapters 13-16 contain a lot of "red lettered words" - the direct statements of Jesus to his disciples. At the beginning of chapter 17, while his friends are still with him, Jesus "looked toward heaven and prayed." On one level, Jesus is wrapping up a very meaningful time with his disciples with a word of prayer. On another level, his words, his prayer topics, his emotion - Jesus is praying about certain things in this moment so that his friends would hear his heart, and "get" the priorities of God for their future.

I made a list of the things Jesus prays for his followers...

- "to protect them" (17:11)

- "make them one" (17:12)

- "protect them from the evil one" (17:15)

- "sanctify them" (17:17) (the word "sanctify" means to purify, clean, or to 'make them holy and right' before God).

If you're going to ask God for things, consider what Jesus asks for... for his closest friends - protection, unity, and purity. Three big ones. Jesus gives those things to God, but he does so in their presence. He sets the priority for their future and relationships...

(1) Protection - totally depends on God. Pray for it, live wisely, depend on God with your circumstances. Jesus knows that we all have an enemy, the "evil one," and that we need God's protection and defense - sometimes from our own sin tendency.

(2) Unity - I find it interesting that Jesus prays for this in their midst, and then expands on unity in verses 20-23. Be "one." (20) "Complete unity" (23) that they/we would all be united "with" Jesus (24)...

Jesus knows full well about Judas's greed, and the others who do not trust him, so Jesus prays for unity.

Jesus knows that Peter is such an emotionally-driven leader who runs ahead of the rest, so he prays for unity.

Jesus knows that James and John talk frequently about which one ranks higher on the leadership ladder, so he prays for unity.

Jesus knows that the "evil one" will try to turn us against one another... he'll want us to fight about silly differences, egos, and ideas... he'll want to split the church into a thousand fragments and denominations... he'll distract us in arguments about music style, politics, and church priorities...

What Jesus wants most from you and me is UNITY with our brothers and sisters... Pray for that. Read verses 20-23 and pray for that again...

(3) Purity ("sanctify") - Aren't all of these ideas intertwined?

A people who are pure, holy, and sanctified are going to do better at loving one another. We'll do better at pulling together than we do at pushing apart.

In Jesus' last days, he's extremely concerned that his people stay together. Unite for the cause. Trust and follow our God first. Leave the differences, the selfish ambitions, the minor battles to some other group.

Pray for unity...

Dear God, please protect your people from the evil one. Protect us from the one who would love to steal, kill, and destroy the good things You are doing. Help us seek unity, love, forgiveness, patience, and "oneness" with others in Christ. Help us become part of the answer to Jesus' prayer. Remind us that, in Christ, we have the most important thing in common!

Day 22 - Dear God, Help!

This week we will focus on "making the ask" - ASKING God for things.

Sometimes, as is the case in Psalm 57, we ask God for HELP! We plea for RESCUE!

Psalm 57 presents a wonderful mixture of praise, repentance, asking, and yielding... the P-R-A-Y acronym that I find helpful to guide my own prayer moments...

David is literally running for his life, but he's running into the presence of God. He's bringing his fear, his frustration, his hopes to God. "I cry out to God most high... he sends from heaven and saves me... he sends his love and his faithfulness..."

His prayer is both a desperate plea and a cathartic (helpful to himself) commitment to focus his thoughts and feelings on the goodness of God, rather than the danger of his circumstances.

God, if only I would run to YOU first, rather than run to stress, worry, busyness... or run to people! Help us run to YOU first with our needs and with the details of our lives.

David wants help.

Sounds a little cliche to say that the first step to "recovery" is to admit that you need help. Well, spiritually, the first step to a deeper walk with God is to admit your need and approach God in prayer.

Have you grown closer to God in the past three weeks? If so, how?

Day 21 - Dear God, I'm Sorry (Reflections...)

Today, we conclude a week of readings and thoughts about repentance.

As I write my own way through this journal, you'll see that I'm a day behind. This gives me an opportunity to ask your forgiveness and take ownership of my mistake! Will you please forgive me and my tardiness in posting day 21, as we dive into a few more thoughts on repentance?

Psalm 51:10-19 shows what we'll see after true repentance.

Instead of being broken off because of our sins or guilty feelings, our relationship with God actually grows.

See, God isn't primarily interested in my being a "good boy" and obeying all the rules. He knows I can't possibly always do the right thing. However, this prayer does reveal what sort of "sacrifices" and "offerings" God wants from us.

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

I think it's a good practice to read the words of the Bible out loud. Sometimes I have to hear myself say them in order to let the meaning sink in...

What is God actually "doing" in response to your honest repentance? Just look at the action verbs here...

- "Create" a clean heart.
- "Renew" a stedfast spirit..
- "Do not cast" me away or "remove" your presence...
- "Restore" me to joy...
- "Grant me" a willing spirit...

In the last two weeks' sermons, I've mentioned that last one a few times... "Grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me" (51:12). I think we all can think of times where we weren't interested in repentance, or drawing closer to God. David is going through the same sort of feelings, even as he is opening up for forgiveness...

"Grant me a willing spirit..." (translation: "keep me focused on wanting to do this...") Or, as Eugene Peterson says it, "put fresh wind in my sails."

Good stuff.

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Dear God, please keep me close to you as I begin another new week. As I look at the calendar, I know I don't have the energy, the time, or the desire to do all the things I "should" do this week. Please remind me of your presence and the joy of living for you. Fill me with a living and willing spirit to make the most of every day I've got. Renew me, restore me, and strengthen me for good works, O Lord. Help me grow closer to you and be ready for your leadership throughout the day.

Day 20 - Dear God, I'm Sorry (Acts 19:1-22)

Moments of mass repentance?

When God is at work in a group of people, that's what you'll see. Here, in Acts 19, it's right there - the people came forward and confessed their evil deeds. Brought them out into the open.

The result?

"In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power" (19:20).

Let me get this straight. Some so-called Christians actually came clean and revealed their own sins, rather than trying to judge others? Some "believers" were moved to the point of broken, honest, repentant action? Some men and women actually started to live out a fear of God as if that were more important than the fear of men?

Yes, yes, and yes.

And some pretty exciting things happened here...

Sorcery scrolls and secrets were burned in public. The name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. The word of the LORD spread and grew in power.

Apparently, it is possible for the "word of the Lord" to "grow" in power... it's right there in the text.

It's powerful when others see it's not just talk.
It's powerful when we're willing to rearrange our lives, humble ourselves, and become "living sacrifices" to God.
It's powerful when people give of their material goods in exchange for something priceless. Apparently, those sorcery texts they burned were worth 50,000 drachmas. In today's dollar value, 50,000 drachmas = a lot of money!!!

People won't want your faith unless they see you sacrifice for it. Unless they see you change. Unless they see that you are honest and sorry about your sin.

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Dear God, I pray that you would help my sin get out into the open. Help me confess it to you and to those around me that are affected by it. Even those who are not, and can love and forgive me and keep me accountable. I want to focus on the things about my life that are priceless.. I want to focus on you, and see your word spread with power in my life and relationships...

Day 19 - Dear God, I'm sorry (Daniel 9:1-19)

We did it. We admit it.

Daniel really gets on his knees and appeals to God's mercy in today's reading.

This time, it's not just one man confessing his sins... It's one man approaching God in the hopes that He will forgive an entire nation! From the passages we've read so far, it's interesting to see how specific and explicit Daniel gets when he verbalizes his regrets...

Daniel calls it like it is, even though he himself is not the guilty party. He humbles himself, he calls it sin, and he repeatedly begs God. I love the words of verse 9:18 - "We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy."

So true. Any true confession must express my utter dependance on the perfection and goodness of God. I always fall short, I always have something to confess, I always need to seek Him for help.

Daniel has spent time reflecting on the way his people - the Jews - had abandoned God. Although He had blessed them, taken care of them, and given them specific guidelines on the best way to live... they still rebelled. How many times is the concept of "rebellion" mentioned, just in these few verses?

Here's a passage that makes me want to pray for my country more... Makes me want to ask God's forgiveness for some of the evils we've seen and done. Makes me realize our need to get divine help by asking Him - rather than just "worrying" about the future or the economy. There are so many problems around us, and it would be silly to think that any human strategy is capable of a fix.

So we pray for God's blessing. We look inside our own hearts, and inside our own nation, and say, "God, please guide us, bless us, forgive us..."

David asks God to listen, to forgive, and to act - rescue His people. Not because they are worth it, but because God is loving and compassionate. God has the opportunity to show love and power for the sake of His name, His people, His reputation...

Our lives, our prayers, and our response to sin - personal and community sin - must seek to bring glory and honor to God first, and not to ourselves.

What does Daniel's prayer say to you, personally, about repentance or confession?

Are there things that we as Americans should ask forgiveness for?

"Dear God" - A sermon on repentance...

In case you missed it, or would just like to follow along... here is last Sunday's talk on repentance from Psalm 51.

Day 18 - Dear God, I'm Sorry (Psalm 32)

By now, I'm thinking that confession is a good thing.

Repentance is a very good thing.

Living a life that is honest to God about our sinful actions, thoughts, words, and intentions... opens us up to great blessing.

How can God show His goodness and love unless I ask Him for help with my darkness and selfish ways?

"Blessed is the man whose sins are forgiven, whose transgressions are covered" (Psalm 32:1)

If you try to ignore or hide your sins, be ready for the weight of guilt, shame, regrets, brokenness, and yes - even more sins. King David committed adultery, then murder, and lied repeatedly to "protect" his secret.

But if you turn around, face God, talk openly about your sins, express your desire to change... God calls you blessed. God protects you. God lets you see another layer of His unfailing love. In the end of this song, look at the result... your heart is glad, celebrating, singing with joy...

At least David acknowledges that repentance is valuable. Even though it took him a while, and his guilt made him feel sick - "groaning all day long" - once he finally acknowledged His sin to God (32:5), God took away the sin...

God forgives it. God takes it away. God covers it up. On a regular basis. We all need that.

Dear God, thank you for these realities about your love for us. Thank you for responding with unfailing love rather than merciless judgment. Thanks for giving me second chance after second chance. Thanks for restoring joy to my life and my prayers on a regular basis.

Repentance is hard, but help me see that it's ALWAYS the right thing to do. You ALWAYS hear and come to help - You ALWAYS remove the burden and the guilt. I love you and I need you.

Thank you for not counting my sins against me... Thank you for forgiving the guilt of my sin!!

Day 17 - Dear God, I'm sorry (2 Corinthians 7:1-13)

It's one of the toughest phrases for any human being to say.

It's something we might know inside, but have a hard time actually verbalizing the words.

"I'm sorry."

Like the 1980's Chicago song reminds us, "It's hard for me to say I'm sorry."

In comparison to God, and in offense to God, we have a lot to be sorry for. All of us have missed the mark of perfection. Every one of us has flaws, and we know when we've offended or hurt someone else.

God is looking and working inside us to produce what today's verses describe as "godly sorrow."

As in, when you break the law, you should feel bad about it. You feel a sense of regret and inner pain, and you feel it BEFORE you get caught.

As in, you realize that your offense has been hurtful to someone. Not just another human, but to God, who intends for and expects us to lead better lives. Lives of love, joy, peace, patience.... and not lives of sin.

Dear God, help me - let your Spirit bring about a healthy, accurate, change-inspiring sorrow whenever there is sin in my life. Help me be sensitive to breaks in my relationship with you, and to be sorry enough to come running back.

Day 16 - Dear God, I'm sorry (Luke 15:1-10)

My wife and I are hooked on the television show, "LOST." We started with it in season one, and it just keeps getting better. Granted, it's not for everyone, but we like it.

The basic plot is that a plane has crashed in the South Pacific, and a large group of survivors have been stranded on an island for about 120 days now. Faithful watchers are waiting to see if any of these people will find their way home, or find that all of this was really part of their "destiny" as humans.

Jesus has a huge heart for people who are "lost." Because we are made in His image and loved by Him, He is coming after each one of us.

In Luke 15, he gives three stories that describe God's personal mission to find us, welcome us, and throw a huge party for us!

First, it's the shepherd who loses a sheep. He has a hundred of them, but just one goes missing. He leaves the other 99 and goes after that one lost sheep.

Second, it's a woman who has lost a valuable coin. "It's somewhere in the house..." she thinks. She tears the place apart, she "sweeps the house" until she finds it. Relentless, just like the shepherd.

Third, it's a Father who has a young and distant son that he hasn't seen in ages. When the kid finally "came to his senses" (the Bible literally says that!) he heads home. While he is still far off, Dad sees him. Dad runs to his son. Dad hugs and kisses his boy.

In each of these three stories, Jesus mentions a common variable. Repentance. After the sheep is found, Jesus says, "there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents!" After the woman finds her coin, Jesus says, "there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Repentance. It means, "change your mind." "Turn your life around." "Come to your senses." "Run to God and get help!"

When the Dad sees his lost son, he throws a huge party - "let's have a feast and celebrate... this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'" The next line is classic - "So they began to celebrate."

If you confess your sins to God... talk openly with Him... you will find forgiveness... but you will also find GREAT JOY.

God is passionately running after you... turning the whole house upside down... as a loving Father who always misses me when I'm away... the main question of my day is this - will I turn around and see Him? Will I repent - change directions - and run to Him?

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Dear God, forgive me for running away at times. Please help me hear you, see you, know that you are waiting patiently, seeking passionately for an open relationship with me.

I know you're not doing this because You are "needy," but actually because You know that I am needy! You miss me and love me and want what's best for me - in every area of life!

Help me turn around and run to you... Help me repent personally, and ask you for the change of heart I so desperately need!

Day 15 - Dear God, I'm sorry (Psalm 51)

We'll begin week three with one of the deepest soul-spilling prayers in all of Scripture.

Psalm 51.

When I've sinned, it's easy to get "defensive." To make excuses. To blame someone else. To run from God.

When he writes these words, David has given up on all those options. He's just bearing his soul to God.

Honest - "I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me."
Regret - "Surely I was sinful at birth..."
Plea - "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love."

David accepts responsibility, blame, and punishment for his own sins... and, at the same time, he desperately begs God for mercy. He asks God to blot it out, wipe it away, and give him a pure heart... a new attitude... a willing spirit...

That's a great way to start my week.

God, please have mercy on me... Help me understand my sin, and be heartbroken before you. I am sorry for the selfishness, the apathy, the sins you know about (ALL of them!)... and I ask for your forgiveness. I depend entirely on your unfailing love...

Dear God, help me pursue you this week. Give me a willing spirit to keep going in the "40 Day" journey, and take this confession week seriously. Search me, test me, open my eyes to see the things I need to see... Give me the courage to address my own weaknesses straight-on.

Have mercy on ME too.. O God... according to your UNFAILING love!

Day 14 - REMEMBER... PRAISE GOD!

We've just completed a week of reading, reflecting, and praying thoughts of praise and thanks to God. As we come to the end of week #2 of the "Dear God" prayer journey, a couple of thoughts...

- PRAISE really does set the tone for a right and healthy relationship with God. When I recognize and verbalize the good things God IS and DOES, it motivates me to pray even more. It helps me remember how powerful the One we pray to really is. It helps me recognize and receive the way He cares about me.

- PRAISE seems to be a part of nearly all the prayers in the Bible. Even Jonah in the belly of the whale. Even Jesus in the hours before his death. Even David, reflecting on his own failures. Apparently, the people who are growing spiritually - the people who really "get it" when it comes to a relationship with God - those people PRAISE HIM as a habit.

- I should also add that I don't think saying words of praise to God is like "buttering God up" so you can ask Him for something big. It's not an attempt to play the "teacher's pet." Of course God sees right through that. Part of the reason we commit to doing something for 40 Days in a row is because we want to get better at this. I want to learn the habit, the routine, the commitment of praising God and talking with Him the right way.

- PRAISE is important to God... "Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name." The word "hallowed" just means "holy, awesome, perfect, completely greater-than-our-names..." God deserves and seeks hearts that approach Him this way.

- Starting tomorrow, we'll have seven challenging days of prayer. We have just looked at the greatness and praise-worthy nature of God... and now we'll take a long hard look in the mirror. I don't deserve praise. In fact, I am far from perfect, and have done nothing to earn God's favor... This next week has to do with prayers of repentance and confession.

Dear God... you ARE awesome. Help me give you praise and priority in my thoughts this week. Help me hear what you have to say about me... and my failures, my blind spots, my regrets, my past... If you are indeed sitting on the throne of the universe, then make me ready to humbly submit my heart to you... Please help me deal honestly with my sin, in light of your forgiveness and love.

Day 13 - God is Awesome (Luke 18:35-43)

When I read accounts of Jesus' life, I always find it interesting to put myself in other people's shoes.

Here, in Luke 18:35-43, we see several personalities that go through a transformation.

There's the blind man, who yells out desperately to get the attention of Jesus of Nazareth. He goes from desperate and blind... to being healed and praising God. Jesus tells him, "your faith has healed you." I'm sure there's an application for your life if you're willing to find it. Something about being willing to admit that I'm blind, call out desperately to Jesus of Nazareth for help...

He says, "Have mercy on me!" Sounds a little like Psalm 51, and Jesus cannot resist the cry of desperate faith.

There's the crowds surrounding Jesus and the blind man... One moment, they are rebuking the blind guy and telling him to be quiet. Imagine the words... insulting him. Telling him to shut up. Why should anyone give him the time of day - let alone our current celebrity hero, Jesus of Nazareth? The words of these naysayers only makes this man's faith and determination to get to Jesus that much more impressive...

And imagine their surprise when Jesus calls the blind man to him. He enters a conversation, "What do you want me to do for you?" A test of faith. A test of motive. The guy just wants to see.

Jesus cares enough about this man's physical sight to give Him the response, and heal his eyes.

As a result, everyone involved can now really SEE what we are supposed to see. The blind man SEES a response of power and love in his own life, causing Him to praise God. The crowd SEES a compassionate Savior who cares more than they did about this man, and praises God that they got to witness a miracle.

When you think about this encounter with Jesus... put yourself in the story... what do you SEE? What do you think God wants you to see?

Day 12 - God is Awesome (1 Peter 1:3-12)

Today's reading in (1 Peter 1:3-12) is short and strong. I actually had to memorize these verses for a class not so long ago.

If you're following along still on Day 12, great job! Keep it up! Stick with it! You are on the right road!

It's a road that gives us new life...

It's a road that develops our faith in Christ - like gold, which is refined by fire...

It's a road that leads to the salvation of your souls...

Peter describes the power and privilege of receiving God's salvation. If we really "get it" (mind, heart, soul), it will give birth to great joy ("greatly rejoice") even in the midst of life's trouble. If we truly seek Christ, we will know more and more the blessings we have - even the angels and prophets didn't know about this stuff! If you continue on in your salvation, your live will overflow with a contagious love for Jesus and an active love for other people. Peter writes, "though you have not seen him, you love him" (1 Pet. 3:8).

Dear God....
- Restore me to the great joy and wonder of your salvation!

- Help me to hang on to you and develop a deeper commitment to you, so that only joy is the response of my heart. When I fail, or when I hurt, or when I'm stressed, help me find JOY in your presence alone. Help me find new life and hope for each
day... from your Spirit!

- It's awesome that your Spirit was leading the prophets to talk about this stuff, and the angels to investigate this stuff, but salvation comes to each of us, today, who has received Jesus' life, death, and resurrection for our own lives.

- I know that there are friends in my life... even Facebook friends who I have barely talked to in years. Only you know where people stand with you... but I pray that your salvation would be displayed in my life with joy, energy, and love. That people would see a difference in me - especially my wife and kids - but everybody else too!

Day 11 - God is Awesome (Psalm 113 & Psalm 111)

Aren’t most songs today about praise? We all praise something… or someone.

People praise money, and sell out all sorts of time, emotion, and effort to get the “kaysh.” When we can’t get money, we settle for watching other people get money. That’s how people like Regis Philben and Howie Mandel attained celebrity – hosting money shows!

Most things in life aren’t worthy of your heart. They don’t deserve praise.

However…

What about the One on the throne, overseeing the sunrise and set, governing the nations and the skies, looking down on little earthlings every day?

What about the One who lifts up the poor, gives children to caring mothers, and has the final say in government and fate?

What about the One who has shown you His work - His power, His provision for your life and needs, His redemption from your sin?

God deserves better than what I currently give Him.

Both readings for today are great to read out loud, to think about, maybe even to memorize. Especially this verse, Psalm 111:10 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise.

Dear God,

A list of all your great works? Where to start? I should look up first, and try to explain the beauty of the clouds, the power of the sun, the goodness and health of fresh air.

You are an awesome, powerful, mysterious God who does not need any approval or permission from me. You are running the show. Help me remember that the president, the IRS, the nations of the world are not running the show. You alone sit on that THRONE in heaven, and your children have nothing to fear.

Help us fear you first. Respect you first. Seek your approval, your wisdom, your guidance, your character, your love first.

Thank you for your great work in our family. We are so blessed with Allie, Luke and Julie. Allie is passionate, determined, and intelligent. Luke is becoming more boisterous, great to wrestle with, and he’s always been unselfish. Okay, at least when I am looking. Julie has the most beautiful smile and glow about her, and she’s nine months old today.

Thank you, God, for an amazing wife. I never want to take Jennie for granted.

The Lord IS gracious and compassionate. His works should never be forgotten! His name is to be praised from sunrise to sunset!

Day 11 - God is Awesome (Psalm 113 & Psalm 111)

Aren’t most songs today about praise? We all praise something… or someone.

People praise money, and sell out all sorts of time, emotion, and effort to get the “kaysh.” When we can’t get money, we settle for watching other people get money. That’s how people like Regis Philben and Howie Mandel attained celebrity – hosting money shows!

Most things in life aren’t worthy of your heart. They don’t deserve praise.

However…

What about the One on the throne, overseeing the sunrise and set, governing the nations and the skies, looking down on little earthlings every day?

What about the One who lifts up the poor, gives children to caring mothers, and has the final say in government and fate?

What about the One who has shown you His work - His power, His provision for your life and needs, His redemption from your sin?

God deserves better than what I currently give Him.

Both readings for today are great to read out loud, to think about, maybe even to memorize. Especially this verse, Psalm 111:10 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise.

Dear God,

A list of all your great works? Where to start? I should look up first, and try to explain the beauty of the clouds, the power of the sun, the goodness and health of fresh air.

You are an awesome, powerful, mysterious God who does not need any approval or permission from me. You are running the show. Help me remember that the president, the IRS, the nations of the world are not running the show. You alone sit on that THRONE in heaven, and your children have nothing to fear.

Help us fear you first. Respect you first. Seek your approval, your wisdom, your guidance, your character, your love first.

Thank you for your great work in our family. We are so blessed with Allie, Luke and Julie. Allie is passionate, determined, and intelligent. Luke is becoming more boisterous, great to wrestle with, and he’s always been unselfish. Okay, at least when I am looking. Julie has the most beautiful smile and glow about her, and she’s nine months old today.

Thank you, God, for an amazing wife. I never want to take Jennie for granted.

The Lord IS gracious and compassionate. His works should never be forgotten! His name is to be praised from sunrise to sunset!

Day 10 - God is Awesome (Colossians 3:1-17)

If God is at work in your life...

If you actually want to know God and be the person He created you to be...

Then you will strive to focus on Him. To think His thoughts. To know His truths. To "set your minds on things above."

That's part of the privilege, mystery, and challenge of prayer. We focus our mind on talking to God, praising God, asking questions of God - we are setting our minds on things above.

Hopefully, the more I do this, the more my prayers will be about what God wants, and the less they will be about the "things of earth" - the things I want...

Read that section from Colossians for today.

The whole section blends together... either you will set your hearts and life to pursue selfish desires... or you and I will put that old self "to death."

By God's grace (starting in verse 12), you'll see things like compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and love - those things become realities when we work together to focus our hearts on Jesus.

In verses 15-17, Paul mentions the idea of giving thanks to God. He mentions it three times. In your relationships, be grateful. In your songs and praises, be grateful. In whatever you do, give thanks to God.

Thoughts of thanksgiving should flow through in times of prayer and praise. Specifically, Paul is calling us to be thankful for the new life we can have in Christ. The new life apart from the addictions, the sins, the guilt, and the pain. The new life that is different from your past. The new life that just keeps giving you encouragement, life, and love from God and others.

When you pray, be thankful that God gives us that choice... to point our lives in His direction, and leave the past behind.

Dear God...
Thank you for letting us have the privilege of knowing you, reading your Word, drawing close to you, and celebrating the new life You have made available to us.
Thank you for giving me the strength to make right choices... Thank you for forgiving me when I've failed - and when I've made wrong choices.
Thank you, God, for surrounding me with friends who help encourage me in my faith... Help me encourage them too. Help me reach out and show them the joy and gratitude and love that is ours because of you.
God, help me just be a more grateful person - a stronger heart for thanksgiving and taking time like this to tell you what I'm thankful for. You are way, way too good to me.

Day 9 - God is Awesome (Luke 17:11-19)

I start every day's reflections by reading the Bible verses and thinking about them for a few minutes. Today, we'll look at Luke 17:11-19. If you want to read those for yourself first, feel free to click here.

As He traveled, Jesus often encountered desperate people. A desperate father, hoping that his son could be healed. A hopeless woman, stricken with disease. A demon-possessed man.

Jesus crossed paths with all types of people and every form of human pain.

If they came to Jesus for help, healing, or guidance, he always gave them what they needed most. Here's an account of ten "lepers" - people with various types of skin disease - yelling out to Jesus. By law, most of them were not allowed to get close to people and spread the illness. So they shouted. They "called out in a loud voice." It seems like a coordinated effort.

One of them recognizes Jesus. One of them gets the idea.

Together, they decide what they'll say, how loud they'll say it, and when they will shout desperately to Jesus from a distance. Together, they hear Jesus' instructions to show themselves to the priest.

In that day, a person's physical sickness was thought to be connected somewhat with a spiritual sickness or sinful rebellion. In order to be pronounced "clean," and fit to re-enter society with the rights of a human being, one had to get approval from the priest. Jesus sends them - all ten of them - to get that approval. En route, the healing occurs.

All ten go the priest. All ten are pronounced "clean."

Sadly, only ONE guy comes back to say thanks. He praises God in a loud voice. He throws himself at the feet of Jesus. This foreigner... this recovering skin-disease victim... is the only one to recognize and say thanks to His Savior.

Question - Why do we often fail to say thanks to God? Why am I prone to be more like the NINE? Could it be my own sense of entitlement? Could it be that I'm too focused on myself and getting on with my life? What's next?

Maybe those NINE were already thinking about getting home and visiting family and reconnecting - and who could blame them? Apparently, though... they focused on the healing and totally missed the Healer.

This is a convicting story. The compassion of Jesus. The ten who are healed. The nine who take it for granted. The one - the loner - the solo - the only - just one guy says thanks.

For at least today, let's act like that one guy...

Dear God...

- Thanks so much for answering my prayers yesterday. You know about my own visit to the doctor, which is never something I get thrilled about. Thank you that it went much better than I thought. Thanks for hearing those prayers and for caring for my/our physical needs and concerns.

- Thank you for answering prayers for my good friend, Pastor Darrell Anderson. His heart valve-replacement surgery is nearly two weeks ago, and I'm thankful that he's home and getting rest and things seem to be going great.

- God, thank you for the good things You do, especially in hard times. I have friends who are going through a rough time financially, or have recently lost jobs... God, thank you for taking care of their need, even through the storms of life.

- God, thank you for giving Jennie and me great strength, love, and encouragement from You and from others as we experienced two miscarriages together. We've grown so much through those times, and You have brought us close. Thank you for the hope we have of meeting our other kids in heaven one day.

- Jesus, thank you for responding, helping, loving, and healing when we shout for help... even from a distance... thank you for being the kind of friend and the kind of God who is ABLE to help, and COMPASSIONATE - WILLING to help. We are grateful... teach us to praise and thank you on a regular basis... to throw ourselves at your feet... Thank You!


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Day 8 - God is Awesome (Psalm 8)

Life is fast. Life is busy. You know that because it's Monday. Another week staring you in the face. Things you need to do, things you want to do, things you won't have time to do.

I'll confess, it's easy for us to get into the pattern of doing, accomplishing tasks, and flying through time without stopping to notice...

Psalm 8 is a prayer of one who notices things like the sky, moon, stars.. all of God's creation... David writes, "How majestic is your name in all the earth."

How rare that human beings, as creations of God, ever really turn our eyes or hearts toward Him.... to recognize His work... to give Him credit... to say affirming words to Him...

Words of admiration, thanks, praise - these should be regular gifts we bring to God. Gifts He deserves, and gifts we should be honored to give. We're not worth this privilege, and yet He invites it...

Dear God, I think you are awesome, because...

- You are all-powerful, all-creative, all-knowing, and all-present. Things I can't even wrap my mind around... You are totally superior to all of us...

- You have demonstrated your awesome power and love to your creation in so many ways. Help me pause more, in the midst of busy days or weeks, to recognize the greatness and beauty of your works.

- You are awesome because I've seen you bring hope, forgiveness, and new life to so many of my friends and family.

- You are awesome because you have delivered victory over sin and death to a group of people (us), who would never deserve it.

- You are awesome because somehow, all of my personality quirks, preferences, idiosyncracies, successes, failures, and learning curves - You have known all about them since the beginning of time... some of them are specifically given by You, as part of your desire to teach me, to show your sense of humor, or especially, to show your wonderful forgiveness and grace.

- You are awesome in my life, God... thank you so much!

Day 7 - God is With You (Review of week 1)

Every seventh day, we're going to hit the pause button and reflect on the readings and thoughts of the previous week.

During this first week of "Dear God," we had Scripture readings and reflected on the fact that God is with us.

God is always with us. You can choose to admit and embrace that, or you are free to ignore Him. Either option comes with a level of risk, doesn't it.

Embracing the presence of God should remind you of the glory, the opportunity, and the power He has in every moment.

Rejecting the presence of God means you ignore the care, the love, and the guidance God offers for every moment.

That's a huge decision, and we face it every single day.

So, three questions...

(1) What has God taught you over the past week?
Personally, I was reminded about how God's presence with us, and His intentions for a relationship with us - these thoughts are clear throughout the entire Bible. Psalms is a great place to see the conversations between a man and his God, but relationship with God is a priority from Genesis to Revelation.

God has taught me - again - about the value, need, priority - for me to spend time with him personally. Just God and Gary. With my job, I get lots of time as "Pastor Gary" and God... but this has been a great time to set aside even more time to think, reflect, pray, journal, and just be myself with Him.

What has God taught you? I'd love to hear any thoughts if you want to post a comment...

(2) How do you hope to get to know Him better in the next few weeks?
I hope to develop a more balanced prayer life. To pray words of praise that develop the practice of humbly approaching God and acknowledging His leadership over my life and circumstances. To expose sin or problem areas that I need to bring before God in prayer. To learn to ask God for the needs and desires of my heart, rather than try to attain them for myself.

I hope to strengthen my consistent conversation of prayer throughout the day, and that His Spirit will help me remember the things I too easily forget.

(3) What are some more things you would like to pray about?
I am praying about our neighborhood and community. Delaware (Ohio) is a great place to live, but there are a lot of needs here. The challenging economy has been tough on many families in our country. In some cases, people are starting to seek God for the first time.

I want to pray every day for Jennie, Allie, Luke, and Julie. Our family is a huge blessing to me, and I want to do my best to love them and encourage them to love God too.

Some people want me to pray for the Steelers to win tonight. I'm not sure if I'll pray for that one. =)

I am also praying for you, as you read through these "Dear God" prayer notes... I pray that God will help you get to know Him, to interact with Him, to learn about Him, and reap the benefits of that Father-child relationship you have with God.