Morning Scripture Reading - Jude 20-21

Jude 20-21 English Standard Version

20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

Evening Scripture Reading - 2 Peter 3:8-9

2 Peter 3:8-9 English Standard Version

8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 94:8-11

Psalm 94:8-11 English Standard Version

8 Understand, O dullest of the people!

    Fools, when will you be wise?

9 He who planted the ear, does he not hear?

He who formed the eye, does he not see?

10 He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke?

He who teaches man knowledge—

11     the Lord—knows the thoughts of man,

    that they are but a breath.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 1:7

Proverbs 1:7 English Standard Version

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;

    fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Morning Scripture Reading - Ephesians 3:20-21

Ephesians 3:20-21 English Standard Version

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Evening Scripture Reading - Revelation 19:11-16

Revelation 19:11-16 English Standard Version

The Rider on a White Horse

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 94:1-7

Psalm 94:1-7 English Standard Version

The Lord Will Not Forsake His People

94 O Lord, God of vengeance,

    O God of vengeance, shine forth!

2 Rise up, O judge of the earth;

    repay to the proud what they deserve!

3 O Lord, how long shall the wicked,

    how long shall the wicked exult?

4 They pour out their arrogant words;

    all the evildoers boast.

5 They crush your people, O Lord,

    and afflict your heritage.

6 They kill the widow and the sojourner,

    and murder the fatherless;

7 and they say, “The Lord does not see;

    the God of Jacob does not perceive.”

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 1:1-6

Proverbs 1:1-6 English Standard Version

The Beginning of Knowledge

1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

2 To know wisdom and instruction,

    to understand words of insight,

3 to receive instruction in wise dealing,

    in righteousness, justice, and equity;

4 to give prudence to the simple,

    knowledge and discretion to the youth—

5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning,

    and the one who understands obtain guidance,

6 to understand a proverb and a saying,

    the words of the wise and their riddles.

Morning Scripture Reading - Hebrews 10:11-14

Hebrews 10:11-14 English Standard Version

11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 John 1:9

1 John 1:9 English Standard Version

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 93:5

Psalm 93:5 English Standard Version

5 Your decrees are very trustworthy;

    holiness befits your house,

    O Lord, forevermore.

Mid-Week Message - Don't Give Up

"Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts or hopes.  May he be given glory forever and ever through endless ages because of his master plan of salvation for the Church through Jesus Christ."   Ephesians 3:20-21  (TLB)

I have been talking with someone of late who wishes to make a big move.  This person has decided it will never happen because of all the details that would have to work out just right in order for this dream to become reality.  After trying to figure out how to make it happen for an extended period of time, this person can see no possibility and has decided that "it must be God's will that I stay where I do not want to stay."  

When I was thirty-three years old, after praying for years and asking the Lord to bring someone special into my life, I gave up.  I can remember telling a friend that I just couldn't keep baring my heart to Him only to feel that He was never going to answer my request.  I had been to so many weddings and caught numerous bouquets and I didn't want to continue to hope for something that "obviously" was not the Lord's will for my life.  You know what her reply was?  She said she didn't agree and that she was going to take up praying where I left off.  

Within weeks, I had fallen in love with a man I worked only about ten or fifteen feet away from.  To make a long story short, our first date was on April 27th, he proposed on May 27th and we got married on August 24th.  All in 1991.  We will be celebrating our thirtieth wedding anniversary this year.  It wasn't a matter of whether God was going to bring this man into my life.  It was only a timing issue.  

Believe me when I tell you that I totally understand the emotional and spiritual pain of praying for something for an extended period of time only to wonder if He even is hearing me.  But I have learned, not only through the story of finding my life partner, but many other times that I have taken my requests to the Father, that I can never out-dream Him.  Sometimes, the answer has been no.  However, when that has been the response, He has never failed to bless me with far more than I could ever have imagined.  

His love for us is immeasurable.  Our minds are incapable of conceiving all the good things He has in store for us.  There is nothing that is impossible for Him.  Our dreams and desires will never compare to His wonders.  If He would allow His only Son to die in our place in order to restore us into right fellowship with Him, then what further proof could we possibly need?

I am acutely aware of the situations that some of you are currently facing.  There are many of you experiencing health challenges that my mind cannot even begin to understand.  There are those who have been searching for jobs for months and are wondering how bills are going to be paid.  I know of a family whose daughter has been missing for over ten years now.  I wish I had the answers that you are seeking.  Although I do not, I know the One who does.  Please do not give up laying your needs at His feet.  His promises are true and He is faithful.  He hears you and catches every tear that falls from your eyes.  Whatever path you are on, He already sees the end and knows just what you need.  Keep trusting.  Keep holding His hand.  Allow those around you to help by praying with and for you. 

And, in the event that you have grown too weary to continue, please let me know.  I would be honored to represent you before our Father.  God bless.

 

 

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 31:10-31

Proverbs 31:10-31 English Standard Version

The Woman Who Fears the Lord

10 An excellent wife who can find?

    She is far more precious than jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,

    and he will have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good, and not harm,

    all the days of her life.

13 She seeks wool and flax,

    and works with willing hands.

14 She is like the ships of the merchant;

    she brings her food from afar.

15 She rises while it is yet night

    and provides food for her household

    and portions for her maidens.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

    with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17 She dresses herself with strength

    and makes her arms strong.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.

    Her lamp does not go out at night.

19 She puts her hands to the distaff,

    and her hands hold the spindle.

20 She opens her hand to the poor

    and reaches out her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,

    for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes bed coverings for herself;

    her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates

    when he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them;

    she delivers sashes to the merchant.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,

    and she laughs at the time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,

    and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household

    and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;

    her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women have done excellently,

    but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,

    and let her works praise her in the gates.

Morning Scripture Reading - 1 Peter 1:3-9

1 Peter 1:3-9 English Standard Version

Born Again to a Living Hope

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 41:13

Isaiah 41:13 English Standard Version

13 For I, the Lord your God,

    hold your right hand;

it is I who say to you, “Fear not,

    I am the one who helps you.”

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 93:3-4

Psalm 93:3-4 English Standard Version

3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord,

    the floods have lifted up their voice;

    the floods lift up their roaring.

4 Mightier than the thunders of many waters,

    mightier than the waves of the sea,

    the Lord on high is mighty!

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 31:1-9

Proverbs 31:1-9 English Standard Version

The Words of King Lemuel

1 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:

2 What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb?

    What are you doing, son of my vows?

3 Do not give your strength to women,

    your ways to those who destroy kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel,

    it is not for kings to drink wine,

    or for rulers to take strong drink,

5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed

    and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing,

    and wine to those in bitter distress;

7 let them drink and forget their poverty

    and remember their misery no more.

8 Open your mouth for the mute,

    for the rights of all who are destitute.

9 Open your mouth, judge righteously,

    defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Morning Scripture Reading - Ephesians 4:28

Ephesians 4:28 English Standard Version

28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

Evening Scripture Reading - Nehemiah 1:4-7

Nehemiah 1:4-7 English Standard Version

Nehemiah's Prayer

4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5 And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 93:1-2

Psalm 93:1-2 English Standard Version

The Lord Reigns

1 The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty;

    the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.

Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.

2 Your throne is established from of old;

    you are from everlasting.