Dear pray-ers,
Any time is good for making necessary change, but right now seems especially good for a new beginning. With that in mind, the Elohim Prayer blog is changing its name and moving to a new location! You can subscribe to our posts at christianprayerwarriors.wordpress.com. Subscribing is as easy as entering your email address in the box provided. Also much easier is posting comments on each article. We hope to hear from you more this year!
We're still going to post devotional style blogs at least three times a week, but we hope to add some things in 2012. More on that as we get closer to releasing them.
We pray for your continued growth in the Lord, for His strength to be evident in your lives, and for His blessing to pour out on you.
Carol and Shelley
Friday, January 6, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
A new nature
Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Colossians 3:10 (NLT)
The start of a new year is always busy with resolutions, changed habits, and goals for the months to come. So it's a fitting time to consider our spiritual lives as well. If you know Jesus as your Savior, does your life reflect it? Paul tells the Colossian church in chapter 3 to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. He says it doesn't matter if we are Jew or Gentile, all that matters is Christ. Today, set a specific goal for 2012 to know your Creator through prayer and Bible study and to become more like him.
Dear God, please be on our hearts, minds, and lips each day. Help us to show others that Jesus Christ is all that matters. Thank you for your love and goodness toward us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Do you set spiritual resolutions each year? More often? Share them with us!
The start of a new year is always busy with resolutions, changed habits, and goals for the months to come. So it's a fitting time to consider our spiritual lives as well. If you know Jesus as your Savior, does your life reflect it? Paul tells the Colossian church in chapter 3 to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. He says it doesn't matter if we are Jew or Gentile, all that matters is Christ. Today, set a specific goal for 2012 to know your Creator through prayer and Bible study and to become more like him.
Dear God, please be on our hearts, minds, and lips each day. Help us to show others that Jesus Christ is all that matters. Thank you for your love and goodness toward us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Do you set spiritual resolutions each year? More often? Share them with us!
Friday, December 30, 2011
The wise men bring gifts
When [the wise men] saw the star, the were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11
The wise men realized the miracle they witnessed as they found the child Jesus. They didn't expect God to find them or to shower them with gifts. Instead, they brought gifts to him. Perhaps the most important was their worship. As we approach the start of another year, consider the gift you can offer God. Time together in prayer and in the Bible become gifts to you both!
Dear God, as the days pass and the time comes closer for Jesus to return, help us draw near to you. Teach us to pray and to hear your voice. Thank you for your love and the abundant blessing of a Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Do you have a New Year's Resolution? Leave a comment and let us pray for you!
The wise men realized the miracle they witnessed as they found the child Jesus. They didn't expect God to find them or to shower them with gifts. Instead, they brought gifts to him. Perhaps the most important was their worship. As we approach the start of another year, consider the gift you can offer God. Time together in prayer and in the Bible become gifts to you both!
Dear God, as the days pass and the time comes closer for Jesus to return, help us draw near to you. Teach us to pray and to hear your voice. Thank you for your love and the abundant blessing of a Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Do you have a New Year's Resolution? Leave a comment and let us pray for you!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Not everyone rejoiced at Jesus' birth
After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother," the angel said. "Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." Matthew 2:13
Three amazing things happen in this verse. First, an angel speaks to Joseph in a dream. It's not recorded in this verse, but the Bible tells us that Joseph obeyed that warning (also an amazing thing!). Second, the angel promises to revisit Joseph and direct him further. Third, someone wants to kill the Messiah. The threats on Jesus' life began the minute he was born, but it wasn't time yet. God's plan would not be thwarted. He is sovereign and kind, and He wants to fulfill a plan in your life.
Dear God, please help us recognize your direction and your plan for our individual lives. May we never try to kill the Savior in our hearts or try to silence your plan for the world. Thank you for your kindness. Help us walk close to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Who can you commit to praying for, that their heart would be softened and their eyes opened to the truth?
Three amazing things happen in this verse. First, an angel speaks to Joseph in a dream. It's not recorded in this verse, but the Bible tells us that Joseph obeyed that warning (also an amazing thing!). Second, the angel promises to revisit Joseph and direct him further. Third, someone wants to kill the Messiah. The threats on Jesus' life began the minute he was born, but it wasn't time yet. God's plan would not be thwarted. He is sovereign and kind, and He wants to fulfill a plan in your life.
Dear God, please help us recognize your direction and your plan for our individual lives. May we never try to kill the Savior in our hearts or try to silence your plan for the world. Thank you for your kindness. Help us walk close to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Who can you commit to praying for, that their heart would be softened and their eyes opened to the truth?
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The shepherds respond to Jesus' birth
[The shepherds] hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child...The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Luke 2:16, 17, 20
The New Living Translation of the Bible uses the word 'terrified' to describe the shepherds initial response to the angel who told them about Jesus' birth. In the end, though, they hurried to meet the newborn Savior. After meeting Him, they couldn't keep the Good News to themselves. Not only did they tell everyone, they praised God. It is not our first reaction to Jesus that defines our lives. It is what we do with the Good News that determines our eternity.
Dear Jesus, thank you again for coming to a fallen world and living as a man so we could live in paradise with You forever. Define our lives. May we be full of praise as those shepherds were and glorify God for all the world to see. In Your name, Amen.
What was your first reaction to Jesus? Has it changed?
The New Living Translation of the Bible uses the word 'terrified' to describe the shepherds initial response to the angel who told them about Jesus' birth. In the end, though, they hurried to meet the newborn Savior. After meeting Him, they couldn't keep the Good News to themselves. Not only did they tell everyone, they praised God. It is not our first reaction to Jesus that defines our lives. It is what we do with the Good News that determines our eternity.
Dear Jesus, thank you again for coming to a fallen world and living as a man so we could live in paradise with You forever. Define our lives. May we be full of praise as those shepherds were and glorify God for all the world to see. In Your name, Amen.
What was your first reaction to Jesus? Has it changed?
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Anna praises God
"[Anna] never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God." Luke 2:37, 38
The Bible tells us Anna was a widow and a prophet who lived to the age of eighty-four. She enjoyed a close relationship with God because of her time in fasting and prayer. As an older woman, Anna met the child Jesus. Her immediate reaction was praise! Then, "She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem" (Luke 2:38). May we react with such enthusiasm and immediate need to share the miracle of Jesus with others.
Dear God, help us speak boldly to the ones who need rescue. Give us the words to share Jesus. May we also enjoy a close relationship with you through prayer. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Who do you know that needs rescue today? What words is God giving you to share Jesus with them?
The Bible tells us Anna was a widow and a prophet who lived to the age of eighty-four. She enjoyed a close relationship with God because of her time in fasting and prayer. As an older woman, Anna met the child Jesus. Her immediate reaction was praise! Then, "She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem" (Luke 2:38). May we react with such enthusiasm and immediate need to share the miracle of Jesus with others.
Dear God, help us speak boldly to the ones who need rescue. Give us the words to share Jesus. May we also enjoy a close relationship with you through prayer. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Who do you know that needs rescue today? What words is God giving you to share Jesus with them?
Friday, December 23, 2011
Jumping for joy
"When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy." Luke 1:44
Even before he was born, John (Jesus' cousin and later known as John the Baptist) jumped for joy to be near Jesus. For the rest of his life, John would proclaim the Good News about a Savior, born of a virgin, come to "take away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). No matter what the situation looked like, no matter who he spoke to, no matter what the consequences, John spoke boldly for the Messiah and jumped for joy to be near Him.
Dear God, thank you again for sending your Son to be our Savior. Thank you for bringing us to realize our need. Jesus, thank you for being born. In Your name we pray, Amen.
Do you jump for joy to be near Jesus? How would you react if you could physically see and touch Him?
Even before he was born, John (Jesus' cousin and later known as John the Baptist) jumped for joy to be near Jesus. For the rest of his life, John would proclaim the Good News about a Savior, born of a virgin, come to "take away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). No matter what the situation looked like, no matter who he spoke to, no matter what the consequences, John spoke boldly for the Messiah and jumped for joy to be near Him.
Dear God, thank you again for sending your Son to be our Savior. Thank you for bringing us to realize our need. Jesus, thank you for being born. In Your name we pray, Amen.
Do you jump for joy to be near Jesus? How would you react if you could physically see and touch Him?
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Elizabeth's response to Mary's news
Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, "God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed." Luke 1:42
Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist, the one who would become "the prophet of the Most High" (Luke 1:76). The Bible tells us that in her old age, Elizabeth conceived the son she had long desired. In faith, she believed her child would be born with great purpose on his life. Even more important, she believed Mary carried the Messiah all Israel had long desired. With all the possible reactions Elizabeth might have shown, she chose faith. May our faith be strengthened as we celebrate the birth of the Messiah!
Dear God, thank you for sending our Rescue. Please help us be like Elizabeth and show glad faith to others who need to experience it. May they be blessed through our belief in the Messiah. In Jesus' name, Amen.
How is your faith in Jesus today?
Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist, the one who would become "the prophet of the Most High" (Luke 1:76). The Bible tells us that in her old age, Elizabeth conceived the son she had long desired. In faith, she believed her child would be born with great purpose on his life. Even more important, she believed Mary carried the Messiah all Israel had long desired. With all the possible reactions Elizabeth might have shown, she chose faith. May our faith be strengthened as we celebrate the birth of the Messiah!
Dear God, thank you for sending our Rescue. Please help us be like Elizabeth and show glad faith to others who need to experience it. May they be blessed through our belief in the Messiah. In Jesus' name, Amen.
How is your faith in Jesus today?
Monday, December 19, 2011
Joseph's Obedience
"When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife... And Joseph named [the child] Jesus." Matthew 1:24, 25
The Bible does not talk about Joseph's prayer life, but we know he was a godly man. He followed the traditions and the law of the Lord, taking his family to Jerusalem each year for the Passover and training his sons in Scripture. He must have been unusually close to God to be chosen as the earthly father of God's only Son. We know he was obedient, regardless of the consequences. May we also be remembered for lives of service and obedience to God.
Dear God, please help us to be obedient. May we recognize your calling and strive to please you no matter the consequences. Thank you for the examples of other believers in your Word, and thank you for your Son. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Do you recognize God's calling on your life? What does it look like?
The Bible does not talk about Joseph's prayer life, but we know he was a godly man. He followed the traditions and the law of the Lord, taking his family to Jerusalem each year for the Passover and training his sons in Scripture. He must have been unusually close to God to be chosen as the earthly father of God's only Son. We know he was obedient, regardless of the consequences. May we also be remembered for lives of service and obedience to God.
Dear God, please help us to be obedient. May we recognize your calling and strive to please you no matter the consequences. Thank you for the examples of other believers in your Word, and thank you for your Son. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Do you recognize God's calling on your life? What does it look like?
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." Luke 1:38
When the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit, Mary's first - and immediate - reaction was obedience. She didn't waver. She didn't ask questions beyond the first, "How can this happen? I am a virgin" (Luke 1:34). She didn't doubt.
When God visits us, whether by supernatural means or through His Spirit in prayer or reading the Bible, how do we react? Suspicion? Cynicism? Intellect? Do we show a humble and willing heart? May we, like Mary, confess that we are servants of the Most High God, blessed to participate in any plan He authors.
Dear God, please help us recognize You. We pray that our hearts would willingly accept Your divine plan. May we be obedient to Your calling on our lives. We bless You and praise You for using us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Has God placed a call on your life? How have you responded?
When the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit, Mary's first - and immediate - reaction was obedience. She didn't waver. She didn't ask questions beyond the first, "How can this happen? I am a virgin" (Luke 1:34). She didn't doubt.
When God visits us, whether by supernatural means or through His Spirit in prayer or reading the Bible, how do we react? Suspicion? Cynicism? Intellect? Do we show a humble and willing heart? May we, like Mary, confess that we are servants of the Most High God, blessed to participate in any plan He authors.
Dear God, please help us recognize You. We pray that our hearts would willingly accept Your divine plan. May we be obedient to Your calling on our lives. We bless You and praise You for using us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Has God placed a call on your life? How have you responded?
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Give thanks for His provision
He gives food to every living thing.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:25, 26
We end our in-depth look at Psalm 136 the day before Thanksgiving. Isn't it just God's way to wrap things up on time and with a satisfying note? This Thanksgiving, remember that God gives food to every living thing. Sometimes, He uses us to deliver it! Matthew 6 tells us that God feeds even the birds of the air, and we are much more precious to Him. Not only does He give us food to nourish our bodies, but He feeds our spirits as well. Let's make sure to feast on communion with Him and the abundance of His word as much as we do the blessings on our tables.
Father God, thank you for your provision. Please continue to show us your abundance. May we reflect your light and love to someone in need today. Thank you for all you do in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.
How do you spend the Thanksgiving holiday? Look around and see if there is someone you can help feed in Jesus' name.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:25, 26
We end our in-depth look at Psalm 136 the day before Thanksgiving. Isn't it just God's way to wrap things up on time and with a satisfying note? This Thanksgiving, remember that God gives food to every living thing. Sometimes, He uses us to deliver it! Matthew 6 tells us that God feeds even the birds of the air, and we are much more precious to Him. Not only does He give us food to nourish our bodies, but He feeds our spirits as well. Let's make sure to feast on communion with Him and the abundance of His word as much as we do the blessings on our tables.
Father God, thank you for your provision. Please continue to show us your abundance. May we reflect your light and love to someone in need today. Thank you for all you do in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.
How do you spend the Thanksgiving holiday? Look around and see if there is someone you can help feed in Jesus' name.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Give thanks for His strength
He remembered us in our weakness.
His faithful love endures forever.
He saved us from our enemies.
His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:23, 24
We struggle against addictions, depression, discouragement, doubt, worldly desires, and physical enemies. But take heart! God is faithful to remember us in our weakness. When you feel the world pressing in, press into Him. In His strength, He saves us from our enemies. His love endures no matter what you're facing today.
Dear God, thank you for loving me no matter what I do. Thank you for saving me from my enemies. Your strength is awesome to behold and I am in awe of you. May I give the glory to you in every situation. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What is your prayer of thanksgiving? Leave a comment so we can give thanks for you too!
His faithful love endures forever.
He saved us from our enemies.
His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:23, 24
We struggle against addictions, depression, discouragement, doubt, worldly desires, and physical enemies. But take heart! God is faithful to remember us in our weakness. When you feel the world pressing in, press into Him. In His strength, He saves us from our enemies. His love endures no matter what you're facing today.
Dear God, thank you for loving me no matter what I do. Thank you for saving me from my enemies. Your strength is awesome to behold and I am in awe of you. May I give the glory to you in every situation. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What is your prayer of thanksgiving? Leave a comment so we can give thanks for you too!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Give thanks for the inheritance
God gave the land of these kings as an inheritance -
His faithful love endures forever.
a special possession to his servant Israel.
His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136: 21, 22
As the children of Israel were obedient to God's call, He rewarded them. They had to fight the battles, but in faith they knew God was with them, giving them victory over the enemy. When the battle was won, God gave them their inheritance - something that would always remind them of the battle, their obedience, and God's faithfulness. He gave them the very land the enemy had possessed.
Father God, thank you for going ahead of us in battle. Thank you for your faithfulness and love as you give us victory. Please help us stay faithful to you. Help us win the battle and take possession of the inheritance you have prepared. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What battles do you fight today? We pray that you meet the enemy with faith, knowing God is with you and giving you victory!
His faithful love endures forever.
a special possession to his servant Israel.
His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136: 21, 22
As the children of Israel were obedient to God's call, He rewarded them. They had to fight the battles, but in faith they knew God was with them, giving them victory over the enemy. When the battle was won, God gave them their inheritance - something that would always remind them of the battle, their obedience, and God's faithfulness. He gave them the very land the enemy had possessed.
Father God, thank you for going ahead of us in battle. Thank you for your faithfulness and love as you give us victory. Please help us stay faithful to you. Help us win the battle and take possession of the inheritance you have prepared. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What battles do you fight today? We pray that you meet the enemy with faith, knowing God is with you and giving you victory!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Mighty kings
Give thanks to him who struck down mighty kings. His faithful love endures forever.
He killed powerful kings. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:17-18
Though there are many gods in our culture, the God of creation is the one who deserves our praise and thanks. He is capable of building up and destroying. Is there any other god who can claim the same power? Often in our lives, we give a created idol the adoration that belongs to God alone. Money, power, relationships, and celebrities are a few of the created idols we might be giving an inappropriate place in our lives.
Father God, thank you for your power and your faithful love. Please forgive me for worshiping anything besides you and help me turn my entire heart to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What idols exist in your life?
He killed powerful kings. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:17-18
Though there are many gods in our culture, the God of creation is the one who deserves our praise and thanks. He is capable of building up and destroying. Is there any other god who can claim the same power? Often in our lives, we give a created idol the adoration that belongs to God alone. Money, power, relationships, and celebrities are a few of the created idols we might be giving an inappropriate place in our lives.
Father God, thank you for your power and your faithful love. Please forgive me for worshiping anything besides you and help me turn my entire heart to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What idols exist in your life?
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Through the wilderness
Give thanks to him who led his people through the wilderness. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:16
Sometimes everyday life looks and feels like the wilderness. Cold, dark, and lonely places affect us no matter what we believe about God. The thanksgiving comes in knowing that we serve the almighty God of love. Like a tender parent, He touches His children in the frightening darkness and leads us through the hardship. As we see the light and feel His warmth, we grow closer to Him.
Dear God, thank you for your guidance and direction. Please take us by the hand and show us the light. May we reflect your love and glory in the darkness, too. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What darkness are you walking through? Leave a comment so we can pray for you!
Sometimes everyday life looks and feels like the wilderness. Cold, dark, and lonely places affect us no matter what we believe about God. The thanksgiving comes in knowing that we serve the almighty God of love. Like a tender parent, He touches His children in the frightening darkness and leads us through the hardship. As we see the light and feel His warmth, we grow closer to Him.
Dear God, thank you for your guidance and direction. Please take us by the hand and show us the light. May we reflect your love and glory in the darkness, too. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What darkness are you walking through? Leave a comment so we can pray for you!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Give thanks for protection
Give thanks to him who parted the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.
He led Israel safely through, His faithful love endures forever.
but he hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:13-15
Not only did God deliver His people from the overbearing and wicked hand of the Pharaoh, God protected His people as they obeyed His call to move on. Be assured that no matter how impossible your task seems, God will give you the strength, the means, and the protection to proceed. But you have to be obedient to the call! To get fresh perspective on the magnitude of what God did for the ones he loves, read Exodus 1-15.
Dearest God, thank you for your endless love and protection. Please help us recognize Your voice and be obedient to your call. In Jesus' name, Amen.
How do you recognize His voice and His protection in your life?
He led Israel safely through, His faithful love endures forever.
but he hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:13-15
Not only did God deliver His people from the overbearing and wicked hand of the Pharaoh, God protected His people as they obeyed His call to move on. Be assured that no matter how impossible your task seems, God will give you the strength, the means, and the protection to proceed. But you have to be obedient to the call! To get fresh perspective on the magnitude of what God did for the ones he loves, read Exodus 1-15.
Dearest God, thank you for your endless love and protection. Please help us recognize Your voice and be obedient to your call. In Jesus' name, Amen.
How do you recognize His voice and His protection in your life?
Friday, November 11, 2011
Give thanks for deliverance
Give thanks to him who killed the firstborn of Egypt. His faithful love endures forever.
He brought Israel out of Egypt. His faithful love endures forever.
He acted with a strong hand and powerful arm. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:10-12
More miracles! God brought the Passover to atone for the sins of His people. He delivered them from a controlling and unbelieving Pharaoh. Today, we have Jesus Christ, who delivers us from sin and disbelief. Indeed, His love is faithful and endures forever!
Dear Lord, thank you for your faithfulness! Thank you for delivering your people. May we share this good news with someone you love today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Have you experienced the strong hand and powerful arm of God? What is your deliverance?
He brought Israel out of Egypt. His faithful love endures forever.
He acted with a strong hand and powerful arm. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:10-12
More miracles! God brought the Passover to atone for the sins of His people. He delivered them from a controlling and unbelieving Pharaoh. Today, we have Jesus Christ, who delivers us from sin and disbelief. Indeed, His love is faithful and endures forever!
Dear Lord, thank you for your faithfulness! Thank you for delivering your people. May we share this good news with someone you love today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Have you experienced the strong hand and powerful arm of God? What is your deliverance?
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Give thanks for miracles
Did you catch it?
Give thanks to Him who alone does mighty miracles (Psalm 136:4). God alone performs miracles. Many are recorded in the Bible to lift our faith and keep our eyes open. The rest of Psalm 136 goes over some of the miracles God alone performs. Think you've never seen one? Think again:
Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights - His faithful love endures forever.
the sun to rule the day, his faithful love endures forever.
and the moon and stars to rule the night. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:5-9
The sky, the earth itself (indeed, the very universe was crafted by God's hand), the waters, the sun, and the stars were all created in miraculous fashion. So the next time you look up, remember the God who performs miracles.
Dear God, thank you for the evidence of miracles. Open our eyes to see everyday miracles in our lives. May we bless you and shine your light today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What miracles can you see in your own life?
Give thanks to Him who alone does mighty miracles (Psalm 136:4). God alone performs miracles. Many are recorded in the Bible to lift our faith and keep our eyes open. The rest of Psalm 136 goes over some of the miracles God alone performs. Think you've never seen one? Think again:
Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights - His faithful love endures forever.
the sun to rule the day, his faithful love endures forever.
and the moon and stars to rule the night. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:5-9
The sky, the earth itself (indeed, the very universe was crafted by God's hand), the waters, the sun, and the stars were all created in miraculous fashion. So the next time you look up, remember the God who performs miracles.
Dear God, thank you for the evidence of miracles. Open our eyes to see everyday miracles in our lives. May we bless you and shine your light today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What miracles can you see in your own life?
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Give thanks to the Lord of lords
Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to Him alone who does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:3, 4
Psalm 136 lists many reasons to give thanks, many characteristics of God. His goodness, His sovereignty, His power, and His miracles are just the beginning. Having an attitude of thankfulness allows us to see Him more clearly - and when we see Him, we can introduce others to Him.
Dear Lord, thank you for your power and your love. Thank you for performing miracles that we see and that we don't see. Please help us reflect your love today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What are you thankful for today?
Psalm 136 lists many reasons to give thanks, many characteristics of God. His goodness, His sovereignty, His power, and His miracles are just the beginning. Having an attitude of thankfulness allows us to see Him more clearly - and when we see Him, we can introduce others to Him.
Dear Lord, thank you for your power and your love. Thank you for performing miracles that we see and that we don't see. Please help us reflect your love today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What are you thankful for today?
Monday, November 7, 2011
Give thanks to the God of gods
Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:2
The world creates many gods (sex, television, money, self, etc.) but they are fleeting. They don't have the power of the Creator or the love of the Savior. None of the world's gods are faithful to you or to themselves. They are demanding, demeaning, and degrading.
By contrast, we are invited to get to know the God of all gods, the timeless Creator of the universe, the One your soul loves (even if you don't know it yet). What better reason to give thanks?
Dear God, thank you for your faithfulness and for your endless love! Please help us recognize you and share your light with others. Amen.
The world creates many gods (sex, television, money, self, etc.) but they are fleeting. They don't have the power of the Creator or the love of the Savior. None of the world's gods are faithful to you or to themselves. They are demanding, demeaning, and degrading.
By contrast, we are invited to get to know the God of all gods, the timeless Creator of the universe, the One your soul loves (even if you don't know it yet). What better reason to give thanks?
Dear God, thank you for your faithfulness and for your endless love! Please help us recognize you and share your light with others. Amen.
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