“So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

Hebrews 13:6 ESV

Lord,

You are my Refuge and Prince of Peace in the midst of mind-boggling circumstances.

Please forgive me for having an uptight heart this morning. I will not fear.

When I read today’s newspaper, there was an article on a young, athletic female who was raped and killed at a golf course.

When I spoke to a church member who was on a mission trip, she witnessed children dying from starvation.

When I heard about the latest ‘happenings’ in Venezuela, innocent people were imprisoned unjustly so their freedom would be exchanged for a ransom.

Lord, there are so many lives in danger, children dying and innocent people being murdered as I am elevating my face in worship today!

I‘m praying continually for the protection of my brothers and sisters around the globe (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Photo Courtesy: Vil Son @ Splasher

I am sobbing in affliction,

I don’t need to understand the root of evil or the wicked ways of my enemies.

The lost world needs you, our Almighty Savior! Please soften their hearts, bring them all to repentance, penetrate their souls in Truth and transform their lives.

Help me forgive these evil souls today and always.

Help me trust in your promises when nothing seems to change in today’s fallen world.

I will continue looking up to the Cross so I may always be kind and forgiving to those who have lost their way.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen

Lord,

I’ve been sitting next to a window appreciating the crisp Fall air.

I finally realized how exhausted I am!

Photo courtesy: Church of the King @ Splasher

Life rhythm accelerates when faced with unexpected or expected circumstances. I thrive under stress and this is not a healthy tempo to maintain.

Fast-paced lifestyles have an adverse impact on our bodies. Stress will immediately release the “stress hormones.” If these hormones keep firing, day after day, our health will be at high risk for all sorts of physical issues.

Emotions may even go unchecked… I am emotionally and physically drained!

I’ve been ‘on the go’ for way too long. I need rest for my soul today.

You are always encouraging me to come to you when weary and/or burdened so here I am staring thru the window and sharing my deepest thoughts (Matt 11:28 NIV).

I hope in the Lord today and always.

I need stamina, energy and good health to embrace the Fall season. It is my favorite season indeed.

Life is filled with transitions and adjustments need to be made. You want for me to rest so I may be refreshed (Exodus 31: 17). I am honoring the Sabbath today.

Help me slow down!

Help me to exercise on a regular basis so I may strengthen muscles, release toxins, and delay the aging of the brain. Heal all physical ailments so I may enjoy the Holidays with family and friends.

I look forward to a new season filled with Holiday celebrations.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31 NIV

“He has rescued us completely from the tyrannical rule of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom realm of his beloved Son.” Colossians 1:13 TPT

Praising Jesus boldly at sunrise…

When I cried out in my distress, He immediately answered. The Lord is always near to all who call on Him (Psalm 145:18) and heals the broken-hearted (Psalm 147:3).

He is my Lord and Savior who rescued me from darkness and snatched me away from the hand of evil.

I’m His beloved daughter who stepped out of the darkness and never looked back…

Lord, penetrate my heart and expose any pride, bitterness, envy or unforgiveness that may reside in the core of my soul. I want to be more like Jesus, your Son who is filled with Truth and never-ending Grace (John 1: 17).

Photo courtesy: Anita Austvika @ Splasher

If I drift away from our intimate fellowship, just know it is not intentional. It may just be a subtle drift back to the world’s view, old habits or the desires of the flesh. Forgive me if I do. Just nudge me and I will immediately be back in your arms.

Jesus bathes us with His mercies, never-ending grace and unfailing love every day. When I drift away, His Creation reminds me of His priceless existence. John 1: 3 says, “All things were made through him…”

Thank you, Jesus, for your Creation!

Chosen. Forever rescued.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭NIV‬

I’m privileged to be breathing one more day. I am walking with the King today and always will be.

In Jesus’ name, I praise and pray.

Amen

“He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” Job 5:9 NIV

Lord,

You are our Everlasting Father who performs wonders in our lives and never fails us.

As much as I wanted a ‘change in pace’ at work, I realize the new arrangement was not the best fit for me. Forgive me if I changed my mind way too soon!

I was so blessed in the past yet did not appreciate those ordinary moments. I was blindfolded by negativity in my surroundings. I was acting  just like the Israelites back in biblical times who were chained to negativity, grumbled their way thru the wilderness and lived with ungrateful hearts.

Because I never paced myself at work, I was exhausted towards the end!

Once I settled at the new work space, I was able to breathe, reflect back and recognize the need to change my ways. Yes! I am the one who needs to make lifestyle changes. I now know not to grumble, complain or consider others’ negative thoughts or toxic ways.

“I cannot change life circumstances, but I can change ‘me’. Help me, Lord, to draw near to you with a sincere heart. I know you are faithful.”

Last week, my unsettled heart was unable to take another step ‘forward’ when I realized  I had everything I ever wanted in the past.

Picture Courtesy of: Pete Bellis @ UnSplash

I heard your whisper one morning and it gently reminded me, ‘stand alone in a crowd and fix your eyes on Jesus! (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Life is an adventure. It may even be short-lived for many.

Be encouraged. Be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:5-7).

“Lord, help me enjoy the harvest of a grateful heart. I want to walk thru the land flowing with milk and honey filled with opportunities, treasures and blessings.”

Help me expect only the best, Lord.

Give me the courage to make lifestyle changes so I may always take care of my health when handling challenging situations and give me the wisdom to prevent burn-out symptoms… Nutritious diet, regular exercise and adequate rest at night are just a few key ingredients for self-care.

I will meditate on your Word day and night, I will not neglect your Word (Psalms 18:15-16), breathe fresh air regularly, and be mindful of the beauty in my surroundings throughout the day.

You are in control of it all not I. So, help me expect the best once again.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

Photo courtesy: Viet Vang @ Splash

Lord,

Did I just heard him say…?!

Every time I hear him say negative comments about others, I respectfully ignore.

Every time I hear him loudly say, ‘shut up’, and claim to have all of the answers, I respectfully follow his cue.

Every time I hear him make unreasonable demands, I respectfully listen then share a fresh perspective.

Every time I am crossed-examined, I respectfully answer.

Every time I notice confusion, I respectfully slow down the rhythm of speech.

Every time I hear a condescending remark, I respectfully ignore.

Every time I transition to a new task, I forgive past offense.

Help me let go and forget both subtle and obvious hostile acts, Lord.

Capture his attention, soften the heart, and protect his life.

He needs a Savior!

Help me extend grace for every one of his offenses.

I will not tolerate abuse. I will be a Light to the lost world before I walk away.

I’m wonderfully and fearfully made by our Creator and no one changes His Truth.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen