Cry out to the Lord

S: Psalms 107:19-21.nasb
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destruction's. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men!

O - The psalmist likely is telling of God's faithfulness to the people Israel, perhaps about release from their captivity in Egypt.  The words of the psalm affirm our belief that God is with us, He listens to our every cry,  and he delivers His people just by His word.   It is because of this we His people need to give thank to the Lord, and glorify his name.

A -  The application for me is to understand that God hears my cries,   He gives me His word, and is healing me.  I must continue to seek God's face, cry out to Him in these seasons of depression.   I will continue to give Him thanks for the things he has done,and is doing in my life.

P -  Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your love and kindness.  Thank you for your word, thank you for your spirit in me.  I pray Lord today for a complete removal and protection from word that is not from you , and complete removal of this spirit of depression that resides in me.  I pray all this in Jesus name.

 

Jesus, the light and life within me.

S - John 1:4-5.nasb
In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

O - In this first chapter from John, we come to understand that Jesus was there in the beginning, and that He is the life and light of all men.   From creation He was with Father and when God created us in His image, he breathed the breath of life and light into us which is spirit of God.  Through years of seperation after the fall , the light was harder to see in us,  but through Christ sacrifice on the cross the fullness of God's light is restored in each and everyone of us.

A -  This scripture was a reminder to me that Jesus is the light in my darkness, and I must understand and embrace that .   I must remember that through dark times His light shines bright, I must seek it within me, and really embrace the understanding that Christ in me , is the life within me.

P -  Lord, thank you for today's word, may it be sealed to my heart.  Lord I am struggling in my own internal darkness, and perhaps even the darkness of my circumstances.  I pray your light we light up my life, and reveal the untruths and your spirit in me would rebuke and reject the untruths and darkness in me.   In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

God's spirit eternally with us

S  Isaiah.59.9-21.nasb
Therefore justice is far from us, And righteousness does not overtake us; We hope for light, but behold, darkness, For brightness, but we walk in gloom. We grope along the wall like blind men, We grope like those who have no eyes; We stumble at midday as in the twilight, Among those who are vigorous we are like dead men. "As for Me, this is My covenant with them," says the Lord : "My Spirit which is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your offspring, nor from the mouth of your offspring's offspring," says the Lord , "from now and forever."

O -  The prophet Isaiah describes the lost and how they (we ... me)  stumble along at times, groping for  and seeking God our circumstances.  But then the Lord reminds them of His promise,  and covenant, for His spirit to always be with us,  His word still stands true, and now and through generations to come.

A - As I feel I am stumbling in the darkness in this season, I am encouraged by God's  truth and promise, that His spirit is always upon me, and words of truth He has spoken to me will stand firm in y life.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank  you for your word today, may it be sealed to my heart.

Faith and trust in the Lords wisdom and loving kindness

S - isa.54.10.nasb
"For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, And My covenant of peace will not be shaken," Says the Lord who has compassion on you.

S -isa.55.8-9.nasb "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord . "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.

O -  The Lord continues the speak to the people of Israel who are being exiled to Bablyon.  In these chapters His words are words of truth and encouragement, so that the people of Israel won't be exasperated by their circumstances.  The message is one of a constant and loving God, who is not shaken or changed by circumstances but is steadfast and true.   These words are delivered to instill a faith and trust into the people, and for us today to reveal the character of God.

A - The application for me is to embrace the fact that God's loving kindness will never be removed from me.   It is a reminder how ultimate wisdom comes from the Lord and that my circumstances do not indicate a separation from God, but rather a path that is His path, and His ways are truly greater than my ways.

P -  Dear heavenly father, thank you for today's lesson may it be sealed to my heart.  Lrd I pray that your will be done in my life.  I pray that your truth, love, and mercy would penetrate the deepest part f my soul and drive out all untruth's that cause me to doubt and despair.   Lord I place my life in your hands and trust your plans for me according to your  wisdom.  Thank you Lord for your saving me through the sacrifice Jesus made for my sins,  I am grateful.

S -  2 Peter 1:5-8 (NASB)
5Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in yourmoral excellence, knowledge, 6and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in yourperseverance, godliness, 7and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

O -  Peter here speaks of the progressive measure of growth in our faith and fruitfulness in our growth in Christ.   This is a path Peter describes to edify us and increase our faith .  


A -   The application for me today is to remember the Lord has been working in me in these progressive ways to help me grow and to walk in His ways.


P -  Lord I pay you would rescue me from this depression, and restore in me the confidence, joy, and peace.    I am clinging to you and your word Lord, help me to know again your presence and transformative power.

Hang on , God is my deliverer

S - Isaiah 46:3 (NASB)

3"Listen to Me, O house of Jacob,

And all the remnant of the house of Israel,

You who have been borne by Me from birth

And have been carried from the womb;

4Even to your old age I will be the same,

And even to your graying years I will bear you!

I have done it, and I will carry you;

And I will bear you and I will deliver you.

O - This passage is to the people who are being exiled to Bablyon.   You can imagine it is not a joyful time for God's people, but through Isaiah God delivers the consistent message that He is the Father of Jacob (the tribe) and that His promises are true.   Despite the season that God knows they will be going through he delivers the message of hope.

A -  This feels exactly like the truth of my circumstances today.  I am in a valley season, in the land in between , fearful of the exile ahead from a life I once knew, or a  way I once traveled  But God has delivered me the message to hang on and stay close, despite what my circumstances and feelings are telling me.   I have been born again through Christ, who now is my Lord and savior.  His promises are true.

P - The truth of my circumstances is found in you Lord,  I thank you for bringing me back to you in the dry and weary season.  I put my trust in you for my future, and only ask that you lift me up when I can no longer lift myself up.  Help me to love my wife like you love her, help me raise my kids to grow up and know your love and your ways,   help me to make a difference in the kingdom here on earth, until we once again unite in heaven/

Glorify God

S -http://bible.com/100/1pe.2.11-12.nasb
Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

O - we must remember we are always witnesses. Can be either of how bad and unfair life's is or how merciful and good our good is.

A - at work for me today I must continue told a witness of good m good and v grace in my life.  I must continue to witness of good graces and mercy.

P - Lord I can't do any of this without you, thank you for your grace and mercy, please use me in whatever way you need and know best.

Rejoice in the Lord, through various trials

S- 1 Peter 1:3-9.nasb

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

O -    Peters letter is a word of encouragement, and a reminder to who we are in Christ.  We who have received salvation from the Lord, receive it in a manner that changes our future for ever, and then we begin growing in the knowledge and understanding of this.   In the process of growing we will face various trials,  and it is here that our faith has a chance to grow and be shown.  The key is that the result is  praise and glory of Jesus is the result.  

A -  The application for me is to turn from my sorrow in these trials I am going through and turn toward Christ, and rejoice in my salvation,  that he chose me , and that though I didn't deserve it , He saved me.  The same goes for my current circumstance, though I don't deserve to be saved from them, He is faithful and true to do so.  I need only to trust in Him, and give Him all the glory for what he is doing in my life, and hopefully encourage others to put their faith in Him.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's lesson, may it be sealed to my heart.  I thank you for your daily living water which wets my dry and weary soul in this season.  I pray Lord that you would moment by moment ,fill me so I can be an encouragement to others and a witness of your love and grace.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

wait patiently on the lord, strengthen my heart

S  James 5:7-9.nasb 

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.

O-  James is speaking to the church at Jerusalem to encourage them how to wait on the lord.  During times of waiting our minds can wander and stray.  We must continue to focus on the honor we have received as being called a child of God.  

A - The application for me is to keep focusing in this season on strengthening my heart, through resting in Him,  through prayer and reflecting on Christ in my life, and lastly for a steadfast dedication to God's word, the bible

P-  Dear heavenly father thank you for your inspired scripture.  Daily I hold onto your word and what the holy spirit is telling me.  I confess it has been a struggle to hear you.  I pray that you would strengthen my heart and guard my mind.

Pray with the correct motives

S - James 4:2-3.nasb
You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.

O -   Our motives can easily reveal our sin.   Our sin ultimately leads us further from God, if not completely separated.   A lself focused person may even seek God but ultimately focuses on what they need.     But God is calling us to lean on him and seek his will, with the right motives.

A - The application for me is to be self reflective on my own posture and attitude.   I trust in the Lord, even when He doesn't answer my prayers. Now I may not be praying with the correct motives.  In this season of transition and trial, I am praying for alot of relief from depressing thoughts, and clarity on my future in Hawaii.  My motives have been self centered, and when I pray I thinking about my problems, and not what God is doing all around.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your patience with me.  I pray Lord your will be done in me, and that you would transform my mind so that I may hear your voice, focus on you and what you are doing.

Discernment of wisdom from above

S - James3:13-18.nasb Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

O -In the season of rest and reflection,  I receive this scripture as worthy of correcting me, in my recent and past walk at work in particular, but even at times at home and in ministry.  Over the years I feel I have gained a particular wisdom.   The conviction comes as to whether my behavior always displayed a gentleness of wisdom.  I am very aware that all things that influence my heart and mind are not of God, and selfish ambition exists at times in my life , and invites earthly wisdom and even evil thoughts.  I am reminded by this scripture that I must be influenced by wisdom from above.  And those seeds of wisdom , sown in peace will bring forth kingdom fruit.

A - The application for me is to reflect (but not dwell) on those ambitions in me that were selfish and those that are from above.  I must weed and untangles the selfish ambitions from who I am and where I find my identity.  I must find my identity and purpose in the person of Jesus Christ.  The wisdom from His teaching, will drive the ambition of my heart after him.   The fruit in my life will be a pure, full of peace, gentle and full of mercy way of walking. 

P - Dear heavenly father, I confess that I have had selfish ambitions that have caused me to plant a seed and grow something inside of me that is not aligned with you.  I repent of these selfish ambitions, and ask for forgiveness and restoration.   I pray for the self control to walk in the peace, gentleness, and mercy of your wisdom.  

Growing faith during trials

S - James 1: 2-8 (NASB)

2Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

5But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

O -   I can imagine James in the early days needing to encourage the congregation who faced many great trials, as well as the victories in Christ.    James knew that in order to live the life transformed by Christ, and called to deliver the Gospel to the ends of the earth they would face various trials.   Now the encouragement is that our faith grows through trials, and we are being shaped in the image of Christ.   As our faith grows , we are able to confidently pray to the Lord , in His will, and His spirit, that anything we lack He would provide.  

A -  The application for me is like a lifeline during trials.   There is no doubt that in my life trials have tested my faith, but at the same time in reflection during these trials I felt like I had  barely enough to survive the trial with my faith intact.   That is my personal encouragement that in all my trials God has seen me through and if I just hold on to Him, and trust in Him and His ways, He will pull me through.  I must remember not to be so discouraged during trials that I wouldn't go and pray to the father for the help during these times.

P - Dear heavenly Father, I am facing such a trial today,  one in which I struggle on the circumstances at work, my future in the Navy, and my own though life being heavy.     I pray Lord that you would provide me the strength to go forward, the peace of heart and mind to do so in a way that honors and glorifies you.   I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Rejoicing in the Lord

 S - Isaiah 25:9 (NASB)

"Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us.

This is the Lord for whom we have waited;

Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation."

O - The Lord is all that he says he is.   Our hope and our salvation lie in Him.   He is true and present , he is real and relevant,  He is in me, and I call Him friend.  I celebrate who He is in my life, the fact that He chose me first , and that He died for my sins, makes me forever thankful.

A -   The application for me is not to let my soul grow weary, but rather rejoice and refill my sole with the realization that my redeemer lives.  I sit here now and wait patiently on Him in this season in my life, and He has been good and faithful to restore my soul and my communion with Him.  I will follow His word to me to rest in Him, to lay in green pastures, and wait on Him patiently while my soul is slowly restored.


P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart.  I truly am grateful for you Grace, and your strength you give me through rest and your spirit in me.

focusing on Jesus - the author of our faith

S-heb.12.1-2.nasb
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

O- This is a reminder that I do have so many witnesses of what God can do in and through people whom call Him Lord.  I need to lay aside all the distraction that get in my way of running the race with endurance.   The only way to have endurance to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.

A -  I have ran the race more like a sprinter , my entire life.   I run to win, but not to endure the long race.  I often get distracted by circumstances in life and forget to focus on what is most important,  looking toward  Jesus in everything so that I can untangle the distractions that draw me away from his purpose.  Today I am struggling to discern what are my distractions, and there fore struggling to run in a way that is lasting.  In this season, I need to fill my tank with the holy spirit, and his word, and look to Jesus the author and perfecter of my faith

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for this devotion this morning.  I pray that you continue to remove the cloud of distraction and doubt from my head, heart, and soul.  I place my trust in your promises and ask that each day you strengthen me to walk in such a way to win the race.

The truth about faith

S  - Heb 11: 1,6, 11
1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.6And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.11By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.
O -   In this chapter in Hebrew the author extols the truth about what faith is.  It is an assurance of things God has promised but not yet seen, and we believe because not only is our creator, but He is reliable, true, and able to deliver on His promises.

A -  The application for me is to put my trust in the Lord and His promises to me.  I must lean on my faith in this season of doubt and waiting.   God's truth trumps my feelings, God's promises trumps my thoughts,  God's power trumps my strength.  

P-  Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your promises.  I pray for strength to lay down in the green pastures you have set me in, and the peace to wait on you.  I pray also that your spirit in me would clear my heart and mind of all worries so we can continue to love on people and lift them up.  At work with Nate, at Home with Abby, and in ministry with Rod.

God's laws written in my heart

S - heb.10.15-17.nasb
 And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying, "This is the covenant that I will make with them After those days , says the Lord : I will put My laws upon their heart , And on their mind I will write them ," He then says, "And their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more ."

O - The holy spirit is reminding me how much God has taken out of my hands and put in the hands of Christ, and in the Holy Spirit which lives in me now.  Under the old covenant, we had to learn the commandments, and discipline our bodies to be obedient to them.  Despite even the most disciplined of persons, sin still existed, and sacrifices by priest was not sufficient for full restoration with the Father.   But in Christ's perfect sacrifice we have a high priest who has paid the full price, sits on the throne next to God and represents us, and has sent the holy spirit to keep us on track with a life living for and connected to God.

A - The application to me is recognize that my own self discipline is only able to get me so far.  I at times lean on my own understanding and own strength, and forget about the battle that has already been won for my soul. I should walk in confidence and not condemnation for the victory Christ has had in me.

P - My prayer God is that your Holy Spirit would guard my mind from thoughts are not true and instead remind me of the truths and laws that you have written on my heart.

Trust in God's strength and not be afraid

S- Isa.12.2-4.nasb
"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation." Therefore you will joyously draw water From the springs of salvation. And in that day you will say, "Give thanks to the Lord , call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; Make them remember that His name is exalted."

O - There is power in the God's word and the name of Jesus.  I admit that I need words of encouragement and words of devotion from God, and Isaiah here provides my need for today, a reminder that though I have things I must do,  and things I want to accomplish, only God is my salvation, and allowing Him to be sufficient in all things is the calling in this season.   I need to continue to draw near him and draw my strength from His living water.  

A -  The application for me today, is to just ascertain my soul that my hope is in Christ, my rescue is from  God, and my restoration is from His living water.    I must come daily to the well to be filled, and trust in His ways and timing , and not fear for my future, but live today in His will.

P- Lord, I know you are sufficient, and I reaffirm you are Lord of my life.  So as I walk this walk of faith, not by what is in my sight, or mind,  but in faith of your promises, I ask that you transform my mind to be your mind, and may what I see,  I see it through your eyes.  I pray all this in Christ name, Amen.

Rely on the Lord

S -isa.10.20.nasb
Now in that day the remnant of Israel, and those of the house of Jacob who have escaped, will never again rely on the one who struck them, but will truly rely on the Lord , the Holy One of Israel.

O - The Lord would have me see that even though there was a breaking down of the nation of Israel and and correction,  there will be a freeing of them as they re-learn to rely on the Lord alone.  It is in their growing independence of God that they went astray and corrections purpose is often simply to correct us back to God.

A - The application for me is to understand that I am being corrected back to God.  My season of exile when complete will leave me once again dependent on Him and in a place peace.

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for your wisdom and grace.  I am desperately awaiting to emerge from exile in this season, as I just cling on to you.  I pray Lord that you would restore my heart and mind to you and that my feelings of joy, peace, and confidence in who you are in me would be once again ruling my life.

My Hope in Christ

S -heb.6.19-20.nasb
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

O -  Hope is so important.   As I recently was reminded, that  "faith, hope, and love"  are needed.   I have Faith in Christ,  I love God, and endeavoring to love others.   But it is hope that fuels me to press on.  Hope in the covering and grace of Christ.  Hope for His promises.  Hope that He has good plans for me, for my good, and not my destruction.

A - The application for me is to know that my Hope is in Christ alone.  He is unchanging and consistent in my life .  As  I struggle through this season of uncertainty and transition, I must put my hope in Him, and His plans for me.  

P - Lord I cry out to you know to take away the feelings of despair, and restore my confidence and hope in you.

Seek the Lord in my calling

S - Heb.5.4-8.nasb
And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify Himself so as to become a high priest, but He who said to Him, "Y ou are M y S on , Today I have begotten You ";
...
In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.

O - This is a reminder by Paul to both be humble in your calling and follow Christ example, in serving in that calling.    We are to not strive for the honor we can receive, but allow God to be glorified by our actions, and allow God to give us the calling when and where He knows best.  Christ then exampled the how to walk out the calling in a crying out to God and seeking His ways.

A - The application for me is to trust in God's way, especially as revealed today in His word.  I am no  longer to seek position and authority on my own, but rather seek God and show me the calling.   In this season I need to continue to cry out to him , even in tears of pain and seek His ways.

P -Lord this is the cry of my heart, that you revealing your calling to me today, and in the near future, that you show me the when, where and how I am to serve you.  Today Lord I ask that you guide my words and actions, and renew in me a spirit of your love, your joy and your peace.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Draw near to God

S - psa.73.18-28.nasb

 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works.

Hebrew-16.nasb
 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

O - I know the word of God is ministering to me very specifically as I seek my way out of the darkness of the season in my head and heart.   Today I am reminded that nearness of God will be my good,  I must continue to find refuge in His word, His spirit, and His ways.  

A-  The psalmist and the author of Hebrews draws the same conclusion, that I need to understand and live.  That Jesus, who represents me to God, who enables me to draw near to God, understands how feel, understands my struggle, and as I draw near to him,seeking his grace and forgiveness for any straying from His path and His ways that I have done, and leaning on not my own understanding, but trusting in His ways to heal and restore me.

P - Dear heavenly Father, Jesus, and your Holy Spirit, my prayer is that you move in me in a mighty way, and I repent of any of the my mistakes that have brought me here, and that I pray for rest and restoration in you in this season.

Hearing his voice.

S - heb.3.7-9.nasb
Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, "Today if you hear His voice , Do not harden your hearts as when they provoked Me , As in the day of trial in the wilderness , Where your fathers tried Me by testing Me, And saw My works for forty years.

O - This was a warning to the early church that just like the early church, it would be possible to forget the acts of God that had led to salvation.   In the forgetting the and hardening of peoples hearts the holy spirits still small voice gets harder to hear.

A- This warning is to me to be sure I remember the acts of deep love and restoration the lord has given to me.  Despite my feelings and circumstances to acknowledge his salvation in my life through his son Jesus Christ.  To recognize the precious gift of life and family he has given me, and to recognize how I might stay in tune with the Holy Spirit.

P - Lord this is my prayer that despite my feelings, your spirit would break through and fill my head, heart , mind, and soul,

Pay close attention to what you have heard from the Lord

S-heb.2.1.nasb 

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

O -  The Lord highlighted this verse for me today that I might remember what the author of Hebrews is exhorting the people of Jerusalem to do.  The Gospel is freedom in Christ, for all those who receive it.  It is also a new direction for us as we are all a new creation, with a new master.   We must continually remind ourselves and pay attention to the details what  is true in comparison the truth of the Gospel.

A -  There is no doubt of my salvation, I have given my life to Christ, and in the way I know how I am following him, step by step.  I have not yet stopped growing in the understanding of the power of the gospel in my life.  In this season of transition I am in , I am certainly vulnerable to following untrue thoughts in my head as to why my circumstances are what they are or the feelings of the need to escape it all. But then I come back to daily scripture and verse like  this and I am reminded to "pay close attention" to what God has told me through his word, through his spirit during prayer.

P - Dear heavenly father, thank you for maintaining a hold of my life through your word, your spirit, and your son.  Lord daily I struggle, but daily you lift me up, even if just enough for the day, you have been my source and my strength.  

Trust in the Lord not in idols of the world

S - Psa.115.4-12.nasb Their idols are silver and gold, The work of man's hands. Those who make them will become like them, Everyone who trusts in them.
... O Israel, trust in the Lord ; He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the L ord ; He is their help and their shield. You who fear the Lord , trust in the Lord ; He is their help and their shield. The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron.

O - The reminder of the psalmist that those who trust in idols and the work of man will lifeless just like the idols are lifeless.    But as people of God we are to place our trust in the Lord; He is our source and our strength.  

A - The application for me today is to stop ... turn towards God and turn away from the idol in my life my work , my position, my title Navy CDR and put it toward the title child of God, humble servant of the one true God,  humble husband of Abby, father of Ashlyn and Chloe.  

P - Lord, hear my prayer, as I fight to recover from the season past , where I may have put too much of myself into work, and made it an idol in my life.  Lord I do repent, and I will wait patiently  on you as you restore my soul.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Serving all with God's love, through his transformation and renewing of the Holy Spirit

S -Tit.3.1-7.nasb
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

O - Paul writes this because he knows that as those are saved and born again by Christ, there will come a freedom and strength that they had not had before.  There service of one another and love of one another will be evident.  The harder task though will be to continue in their roles in the world, with their vocations, and daily interactions in life, but now they must live differently, as the new creation, even though quite likely their environment hasn't changed.  The temptation will be rebel against the things of the world, or re-succumb to the culture and the temptations.  Paul here exhorts them to be renewed by the Holy Spirit and move forward in Christ.

A - The application for me is to recognize that I have been renewed, and reborn.  I have become zealous for God, and shed myself of many old habits and beliefs; however, I am still called to live in he world and testify to God's love and trans-formative power.  I must remember that I am not to rebel against the authorities and leaders that are over me but rather be live with love and gentleness and righteousness.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your witness to my soul through your word, may this be planted deeply in my heart so that I might love and serve those you have put in front of me.