For all things are possible with God.

Mark 10

For all things are possible with God. Mark 10:27b

I continue my pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church - this morning my d-group gathers to discuss 2 Thessalonians 1 and Titus 2.  My individual study, however leans on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at Mark 10:27b and how this text provides "Medicine for the Missionary."  John Piper directs this devotion to Christian Hedonist missionaries, which can be broadly defined as all believers who assume the mantle to bring the Good News into the world because they can't help but spread the joy that overflows from the grace of God into their hearts.  Piper writes: "[s]overeign grace is the spring of life for the Christian Hedonist. For what the Christian Hedonist [missionary] loves best is the experience of the sovereign grace of God filling him, and overflowing for the good of others."  He refers us to 1 Corinthians 3:7, 15:10, Romans 11:36, 15:18, John 15:5, and 2 Corinthians 3:5 and how missionaries rely on the grace of God to accomplish what only He can do. Missionary work is seen as difficult, requiring encouragement, strength, and hope.  Jesus's words from Mark 10:27b (see also Luke 18 and Matthew 19) provide this encouragement, strength and hope.  Piper concludes the devotion by sharing that Mark 10:27b provides "the antidote to despair and the antidote to pride — the perfect missionary medicine."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a good, good Father and I know You love me beyond what my words can describe.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your love, the hope You provide, and for how You arm me for battle against sin.  My sin is great and it is daily.  I pray that I remain in You and You in me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

[A] bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.

Isaiah 42

[A] bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. Isaiah 42:3

This morning, I focus on John Piper's Solid Joys devotional, where Piper seeks for us to be encouraged during periods when we feel our faith is a mere "spark" vs a "flame." Piper starts by stating that "[t]he Spirit of Christ is the Spirit of encouragement...he will not snuff out your spark."  He then provides just a few of the many scriptural examples, besides Isaiah 42:3, where we can gain encouragement during periods of weak faith:

• Luke 4:18
• Malachi 4:2
• Matthew 11:29
• Psalm 27:14
  

This morning, I need more encouragement than usual - thank You Jesus for fanning the flame of my faith!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and and who has given me faith - thank You Jesus!  You also provide the Holy Spirit, the Word, the church, and my brothers and sisters in Christ all to strengthen and build me up in my faith.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of all this!  My sin is great and and it is daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison[.]

Leviticus 13-15

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison[.] 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - completing chapter thirteen - Unclean! - covering Leviticus 13-15, looking specifically at the fifth and final theme for the chapter - Followers of Jesus Have a Future with No Sickness.  Here, the commentary focuses on how Jesus provides the greatest hope and source of strength believers have.  Leviticus 13-14 describe uncleanness from skin disease, and over the past several days my posts have discussed the commentary's perspectives on how skin disease, although not a sin, represents a consequence of our fallen and sinful state based on the original sin. This morning, the entry from the commentary more specifically looks at our fallen and sinful state, and how, for believers, although our earthly bodies face decay (including sickness and infirmities and the associated discomfort, pain, and suffering), when we enter Heaven, we will be made new again, and all of the earthly aspects of our bodies and the associated experience goes away.  The commentary refers to the following additional scriptures to emphasize this (and arguably most) important point:

We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.  For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:51-55

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - thank You!  Thank You and praise God for the hope, peace of mind, strength, and encouragement You provide by promising eternal life!  I know in Heaven I will see a renewed Dustin with no Down Syndrome and I will see my mom there as well - among the many brothers and sisters in Christ I will see - how glorious!  I am not deserving of these blessings and the amazing grace You pour out for me.  My sins of gossip, worry, etc. continue.  Please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. v12-13

My sense is that v13 is more often quoted than v12, yet v12 I believe is equally important because it clarifies and qualifies the basis for the strength found in v13.  Strength is found regardless of circumstances - changing circumstances (health, wealth, etc.) do not result in strength.  Strength is a constant as it comes from God - who does not change and who is always with us.

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. v2

As a follow up to my post from a few days ago here, we are to trust in God first and foremost, over ourselves and others. 

This morning's reading also emphasizes God as creator and how He reigns.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

Underlying all the words of this chapter is a theme that God loves us, that He is always looking out for us, and that He is tirelessly working for our good and His glory.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and I know that You love me.  Thank You Jesus! I am not worth such love.  I am broken. I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The couriers went out, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered.

Esther 3

The couriers went out, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered. v15

This bible overview commentary indicates that Xerxes (also referred to as Ahasuerus) is someone perceived as weak - easily manipulated one can say.  Haman manipulates the king into issuing an edict that the Jews be killed - this chapter chronicles the background for this edict and the king's erratic (MacArthur indicates that even the people of Susa expressed bewilderment in the king's edict - perhaps as having no basis or cause) and weak behavior.  This stands in direct contrast to that of Mordecai who is seen as strong and principled - he would not kneel for Haman. MacArthur questions whether Mordecai's faith motivated him not to kneel, but over time it is evident that both Mordecai and Esther would emerge as strong and principled in their faith - courageous as well.

For us, we should understand that life is turbulent - see also John 16:33.  But we have Jesus as our rock and our faith in Him should rest on His firm foundation.  With Him we can remain strong.

I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Deuteronomy 32:3-4

 

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

  But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-27

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God whose love is greater than I will ever comprehend and imagine - You are certainly slow to anger and abounding in love.  You are my strength and my rock.  Thank You Jesus for how You helped me through dark valleys - I am grateful!  Yet I am not worth such love.  I worry far too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.

1 Samuel 30

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God. v6

There will be days when it seems the world is against you and it can be overwhelming.  David, from his days as a younger man when he slayed Goliath, finds his confidence in the Lord, not in others, and not in things of this world.  

You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. Psalm 59:17

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

 

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:18-21

 

See also post here. 

 

Lord Jesus, help me stay near to You in good times and bad so that when the bad times do come - and they will - I can find my strength in You alone.

 

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who strengthens me daily through Your Word, the Holy Spirit, and through others where You work in them - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth how You love me - I am broken and my sin continues.  I am often harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the Lord will be broken.

1 Samuel 2

It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the Lord will be broken. v9-10

The Lord blessed Hannah with a son and her response is appropriate - she willingly submits Samuel to the Lord, recognizing that God has great plans for Samuel; and in chapter 2 she praises God for what He has done in this amazing prayer.

I am touched this morning by verse 9-10 because I often rely on my own strength to see myself through difficult situations.  I must recognize that it is through faith alone that we draw strength.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

 

 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

 

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19

 

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3:19

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love, patience, understanding, compassion, etc. - slow to anger and abounding in love - INDEED!  I am grateful for You God - that You would love me and rescue me - just as I am.  Yet I know I am undeserving.  I am full of worry and harshness for others - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.

Habakkuk 3

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. v19

Habakkuk previously asks God to judge both Judah (1:1-4) and the Chaldeans (1:12-17) and God does both and Habbakuk in chapter 3 rejoices with a song of worship. 

The enemy lurks all around us (1 Peter 5:8) and we all need protection from God.  We should all proclaim that He is our strength.  It is only through Him that we can defeat Satan and sin in our lives. We also then have this freedom from sin to serve God in His plan and He will both direct us and protect our path.

 Just as Jesus calls on scripture for protection, we too must "lean not on our own understanding" (Matthew 4, Proverbs 3) but on God.

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-4

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God whose justice is perfect and who is slow to anger and abounding in love.  You are my rock and my great encouragement, my hope and my truth.  You are my all in all.  Without You I can do nothing!  Thank You for laying down Your life for me and for being so patient with me...I am not worth such love.  I continue to be selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, the church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Psalm 148

And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart. v14

I know I am close to God's heart, and I know I exist to glorify God.  I know God strengthens me and sent His Son Jesus (The Horn of Salvation) to save me from the sting of sin and death.  I know God wants me to love Him with all of my heart, soul, and mind; and to love others as He loves me.  I know that God wants me to depend on Him for all things and through this dependence on Him we allow Him the glory for what He does in our lives.

See also post here.

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:11

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.   1 Corinthians 10:31-33

John 15:16

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God worthy of my praise and full attention.  You provide for all of my needs...and you strengthen me...You are the Horn...My Strength and the One and Only True God.  Thank You Jesus for being my God and for adopting me as Your son.  I desperately need You in my life to cleanse my sins.  I worry too much.  Please forgive me. Help me overcome and turn from my sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the Lord on high is mighty.

Psalm 93

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the Lord on high is mighty. v4

Strength is an attribute that this desired from a worldly perspective, yet we often overlook the strength of God.  I am reminded of the current sermon series from my church "Jesus is Stronger" - here.

God is able and He wants us to have faith and trust in Him and His ability to overcome all of our fears, concerns, worries, doubts, etc.  When we do this, we are able to accomplish His work via His will for our lives.  We become less and He becomes more.

For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

My Prayer: Lord, there is no doubt that You are stronger...than anything else we can encounter in this world.  You defeated both sin and death and You provide the Holy Spirit, which is the same power that rose You from the grave.  Thank You Jesus for providing Your Spirit to us, for being with us as advocate and counselor.  I am deeply grateful for how You provide not only the Holy Spirit, but Your Word, the church, and my brothers and sisters in Christ...all to help me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessings Jesus because I am weak and easily distracted.  I neglect Your power and fail to draw near to You.  I often seek things of this world before You.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Demons - Dec 16, 2015
Ephesians 6

The devotion today and through verses below Paul speaks of the darkness that is all around us in the world.  He encourages us to be strong "in the Lord and in His mighty power".

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. v10-18

Paul provides guidance in these verses about HOW to "be strong in the Lord" - faith in God, and the Holy Spirit.  For more specifics, David Platt has provided excellent guidance through a sermon series "Abide" and the core of how to "put on the full armor of God" starts with renewal of the mind in Romans 12:2.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are - You have heard my prayers and delivered...Thank You Jesus!  You have strengthened Lisa and myself.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worthy of how You bless me again and again...You are so full of grace for me yet I am often not full of grace for others, in particular Zach.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others and dispense grace towards them as You do for me.  Give me strength. Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects of chemo and radiation.  Please give her a good doctor's appt this morning with an "all-clear" about her cancer.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin, and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

James 1

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. v13-15

I have held for sometime that selfish desires are symptoms of our sinful nature (in us but not from God - instead from Satan) and that when we focus on renewing our mind (Romans 12) God transforms our hearts, minds, and lives to the extent that we can recognize these symptoms when they occur and be better equipped to prevent sin from taking a serious hold in our lives...this has certainly helped me.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God that You provide Your Son, Your Holy Spirit, Your Word, the church, brothers and sisters in Christ - all so that we can protect ourselves from sin and gain Your protection.  How awesome!  Thank You Jesus!  Yet I am not worth such protection - I continue to sin - complaining is my sin today among my many.  Forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa comfort, strength, and freedom from pain.  Please heal and cure her of this cancer.  Help me put on the armor of God and defeat sin in my life and in the life of others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. v19-22

Key for me in these verses is that we should have confidence in Jesus that He can save us both from being slave to sin (and shame) and from death itself.  One thing that stands out is that while we may avoid a guilty conscience, we do not escape consequences of sin either here on Earth or in Heaven. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have once and for all freed me from being slave to sin and You give me eternal life - what amazing gifts these are!  I am not worth such gifts!  I am lazy, harsh with my thoughts, words, and actions, and I am weak - easily distracted.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me have the peace and strength that comes with complete confidence to approach You and believe in You. Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength, energy, comfort, and freedom from pain - please heal her of this cancer and help her feel better today!  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. v16-18

I am not sure there are going to be as many passages of scripture that speak to Lisa's cancer and our circumstances as squarely as these passages written by Paul.  For sure, I don't see Lisa wasting away but our earthly lives are temporary compared to eternity in heaven with Jesus.  I pray that I can fix my eyes on Jesus and can help Lisa do the same.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are that give us both external and more importantly, internal or inward strength.  You provide like no other!  We need no look elsewhere for our care and provision!  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such care and love...I continue to sin...I am selfish, lazy, I worry...etc.  Thank You again that You love me despite my sin and knowing about my sin even before I sin.  Help me turn from my sin and towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength and give Lisa strength.  Help me serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10

And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. v13

Lord, I know that life on earth is a great spiritual battle and You are my weapon.  I need only You and what You provide. I have fought off many temptations when I allow Your strength to work through my weakness.

Right now the temptation (with Lisa's cancer) is to stop having faith and trust in You and instead have a hardened heart.  I certainly don't want this and I know You are always there and will never stop loving me and Lisa.

My Prayer: Lord, You are indeed an awesome God.  What Lisa is going through is certainly not fun and there are moments when I worry and fail to trust You.  I am deeply grateful that You love me despite these sins.  I am also deeply grateful that You love me anyway, and for all of the love and support You provide through Your Son, Your Word, and through the brothers and sisters in Christ that have so greatly encouraged us.  I need You badly Lord...help me be strong so I can be strong for Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Please cure Lisa!  Help me turn from my sin towards You.  Please also help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

1 Corinthians 1

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. v25

It is NOT weakness or lack of intelligence to love Christ.  I should not be ashamed but instead boldly proclaim my love for God.

My Prayer: Lord, You are indeed wise and strong beyond human comprehension and You are both my guide and my rock.  Without You I am nothing.  You formed me and saved me...knowing everything about me, including my sin.  How awesome You are.  I am not worth the effort You have made and continue to make for me.  I am lazy, I take Your name in vain, I have harsh thoughts, words, and actions for others, I exacerbate my family, etc....the list is long...daily.  Thank You that you love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus!  Help me turn from such sin and towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and everyday.