And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. v17-19

I know that Jesus loves me but Paul really says it nicely in terms of the depth and breadth of Jesus' love for me.  He also encourages us to grasp that fully understanding Christ's love for us is something that we should yearn for above all, including riches, knowledge, power, etc.  Pursue and understand the "fullness of God".

My Prayer: Lord, You are indeed the one and only God and my Lord and Savior - with whom I would be nothing.  You bless me well beyond what I deserve...every day and all the time. You have always been there for me and always will...and You are always good to me and always keep Your promises.  I am not worth such a God...I am lazy, selfish, prideful, etc.  Thank You that You love me 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. Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Heal and cure her of this cancer Jesus.  Help me serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Ephesians 3

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. v12

In the Old Testament, God is the God of all but He reveals himself only through the high priests (Levites, Aaron and his sons), prophets and in specific places He designates (Tent of Meeting).  Through Christ and the Holy Spirit we have a God that all can meet with personally and as Paul says we can approach Him with "freedom and confidence".

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are all powerful, all knowing, creator of all things - yet You love me despite my brokenness, and You make yourself available to me and all of Your children at any time - we just need to call out Your name.  How great You are!  Thank You that You are so available to us Jesus!  I am not worth such a God...I am selfish, lazy, disobedient, etc.  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 as You do.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of this cancer.  Help me serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Please help me grow in my faith in You Jesus. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations.

Ephesians 2

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. v14-15

It's not that the Old Testament laws and regulations don't apply, it's belief and trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior that matters.  It is by faith that all things are possible and through Him we are made more like Him...as only Christ can do.

My Prayer: Lord, You are an incredible God that gives us freedom...freedom from sin, and freedom from a focus on works.   I know that faith and a heart for God is of primary importance...I must also do what God says...yet often I don't.  Thank You for Your love Jesus and the blessings You provide...despite knowing everything about me and my sin.  I am not worth such love and blessing.  But You provide it anyway.  How awesome You are!  Forgive me Jesus and 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.  Give Lisa strength.  Cure and heal Lisa of this cancer.  Help me serve and lead Lisa, Zach, and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. v10

Once again, as I posted yesterday, God DOES have a plan for us...and it is great...and we are to be hopeful and encouraged...regardless of the circumstances...in Jeremiah 29:11 the plan is not for harm.  What suffering we may endure is only temporary...as such when we do suffer we are to give thanks knowing that God keeps His promises.

...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

My Prayer: Lord, You are a great God and I know Your plans for Lisa and myself are good...it may be a mystery what this goodness is but You tell us that Your plans for us are not to harm us but to prosper us.  Yet sometimes I have my doubts. This is sinful...so please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from such sin.  Thank You that You love me anyway.  Help love and trust You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Heal and cure her of this cancer.  Help me serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.  v11-12

I know God has a plan for me and that He is control.  I know this from other scriptures, including Jeremiah 29:11, which I noted yesterday in my post.  This plan is course first and foremost for His glory...but also for my good..."plans to prosper you...plans to give hope and a future".  I have to hang my hat on this today.

My Prayer: God, You are great and I know You have awesome plans for me...and for Lisa...while it is a mystery to us now...we know that even with Lisa's cancer, there is goodness within which You have yet to reveal.  However, I am selfish and impatient.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin and towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others (i.e. Lisa, Zach, Dustin, etc.) as You do.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Cure and heal Lisa of this cancer.  Help me serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

Ephesians 1

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. v4

How awesome is this?  That God thinks we are holy and blameless in His sight.  Only Christ can do this since we are broken...but God has heavenly eyes and He has a plan for us.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed unique...the one and only God.  You created the heavens and the earth, and all that inhabit the heavens and earth.  You know everything about me, including my sin...yet You see me as holy and blameless in Your eyes...and You suffered and died for.  Incredible...the greatest gift of all time.  I am not worthy of such a gift.  I am full of rage and impatience.  Thank You that You love me but please forgive me Jesus!  Please help me let go of my hardness.  Help me love and trust 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.  Heal and cure her Jesus as only You can do.  Help me serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Galatians 6

A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. v7-8

This is a sobering warning for myself and all people that focus on pleasing themselves and others vs God.  We exist to glorify God...see other posts here.

My Prayer: Lord, You alone are worthy of my worship and I know I exist to glorify You.  You are a great God that defines "fruits of the spirit".  I desire to be more like You knowing that I can never even close to Your greatness.  I know You suffered and died for me and I am deeply grateful.  I am not worth such an act of love...I many times lack the fruits of the spirit.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome my sin and help me turn away from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me love others as You do.  Strengthen me and strengthen Lisa.  Help me serve and lead Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.

Galatians 6

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. v1

I often am righteous in trying to help Lisa in her walk with Jesus.  I must lead by serving and by being more gentle.

Dealing with others' sin is also referenced in Matthew:

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know that You deal with me gently...certainly more gently than I deserve.  I am grateful for how gentle You are and for all of the ways in which You bless me.  I am not worth such love and blessing Jesus.  I am selfish, righteous, impatient, etc.  Forgive me for such sin 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 as You do.  Help understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message today and every day.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Heal her and cure her.  Help me serve and lead Lisa, Zach and Dustin.

For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2

For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. v19-20

Paul emphasizes that works in and of themselves do not prove faith.  Instead later in Galatians Paul shares what he believes are the "fruits of the spirit":

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 

My Prayer:  Lord, I desire to be more like You, that You would live in heart and have Your way with me - transform my heart and my life. Your will and ways are perfect and I so desire to follow You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  You are a the one true God...worthy of my worship and obedience.  You bless me beyond what I deserve.  I am quick to anger and slow to listen...impatient as well among my many sins - all today and yesterday!  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me!  Help me turn from such 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.  Give Lisa strength.  Heal and cure her Jesus.  Help me serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin.  I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. v11-12

God gave the Word and is the Word.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

...

And God is of course all powerful in our lives as it serves to "renew" our minds and make us more like Jesus Christ.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12

...

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, all powerful, all knowing and boundless in love and mercy...regardless of the fact that the object of Your love is broken..speaking specifically of me.  That You could love, suffer, and die for me...broken and sinful.  I am not worth such a blessing.  I am too easily distracted and I am often not bold as I should be with my love of Christ.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me.  Help me turn from such and towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Heal and cure her of this cancer.  Help me serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  Help me grow in my faith.

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 1

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. v10

I know that I am wired to please people, whether that be my family, my boss, co-workers, etc. But first and foremost I am to please God vs people.  Of course, in most circumstances, pleasing God will please others as we show love and the glory of God through our actions.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You indeed are great beyond description.  You created the heavens and the earth and everything else that I experience..."every good and perfect gift" comes from You.  You suffered and died for me and You bless me beyond what I deserve with an incredible family, friends, etc.  Thank You Jesus!  I am however undeserving...I am disobedient and full of anger...please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such 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.  Give Lisa strength.  Cure and heal her of this cancer.  Help me serve You, Lisa, Zach and Dustin. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. v9-10

There have certainly been times recently where I have felt weak...almost assuredly I can say that I have also seen Christ's power, particularly with respect to the extent to which our brothers and sisters in Christ have so graciously supported Lisa and myself have experience prayers, love, and support as Lisa goes through cancer treatment.

1 Corinthians 12 and Paul's discussion of unity in the church.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You indeed are a great God!  Lisa and I are overwhelmed in a positive way with all of the support and love our brothers and sisters in Christ have provided over the past month or so...You church works in amazing and awesome ways!  Thank You Jesus!  Forgive me for my laziness and disobedience.  I am weak.  Help me turn from such 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.  Give Lisa strength.  Please cure Lisa and give her comfort.  Help me serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.

But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord."

2 Corinthians 10

But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” v17

There are several nuggets in this chapter, including the following that also speak to me:

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. v3-4

...

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. v12

I know I have pride issues and from time to time I also carry the sin of arrogance...both of which I pray that God can help me turn from these sins and towards Him.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are indeed worth boasting about...You created the heavens and the earth, and everything in it...Your love for Your children abounds beyond what we can describe.  You know everything about me...yet You suffered and died for me.  You bless me beyond what I deserve.  I am not worth the love and blessings You pour out for me.  I am disobedient, lazy, selfish, etc.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus!  Help me turn from such sin and towards You.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Give me strength.  Cure and give Lisa strength and comfort.  Help me serve and lead Lisa, Zach, and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

2 Corinthians 9

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. v10-11

Giving is a blessing and it glorifies God.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have provided abundantly and for all needs and in all ways...You are gracious as You bless and provide well beyond what I deserve.  I am prayerful and hopeful that I glorify You with how I give and use the treasure with which You have placed in my care.  I am not worth the many, many blessings You provide and place in my care.  I am selfish, lazy, disobedient, harsh with my thoughts, words, and actions, etc.  Thank You that You love me anyway and thank You for the abundance of blessings in my life.  Forgive me please for my sin and help me turn from my sin 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.  Cure her of this cancer.  Give Lisa comfort and encouragement. Help me serve and strengthen Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9

 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. v7

I know, as I posted yesterday, that I am to be good steward of the blessings God places in my care.  Paul expands on this by telling me HOW to do this...by developing a heart for giving and for being a cheerful giver.  I am prayerful that I am a cheerful giver.

My Prayer: Lord, You have given to me and placed in my care blessings beyond what I deserve and You have given me great riches in terms of treasure, talent, and time.  You are a great God that always provides and You became poor so that I could become rich...in so many ways.  Thank You Jesus!  Again, I am not worth such blessing.  I am quick to anger with Zach...still.  And harsh with my thoughts, words and actions.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus!  Help me turn from such sin and towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Help me lead, serve and strengthen Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.

2 Corinthians 8

The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little. v15

I know I am to be generous...to be a good steward of what God has put in my care: treasure, time, talent. In particular in this passage, Paul is focusing on money, but the broader point applies.  God has treasure, time, and talent in my care for His glory.  And I am to be generous and intentional with all of them.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God...giving tremendously to me...even though I am not deserving.  Your love and Your grace abounds...I see it daily in my life and in the lives around me.  Your church and my brothers and sisters in Christ are an incredible creation and they are functioning for the care and love of us during this trial - praise God.  Thank You Jesus for Your love and Your church and for all of the brothers and sisters in Christ who are supporting us and praying for us fervently.  I am not worth such love and blessing. I continue to be disobedient, selfish, impatient, too quick to anger, etc.  Thank You Jesus that You love me despite my sin and knowing everything about me.  Please forgive me and help me turn from 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.  Help me give Lisa strength.  Help me serve and lead Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

2 Corinthians 8

 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. v9

I know, in the moment, that I am rich...in all ways...with Christ I am rich.  I should be thankful for ALL that He provides...the list is long!

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

Also:

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

My Prayer:  Lord, I KNOW I have it good...even with the trial of Lisa's cancer....there is richness and abundance everywhere...like a great mammogram report that cancer is not in the lymph nodes...that we have so many people praying for us, encouraging, helping us...etc.  God is great in all ways...all the time.  I am not deserving of such blessing!  I worry far too much.  Thank You Jesus that You love me anyway but please forgive me!  Help me turn from my sin 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.  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.

In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

2 Corinthians 8 

In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. v2

I know that I am to be generous...but I am called to be generous regardless of what I am experiencing.  This is similar to giving thanks...regardless of the circumstances:

[G]ive thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

My Prayer: Lord, as Paul wrote You became poor so that I could become rich...and I am rich...You have blessed me in all ways and beyond what I deserve.  I am not deserving because I am lazy, disobedient, selfish, impatient, etc.  Thank You Jesus that You love me anyway but please forgive me for these sins!  Help me turn from these sins 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. Help me give Lisa strength.  Help me serve and lead Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.

2 Corinthians 7

See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. v11

God wants us to repent from our sins, turn towards Him and believe in Him - this is what Paul refers to as Godly sorrow.  We all need Godly sorrow...not worldly sorrow as Paul calls it.   We need an earnest sorrow that produces a growing desire for Jesus.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed great in every way...more ways than I can imagine.  You have produced a beautiful day...and You have given me a day of rest and so much more...You bless me well beyond what I deserve.  I am selfish, quick to anger, slow to listen, etc.  I am weak...thank You that You love me anyway and for all the incredible blessings You provide.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me instead 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.  Help me give Lisa strength.  Help me lead my family.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?

2 Corinthians 6

 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? v14

It is not that we cannot be friends with unbelievers, it is that we must not allow their unbelief to influence our own belief - we must instead be a light on lampstand that shines for others to see:

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew 5:15

My Prayer: Lord, Your heart is pure, holy and blameless. I know You have a heart for me...unbelievable because I am a sinner!  I am selfish, prideful, arrogant, impatient, etc.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus!  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.  Give Lisa strength.  Help me serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin.  Heal Lisa's cancer.  You are a great God and I desire to serve and glorify You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view.

2 Corinthians 5

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. v16

I have often prayed for God to forgive me for my harsh thoughts, words, and actions in terms of how I think of others...including my own family!  Paul is imploring me to view others through the lens of Jesus Christ and how He sees us...as perfect in His eyes and as one of God's creations worthy of the gospel.  I am reminded of Peter's vision from God in Acts 10

While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. Acts 10:27-28

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God full of love, compassion, and mercy for all...You even came for me...a sinner!  I am not worth such an effort...my sin continues daily and I desperately need You to save me.  Thank You that You love me despite my selfishness, my judgmental nature, etc.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sins 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 see others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  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.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. v10

There are consequences for our sin....whether in this life or in heaven. I don't like to think about this but this DOES help us live in reverent fear of God.  We need Him desperately...for forgiveness and mercy.  For we know that  ... "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23) and only He can provide such mercy and forgiveness.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You indeed are a great God, full of love, compassion, and mercy.  You went to the cross for me and I know of no greater act of love, compassion, and mercy.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such an act.  I am selfish, quick to anger, slow to listen, impatient, prideful, etc.  Thank You that You know all about me and my sin...that You love me anyway.  Please forgive me for my sins and help me turn from them 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.  Help me serve her, Zach, and Dustin.  Help me glorify You.  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.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 4

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. v8-9

  
I know in my heart and mind that God is with Lisa and myself but I have my worries and my moments of concerns..I am nonetheless encouraged further by Paul's words later in this chapter.

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. v17-18

My Prayer: Lord, You are a great God and I know You never leave me nor will You forsake me.  You are with me "til the end of the age".  Yet I continue to worry, and I have other sin..impatience, etc.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus!  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.  Give Lisa strength.  Heal her and give her peace and encouragement.  Help me serve her and Zach and Lisa.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

2 Corinthians 3

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. v17

Many believers and non believers alike assume that Christ = rules for living.  Instead, as Paul rightly points out, Christ = freedom.  Of course, Christ is so much more but in the context of this letter to the church in Corinth, Christ motivates us and inspires us by providing freedom...from sin the shame of sin, from worry, etc.  God is great...we need not worry with Christ in our hearts and lives.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are great!  You ARE freedom...from sin, from shame of sin, from worry...and so much more!  You are all I need.  Yet unfortunately, I act on a daily basis as if I can do things my way...this is bondage...and of course sinful!  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  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.  Give Lisa strength.  Heal and cure her from this cancer!  Help me serve her.  Help me also understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.