Daily Prayer - The Gospel of Welcome

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
 
I thought I would let John Fischer close out the old year for us.  Here is another of his messages that just brings clarity to the Gospel.  The Gospel of Welcome.
 

The Gospel of Welcome

 

by John Fischer  

 

 

 As we wind down to the end of another year, it becomes customary to think about the really important things in life and ask ourselves: What are we doing? Are we accomplishing something or are we spinning our wheels? What do you use to measure such things?

 

As far as I can tell, there is only one measurement that truly counts at the end of the day. There is nothing more important or fulfilling than knowing the Gospel of Welcome, and knowing we are doing all we can to share it with everyone we know. We don't all have to be Billy Graham, but we all do have a role to play in the furthering of the Gospel of Welcome in the world, and each of us is in the process of finding out what that is and doing it.

 

It may sound selfish but it is not. God is concerned first about you. He has provided a way back to Himself through His son, Jesus Christ, but He has left it to you to respond to Him. He does not force His will on anyone. It's an open invitation.

 

God loves you.

God wants you.

God is calling you.

He left the door open.

 

God is saying, "The door to my heart is open. Walk on in. I've done everything there is to do to make it possible for you to be welcome in my presence. The rest is up to you. You are welcome here. Come home."

 

I have a TV Guide special edition devoted to the life of Billy Graham. On the cover is a picture of him, hands clasped, head bowed, deep in prayer. I know this picture. It's what he would do while the choir sang "Just As I Am" and he stood on the platform as thousands streamed forward to respond to the Gospel of Welcome. He has just announced in one way or another. "It's okay; you can come home now," and that was all that was necessary.

 

Think about it: it's the one thing we are here on earth to do -- and that is to get right with God.

 

You can set a record, win an election, found an organization, write a hundred books, change history with your invention, become a household name, but if you end your life on earth having never accounted for your life with God, come up wanting, called on Him to be merciful and discovered, lo and behold, that He is just that, you will have failed to accomplish what you were alive for. Certainly there will be plenty of things to do after this, but nothing quite so important to God, because He has provided eternity for you and He wants you to spend it with Him.

 

Don't miss out. Don't miss out on your own opportunity to come, and, having done that, don't miss out on providing that same opportunity to others.

 

It's good news.

It's the day of salvation.

God isn't counting people's sins against them.

It's time to come home.

Welcome home!

 

 

John Fischer                

Fischtank.com   

  

May 2014 bring your heart closer and closer to the heart of our wonderful God and provide you many opportunities to share the Gospel of Welcome with others.  Happy New Year, my friends.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Lord, You make all things new
You bring hope alive in our hearts
And cause our Spirits to be born again
 
Thank you for this new year
For all the potential it holds.
Come and kindle in us
A mighty flame
So that in our time, many will see the wonders of God
And live forever to praise Your glorious name.
 
Amen
 
(http://www.lords-prayer-words.com/times/new_year_prayer.html)

Daily Prayer - The Treasure of Christmas

Good Friday morning, my friends.

 

Here is my prayer for today: 

God, I thank you sincerely,

from the bottom of my heart, that

The Twelve Days of Christmas,

Little Drummer Boy,

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time,

Santa Baby,

Up on the Housetop,

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,

Santa Claus is Coming to Town,

Here Comes Santa Claus,

Jingle Bells,

All I Want for Christmas is You,

All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth,

Happy Christmas (War Is Over),

Jingle Bell Rock,

Blue Christmas,

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas,

The Chipmunk Song,

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas, and

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

are only played incessantly in public places

for a few weeks every year.

Amen.   (http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2012/12/heartfelt-holiday-prayer.html)

 

Just kidding.  Kinda.

 

I will be away next week so I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you the most wonderful, Christ-filled Christmas with your families and loved ones. 

 

Grace and peace and goodwill be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Almighty and everlasting God,
who has made known the incarnation of your Son by the bright shining of a star,
which, when the wise men beheld,
they presented costly gifts and adored your majesty;
grant that the star of your righteousness may always shine into our hearts;
and that, as our treasure,
we may give ourselves
and all we possess to your service,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
amen.
 
(from the Gelasian Sacramentary by way of http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/01/a-prayer-on-epiphany.html)

Daily Prayer - Escape from the misty lowland

Good Thursday morning, my friends.
 
No matter where you are in your journey of faith my sense is that you will (re-)connect with God through this prayer.  Let the Holy Spirit lead you as you read it and ponder on it.
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

O God, I have tasted Thy goodness and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more.
 
I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace.
 
I am ashamed of my lack of desire.
 
O God, the Triune god, I want to want Thee;
I long to be filled with longing;
I thirst to be made more thirsty still.
 
Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, so that I may know Thee indeed.
 
Begin in mercy a new work of love within me.
 
Say to my soul, "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away."
Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long.
 
In Jesus' name, Amen.
 
(a prayer of A. W. Tozer by way of http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/12/from-this-misty-lowland.html)

Daily Prayer - Inexpressible joy!

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.
 
The word "Gospel" means "good news!".  What could be better news than this:
 
God has shown us how kind he is by coming to save all people.  He taught us to give up our wicked ways and our worldly desires and to live decent and honest lives in this world.  We are filled with hope, as we wait for the glorious return of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. He gave himself to rescue us from everything that is evil and to make our hearts pure. He wanted us to be his own people and to be eager to do right. (Titus 2:11-14)
 
With Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus, just one week away take time today to ponder that "unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord"! (Luke 2:11)
 

Grace and peace and tidings of great joy be yours,
Bruce
 

Father, in this Christmas season, celebrating the birth of your son, I marvel at the mystery of his incarnation into human history, the majesty of his annunciation by angelic beings and the jubilation of humble shepherds as they saw and shared the good news of the Savior lying in a manger. 
 
And Father, such joy is not just in the event, but, especially in the experience of what it meant and would come to mean for countless millions of people in all walks of life. It certainly means the joy of a promise fulfilled, the joy of sins forgiven, the joy of peace of mind for all who believe, the joy of hope renewed and the joy of a future guaranteed. It is joy that the human heart can never contain. It is, Father, as the Apostle Peter so profoundly said:    "…a glorious, inexpressible joy." 1 Peter 1:8 (NLT)

Amen
 
(http://praying.kansasbob.com/2013/12/joy.html)

Daily Prayer - More

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
 
Our goal in this life is to become like Christ.  This takes a lifetime to achieve.  How often to we pray specifically about this goal?  Take your time with this prayer - there is a lot in here.
 
Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours,
Bruce
 

More holiness give me, more strivings within.
More patience in suffering, more sorrow for sin.
More faith in you, Jesus, more sense of your care.
More joy in your service, more purpose in prayer.
 
More gratitude give me, more trust in you, Lord.
More zeal for your glory, more hope in your Word.
More tears for your sorrows, more pain at your grief.
More meekness in trial, more praise for relief.
 
More purity give me, more strength to o'ercome,
More freedom from earth-stains, more longings for home.
More fit for the kingdom, more faithful and true,
More blessèd and holy, more, Savior, like you.
 
(a prayer of Philip Bliss, slightly revised by way of http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/12/a-prayer-for-more.html)

Daily Prayer - Approach on tiptoes

Good Monday morning, my friends.
 
Yesterday marked the Third Sunday in Advent.  Where have the weeks gone?  Are you preparing your heart, as well as your house, for Christmas - the celebration of the birth of our Saviour?
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Lord Jesus,
the day of your nativity approaches,
the day on which we commemorate
your birth,
your condescension,
your humble incarnation.
 
Please help me and mine
to approach that day on tiptoe,
with reverence and awe,
mindful of your holiness and beauty,
and grateful for the privilege
of finding
and approaching
and kneeling at
your manger, amen.
 
(http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/12/to-approach-that-day-on-tiptoe.html)

Daily Prayer - Spare me ...

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

 

Garth Brooks sings a song called "Unanswered Prayers".  The chorus goes like this: 

Sometimes I thank God, for unanswered prayers

Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs

That just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care

Some of God's greatest gifts, are unanswered prayers.

If you are frustrated that God does not seem to be listening to your prayers, the reason is most certainly NOT that He doesn't care - he sent his One and only Son to die for you and me.  There is another explanation.  And maybe this side of heaven we will never know what that is.  But on the other side it will be clear.  Have faith in His love.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Save me from getting all I pray for,
from receiving all I ask,
until I learn to ask only according to your will.

Break me of my desire to have my desires.
Spare me any pleasure that will halt or delay my progress
in becoming more like you,

in Jesus' name, amen.

 
(based on a Puritan prayer, http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/12/spare-me.html)

Daily Prayer - Hold fast

Good Monday morning, my friends.
 
Hezekiah was one of the "good kings" of Israel in the Old Testament. He "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done" (2 Kings 18:4).  The prayer below is based on his actions and attitudes during his reign.  Let us have a similar outlook today.
 
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Lord,
I hold fast to you.
I will not depart from following you,
but will keep your commandments,
by your grace.
 
Please be with me
wherever I go;
bless me,
prosper me,
and make me a scourge
to all who oppose you,
for the sake of your kingdom,
and for the glory of your name,
in Jesus' name, amen.
 
(Based on 2 Kings 18:6-7 from http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/12/fast.html)

Daily Prayer - Confession time

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.
 
*Note: I will be out of town the rest of the week so my next message will not be until next week.
 
The Bible tells us to confess our sins to Him and be forgiven, and to confess to one another and be healed.  The prayer below is an opportunity to take ownership of how we have fallen short of the glory of God and to make open confession to Him.  The point is not to beat ourselves up, but to remind us of His amazing grace.

Some of these confessions really hit home with me.  And I expect there will be some that the Holy Spirit will tweak your heart on as well.  Pay special attention to those.

Grace and peace and forgiveness be yours,
Bruce
 
 
 
I confess to being a jerk while driving.
Lord, have mercy.
 
I confess to eating too much because I can.
Lord, have mercy.
 
I confess to giving too little because I can.
Lord, have mercy.
 
I confess to losing my temper with children...and adults.
Lord, have mercy.
 
I confess to the selfishness of wanting to be noticed and admired.
Lord, have mercy.
 
I confess to smugness and self-righteousness.
Lord, have mercy.
 
I confess to being ungracious and unmerciful toward others.
Lord, have mercy.
 
I confess to enjoying comfort and plenty as if I am entitled to them.
Lord, have mercy.
 
I confess to lustful glances and unclean thoughts.
Lord, have mercy.
 
I confess my envy and jealousy.
Lord, have mercy.
 
I confess my impatience and insensitivity.
Lord, have mercy.
 
I confess my covetousness.
Lord, have mercy.
 
I confess my hypocrisy.
Lord, have mercy.
 
Thank you for your promised forgiveness
and the cleansing and restoration that is mine in Christ Jesus,
amen.
 
(Posted by Hoss in http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/12/a-confession.html)

Daily Prayer - With You I can find my way to Him

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
 
After preaching a particularly challenging sermon, where He told the people they must eat His flesh and drink His blood, many of Jesus' followers abandoned Him.  Jesus then turned to his closest friends and asked "Do you want to go away as well?"  Peter answered: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God." (John 6:67-69)
 
I struggle with following Jesus.  I find Him very challenging.  I am often frustrated with what I perceive as a lack of communication on His part; that he seems to sometimes ignore my present plight.  But whenever I think of turning away Peter's reply comes to mind: to whom would I go?  A prayer like the one below is what I need at those times to recalibrate my heart.  With it I can shake off the lies of the enemy who would have me believe that God does not truly care for me and allow me re-focus on Jesus - "my Lord, my Savior, my Redeemer, my Guide, my Consoler, my Comforter, my Hope, my Joy, and my Peace".
 
Fix your focus today on the Holy One of God.
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce 
 
 
Dear Lord, help me keep my eyes on you.
You are the incarnation of Divine Love,
you are the expression of God's infinite compassion,
you are the visible manifestation of the Father's holiness.
You are beauty, goodness, gentless, forgiveness, and mercy.
In you all can be found.
Outside of you nothing can be found.
 
Why should I look elsewhere or go elsewhere?
You have the words of eternal life,
you are food and drink,
you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
You are the light that shines in the darkness,
the lamp on the lamp stand,
the house on the hilltop.
You are the perfect Icon of God.
In and through you I can see the Heavenly Father,
and with you I can find my way to him.
 
O Holy One, Beautiful One, Glorious One,
be my Lord, my Savior, my Redeemer, my Guide,
my Consoler, my Comforter, my Hope, my Joy, and my Peace.
To you I want to give all that I am.
Let me be generous, not stingy or hesitant.
Let me give you all--
all I have, think, do and feel.
It is yours, O Lord.
Please accept it and make it fully your own.
Amen.
 
(a prayer of Henri Nouwen, from A Cry for Mercy by way of http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/12/incarnation-of-divine-love.html)

Daily Prayer - More thanks than I can give

Good Friday morning, my friends.
 
Or should I say "Good Black Friday morning".  Black Friday, as you probably know, is the Friday after Thanksgiving Day in the USA.  It is the day when retailers go from being "in the red" (losing money) to "in the black" (making a profit) for the year.  It is the biggest shopping day of the calendar year, a day when some of us, as Stompin' Tom used to sing "Save a lot of money spending money we don't got".
 
Whether you are taking part in this new shopping "tradition" today or not, let's rewind for a minute back to the Thanksgiving part. 
 

Grace and peace and great deals be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
My Maker and my King,
To you my all I owe;
Your sovereign bounty
is the spring
Whence all my blessings flow.
 
The creature of your hand,
On you alone I live;
My God, your benefits demand
More thanks than I can give.
 
Lord, what can I impart
When all is yours before?
Your love demands a thankful heart;
My gift, alas! how poor.
 
O! let your grace inspire,
My heartfelt thanks outpour;
Let every word and each desire
And all my days be yours.
Amen.
 
(a prayer by hymnwriter Anne Steele, slightly updated, by way of http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/11/more-thanks-than-i-can-give.html)

Daily Prayer - Past, Present, Future, Eternity

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

 

I have been reading C.S. Lewis' masterpiece "The Screwtape Letters". 

In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis provides a series of lessons in the importance of taking a deliberate role in living out Christian faith by portraying a typical human life, with all its temptations and failings, as seen from devils' viewpoints. Screwtape holds an administrative post in the bureaucracy ("Lowerarchy") of Hell, and acts as a mentor to Wormwood, the inexperienced tempter. In the body of the thirty-one letters which make up the book, Screwtape gives Wormwood detailed advice on various methods of undermining faith and promoting sin in the Patient, interspersed with observations on human nature and Christian doctrine. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Screwtape_Letters) 

In one of the letters Screwtape encourages Wormwood to keep the "Patient's" focus off the present and off eternity, and to point him instead to dwelling on either the past or the future.  Why?  God would have us keep our attention primarily on the present and eternity, and in particular how our present will affect our or someone else's eternity.  Living in the past typically means regret, shame, and "if onlys", and fretting about the future brings anxiety, worry, and "what ifs".

 

Are you stuck reliving the past?  Excessively concerned about the future?  Those are burdens that you need to lay down at the foot of the Cross and trust that God has both forgiven all your past sins and has a plan to prosper you.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
Father, we're abundantly grateful for our home dwellings here on earth where we find pleasure, companionship, comfort, rest and food.
 
If we're not intentional, we will give more time and affection to our temporal home than our future eternal home.
 
Perhaps it's because we're living in the here and now and the future seems so distant and unfamiliar.
 
Help us not to fear the future nor foolishly think it will not come, but to embrace it so that we are prepared when that moment comes.
 
May our heart's yearning, our primary focus, and our physical labors also have heavenly goals each day as we seek to live for You daily. 
 
In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2012/01/11/a-prayer-of-thanks-for-our-eternal-home/)

Daily Prayer - Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand

Good Monday morning, my friends.
 
I'm going to show my age a bit this morning.  This weekend I came across a concert on YouTube by a group who called themselves "Highwaymen".  This group consists of some of my all-time favourites - Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson.   Sadly, Waylon and Johnny are no longer with us, but I pray they are entertaining the angels with their amazing talents.
 
Near the end of the concert Kristofferson sings his song "Why me?", with the other three giants of country music backing him up.  This is the Gospel set to song.  It tells of a recognition of sin; a deep repentance; and an acceptance of amazing forgiveness.  Then the singer is inspired to show this forgiveness to others: "Maybe Lord, I can show someone else what I've been through myself on my way back to you."  That is the Gospel in action and I love it.
 
And we could all do well to start each day by saying "Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand." 

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours,
Bruce
 

Why me Lord, what have I ever done
To deserve even one
Of the pleasures I've known
Tell me Lord, what did I ever do
That was worth loving you
Or the kindness you've shown.
 
Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so
Help me Jesus I know what I am
Now that I know that I've need you so
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand.
 
Tell me Lord, if you think there's a way
I can try to repay
All I've taken from you
Maybe Lord, I can show someone else
What I've been through myself
On my way back to you.
 
Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so
Help me Jesus I know what I am
Now that I know that I've need you so
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand. 

 

Kris Kristofferson

Daily Prayer - The Big Picture

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.
 
Wow - there is an entire sermon packed into the prayer below. Reflect back to God what you learn (or re-learn) in these words and ask Him to help keep your focus on "the big picture", on eternity.
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
Father, there is much that we can learn from our temporal problems here on earth that better prepares us for eternity. 
 
As we work through these troubles, they enable us to have the mind of Christ so that attitudes reflecting the fruit of the Spirit become a spontaneous response to the difficulties that challenge us daily. 
 
Just as light, soil, air and moisture are requirements for growth in vegetation so must faith, prayer, self-denial and persistence in obeying God's Holy Word be requirements for growth in our Christian walk.
 
Help us not to become so caught up in viewing our daily challenges from an earthly perspective that we lose the view of our future home in heaven following the storms we weather here below.
 
We stand in the strength of the Lord Jesus and in the power of His might.
 
Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/11/19/a-prayer-for-seeing-the-big-picture-2/)

Daily Prayer - Adverbs

Good Monday morning, my friends.
 
How many of us remember from our elementary school grammar the defnition of an "adverb"? 
 
An adverb is a word or phrase that modifies the meaning of an adjective, verb, or other adverb, expressing manner, place, time, or degree (e.g. gently, here, now, very ).
 
As you pray this prayer today, pause to reflect on each request.  Pay particular attention to the adverbs ...

 

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

 

Dear Lord,
 
Help me to live this day-
quietly, easily;
 
To lean upon thy great strength-
trustfully, restfully;
 
To wait for the unfolding of thy will-
patiently, serenely;
 
To meet others-
peacefully, joyously;
 
To face tomorrow-
confidently, courageously,
 
With Jesus' help, amen.
 
Author Unknown
 
(http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/11/quietly-easily.html)

Daily Prayer - Father's Love Letter

Good Friday morning, my friends.
 
Perhaps today you, as I, just need to hear God tell you what you mean to Him.
 
Here is His message for you.  Perhaps the Holy Spirit is telling you of someone else who needs to hear this as well.  Please feel free to pass it on to them, or even post it online.
 

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours,
Bruce
 
 
Father's Love Letter
An Intimate Message From God To You.

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications
© 1999-2013 www.FathersLoveLetter.com

(http://www.fathersloveletter.com/text.html)

 

 

Daily Prayer - Anoint me with lowliness, fill me with trembling

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.
 
Who around you, in your house, in your workplace, in your neighbourhood, is waiting for you to tell them the good news?  Jesus has commissioned us to bring His good news, His gospel, to our neighbours (near and far).  Fear often keeps us from that task.  Fear and pride.  Let us pray for boldness for the sharing of the most incredible gift ever given.
 

Grace and peace and boldness be yours in abundance,
Bruce 
 
 
Lord God, what a marvel,
that I can proclaim your Word!
What an honor.
What a joy.
 
You dwell with the lowly
and visit those who tremble at Your Word.
Anoint me with lowliness.
Fill me with trembling.
 
Come upon me in spirit and truth.
Overshadow me with your Spirit.
 
All my springs are in you, Lord.
Flow from me
for the salvation of sinners
and for the blessing,
admonition,
and upbuilding of your church,
in Jesus' name, amen.
 
(http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/11/a-lowly-preachers-prayer.html)

Daily Prayer - On the waiting list?

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
 
"My unbelief and impatience leads to fearsome worry and unwise behavior."  When I read that line this morning in the prayer below I could see that it was written for me.  And perhaps for you.
 
Do you wait patiently for the Lord to guide?  Or, like me, do you tend to run ahead and call back to Him: "This way!"?  If so then perhaps you, like me, need to spend time in this prayer.
 

Grace and peace and patience be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
Father, many times Scripture that speaks of waiting on You is followed by the directive of being courageous.
 
Indeed it does take courage for me to trust You and not take matters into my own hands since that comes so naturally to my way of thinking and doing things.
 
But as a loving, protecting and omnipotent Father You tenderly care for me as I commit my concerns to You.
 
My unbelief and impatience leads to fearsome worry and unwise behavior.
 
Getting ahead of Your divine plan and perfect timing only leads to more frustration and difficulty.
 
Help me to remember that waiting coupled with prayer brings about growing courage and dependence on You rather than myself.
 
Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/11/08/a-prayer-for-those-waiting-4/)

Daily Prayer - Just listen!

Good Friday morning, my friends.

  

Something a little different today.  Instead of coming to God with our seemingly infinite list of requests and demands, how about we just listen?

  

Posted by: "Beth.. One Blessed Nana" in http://praying.kansasbob.com/2013/11/be-still_6.html  

"Be still, and know that I am God..."

(Psalm 46:10)

 

 

God desires for us to be still sometimes. He is desiring for us to get our focus on Him and sit at His Feet and just listen. Too many times we come to Him in prayer with everything all figured out for Him. We have it all organized in our minds and we let Him know just how to fix our problems. But the truth is that the only one who can fix our problems is God. And He knows the perfect way to handle those things that trouble us or assail us. If we would just take the time to get still before our Creator and allow Him to begin speaking to our hearts and souls, He will lead us beside the still waters, calm our spirits and guide us on the right path. And the beautiful part is that He will walk beside us every step of the way. Our God is so good.

 

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce 

AMEN!

Daily Prayer - Failure is never final

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
 
Our God is the god of second chances and new beginnings.  I am continually amazed that He chooses me despite my sin, despite my wandering, despite my failures.  And I am grateful for it.
 
Are you feeling unworthy of His grace and mercy today?  Unqualified to serve in His kingdom?  Still yourself; lay down your burdens; and allow Him to pick you up and dust you off.  Let His Spirit to minister to you and give you a glimpse of the depth of His love for you.
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
God of second chances and new beginnings,
I am always amazed that you choose to use me for your kingdom purposes.
 
You use me as I am …
imperfect …
flawed …
ordinary …
tending sometimes not to do my best …
prone to error …
and very inclined to trip and fall.
 
Always your grace is greater than my mistakes and stumblings.
 
Thank you, O God, for using me in spite of myself!
Unfailing God, remind me often that, in your sight, failure is never final.
By your grace, enable me to deal with my own failures constructively and with the failures of others patiently.
Let it be so.
 
(a prayer of Trudy Archambeau by way of http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/11/god-of-second-chances-and-new-beginnings.html)

Daily Prayer - The fullness of righteousness

Good Monday morning, my friends.
 
I can definitely relate to this prayer.  I am indeed an empty vessel that needs to be filled by God. 
 
Let us remain with Him, of Whom we can receive, but to Whom we cannot give.
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it.
 
I am weak in the faith; strengthen me.
 
I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor.
 
I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and am unable to trust you altogether.
 
O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in you.
 
In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have.
 
I am poor; you are rich and came to be merciful to the poor.
 
I am a sinner; you are upright.
 
With me, there is an abundance of sin; in you is the fullness of righteousness.
 
Therefore I will will remain with you, of whom I can receive, but to whom I may not give.
 
Amen
 
...a prayer of Martin Luther
 
(http://praying.kansasbob.com/2013/10/reformation-day-prayer.html)

Daily Prayer - Great sin draws out great grace

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.
 
This is an amazing, beautiful prayer describing God's great grace.  As you lift it to His ears, let it settle in your bones.  If it looks too long and you are too rushed this morning, you need it all the more.  Take the time.
 
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce 
 
 
Great God, in public and private, in sanctuary and home,
may my life be steeped in prayer,
filled with the spirit of grace and supplication,
each prayer perfumed with the incense of atoning blood.
Help me, defend me,
until from praying ground I pass to the realm of unceasing praise.
Urged by my need,
invited by Thy promises,
called by Thy Spirit,
I enter Thy presence,
worshipping Thee with godly fear,
awed by Thy majesty, greatness, glory,
but encouraged by Thy love.
 
I am all poverty as well as all guilt,
having nothing of my own with which to repay Thee,
but I bring Jesus to Thee in the arms of faith,
pleading His righteousness to offset my iniquities,
rejoicing that He will weigh down the scales for me,
and satisfy thy justice.
 
I bless Thee that great sin draws out great grace,
that, although the least sin deserves infinite punishment because done against an infinite God,
yet there is mercy for me,
for where guilt is most terrible,
there Thy mercy in Christ is most free and deep.
Bless me by revealing to me more of His saving merits,
by causing Thy goodness to pass before me,
by speaking peace to my contrite heart;
strengthen me to give Thee no rest untiI Christ shall reign supreme within me in every thought, word, and deed,
in a faith that purifies the heart, overcomes the world,
works by love, fastens me to Thee, and ever clings to the cross.
 
(from The Valley of Vision, a collection of Puritan prayers by way of http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/10/i-enter-thy-presence.html)

Daily Prayer - Do you have a Timothy?

Good Monday morning, my friends.
 
We have a responsibility to pour into the lives of others.  It could be our own children or grandchildren, or it could be others who are "younger" in the faith.  As I have said before, we all need a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy in our lives:  A Paul to mentor and teach us, a Barnabas to encourage us, and a Timothy to whom we can pass on the wisdom and experience that we have gained in our walk of faith.
 
Is there a Timothy in your life?
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
Father, we could be driven to despair in the midst of the evil that surrounds us if we didn't walk in the light of Your truth.
 
We walk in the true wisdom that comes from heaven, not in the flawed wisdom that comes from the world.
 
Help us to make the most of every opportunity to stand up for divine truth in our minds, our speech and in our actions.
 
Help us to be faithful in passing on the faith to the next generation.
 
We want to be the light that shines forth in the creeping darkness of our land so that we can show others the way to eternal life.
 
In the name of Your dear Son, Jesus, we pray.  Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/10/25/a-prayer-for-leaving-a-godly-legacy-2/)

Daily Prayer - Fill 'er up

Good Friday morning, my friends.
 
I love the 23rd Psalm.  It is one of the first (and few!) pieces of scripture I have memorized.  This prayer is a wonderful paraphrase of the psalm.  Allow God to top-up your trust in Him today.
 

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours,
Bruce
 
 
 
Lord, you are my shepherd;
I lack nothing that I really need.
 
You care for me and lead me.
You restore and revive me.
 
Even in the darkest times,
I don't have to be afraid,
for I know you are there with me,
protecting me and comforting me.
 
You provide my needs,
you pour out on me one blessing after another.
 
Your goodness and love—and constant presence—are all I need,
now and forever.
 
Amen.
 
(a prayer from The Bible 30-Day Experience Guidebook by Bob Hostetler http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/10/a-prayer-to-my-shepherd.html)

Daily Prayer - Strength in numbers

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.
 
There is strength in numbers.  This is true in spiritual battle as well as physical battle.  When Paul talks of putting on the "full armor of God" he uses the plural: "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" (Ephesians 6:12). So let's help and encourage one  another to don our armor.  Let's stand together against the evil one.  This prayer is our declaration of unity in the battle. 

Grace and peace and victory be ours!
Bruce
 

Father, as we live in the Light of Your Word the devil's venomous plots are exposed. 
 
We are not caught by surprise but rather we are filled with Your Spirit which prepares us to be on the offense rather than defense.

 

We walk in truth and confidence as we stand strong on the day of evil.
 
As we wear the full armor You have provided for our protection we can fight against the devil's evil tricks.
 
Our fight is not against flesh and blood but against the powers of this world's darkness and the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world.
 
So we pray in the spirit continuously asking for Your help, strength, and guidance.
 
We also pray for our brothers and sisters that together we will stand firm against the enemy of our souls. 
 
Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/10/18/a-prayer-for-resisting-the-devil/)

Daily Prayer - Turn my eyes away from worthless things

Good Monday morning, my friends.
 
On Friday we prayed part of Psalm 119, a Psalm that speaks of the love of God's word.  Jesus said "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).  Let me share with you today another snippet from Psalm 119.  Ask God to feed you from His word today, and to help you turn away from worthless things.
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,
    that I may follow it to the end.
 
Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
    and obey it with all my heart.
 
Direct me in the path of your commands,
    for there I find delight.
 
 Turn my heart toward your statutes
    and not toward selfish gain.
 
 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life according to your word.
 
 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.
 
 Take away the disgrace I dread,
    for your laws are good.
 
 How I long for your precepts!
    In your righteousness preserve my life.
 
Psalm 119:33-40

Daily Prayer - The unfolding of Your words gives light

Good Friday morning, my friends.
 
This morning I was reading Psalm 119.  This Psalm is a celebration of God's word, His laws, and His commandments.  According to the psalmist he Law is never considered a curse, it is always seen as a gift from God.  He declares "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path"  (Psalm 119:104).
 
Find time to open your Bible and read a chapter or two today.  Let Him feed your soul.  Let Him give you light.
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce 
 
 
Your statutes are wonderful;
    therefore I obey them.
 
The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it gives understanding to the simple.
 
I open my mouth and pant,
    longing for your commands.
 
Turn to me and have mercy on me,
    as you always do to those who love your name.
 
Direct my footsteps according to your word;
    let no sin rule over me.
 
Redeem me from human oppression,
    that I may obey your precepts.
 
Make your face shine on your servant
    and teach me your decrees.
 
Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
    for your law is not obeyed.
 
Psalm 119:129-136

Daily Prayer - So easy, it's hard

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

  

Here is another great article by John Fischer.  Enjoy.

  

  

So easy, it's hard 

by John Fischer 

 

Our new relationship with God is so hard for us to accept because we can do nothing to earn it, and nothing to discredit it. We are not used to this. We are used to earning our reputations. We are used to pleasing our superiors. We are used to gaining acceptance and love. We are used to a world where good behavior is rewarded and bad behavior is punished.

 

We are not used to a Father who welcomes us home unequivocally -- no questions asked. We are not used to a Father who doesn't even want to hear our excuses, He just wants to celebrate our homecoming. When this happens to us, we don't know how to accept it, when it happens to someone else, we are upset that they got something for nothing, after we have worked so hard doing the right thing. Where's our party? When this happens to someone else we all suddenly become elder sons.

 

I was reminded of this just a couple days ago when I found out that Brennan Manning had passed away last April. What a gift to the body of Christ this man was. He was a Roman Catholic in the contemplative tradition who had such profound revelation of the God of unconditional love that it became his theme to represent that love to us in whatever way he could. He was a special gift to evangelical Christians steeped in guilt and failed expectations.

 

I had the privilege of hearing him speak a few times and no one could deliver the love of God like this man could. I can still remember walking with him along a California beach and realizing he really believes this. His own story is one of failing so hard at the old way and not feeling worthy of the new. I believe he spoke so forcefully of the love of God because he was always needing to believe it for himself.

 

I was so glad to discover that at the end of a video that was made for his memorial service there is a recording of a two-sentence homily he would usually deliver somewhere in his talks. It became his trademark statement of the love of God that he would deliver with such force it took your breath away. I have it here in caps because that's the only way I can do justice to the power of this quote in print.

 

I will forever hear his voice ringing with this:

 

"DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THE GOD OF JESUS LOVES YOU BEYOND WORTHINESS AND UNWORTHINESS, BEYOND FIDELITY AND INFIDELITY, THAT HE LOVES YOU IN THE MORNING SUN AND THE EVENING RAIN, THAT HE LOVES YOU WHEN YOUR INTELLECT DENIES IT, YOUR EMOTIONS REFUSE IT, YOUR WHOLE BEING REJECTS IT? DO YOU BELIEVE THAT GOD LOVES WITHOUT CONDITION OR RESERVATION, AND LOVES YOU THIS MOMENT AS YOU ARE AND NOT AS YOU SHOULD BE?"

 

That's the new way. It's what we accept for ourselves and offer to others, and is harder to receive than to give. It shatters everything we used to believe about God and us. It decimates what we do for God and places us in God where we await the discovery of what He wants to do through us, in spite of us, and because of Him.

 

Wow.

  

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours,

Bruce

 

  

Thank You God of Jesus ...

 

that you love me beyond worthiness and unworthiness, beyond fidelity and infidelity,

that you love me in the morning sun and in the evening rain,

that you love me when my intellect denies it, my emotions refuse it, my whole being rejects it.

  

Thank You God for loving me without contition or reservation, and loving me at this moment when I am not as I should be.

Daily Prayer - Can't get no satisfaction?

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.
 
Have you ever noticed that even the greatest joys we experience in this life are tinged with a feeling that there is still something missing, something even greater to be had?
 
That is what Solomon meant when he wrote "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end" (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
 
Be thankful for that missing piece (peace?), that longing for more.  Be thankful knowing only God can truly satisfy our every want and need.
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
I thank Thee, O Lord, that Thou hast so set eternity within my heart that no earthly thing can ever satisfy me wholly. 
 
I thank Thee that every present joy is so mixed with sadness and unrest as to lead my mind upwards to the contemplations of a more perfect blessedness. 
 
And above all I thank Thee for the sure hope and promise of an endless life which Thou hast given me in the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ my Lord. 
 
Amen.
 
John Baillie
 
(http://praying.kansasbob.com/2013/10/eternity-in-my-heart.html)

Daily Prayer - How are you walking?

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
 
I trust and pray you received peace in your expression of thanksgiving this weekend.  And that you have leftover turkey to last you the week!
 
Is it just me or does life seem to speed up with each passing year?  We visited our daughter this weekend - she is in her second year of university, and our son will start next September.  Where has the time gone?
 
Paul says "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16).  If the days were evil in his time, how much more in ours?
 
How are you walking?
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Father, often the days converge into another and before we know it another year has passed. 
 
Help us to be keenly aware of each new day and the opportunity it holds for us to build character and be engaged in our Father's business.
 
We want to daily turn to Your holy Word for wisdom so that we will present to You a heart full of godly wisdom and a life fully surrendered to You.
 
In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/10/14/a-prayer-for-todays-blessing/)

Daily Prayer - A prayer for you

Good Friday morning, my friends.
 
I have prayed this prayer for each of you this morning.  As you read it allow God to reveal how He is working in your life today to heal and bless.
 
If you are so inclined, pray this prayer for one or more of your family and friends and then send it to them, post it on Facebook, tweet it, share it.  Jesus said "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35)
 

Grace and peace and love be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this right now.  I am asking You to minister to their spirit at this very moment.
 
Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy.
 
Where there is self doubting, release a renewed confidence in Your ability to work through them.
 
Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, patience, and strength as they learn submission to Your leading.
 
Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask You to renew them by revealing Your nearness, and by drawing them into greater intimacy with You.
 
Where there is fear, reveal Your love, and release to them Your courage.
 
Where there is a sin blocking them, reveal it, and break its hold over my friend's life.
 
Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders, and friends to support, and encourage them.
 
Give each of them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them, and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it.
 
Amen
 
(http://members.tripod.com/davidsd_1/uniprayer.html)

Daily Prayer - Make my paths straight

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

 

This is an amzaing prayer.   The author implores God to "pull me into prayer", to bring himself (and you and I) into a conversation with God about the difficulties that face us. Are you facing a choice in life?  Is worry weighing you down?  Give God your circumstances and see what He does with them. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

    and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

    and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6)

 

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours!

Bruce

 

Gracious God, my world and my circumstances overwhelm me at times. I can see so many sides to my situation, so many ways it could go, so many avenues and choices. But Father, I need to make some decisions. I need to move forward. And I need Your grace and power to sort things out.
 
Lord, when I look at the pictures of Jesus in Scripture, I don't see Him confused or upset. I don't see Him wondering what to do or how to do it. When He faced big decisions and life-changing moments, He always drew apart and spent time with You.
 
Lord, when I'm tempted to worry, please pull me into prayer. When my thoughts swirl about me, remind me that I have Your mind. Help me acknowledge You in every way as I trust You to make my paths straight.
 
Savior, I want to say along with you, "Lord, not my will but Yours be done." Grant my desire to seek You first. Give me grace to seek You always. And help me as I sort things out according to Your Word, your will, and your way. In the holy name of Jesus I pray—AMEN.
 
(from Marti Pieper's blog, http://martipieper.com by way of http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/10/a-prayer-for-those-who-are-sorting.html)

Daily Prayer - Calibrate

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.

This simple yet elegant prayer should reset your compass to True North.  Allow God to do the leading through your day.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

I call upon you, O Lord. 

In the morning you hear me; in the morning I offer you my prayer, watching and waiting.

I lift my heart to you, O Lord, to be strengthened for this day. Be with me in all I do, my God; guide me in all my ways.

I will carry some burdens today; some trials will be mine. So I wait for your help, Lord, lest I stumble and fall.

I will do my work, Father, the work begun by your Son. He lives in me and I in him; may his work today be done.

Amen.

(http://dailyprayer.us/prayers/morning.php)

Daily Prayer - So far so good ...

Good Friday morning, my friends.
 
Here is a prayer I can relate to.  I hope it brings a smile to your (and God's) face.
 
Have a wonderful weekend!
 

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours,
Bruce
 
 
 
Dear Lord
 
So far today, dear Jesus, I have done all right.
 
I haven't gossiped,
haven't been greedy,
grumpy,
nasty,
selfish
or over-indulgent.
 
I'm very thankful for that…
 
However, in just a few minutes,
I'm going to get out of bed.
 
From then on, I'm going to need a lot more help.
 
Amen.
 
(http://members.tripod.com/davidsd_1/morningpray.html)

Daily Prayer - Let my bones be soaked with Your love

Good Thursday morning, my friends.
 
What is weighing you down today?  This week has certainly had its challenges in our house.  Reading this great prayer by St. Augustine helped give me the "attitude adjustment" I needed.  I pray it does the same for you.  Be careful not to skim over the opening line.  Ask God to help you remember and confess the mercies He has showered on you.

 

God has broken our chains - let our bones be soaked in His love!
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance!
Bruce
 

O my God,
let me, with thanksgiving,
remember, and confess unto you
your mercies on me.
 
Let my bones be soaked with your love,
and let them say unto you,
Who is like you, O Lord?
 
You have broken my chains in pieces.
I will offer unto you the sacrifice of thanksgiving
And how you have broken them, I will declare;
and all who worship you, when they hear this, will say:
Blessed is the Lord in heaven and in earth!
Great and wonderful is his name!
 
(A prayer of St. Augustine by way of http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/10/let-my-bones-be-soaked-with-your-love.html)

Daily Prayer - Be mindful of the gifts ...

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.
 
When God made His covenant with Abraham He told him he would make him a great nation, a blessed nation.  But that blessing was not just for the nation of Israel, rather God said "through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed" (Genesis 22:18).
 
You and I have also been blessed.  Blessed with gifts and talents.  And, like Israel, these are not simply for our own enjoyment but rather are to be shared with others.
 
Reflect on those gifts as you pray this simple and powerful prayer.
 

Grace and peace and blessings be yours in abundance!
Bruce
 

Good and Gracious God,
turn my mind toward your will,
that I may offer my whole self in service to you.
 
Make me ever mindful of the gifts
you have given me
to do your work in the world.
 
Amen.
 
(http://letspraydaily.blogspot.ca/2009/05/mindful-of-god-prayer.html)

Daily Prayer - Forgive my prayers

Good Monday morning, my friends
 
I think all of us occasionally or even frequently take our relationship with God for granted.  We have this incredible, unique privilege of coming to our Father in prayer and we do so without thought, without preparation, without the proper frame of mind.
 
And yet, even so, He listens.
 
Let us confess and repent.
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce 
 
 
Abba, Father,
forgive my prayers.

Forgive all the misguided prayers I have prayed.
All the selfish prayers.
All the self-righteous prayers.
All the stupid prayers.
All the small-faith prayers.
 
Forgive the prayers I have "preached"
instead of truly prayed.
 
Forgive the times I have only
or mostly
mouthed the words.
 
Forgive the countless times
I have prayed only what was on my heart,
not even bothering to seek what was on your heart.
 
Forgive the weak prayers.
The manipulative prayers.
The faithless prayers.
The feckless prayers.
The fraudulent prayers.
 
Forgive, Lord,
and thank you more than I can say
that you still listen...
after all that.
Amen.
 
(http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/09/forgive-my-prayers.html)

Daily Prayer - Fear not ... the oven?

Good Friday morning, my friends.
 
The prayer below is a great analogy to living a life of faith, a life in God's will.  And it left me hungry!
 
Grace and peace and freshly baked bread be yours!
Bruce
 

Help me, O God,
 
To live the recipe
before I give the recipe.
 
Give me the kneading strength
to work the words into the doughy recesses of my life.
 
Help me to leave it alone a while
so it can rise.
 
Help me not to fear the oven
so it can bake.
 
And grant that in the baking
the world would be able to roll down its window
and savor the aroma of freshly baked bread...
 
(a prayer of Ken Gire, from Windows of the Soul, p. 59 by way of http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/09/a-prayer-for-incarnation.html)

Daily Prayer - Offer, Promise, Help

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.
 
Spend a few minutes in this simple prayer and let God guide your steps today.
 

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours,
Bruce
 

My God, I give you this day.
 
I offer you, now,
all of the good that I shall do
and I promise to accept, for love of you,
all of the difficulty that I shall meet.
 
Help me to conduct myself during this day
in a manner pleasing to you.
 
Amen.
 
(a prayer of St. Francis de Sales by way of http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/08/i-give-you-this-day.html)

Daily Prayer - For my daughter

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
 
Unbelievably, today my beautiful daughter celebrates her nineteenth birthday.  Happy Birthday, Mary Kate!
 
I want to dedicate today's prayer to her, and to all our children.  The Desiring God website lists seven things to pray for our children:

1. That Jesus will call them and no one will hinder them from coming.

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." And he laid his hands on them and went away. (Matthew 19:13–15)

 

2. That they will respond in faith to Jesus's faithful, persistent call.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

 

3. That they will experience sanctification through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit and will increasingly desire to fulfill the greatest commandments.

And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39)

 

4. That they will not be unequally yoked in intimate relationships, especially marriage.

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

 

5. That their thoughts will be pure.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)

 

6. That their hearts will be stirred to give generously to the Lord's work.

All the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work that the Lord had commanded by Moses to be done brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord. (Exodus 35:29)

 

7. That when the time is right, they will GO!

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)

 

(http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/seven-things-to-pray-for-your-children)

 

Please lift your and my children in prayer today.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce

 
I pray that you would learn of the Lord and great will be your peace (Isaiah 54:13)
 
I pray that you would hide His Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11)
 
I pray that God would fill you with the knowledge of His will so you can walk in a way that's pleasing to Him and your life will bear fruit (Col. 1:9)
 
I pray that your heart would be flooded with light so you can understand the wonderful future God has promised to those He called (Ephesians 1:17-19)
 
I pray that you would trust in the Lord with all your heart and not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)
 
I pray that your would not worry or be afraid but pray about everything, and the peace of God would guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-9)
 
I pray that God's favor would surround your like a shield whether at school or work (Psalm 5:12)
 
(adapted from http://www.christian-mommies.com/columns/mothering-by-heart/eight-great-prayers-to-pray-for-your-children/)

Daily Prayer - Responding to tragedy

Good Friday morning, my friends.
 
It has been a tragic and difficult week here in Ottawa.  On Monday the body of a young woman, a victim of violence, was discovered in a field not far from our home.  On Tuesday the sister of our next door neighbour succumbed to cancer.  On Wednesday a horrific crash involving a transit bus and a passenger train claimed the lives of six of our citizens and injured 30 more.  A good friend of mine almost got on that bus.  At the last minute he decided it was too full and waited two minutes for the next one.  That decision very likely saved his life (he would have been at the front of the bus).  We are still thanking God.  Many other families and loved ones, however, have a much, much more difficult story to tell.
 
How do we react to events such as these?  If you are like me you might tend to speak quickly in platitudes and empty phrases.  Reading this prayer this morning has prompted me to "pause before I speak or praise or hope."
 
If there are people around you hurting and in need of comfort and prayer (and there are), perhaps you, and I, should take a few minutes to allow God to provide us with guidance on how to proceed before we open our mouths.
 

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours,
Bruce
 

When I behold the problems of our world,
O Lord,
I pray not to be tempted to quick answers.
 
When every tongue declares a different Truth,
when every people praises its own righteousness,
let me pause before I speak or praise or hope.
 
Let me look inward
seeking to discover eternal truths
implanted there by Thee,
truths greater than those heard
in the outer multitude of voices and words.
 
And let me remember always that to be loud is not to be right,
to be strange is not to be forbidden,
to be new is not to be frightful,
to be black is not to be ugly.
 
Thus let me find truths true to Thee,
that I may live with them,
and Thee,
and myself,
in peace.
 
(a prayer from the 8th century Gelasian Sacramentary, the second oldest extant liturgical book in the West, by way of http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/09/when-i-behold-problems-of-our-world.html)

Daily Prayer - Kiss slowly?

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

  

Today I bring you another of John Fischer's provocative articles.  This one was inspired by his wife, Marti.  Enjoy.  

  

Marti dared me to write about this - what she sees as a sort of non-evangelical list of axioms she hung on a plaque in the kitchen as her mantra on life - a celebration of normal human emotions that Christians have a tendency to shun. You would expect to see a Bible verse or a Max Lucado quote in a Christian home, but Marti decided to go for the secular

So I accepted the challenge, because the last thing I want to be is an evangelical who looks and acts like one. To be an evangelical for what I believe is one thing; to be an evangelical because I fit the stereotype - fill the bill - is another, and frankly, I'm not interested. So I'll give it a go...

LIFE IS SHORT - Well we have no argument here. The biblical interpretation might lean toward getting yourself right with God, while the secular approach would say get the most out of it. Nevertheless, I would venture that Solomon would lift a glass for going for the gusto.

This one sets the stage for the rest; since life is short, this is how to get the most out of it:

BREAK THE RULES - Now this is definitely a non-evangelical sentiment. TOE THE LINE would be more along the lines of what you would expect. But put Jesus up against the Jewish law-enforcers of His day and you'll find a law-breaker among you. Jesus would say that if you are using rules for anything other than love ... you might as well break them. At least that's what He did.

FORGIVE QUICKLY - Hopefully there's no argument here. No place for holding grudges. If I can't forgive it's usually because I haven't been forgiven - that is, I haven't accepted my own forgiveness - and if that's any part of evangelicalism, I'm out, now.

KISS SLOWLY - Sex is dirty. Get it over with. God doesn't want anyone having fun, now, does He?

LOVE TRULY - It I could do this, we would be forever happy, and I think God would smile.

LAUGH UNCONTROLLABLY - Ever notice how we can have a sort of tight laughter? It just doesn't go all the way down; stays in the throat somewhere. Belly laughs are for unbelievers or the intoxicated. Why? If God incorporates all of life then you can laugh from the bottom when you're sane.

AND NEVER REGRET ANYTHING THAT MADE YOU SMILE - This is Marti's favorite and the one that may sound most suspicious because it seems like you are getting pleasure out of something wrong. But this doesn't have to be that. This can mean pulling something good out of your life, even your past. In fact, that's what God is going to do. He's going to burn all the bad away and leave the good, so that what makes you smile is the fact that His hand is in everything that happens to you, past, present, future.

There, I accepted the challenge. How did I do?

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9)

John Fischer                

Fischtank.com            

 

  

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

  

A Prayer for Grace

Thank You, God,

  

For those moments in my life

when You opened a window

and offered a word

that nourished the hunger in my soul.

  

Give me the grace to realize that these are the words I live by,

not by bread alone,

whatever form that bread may take,

however satisfying it may seem at the time.

  

Give me the grace to live not just reflectively but receptively,

that I may not only notice when a window is opened

but also receive what is offered,

understanding that what is offered

is my soul's daily bread...

  

(a prayer of Ken Gire, from Windows of the Soul, p. 59)

Daily Prayer - Focus!

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
 
Salvation is not just about joy in the next life, it is also about joy in this life.  We tend to lose sight of that when we let our attention get drawn away from God's promises, and on to our current, temporary troubles.
 
Where is your focus today?
 

Grace and peace and joy be yours in abundance!
Bruce
 

Father,  as we place our faith in You and read the Scriptures, we learn that Satan is like a roaring lion seeking to devour us.
 
Certainly he wants to conquer us, but through Your strength and our adherence to Your warnings we can be more than conquerors over our worst lifelong enemy, the devil.
 
The full reward of resisting the enemy is not fully realized in our earthly pilgrimage, for the best awaits us on the other side, as we eat from the tree of life in Your paradise.
 
Help us to find the joy of living here below as we store up our true lasting treasures in heaven where we will fully experience the eternal, unbounded blessings that await us as we enter Your eternal Paradise. 
 
In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/09/16/a-prayer-for-overcomers-3/)

Daily Prayer - His love endures forever!

Good Friday morning, my friends.
 
This morning I read Psalm 100, and I think it makes a wonderful prayer for us to end the week on.  Let us lift this up together "with gladness".
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving grateful praise.
 
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
    Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
 
Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
 
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
 
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Daily Prayer - Who will cure you?

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

 

How many people (perhaps some of us included) believe (or believed) that before coming to faith they must "clean up their act".  Sometimes even after accepting Jesus as our Saviour we assume that is is our job to make these changes in our lives, usually by sheer will. But hear these words of God:   

"Return, O faithless sons; I will heal your faithlessness" (Jeremiah 3:22). 

Who will cure you of your sin?  God will.  If you let Him.  If you give the Holy Spirit an "all-access pass" to your heart, He will heal you.  And me.  The key here is all-access.

 

Is there a part of your heart that you are holding back, and thus not experiencing forgiveness and freedom in that area?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Father, You are my source of love, forgiveness and acceptance.
 
All other sources have left me emotionally wounded and confused.
 
I built my walls of self-protection, turned my back on You and the spring of living water; I dug my own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
 
I repent of my transgressions.
 
In the name of Jesus, I ask You to cleanse me and take away my guilt.
 
Jesus, I drink from the living water; I believe on You, and out of my innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.
 
Amen.
 
(http://letspraydaily.blogspot.ca/2008/07/to-be-forgiven-prayer.html)

Daily Prayer - Get some rest ...

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.
 
The older I get, the more I appreciate (and need) rest.  God, as far back as the creation of the earth, mandated that we rest one day out of every seven.  How are you doing with that?  Are you taking a Sabbath each week?  I know I need to be more mindful of this.  And I bet you do too.  We could really benefit from it, which is exactly why God prescribed it for us.
 
Get some rest - it's Biblical!
 

Grace and peace and rest be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Father, You command us to observe the day of rest, by keeping it holy.
 
You also command us to work on the other six days.
 
You made this commandment for our benefit that we might be renewed spiritually and physically on the Lord's Day.
 
Help us to be careful to set this day apart and make it the highlight of our week as we honor You in corporate worship, as we spend quality time with our family members and as we take time to rest from our labor.
 
In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/09/06/a-prayer-for-the-day-of-rest/)

Daily Prayer - My name is graven on His hands!

Good Monday morning, my friends.
 
Yesterday at my church the worship band sang "Before the Throne of God Above".  It is the Gospel put to music.  Pray the lyrics this morning to fill your heart and soul (or sing along with the link above).  Your name is engraved on His hands.  Your name is written on His heart.
 
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart
 
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me
 
Behold Him there the risen Lamb
My perfect spotless righteousness
The great unchangeable I am
The King of glory and of grace
One with Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God!
With Christ my Savior and my God!
 
One with Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God!
With Christ my Savior and my God!

 

(Charitie L. Bancroft, 1863)

Daily Prayer - Resistance is NOT futile!

Good Friday morning, my friends.
 
Choosing to live a life of faith and obedience is not an easy thing.  We see it as giving up so many things that we see as attractive, and living with the harsh "thou shalt nots".  But the truth is that God only forbids what is bad for us.  He is not trying to take away our joy and fun.  Quite the opposite.  He wants us to have life and life to the full! 
 
We may know that to be true but that doesn't make the temptations any easier to deal with.  We also know that every time we fall for that lie of the enemy that we will be brought to shame and regret.  Take those thoughts captive for Christ today.  Tell Satan you know where that leads and you aren't going there.  When you resist he will flee.
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Father, help each of us to be on guard against the trappings of the devil and remain steadfast in resisting temptation at each step. 
 
We want to live in a way that pleases you, Father, as You have taught us.
 
You command us to resist all sexual sin, and in doing so, we will control our body and live in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion as the pagans do, in their ignorance or willful disobedience to You.
 
We want to guard our hearts against the lure of the enemy, so that we continue to experience the holy and abundant life that You have provided for us.
 
In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
 
See 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 , Proverbs 4:23  

 

(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/08/28/a-prayer-for-living-in-purity/)
 

Daily Prayer - Work

Good Thursday morning, my friends.
 
This prayer challenges me and speaks to me in a number of ways.  It talks of the "dedication to be a good worker", and I struggle with that sometimes.  It lifts those "seeking employment but have found one door after another closed" and I too have experienced that.  It speaks of how we should "joyfully give of our resources" and I growing in that joy that.  I notice also that, like The Lord's Prayer, it is a communal one - it uses the pronouns "our", "we", and "us", rather than "mine", "I", and "me".  Let us pray this together today - for ourselves, each other and those around us.
 
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Father, our ability to work is a blessing.
 
The drive and dedication to be a good worker, rather than one who does as little as possible to draw a paycheck, is pleasing to You and a testimony to others.
 
We are further motivated because You give us a healthy mind, strong bodies and a desire to provide for our own.
 
In addition we are spurred on to help others who are truly in need and joyfully give of our resources to help provide for them.
 
We pray for those seeking employment but have found one door after another closed. Provide for their needs, open doors for employment and grow them in ways they never imagined during this dry season of their lives.
 
We delight in doing Your will; we joyfully contribute to the needs of others; and we seek to positively influence those around us.
 
In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/09/03/a-prayer-for-enjoying-work/)

Daily Prayer - The fear of the Lord

Good Tuesday morning, my friends. 

"Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off and said to Moses, 'You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.' Moses said to the people, 'Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin." Exodus 20:18-20

What does the Bible mean when it says "fear God"? 

 

I have heard many times that the word translated as "fear" is more like "reverend awe" than "shaking in your boots", but when I read of encounters people had with God in the Bible I do not see reverend awe.  These people fall flat on their faces, terrified.  They recognize how utterly unholy they are as compared with the beauty and majesty of the one true God.  Just think of the words of the prophet Isaiah upon seeing God: "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." (Isaiah 6:5).  Or how about the apostle John: "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead." (Revelation 1:17).  It sounds to me like there is a whole lotta shakin' goin' on, not just "reverend awe".

 

We also tend to downplay the judgement of God.  We love to quote "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) but how often do we hear "I will keep my eye on them for harm and not for good" (Amos 9:4)?  The "them" He speaks of here are the Israelites, the chosen people, who have disobeyed Him.

 

Our God is to be feared, and obeyed.  However, when Isaiah and John recognized and feared the One they encountered, they were picked up, dusted off, and told NOT to fear!  When we recognize God for Who He truly is then He reveals that He is on our side!  This incredible, all-powerful, all-knowing being is for us, and not against us!  How great is that?

 

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours!
Bruce

 
Father, I pray that You might enable me to have such a grand vision of You that I might fear You, that I might tremble in Your presence.
 
Help me to see that You are not merely a Redeemer but also a Judge; not merely a God of love but also of holiness.
 
Help me to fear sin not just because of its consequences but also because it grieves Your heart.
 
As your son/daughter, I pray that I might "Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling" as we are admonished to do.
 

What I pray for myself, I also pray for _____ and ask that they might fear You just as a son or daughter fears a Father who both loves and disciplines, a Father who extends mercy but also judges.
 
Above all, may they fear You because they love You and seek to please You through Jesus Christ.
 
May the fear of the Lord keep them from sin, and in turn the grace of the Lord keep them walking in obedience,
 
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
 
(http://www.moodychurch.org/news/prayer-fear-lord/)