Romans 11:33-36

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Monday, December 31, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time in God's reliable truth is in Psalm 138. 
Lord,
Don't let me be half-hearted in my thankfulness to You. Instead, let my thankfulness overflow in sharing of Your greatness (1, 4, 5). Increase the value of Your authority and promises in my life until I bow my will to Your authority and endure in the hope of Your promises (2). I desperately need Your strength in me (3). Thank You for not showing preference for the self-sufficient, but for those who recognize their complete need for Your powerful right hand in their lives (6-7). Continue to work in me until I complete the eternal purpose for which You created me (8). 
Amen

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Friday, December 28, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time letting the truth of God change us is in Psalm 137.
Lord,
Even though You will never exile me from being Your child, sometimes I exile myself from intimate fellowship with You (1-3). When I do exile myself, how can I possibly worship You ? (4). Apart from a joy-filled, intimate walk with You, may my hands and mouth not be able merely to go through the motions of worship (4-6). How very worthy of punishment is anyone who pulls me from being close to You (7-9). Keep me from pulling anyone from a close walk with You today. 
Amen

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Thursday, December 27, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being reminded of our Savior's love is in Psalm 136. 
Lord,
Thank You for showing me that real love is unending love (1-3). Thank You that You reveal Your love for me by creating (4-9), saving me (10-24), and providing for me (25-26). By these great and powerful works, You draw my focus to You, which is the most loving thing You can do. For if You pointed my eyes to the greatness of anything but You, I would miss out on Your ultimate awesomeness. It would be less than loving for You to point me to second best. But out of love for me, You create, save me, and provide for me so that I will look at that which is most glorious, You. So, don't let me be satisfied by the beauty of the world. Don't let me be content with the idea of salvation or heaven apart from You. Don't let my stuff satisfy me. But instead, let it all point my eyes to Your great beauty, righteousness, and love today. 
Amen

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Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time celebrating the one true God is in Psalm 135. 
Lord,
Thank You for choosing me (4). You are the only God who rules over all nature and history to accomplish salvation for Your people (5-12). Thank You that Your justice and compassion never change (13). Remind me always that I will become like the gods I worship (18). If I let anything other than You rule me, I will become unable to speak truth, unable to see others' needs, unable to hear others cries, and dead to the purpose for which You made me, which is to point joyfully to Your greatness (15-18). So let me praise You alone and be ruled by You alone today so I will become like You (19-21) speaking truth, serving others, and displaying Your greatness to the world. 
Amen

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Monday, December 24, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being shaped by the Word is in Psalm 133. 
Lord,
Let the world see the transforming powerful of Jesus in the unifying love of Your people. We don't want to get along just by avoiding those who are difficult. Instead, we want to have an affection for each other which flows from a common love for both You and for the diverse work You give to each of us. When we live together as One, it will be like the sweet smelling anointing oil running down in abundance over Aaron, the high priest. Everyone around will smell it. Just as Aaron had to be anointed prior to coming before You, we need to be anointed with an abundance of your sweet smelling love for each other as we approach You in worship (2). If we don't love each other, we can't claim to love You. This unity will make us fruitful like the dew (3). Without it, we will be a barren body. Lord, unify us today. 

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Saturday, December 22, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time submitting ourselves to God's truth is in Psalm 132. 
Lord, 
By faith in Jesus, You have made me into Your holy dwelling place (1 Cor. 6:19). The house that David worked and suffered to find for You, You have made me into it by Your Son's suffering (1-5). I need Your presence, power, righteousness, and joy in me (8-9). Jesus, sit on Your throne and rule me forever (11-12). Thank You for wanting to take up residence in me (14). You provide for my needs and satisfy me with salvation that overflows in joy (15-16). Let others see that joy and righteousness today. 
Amen

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Thursday, December 20, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time worshiping the Lord is in Psalm 131. 
Lord,
As I approach You in worship, I recognize that neither my righteousness nor my religious understanding makes me worthy to come into Your presence (1). Instead, like a child with its mom, I rely exclusively on Jesus to be all that I need to be able to live in Your presence (2). I will not worry today. Since You are my Father, my soul trusts You and is calmed and quieted in peace (2). Help all my hopes be in You, not the world (3). Let me lead others to know the peace of hoping in You (3). Thank You for allowing me to be close to You by the life and death of Your Son. 
Amen

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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being shaped by the Word is in Psalm 130.
Lord,
Thank You for hearing me cry out to You from whatever hole I might be in (1-2). Thank You also for not treating me according to the way that my sin deserves (3). I am truly in awe of the way you love and forgive. Make me more like that (4). Help me wait with hopeful anticipation not for what the world promises, but for what Your Word promises. As watchmen used to stand on the city walls looking out for enemy attacks until  the safety of morning light, I wait for you to rescue me from all evil and bring me into Your kingdom of light in heaven (6). I rest in Your promise of all-sufficient redemption (7-8). Help me lead others to rest in that promise too. 
Amen

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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being shaped by God's truth (as opposed to the world's lies) is in Psalm 129. 
Lord,
Use me to lead others to understand spiritual battle (1). All my life, the enemy has sowed evil in my life (1-3). Thank You, Lord, for cutting me free from the enemy's enslaving ropes. You are righteous (4). Keep the enemy far from me (5). Cause the seeds that he sows to die and not bring the fruit of sin in my life (6). Instead, let your family be blessed as we approach to worship You (8).
Amen

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Monday, December 17, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being shaped by the Word is in Psalm 128.
Lord,
Convince my heart that obedience brings the most joy (1). In this life, my earthly work might be rewarding and my earthly family might be fruitful and grow, but Lord, I am also aware that this world is cursed and I must work among thorns and thistles, and that pain in childbirth is only the first of much pain in raising kids. But I look forward to heaven where all evils are removed. Until that day, bless my labor for Your kingdom, making it fruitful and making my family of faith grow (2-4). Let me live long enough to see my spiritual offspring's spiritual children (6).
Amen

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Friday, December 14, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time aligning our thinking with God's is Ps. 127. 
Lord, 
Convince my heart of the uselessness of attempting things that You have no part in. If You don't protect me, there is nothing I can do to protect myself (1). Let me be consumed by You, not by work (2). Help me parent so my children know that they are my reward (3). In addition to my own children, give me many spiritual children to raise. I know that the more people you raise to spiritual maturity through me, the happier I will be (5). And I know that raising spiritual children is the kind of house you are a part of building (1 Peter 2:5). Use me to build on this spiritual house today by sharing with someone what You have taught me. 
Amen

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Thursday, December 13, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being transformed by Truth is in Psalm 126. 
Lord,
How joyful it is when times of Your just and good discipline are over, when Your correcting hand is lifted. After I submit to Your correction, there is restored fellowship and intimacy with You. That is my treasure because then I can authentically worship You.  Let my co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family see all You do to protect my deep and real joy (1-3). Let the blessing of worshipping all together be like rivers in the desert to me (4). Make me faithful to plant seeds of Your rule in my life and in others' lives, even when the ground is hard, and let me celebrate when You give growth to those seeds and Your rule grows in me and around me (5-6). 
Amen

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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time conforming our thoughts to God's is in Psalm 125.
Lord,
When everything is crumbling around me, make me an unshakable mountain in the midst of it all (1). As Jerusalem is protected by mountains all around, surround me and keep the sin of self-rule from conquering me today (2). Don't let the remnants of sinful rebellion continue to rule over me since You have declared me to be righteous in Your sight (3). Make even my heart holy, not just my actions, so I will know Your goodness (4). Hold me and keep me from turning from You today (5). In You, there is peace (5). 
Amen

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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being re-focused on the Lord is in Psalm 124. 
Lord,
Give me opportunities today to tell others that You are my protector (1-4). Just as you made a way for Israel through the raging Red Sea so that they could make it to the promised land, keep me from being overwhelmed by the obstacles I face on my way to You in heaven. And just as David was thankful that You protected Israel from enemies on her way to the promised land, I am thankful for how You daily "deliver me from the evil one" on my way to heaven (2-3,6-7). And just as David understood that his worshipful "song of ascent" was possible in Jerusalem only because God has led Israel safely through the wilderness to claim their promised land, remind me that You will lead me safely to heaven, where I will be able to worship You perfectly (1). But as I wait to sing my own "song of ascent" to You in heaven, help me also worship You today while I am still in the wilderness knowing You will rescue me. 
Amen

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Monday, December 10, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being reminded of the Truth is in Psalm 123. 
Lord,
You are on the heavenly throne, not me (1). I don't rule myself. My most acceptable response is to bow, submit, and serve You as my only King today. Don't allow me to take my eyes off of You today. Help me live only to please You today, waiting to hear "well done my child." (2). When I hear it, it will cause every critical word and action of those around me to fade into nothingness (3-4). 
Amen

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Friday, December 7, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's reminder from God is in Psalm 122 (compare it with 1 Tim. 2:1-4).
Lord,
Thank You for letting me live in a country where I can openly rejoice when my friends say "hey, let's go to church." Let going to worship with others be something for which I long (1). Any country is as it should be when its people worship You in thanksgiving (2-4). Such a country will have good judgement (5). Remind me always to pray for America's peace and work for its good so that my family, friends, and I can can worship You openly so that the lost will hear of Your greatness and want You (6-9).
Amen

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Thursday, December 6, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time drawing near to hear the Lord is in Psalm 121. 
Lord, 
I come to worship You now very aware that my help comes from You. Remind me to turn to You first for help, not to what You have made (1-2). Plant my feet stubbornly in the path of righteousness and keep me from slipping into worldly thinking (3). I praise You because when difficulty raises its head at me, it does not catch You sleeping or too far off to save me (4-5). You have shielded me from so much evil. As I gather to worship with Your people this week, protect my "coming and my going" so I don't miss out on transformative seasons in Your presence (8). 
Amen

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Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time letting the truth of God wash over us is in Psalm 121. (The next 15 Psalms are "songs of ascent" and were likely sung 3 times per year on the way up to the Temple. Today's is from the perspective of one living among the godless and longing to make the trip to worship with God's people.
Lord,
I live at a time and in a culture where truth is a low priority (2). The peace that I long for with others is so elusive (7). When I am overwhelmed by the godless and wild ways of the world around me (as in Meshech and Kedar), remind me that I am not a citizen here. I am on a pilgrimage to You where truth is undeniable (5-6) and judgment of the liars is certain (3-4). Keep my mouth from lies today and in the midst of this crazy, messed up world, bring me to You in worship. 
Amen

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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time in God's Word is in Psalm 119:145-176. 
Lord,
Let me not waste a moment of my life thinking in opposition to Your truth (147-148, 164). Thank You that when those far from You come against me, You are already near me to protect me (150-151). The entire Bible is true and unchanging (160). Your promises are my treasure (162). Let what comes out of my mouth point to Your greatness (171-172). Thank You for being a God who chases after me when I wander (176). 
Amen

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Monday, December 3, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being shaped by the Word is in Psalm 119:137-144. 
Lord, 
My comprehension of Your righteousness falls far short of Your actual righteousness. Help me understand the heights of Your righteousness so I will understand The criteria by which You evaluate me and trust what You decree for me (137-138, 144). When I forget Your Word, thank You for acting in grace toward me, not anger, even though You would be justified to act in anger (139). Give me such a love for Your Word that I can't get enough (140). Even when life overwhelms me, let Your Word be that which lifts my heart in joy (143). 
Amen

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Friday, November 30, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time in the Word is in Psalm 119:120-136. 
Lord,
Convince my doubting heart that Your decrees are the most wonderful path for me (129). Mature my naive perspective by Your Word (130). I want to be out of breath from chasing after obedience to Your Word (131). Only in holiness are my steps firmly planted (133). Cause my heart to break when others don't follow You and use me to lead them in Your way (136). 

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time in the Word is in Psalm 119:121-128. 
Lord, 
Thank You for dealing with with me based on Your love, and not based on what I deserve (124). When I am hurting, I long for Your promised salvation of heaven, but when life is easy and good, I find myself thinking of heaven less. Thank You for increasing my expectancy for heaven by sending hardship and for showing Yourself to me so that I can't wait to be with You (123). Today, help me rightly value gold as temporary, and Your Word as everlasting. Help me hate EVERY false way and be careful to obey You. 
Amen

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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time learning from God's Truth is in Psalm 119:113-120. 
Lord,
Teach me to hate having an affection for both You AND things of the world. Give me a single-minded affection for Your Word (113). You are my security and protection (114). Reduce my reliance on those who may pull me away from You, Father (115). Show me that hoping in You never brings regret (116). You are a purifying fire, judging the wicked (118-119). Teach me to fear You rightly, and to "shudder in awe of You" (120). 

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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being shaped by the Word is in Psalm 119:105-112. 
Lord,
When I am walking through life, thank You for Your Word which lights up my next step and which path I am on (105). Make me bold enough to follow Jesus' footsteps on the path of daily holiness and spiritual fruitfulness. If I am not, let Your Word reveal my errant steps and paths. I want to follow You to the end (112) because there is no other path that gives joy to my heart like Your path (111). Whether the terrain is smooth or rocky, help me walk worthy of Jesus today (107,109,110). 

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Monday, November 26, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time aligning our minds with God's thinking is in Psalm 119:97-104. 
Lord,
Do not stop teaching me new things about You (97). Thank You that I can always fall back onto the security of Your commands when others attack me (98). When my thinking is shaped by Your instructions, I am wiser than my teachers (99). True wisdom is obeying Your Word, not just knowing it (100). Help me obey (101) and not stray from Your lessons (102). Make me develop a taste for the sweetness of Your Word so that I will always want more (103). Help me recognize and hate/reject ways that are opposed to Your way (104). 
Amen

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Saturday, November 24, 2012

Unshakable Joy

There is an autumn nip in the air today. The morning frost is giving way to a bright sunshiny day. A perfect Thanksgiving day. But there are those for whom today’s sunshine and the smell of turkey can do nothing to quell the sorrow over difficulty in their life. Some will spend today recovering from their latest chemo treatment—or sitting with a loved one who is. Some have endured the recent loss of a spouse, or parent, or sibling—or child. Some are still reeling from news they have been laid off and have no idea where their children’s Christmas presents will come from. Even with sunshine and turkey, today isn’t so perfect for some of us. So how can each of us experience a joyful Thanksgiving, in spite of the circumstances of our lives? 

You could try being a counterfeit. You know, just fake it. Plenty of people try. The dread builds as they prepare to gather around the table with friends and family. As others prepare food, they prepare by pasting on their best smile and forced laughter. But a pasted-on smile is fake—not joy. It’s certainly not thankful. So if you want to experience a joyful Thanksgiving in spite of your circumstances, faking it won’t work. 

You could try being a comparer. As the wife of a McDowell County coal miner, my grandmother knew hard times. She didn’t complain and didn’t put up with people who did—especially grandsons. If I felt the need to talk about a pain in my foot, she would remind me how blessed I was to have a foot in the first place. After all, there are plenty of people in the world who wish they had a foot to hurt. She was right. But it didn’t make my foot feel any better. As a matter of fact, rather than give me a feeling of joy and thanksgiving, it gave me a feeling of pity. Pity isn’t always a bad emotion to have—it just isn’t joyful thanksgiving. There is always somebody who has it worse than you. But pitying them isn’t going to cause you to experience a joyful Thanksgiving in spite of your circumstances. 

Since neither being a counterfeit nor a comparer will work, the psalmist gives a simple five-part formula for having true joy and thankfulness this Thanksgiving and beyond: 

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100:1–5)
 

1.      Make some noise—Anyone with children knows activity is noisy. Complacency, boredom and lack of purpose are not. God created you as His child with a distinct purpose in mind. Actively seek ways He would have you fulfill that purpose. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)

2.      Serve with gladness—Did you know that the words “service” and “worship” are closely related? That’s because the Lord doesn’t just want us singing songs to Him. He wants our service. How? Serve Him by serving others. God is on mission. He came and lived among us, getting His hands dirty. He expects us to do the same. “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’” (John 20:21)

3.      Sing!—Even when you sing as poorly as I do, it’s hard to grumble and sing at the same time. My singing might lead to others complaining, but it’s impossible for me to sing and complain at the same time. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)

4.      Know—Learn who God is and know who He created you to be. Seek Him in His Word. Be curious. Be a learner. But understand the only real way for sheep to know their shepherd is to be with him and be led by him. “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8)

5.      Enter—Because of God’s goodness, love and mercy, He invites each of us to enter places that we can’t enter on our own. Places of thankfulness in the midst of trial. Places of praise in the midst of difficulty. Places of joy and peace and rest in the midst of turmoil and confusion. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4–7) 

This Thanksgiving, my prayer is that your joy would not be counterfeit or by comparison. My prayer is that, despite your circumstances, your joy would be in the Lord. Happy Thanksgiving!

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Friday, November 23, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time conforming our thinking to Christ's is in Psalm 119:89-96. 
Lord,
Thank You that Your Word and faithfulness never change (89-90). I don't have to wonder what mood You are in or if You have changed Your mind about giving me life (91-93). I will rely on You to save me today. I will depend on nothing else because I belong to You (94). When my holiness is lacking, it is because of my own rebellious heart, not because Your Word is anything less than perfect (96). For Your Word is always sufficient to perfect me into the creation You made me to be. 

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Thursday, November 22, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time bring shaped by the Word is in Psalm 119:81-88. 
Lord,
My only sure hope is the salvation promised in Your Word (81-82). Even when life beats me up and leaves me weak and wounded, I will only hope more for what Your Word has promised (83). I long for all wrongs to be made right (84). Many attack me and lie about me, but Your Word is trustworthy (84-85). Help me obey You with all the days You give me (88). 

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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being reminded of THE truth is in Psalm 119:73-80.
My Creator,
Since You made me, You know best how to help me understand Your Truth. Help me trust whatever ways You choose to use (73). If you must use affliction, thank You for doing it as an act of faithfulness to me (75). Create a hunger in me for Your Word so that Your people will rejoice when they see me, because they will see You in me (74). Show Your comfort and compassion toward me in my struggles (76-77). When falsely accused, help me obsess on Your truth, not the accusations (78). Let me have no regrets. Do this by keeping the motives of my obedience pure, living to please you alone and to display You clearly (80). 
Amen

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Monday, November 19, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time listening to God in His Word is in Psalm 119:65-72. 
Lord,
You are so good to me. How could I doubt the truth of what You say to me in Your Word (65). Help me walk wisely according to Your knowledge (66). Teach me to cherish affliction because You use it to teach me obedience. Convince me that obedience is worth suffering and is the most loving thing You could give me (67-68). Give me a heart that is sensitive to Your Words, not one that is "fat" (insensitive) covered with sin and distractions (69-70). Help me value Your truth more than any riches (72). Help me look for Your instruction to me in what I may suffer today (71). 
Amen

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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being shaped by the Word is in Psalm 119:57-64.
Lord,
You are my portion, and I long to see You face to face. Help me keep my promise to keep Your Word (57). Help me want to please You above all else (58). Help me be quick to evaluate my steps today, and turn to walk in Your footprints (59-60). If I face painful circumstances today, let me not forget Your truth (61). Don't let me ever stop cherishing Your estimation of my situation (62). Make me a friend to those who fear You and be my teacher today (63-64. 

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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time letting the Word shape us is in Psalm 119:49-56.
Lord, 
Let my hope be based on Your promise to give me real life rather than whatever else I hear today that may foster temporary hope in temporary things (49-50). Keep me from turning from Your best (51). Because the truth of Your Word never changes, my heart rests securely without fear (52). Let only what angers You, anger me. Help me reject unholiness today (53). Let today's verse of my life-song be filled with Your Words instead of mine (54). Remind me of Your power when life gets difficult (55). Make obedience my norm today (56). 

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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being reminded of God's Truth is in Psalm 119:41-48. 
Lord,
Remind me of Your promise to show me faithful love and to save me (41) so that I can endure any difficulty today (42). Cause all that I say today be filled with Your Word because only Your truth is worth putting hope in (43). Let there be no end to my obedience (44). Thank You that walking in Your ways frees me from all sorts of harmful entanglements (45). Give me boldness to speak Your truth today, even to the most intimidating person (46). Set my thoughts on loving You and those You put in my path today because that is the source of my joy (47). 

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Monday, November 12, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being shaped by the Word is in Psalm 119:33-40. 
Lord,
Give me understanding of Your Word and enable me to keep it always (33-35). Give me a heart that delights in following You instead of chasing after material stuff (36). Show me REAL life by directing my focus toward Your ways of thinking, wanting, and working today (37). Increase my faith in You by bearing fruit from Your Word planted in me (38). Protect me from the shame of not keeping Your good commands (39). Make me long to learn from You all that I can't afford to be ignorant of (40). Be my Teacher today. 

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Saturday, November 10, 2012

Quiet Heroes

In June of 1942, an 18 year old young man said goodbye to his beautiful, pregnant bride in Iaeger, WV. He began a journey that, two years later, would take him to Normandy, France, as an anti-aircraft gunner. 

The story is sketchy and vague to me because, like most heroes, he didn’t like to talk about himself or his role in the War. An anecdote here, a story there—but no comprehensive first-person account was passed on.

Maybe the memories were too dark and painful to recall and recount. Or maybe it was simply because personal tales of heroism and gallantry are out of character for hard working, humble, West Virginia coal miners. 

I read the history books. I know what anti-aircraft crews went through on D-Day. I know that, without the efforts of men like him, the Normandy Invasion would have been lost. And I know that if the Normandy Invasion would have failed, the war would likely have been lost. 

Some historians might be able to argue that point—but what no one can argue is that those men were and are heroes. Simple, humble heroes. The kind that built and preserved a nation. 

On the beach at Normandy, that man was called Private. Later, he was called Corporal. I only knew him as Pawpaw. Earnest Stanley died ten days after Veteran’s Day in 2004. I have a cased American flag in my office that commemorates his service, but in reality, his service and the service of every veteran is commemorated every time we enjoy the freedoms he quietly and anonymously fought to protect.

God bless our quiet heroes and happy Veteran’s Day to all who have served.

Romans 13:1-7

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Friday, November 9, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time in the life-giving Word is in Psalm 119:25-32. Life apart from You is all temporary. Only by living in light of Your truth is there real life with enduring joy, satisfaction, and peace (25). Thank You that You, the Creator of all, listen to me (26). Let Your Word determine what I consider to be wonderful (27). Let Your Word remind me of the sufficiency of Your strength when I am broken in sorrow (28). Let Your Word keep me from being deceived (29). Your Word leads me in THE way of truth (30). Let Your Word be that to which I cling instead of the American dream. Let others see the value of my clinginess to Your Word (31). Give me a huge heart to chase after doing Your will today (32).

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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being shaped by the Word is in Psalm 119:9-16. 
Lord, 
Apply Your Word to my life so I can be pure (9). Help me to make choices today that lead me closer to You instead of away from You (10). Convince my sinful heart of the invaluable treasure of Your Word, that it shapes me to display Your glory (11-12). Help my speech communicate Your perspective clearly today (13). Persuade my heart that walking in Your will gives as much joy having ALL the toys, conveniences, and comforts I could ever possibly want (14). So consume my thoughts with Your thoughts, values, wants, and priorities today (15-16). 

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Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time aligning our thinking with God's truth is in Psalm 119:1-8. 
Lord,
Help me know the joy of loving You and my neighbor today without blame (1). Show me where my heart seeks things other than You and what You seek (2-3). As King, You rightly demand my obedience today. I have no right to rebel (4). Cause me to have a heart to obey so I won't have to feel shame when I remember Your  holy expectations (5-6). As You help me to judge my actions, thoughts, and desires the way You do, I will understand more and more how praiseworthy You are (7). Thank You for promising never to leave me or forsake me. Enable me to keep my commitment to follow You (8). 

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Monday, November 5, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being shaped by the Word is in Psalm 118. 
Lord,
Let all Your people know deeply that Your love lasts, and make our love last like Yours (1-4). Help me live to please You, my victorious King, unafraid of what people might think or do against me (6-7). I trust in You today for my security, not in people or government (8-9). Be my "strength and song" today (14). Remind me of the life You give me so I will tell others about it (17). Thank You for Your severe discipline that aligns the way I live with the righteousness You have given me in Christ (18-21). Even when the world deems me as worthless, You treat me as important (a cornerstone), saving me from the rubble pile. Chisel me today into the shape of Jesus, THE Cornerstone. (22). I don't deserve it, but I thank You for it. Your faithful love is wonderful (23). 

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Friday, November 2, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time in the Word is in Psalm 116. 
Lord,
I thank You for drawing me to the point of realizing that I needed You to save me (4), not because I deserve it (1), but because I was dead without it (3). Help my soul rest in You today (7). Help me walk with You today, trusting You even when I am hurting and feel like I can't trust anyone else (9-10). Although I can't repay You for all You have done, I will worship You alone (12). I will do what I tell You I will do (14) and present my body thankfully as a living sacrifice (17), praising You with Your people (19). 

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Thursday, November 1, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time conforming our perspective to that of the Word is in Psalm 115. 
Lord,
Reveal to me the things that I do for my own glory and show me how to do them for Your glory today (1). Let my life be proof to the world that You exist (2). Convince my heart of the futility of being controlled by things I idolize instead of by You (7). It is true that I become like what I worship, so let You be what I worship (8). Be my "help and shield" today (10-11). Thank You for the confidence that I will get to worship You forever (18). 

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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being transformed by God's Truth is in Psalm 107
Lord,
Thank You for paying the price to buy me back (redeem me) from sin (2). Our weekly gatherings anticipate the day You gather us finally to Yourself (3). Satisfy my thirst with Your living water and my hunger with the bread of Your Word so I will not crave what does not last (9). You are my Provider (4-9), Liberator (10-16), Healer (17-22), and Helper in the storm (23-32). You can turn our desert into an oasis, our wastelands into fruitful fields, and our suffering into the blessedness of a growing family of faith (33-42). Make me wise today and not forget Your powerful "acts of faithful love" toward Your own people (43) so I can love the way that You love. 

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being reminded of the Lord's way of thinking is in Psalm 106:24-48.
Lord,
Don't let me doubt what You have promised (24). With a focus on my heavenly future, keep me from complaining as I walk through this wilderness (25). Thank You that, like Phinehas, You have credited Your Son's righteousness to my account (30-32). Control my mouth today (32-33). Don't let me be enamored or flirt with the world's loves, cheating on Christ for a momentary satisfaction of unfaithful intimacy with the world (34-39). In Your faithful love, don't let me be "beaten down" by my sin (43). I glorify what I love. So may I glorify You by the way I love You with my life today (48). 

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Monday, October 29, 2012

Re: Daily truth (2nd attempt)

Thanks Earl,
I sent it twice because there is a glitch in my "group" email app that automatically excludes folks and if I don't remember to go back through the list and include them, I have to send it to everybody again because I don't know whom it did not send to
I thank you for your prayers. God has been very very good to us these last couple of months. We still have no definite place to minister permantly, but trust God to provide. The church in New Mexico to which we went in view of a call in September was in such a state of division (even though they extended a call by a 96% vote, 2 of the sources of division who are also on staff voted against us coming) and I could not put my family in that situation right now. I don't think we are strong enought yet to work, wondering if those staff were trying to undercut our ministry efforts. So we are waiting on the Lord right now. We miss you and so many at FBC very much.  Even though I feel like a father whose custodial rights have been prematurely terminated, I know God is good and He has a good plan for those at FBC. I can't imagine how people go through things like this without the peace of the Lord's sovereignty.  We do cherish your prayers, Earl.
Seeking to make disciples who make disciples,
James 

On Mon, Oct 29, 2012 at 11:15 AM, James Boyd <mrbyoda@gmail.com> wrote:
Today's time being changed by the grace of God's Word is in Psalm 106:1-23 
Lord,
Although I could never praise You as much as You deserve, let my words, actions, and thoughts today be the first verse of an unending song to You (2). Help me begin to list Your many acts of love toward me (7,13). You saved me to display Your great power to save, not my own ability to be good (8). Don't allow me to besmirch Your reputation as Savior today by acting as if You are impotent to make me holy. Help me hear You today (13). If I am not  satisfied by You, don't give me what I wrongly think will satisfy me. It might keep me from chasing after You (14-15). Kill off any envy in my heart today (16). Anything glorious in me is because of You (20). Don't let me give You up to worship something that You have made (19). Thank You for Jesus who bridges that gap that I create between You and  me by rebelling against Your rule. By Your Spirit, use me to point the lost to Jesus who stands in the gap for them (23). 

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Daily truth (2nd attempt)

Today's time being changed by the grace of God's Word is in Psalm 106:1-23 
Lord,
Although I could never praise You as much as You deserve, let my words, actions, and thoughts today be the first verse of an unending song to You (2). Help me begin to list Your many acts of love toward me (7,13). You saved me to display Your great power to save, not my own ability to be good (8). Don't allow me to besmirch Your reputation as Savior today by acting as if You are impotent to make me holy. Help me hear You today (13). If I am not  satisfied by You, don't give me what I wrongly think will satisfy me. It might keep me from chasing after You (14-15). Kill off any envy in my heart today (16). Anything glorious in me is because of You (20). Don't let me give You up to worship something that You have made (19). Thank You for Jesus who bridges that gap that I create between You and  me by rebelling against Your rule. By Your Spirit, use me to point the lost to Jesus who stands in the gap for them (23). 

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Daily Truth

Today's time being changed by the grace of God's Word is in Psalm 106:1-23 
Lord,
Although I could never praise You as much as You deserve, let my words, actions, and thoughts today be the first verse of an unending song to You (2). Help me begin to list Your many acts of love toward me (7,13). You saved me to display Your great power to save, not my own ability to be good (8). Don't allow me to besmirch Your reputation as Savior today by acting as if You are impotent to make me holy. Help me hear You today (13). If I am not  satisfied by You, don't give me what I wrongly think will satisfy me. It might keep me from chasing after You (14-15). Kill off any envy in my heart today (16). Anything glorious in me is because of You (20). Don't let me give You up to worship something that You have made (19). Thank You for Jesus who bridges that gap that I create between You and  me by rebelling against Your rule. By Your Spirit, use me to point the lost to Jesus who stands in the gap for them (23). 

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Friday, October 26, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being transformed by the Word is in Psalm 105. 
Lord, 
Be the focus of my day (1-5). You made and kept the covenant with Abraham "so that" they would obey You and thereby glorify You (7-11,45). You called Abraham from Ur to go to Canaan and protected them "so that" they would obey You and thereby glorify You (12-15,45). You put Joseph in Egypt to keep Your people from starving "so that" they would obey You and thereby glorify You (16-22, 45). You brought them out of the bondage of Egypt "so that" they would obey You and thereby glorify You (23-36, 45). You made a way for them through the wilderness and gave them the promised land "so that" they would obey You and thereby glorify You (37-44, 45). You have made a covenant with me in Christ, You protect me, You provide for me, You liberate me from sin, You carry me through the wilderness, and You will take me to the promised land "so that" I will obey You and thereby glorify You-Hallelujah (45). 

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Thursday, October 25, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being transformed by God's truth is in Psalm 103.
Lord,
Remind me of all the ways You bless me so I will praise You with all my being (1-2). Apart from You, I would not know righteousness, health (3), life (4), love (4,11), compassion (5,13), satisfaction, goodness, renewal (5), justice (6), direction (7),  grace (8,10), correction (9) or forgiveness (12). Let these blessings flow from You, through me, to others today so that they can see Your greatness too and join in praising You. I am little, You are big. My life is fleeting, Your rule endures forever (14-19). Display Your greatness through my frailty today from beginning to end (1,22). 

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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being transformed by the Word is in Psalm 102. 
Lord,
When I am: in pain (3), hopeless to the point of not feeling like eating (4-5), feeling alone (6), unable to sleep (7), harassed (8), feeling sad (9), or feeling abandoned by You (10), don't let me forget You and that You are on Your throne forever (12). You will bring the new Jerusalem at the appointed time to those who wait expectantly for Your appearing (13-14). Thank You that You do not think little of my prayers (17). You have freed me from certain death so I can tell of Your greatness among the peoples (20-21). I am "secure" because You stay the same even though everything I know is changing (23-28). Make me to stand in Your stability. 

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Monday, October 22, 2012

Daily truth correction

Today's bible reading prayer goes with psalm 96, not psalm 95. Sorry for the fumble-fingers.

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Daily Truth

Today's time allowing the Word to shape us is in Psalm 95. 
Lord,
Don't let me be content just to sing yesterday's song of praise to You, but as I grasp more and more of Your greatness each day, let my heart overflow in new songs of praise (1-2). Use me to announce Your salvation to "the nations" today (3). Show me the foolishness of worshipping things made rather than the Maker of all things (5). Remind me that you are the definition of strength and beauty (6-7). Give me opportunities today to tell the world that You are both King and Judge (10). The entire creation longs for Your coming to make all things new. Make me ready and use me so others will be ready when You come (13). 

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Friday, October 19, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time of being shaped by the Word is in Psalm 95. 
Lord,
Use me to invite those around me to know joy and victory in You (1). Prevent me from letting anything usurp Your rule over me today, my King (3). Convince my heart that both the high and low points of today are in Your hands (4). Use me today to encourage other sheep in Your flock to worship You instead of what You have made (6-7). Soften my heart and help me be sensitive and obedient to Your voice today (7-8). Don't let me forget the ways You have worked in my life to bring me out of the wilderness of rebellion and into the promised rest in Christ . Don't let me stray today (8-11). 

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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time allowing the Word to reshape our thinking is in Psalm 94. 
Lord,
Make me "aware" of the foolishness of being my own master, thinking that You are not "aware" of this sin (1-9). Bring me the happiness that only comes through Your discipline and truth (10-13). Without Your help today, my spiritual enemies will overpower me for sure (17). Catch me if i fall today, and increase my faith when I worry (18-19). 

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time submitting to the truth of the Word is in Psalm 93. 
Lord,
Let me live today completely under Your rule, my Powerful King, knowing life is secure because You cannot be dethroned (1-2). No matter how the waves of life threaten to drown me, Your rule calms the raging seas of my days (3-4). Thank You for Your completely reliable Word (5). Teach me that being like You is the criteria for determining what is beautiful, and this standard for beauty is not just a passing trend (5). 

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Monday, October 15, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being reminded of God's perspective is in Psalm 92.
Lord,
Help me live, speak, and sing today like I truly believe that You are the "most high." In my heart, let nothing take a higher place today. In my fears, remind me that no one can defeat You (1-2). Although Your thoughts are beyond me, You have revealed yourself through the person of Your Son in a way I can grasp (5). Let the sure and coming judgment motivate me to share Your truth with the lost (6-11). Plant me in Your presence today so that I will bear fruit for You regardless of my age (13-14) and I will shout that You are my savior, my stability, and my righteousness (15).

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Daily Truth

Today's time being conformed to Christ is in Psalm 90.
Eternal Lord,
You have been and always will be my source of calm because You never cease to be God (1-2). I take comfort that You are the one who decides when we die, knowing that You are good and work all things for the good of Your people (5). Show me how to use wisely the days You have given me in this life (12). I can hide none of my rebellion from You (8). So thank You that I can, by faith, share in Your favor toward Your righteous Son, Jesus (17). If I let myself be satisfied by anything other than "Your faithful love" today, I will forfeit knowing real joy (14). Make me rejoice in You every day, even through the struggles of this life (15).
Amen

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Thursday, October 11, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's Godward-focusing time is in Psalm 84. 
Lord of Hosts,
Show me more and more of Your beauty so that I will increasingly long for You with all of my being (1-2). Prove to those near me that You are my Lord, King, and God today (3). Thank You  that in Christ, You made me Your holy house (4). Strengthen me today with a heart set on drawing near to You (5). Turn my hurts into blessings as only You can (6-7). As my "sun," cause my life to revolve around You, holding me close in the gravity of Your holiness, giving light by which to walk and warmth in which to grow. As my "shield," give protection. You give to me undeserved favor and glory (11). Where else could Your people possibly prefer to be but with You. Help me resist the lie that there is any place or experience more satisfying than just a day on Your front porch (10). Thank Your for promising an eternity in Your heavenly house. 

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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being shaped by the truth is in Psalm 78. 
Lord,
Help me to tell of Your works to those younger than I so that they will remain loyal to You (1-8). Don't let me doubt You as a result if forgetting about Your guidance and provision in my life (9-21). Your salvation is all I have to rely on (22). Don't let me think that what I crave satisfies me like You can (29-32). Don't let it take personal pain to get me to seek You (33-35). Thank You that Jesus took all Your wrath that I rightly deserve (38). Don't let me "grieve" You today (40). Remind me constantly of Your powerful work to save me and lead me through the wilderness of life in order to bring me home to You (42-55). As Israel followed David, their king, let me follow Jesus, the chief shepherd and King of kings 79-72).

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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being transformed by God's Word is in Psalm 73. 
Lord,
when the lost look at their wealth, comfort, and influence, they doubt what You say about the source of real, abundant life (1-12). Don't allow me to think like them (16-17, 21-22). Remind me just how dangerously insecure are those who trust in the pleasures of this life (18-19) and that trusting in worldly pleasures is "brutish and ignorant" (22). Help me influence my generation with this truth about real life, even if I suffer for it (12-14). Thank You for real life: for holding my hand securely (23), for being my refuge (28), for being the "rock of my heart" (26), for Your guidance, and for getting to be with You in heaven (24-26). Let me want nothing on earth more than You (25). Just let me be near You today, and forever (28).

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Sunday, October 7, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's time being conformed more and more into the image of Jesus is in Psalm 66.
Father,
Work so powerfully in me that "all the earth" shouts joyfully to You (1-2). Do in me what I could never do on my own (5), purify me, even if it means tests and opposition on the way to holiness (10-12). Make my life a fragrant offering to You (13-15). Use my mouth to tell Your people about Your amazing works (16-17). Thank You for hearing my prayers (20).

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Friday, October 5, 2012

Daily Truth

Today's life-altering Daily Truth is in Psalm 63. 
Lord,
I thirst for You (1). Show me Your power and greatness (2). Death is preferable to not having Your love (3). You satisfy me like the best food (5). Help me trust in Your help (7). I will follow close to You (8). Don't let me stray. 
Amen

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