Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Psalm 1

The way of the Righteous and the Wicked

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. 

Dear God, 

What would You have me learn from this passage? That the wicked will perish. God, as I reflect upon the promises You have made to those that are the least of these and I see Your heart for them reflected in passage after passage throughout the Scriptures, and as I reflect upon what the republicans are trying to do that would harm the least of these, I do see the wicked nature of the republicans and Trump. And it scares me. I pray again for Your divine intervention on behalf of the least of these. And I humbly bow to You, God, asking that You do have Your way with the wicked people in the Republican Party who attempt to harm the least of these. Deal with their hearts and their souls. Deal with their minds. The wicked are like the chaff that blows on the wind. God, keep my heart soft so it can hear Your voice. 

Thank You. 

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen


Tuesday, May 30, 2017

I Live in You

"To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." - Colossians 1:27

Other translation: God decided elect his people know this rich and glorious truth which he has for all people. This truth is Christ himself, who is in you. He is our only hope for glory. - Colossians 1:27

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." - Ephesians 3:14-19

Other translation focal verses: I ask the Father in his great glory to give you the power to be strong in spirit. He will give you that strength through his Spirit. I pray that Christ will live on your hearts because of your faith. I pray that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. - Ephesians 3:16-17

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." - John 1:5

"But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day." - Proverbs 4:18

Dear God,

You will live in my heart because of my faith. The more I trust You, the more Your Spirit will bless me and the more You will live through me. You are my only hope for glory. You are the only way to heaven. You are the light that shines in the darkness. As I follow You along the path of my life, the light will grow brighter and brighter. Thank You God for lighting my path and shining Your light through me. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Monday, May 29, 2017

Either Way, You Win!

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - I Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." - Psalm 143:8

Dear God, 

Even though it is Sunday, the problems related to the proposed budget of hate for the disabled, the elderly, and the veterans are still present as is the problem with regard to healthcare for the least of these. God, You say that You will take care of the least of these and that You want others to help take care of them. Yet everything the republicans are proposing is dangerous and harmful to the least of these. So God, knowing what the Scriptures say about Your heart for the least of these, I ask You to take these worries of mine and I ask that You intervene on behalf of the least of these every single day. And I may ask every day, but I know that You care and I know that You hear me. Or at least I hope that You hear me. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen


Sunday, May 28, 2017

My Word Is Alive

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." - Hebrews 13:8

"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." - Romans 8:29

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." - Psalm 119:105

Dear God, 

Your word is alive. Your word is working. Your words can touch my heart and change my life. Reading Your words helps me to become more like You. Your word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen


Saturday, May 27, 2017

Waiting for Sleep

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning." - Psalm 130:5-6

"As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness." - Psalm 17:15

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21

"The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory." - Isaiah 60:19

Dear God,

Waiting for rest. Rest that never seems to come. Rest that seems impossible to get when your country is in an active battle between good and evil. Rest that seems impossible to get when republicans are attacking the least of these at every turn. God, give me rest. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen


Friday, May 26, 2017

At the End of the Day

And he said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." - Exodus 33:14

"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

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:31-32

Dear God, 

Today I give You my worries over healthcare and budget issues that the republican monsters are using to try to harm the least of these. I give You my worries and thank You for the work that You will continue to do to protect the least of these. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen


Thursday, May 25, 2017

Live Bravely!

"Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!" - Psalm 31:24

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. - Romans 8:15-17

"To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." - I Timothy 1:17

Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. - Hebrews 3:5-6

Dear God,

Your Spirit lives in me. I have everything I need to be strong and brave if I only just put my hope in You. Living bravely means doing the right thing even if no one else is. Living bravely is sticking up for those who cannot stick up for themselves. Living bravely is helping and serving others. Living bravely is telling the world about You even if I get made fun of. When I live bravely, you make me even stronger and even more courageous. God, in this politically charged environment in America where the republicans are constantly attacking the least of these on matters of safety nets and healthcare, help to unabashedly stand up for the least of these! 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

The Battle for Self-Control

"But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a hel,et the hope of salvation." - I Thessalonians 5:8

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

"Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace." - Ephesians 6:14-15

"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." - I Corinthians 13:13

Dear God, 

Help me to always exercise self-control. Or help me to at least grow into more self-control. Help me in this battle that the Trump administration has created. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen


Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Stop, Look, and Listen

"Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!" - Psalm 105:3

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." - John 10:27-28

And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." - Mark 9:7

"In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which I is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." - Ephesians 6:16-20

Other translation focal verse: Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must aalways be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all God's people. - Ephesians 6:18

Dear God, 

I am stopping right now to talk to You. I am looking for the ways You have already impacted my life for the good. And I am listening for what You want me to do next. God, please intervene on behalf of the least of these in our country. The republicans have unleashed hate and injustice in both the budget and  with regard to healthcare. And they seem to be destructive! So all I can ask is that You intervene. I know that Your words hold what Your heart reflects toward the most vulnerable of people. I know You won't let them suffer at the hands of monsters. I feel so powerless right now and it's scary. So I lay these things at Your feet. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen


Monday, May 22, 2017

Close as a Whisper

"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." - Psalm 145:18

"No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you." - Joshua 1:5

And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind was an earthquake, but the Lord was not int he earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.- I Kings 19:11-12

Dear God,

You say You hear me even in a whisper. Today I ask that You intervene again on behalf of the least of these who the republicans are trying to harm through the budget proposals in addition to the healthcare situation in this country. Please intervene so that no one suffers. I don't understand why the republicans have become so hateful and antiChristian, but there must be something that You can do, God, because You are Almighty. So God, I lay it in Your hands today. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen


Sunday, May 21, 2017

Leave Room for Mystery

"Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nation's, believed on in the world, taken up in glory." - I Timothy 3:16

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.- Job 1:20-22

"'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know." - Job 42:3

Dear God, 

Sometimes I wish I could understand You more so I can trust You even more when we have things that are happening now happen because I cannot fathom why You would unleash the devil on this nation and allow the republicans to turn into the most anti-Christian wicked beings on earth that I have ever seen. When I first started voting, republicans WERE following Jesus. They were all about helping the least of these and had no problems doing so. But when Mr. Obama got elected, they turned into a faction of evil and hate so strong that I had to get out of it. And now they are attacking the least of these left and right threatening to cut the very programs that were established to help them simply because they hated Mr. Obama, an attitude in itself that is completely against everything Jesus taught. Many of them threaten me saying that I cannot be a Christian and not support Trump. I turn and tell them that they cannot be a Christian AND support Trump because Trump has done NOTHING to further the works of Jesus or to reflect Jesus. God, strengthen me because I will need strength. Comfort me because I will need comfort. This is a very long hell on earth we are facing unless You divinely intervene sooner than later. Move in mysterious ways, but always please make sure to protect the least of these, whether it be the safety nets or healthcare. Because God, the one thing that is NOT a mystery is Your heart for the least of these. That Jesus made clear. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen

Saturday, May 20, 2017

One Step at a Time

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."- Matthew 11:28

"For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." - Romans 8:24-25

"The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen." - II Timothy 4:18

"Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face, who exult in your name all the day and in your righteousness are exalted." - Psalm 89:15-16

Dear God, 

I have been feeling like I am going to poop completely out. Lost, hopeless, confused. Help me through these feelings. Help me to be content taking one step at a time. God, You are with me and for me, so please make sure that I still have what I need in terms of resources and healthcare. The republican monsters are just that monsters. They are trying to harm the least of these. That is not Your desire. So please intervene. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Friday, May 19, 2017

The Greatest Catcher

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." - I Peter 5:6-7

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!" - Psalm 139:23

"The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore." - Psalm 121:6-8

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation." - Psalm 68:19

Dear God, 

I am at a point right now where I feel emotionally depleted. The battles I have been having to fight for my healthcare that I need, for autism services that I need (we lost that battle in Alabama), and for any kind of supportive services I need seems to be throwing me off the cliff. I feel like I have nothing else to live for. I feel defeated. Help me.

Thank you.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen


Thursday, May 18, 2017

All Day Long

"Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long." - Psalm 25:5

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." - James 1:2-3

"I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure." - Psalm 16:8-9

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." - Psalm 16:11

Dear God, 

Help me to keep You in my mind all day long. I need You all day long. You are with me all day long.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen


Wednesday, May 17, 2017

A Wide-Open Space

He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.- II Samuel 22:20

"You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory." - Psalm 73:24

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

Dear God, 

I need a safe place. A place without crowdedness. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen


Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Choosing What to Do

"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" - Psalm 105:4

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." - Psalm 119:103-105

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10

Dear God,

Help me to focus on what matters to You and help me to grow as I spend time with You. God, also I bring the healthcare issue for the least of these in this country to You again. I have basically had people tell me to die because I am disabled and cannot work. It is appalling the lack of humanity in this country. Please intervene.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen


Monday, May 15, 2017

Small Troubles?

"For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." - II Corinthians 4:17-18

"Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure." - II Corinthians 11:24-27

Dear God, 

What lessons are You trying to teach me through the suffering of our nation under Trump and the republican monsters who threaten lives every day with their hatred of the least of these who need healthcare? I am not sure I can call that a small trouble. Even though the eternal glory and Your love is still greater, I just don't feel I can call these troubles small. Please intervene on behalf of the least of these. That's all I ask.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Who You Are

So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me ar thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." - John 10:7-10

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. - Romans 8:16-17

"Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever." - Psalm 48:12-14

Dear God, 

I do feel small and unimportant right now. I feel like in my advocacy for healthcare for the least of these that I am not being listened to by those who supposed to help us in this country and it hurts. You came to give me life in all its fullness. God, I belong to You. I have been adopted into Your family. I am Yours. Please guide me.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen


Saturday, May 13, 2017

Words of Hope

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to you, "Your face, Lord, I do seek." - Psalm 27:7-8

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." - I Corinthians 10:13

Dear God, 

My life really does feel out of control. Help me God. Help me to lose hold on You. Help me to trust You more.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen


Friday, May 12, 2017

Part of My Family

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Bleoved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things to him, things in heaven and on earth." - Ephesians 1:3-10

Focal verses other translation: In Christ, he chose us before the world was made. In his live he chose us to be his holy people—people without blame before him. - Ephesians 1:4

In Christ we are set free by the blood of his death. And so we have forgiveness of sins because of God's rich grace. - Ephesians 1:7

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, form whom every family in he and and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." - Ephesians 3:14-19

Focal verses other translation: I pray that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. I pray that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. And I pray that you and all God's holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ's love. I pray that you can understand how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is. Christ's love is greater than any person can ever know. But I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with the fullness of God. - Ephesians 3:17-19

Dear God, 

I am holy and without blame before You. Your love is greater than I could ever know. Today I lay at Your feet the ongoing crisis regarding healthcare for the least of these in America. I ask You to show Yourself in a huge way and intervene.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen

Thursday, May 11, 2017

The Courage to Hope

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6

"For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come." - Ephesians 1:15-21

Other translation focal verses: I pray that you will have greater understanding in your heart. Then you will know the hope that God has chosen to give us. I pray that you will know that the blessings God has promised his holy people are rich and glorious. And you will know that God's power is very great for us who believe. - Ephesians 1:18-19

"His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love." - Psalm 147:10-11

Dear God,

Help me to have the courage to hope.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Pray Big!

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21

Other translation focal verse: With God's power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. - Ephesians 3:20

"The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting." - Psalm 93:1-2

"O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch." - Psalm 5:3

Dear God,

You can do much, much more than anything I could ever ask or think of. You are always working in my life even when I don't see anything happening. I am laying at Your feet the whole thing with regard to healthcare for the least of these. As I go into surgery this morning, I am laying that at Your feet as well.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

The All-Powerful God

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." - Revelation 1:8

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." - Psalm 91:1-2

"Sing for joy, O heaven, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! for the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted." - Isaiah 49:13

Dear God,

This planet is a big mess! The republican monsters proved that through and through with their actions that would harm the least of these with regard to healthcare last week. The news does make me worried. You are the one who is and was and is coming. You are the creator of time and know everything about the beginning and the end of the story. You are all powerful. You know what will happen and are in control. I do feel helpless right now. You love me. You comfort Your people. You are mighty and loving. God, show Yourself in a huge way to intervene on behalf of the least of these with regard to healthcare. It goes to the senate next and Trump weasel liar is trying to push it through to them. He has deceived them dearly.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Monday, May 8, 2017

When You Feel Weak

"He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." - Isaiah 40:29-31

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." - Numbers 6:24-26

"Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love!" - Psalm 31:16

Dear God, 

I am weak and tired. I am broken and hurt. I am ashamed. And no, that is not necessarily a bad thing, it just means I need You more. I am struggling. Help me.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen


Sunday, May 7, 2017

Much More than a Hero!

"But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me." - Micah 7:7

"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning a too deep for words." - Romans 8:26

"Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save." - Isaiah 46:3-4

Dear God, 

You are more powerful than any human hero! God, do You really hear all of my prayers? Because I feel like You betrayed me and the least of these this past week by the fact that those stupid republican monsters passed a stupid bill that they did not actually read which would remove healthcare from the least of these. That is NOT love. I don't know what it is, but it is not love. Are You really always working in my life when Younallow something like that to happen knowing that I would be hurt by it? You say You will take care of me, but how is taking away my healthcare taking care of me? I am in much turmoil and doubt right now.

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen


Saturday, May 6, 2017

The Comfort of My Love

"Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant." - Psalm 119:76

"The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." - Zephaniah 3:17

Thus says the Lord: "The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you." - Jeremiah 31:2-3

Dear God, 

I can depend on the things that comfort me. You love is supposed to be better than that. Your love is not supposed to fail or end or change. I am supposed to be able to rely on Your love. You are supposed to be with me all the time. You're supposed to comfort me with Your love. God, where are You?

Feeling so lost.

Thank You anyway.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen


Friday, May 5, 2017

With a Thankful Heart

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!" - Psalm 100:4-5

"Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of men! And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!" - Psalm 107:21-22

"So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you." - John 16:22

Dear God, 

I am struggling to see You right now what with this monstrosity the republican monsters unleashed against the least of these with regard to healthcare. How can I sing a song of thanksgiving when I don't even know anymore whether I will live to see another birthday? God, the senate is saying they won't take it up. That they have something else in the works. But I feel lost and hopeless right now. I saw glimpses in my new friend and in my kitten. But that was the extent of it. My heart aches. God, I can't. I feel let down by You today. I thought You cared. I have no words.

Thank You anyway.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen


Thursday, May 4, 2017

While You Wait

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God." - Romans 5:1-2

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." - Romans 8:18

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

Dear God, 

I can be happy because of the hope I have of sharing in Your glory. God, hope. Hope. You said that You would care for the least of these. You said those who hurt the least of these will be separated at the time of judgment. God, there is always going to be suffering while we live in a fallen and broken world. There will always be people in need. But here we are in 2017 battling for what the least of these need again. The republicans have shown their wickedness in their monstrosity of what they call a "healthcare" bill and have chosen to go against ALL soundness and educated opinions about the dangers of it. They are on the attack with regard to the least of these and they do not seem to care who they hurt in the process. God, You say You work things together for the good of those who love You. God, I know Your heart based only upon I read about Your heart in the Bible, through the words of Jesus, and I know that what the republicans are trying to do, what they are trying to vote on today is not in line with You or Your teachings. God, we need You to intervene in a HUGE way today. Protect the least of these from the harm that the republicans are trying to inflict on them. God, I am trying so hard to trust You right now but I am faltering. Healthcare became personal for me the minute I realized my medical fragility was great. I used to be younger and thought I was invincible until things struck me. And I came to appreciate and desire the right kind of care for everyone. What we have - insurance - is not working for us, but what the republicans are proposing is just downright dangerous and hateful. So, God, today I ask that Your will be done on earth as it will be done in Heaven, and I ask that You intervene on behalf of the least of these and protect them from all harm that would be inflicted upon them by the republican monsters. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen


Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Because of Me

"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." - Colossians 1:16-17

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." - Psalm 32:8

"Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." - Psalm 143:8

Dear God, 

All things were made through Your power. You are creator and savior. Every breath is a gift from You. All things continue because of You. I lay at Your feet the needs of the least of these who need healthcare in our country. These monsters in the republican faction seem bent on screwing things up for the least of these. I ask for Your intervention. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen


Monday, May 1, 2017

A Hiding Place

"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him." - Nahum 1:7 

"This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." - I John 1:5

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." - Psalm 56:3

"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 28:19-20

Dear God, 

You are a refuge in times of need. You are good. You will protect me. You are light. You will always be with me. God, as the republican monsters go after healthcare AGAIN, please step in and intervene on behalf of the least of these who need their healthcare to remain intact. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen


Be Still and Know

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nation's, I will be exalted in the earth!" - Psalm 46:10

"As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight." - Psalm 16:3

"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." - Isaiah 61:10

"You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided the, by your strength to your holy abode." - Exodus 15:13

Dear God, 

I am trying so hard to remember that You are God and that You are loving and kind while also yet powerful and in control. But it can be SO difficult sometimes. Please help me to remember You even in times of chaos. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen