A Moral Nation - Proverbs 28

S - Proverbs 28:2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.
But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.
O - When a nation looses its morals, the nation crumbles easily. However, if you have wise leaders who understand this limitation, they can turn the nation around and bring stability.
A - Our nation is facing a very interesting time where morals are becoming very low and it seems like almost anything goes. We need leaders who can stand up and show the nation the folly in this and lead the nation in a way that brings stability. I show I be one of those leaders?
P - Heavenly Father, I thank you this morning for the nation that I and my family lives in. I thank you that you have always been a part of this nation and that you have blessed us. Forgive me and all of us in the nation for not focusing on you all of the time and for thinking we could do things better than you could. I pray that our leaders are full of wisdom and lead this nation in a morally and ethically sound way. Use me in your plans to be a leader as well, even if it is just with my family, or with a few families, or even larger. Speak your truth and your will to me. I love you! Bless my family and me today.

Seek Wisdom - Proverbs 26

S - Proverbs 26:12 There is more hope for fools
than for people who think they are wise.
O - Some people are just foolish and there are others that think they are wiser than they really are. This verse is saying that being a fool has more hope than the other. This is because once a fool discovers that he is a fool, he may change. However, the person that thinks he is wise will never listen to anyone else to discover that they are not as wise as he thinks and therefore will never change.
A - I need to submit my ego and listen to others that God has put around me. By doing this I will not be foolish in thinking I am wise and in essence miss out on a lot of wisdom that I don't already have. Admitting that I don't know something is difficult, but not admitting I don't know something can be evenmore dangerous as I make decisions and live life in a way that is foolish. I will also look to God daily for His wisdom and I know that He can even give a more perfect answer than any wise man on earth can give me because He knows all.
P - God, I praise you and thank you for all that you have done for my family and me. I praise and thank you for your goodness and for your Son that you sent and sacrificed for us. I ask you today for wisdom. I want to do and say and act in a way that is wise and uplifts people and turns their eyes to you. I'm sorry for all the times that I have been foolish in not listening to you or to those that you have put in my life. Bless and heal my family and me today.

Don't Be Lukewarm - Revelation 3

S - Revelation 3:15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!
O - God was saying that the church in Laodicea was just lukewarm. Not being completely filled with love and respect for God but also not denying that He is their savior. Because of this He wants to spit them out.
A - Am I lukewarm? Am I really showing that I have surrendered my life to God? Am I letting God drive my life? The answers to these questions seem to vary depending on the day that I ask them. Therefore, by definition, I am at least sometimes lukewarm. I, today, give complete and utter control of my life over to God and look to Him for guidence. I will devote myself to honoring, serving, and praising Him because He deserves every ounce I can give Him.
P - God, you are the creator and provider of everything. And today I come before you and thank you for everything that you have done in my life and that you will continue to do in my life. I am sorry for not always letting you in my life or giving you control. Please take the wheel and guide me and protect me through this life. Give me strength and courage to do what you have called me to do and the wisdom to fulfill this calling. I ask for blessings and health over my famiily and me today.

God's Wisdom - Revelation 2

S - Revelation 2:23 ...Then all the churches will know that I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person.
O - God not only knows what everyone is doing but also what everyone is thinking and intending to do.
A - God has a level of understanding and insight that no one else in the entire world can have because he knows the thoughts and intentions of everyone. Because of this, I NEED to ask and desire His guidence in my everyday living and especially in my many decisions that I need to make. God will help me through challenges even better than I could ever think of myself because He know what is going on around me.
P - God, I pray to you today that you would guide me and protect me throughout my day today and everyday. I pray for your wisdom and guidence in our adoption journey and ask that I see even just a hint of that wisdom in this area so that I may be able to see where and what needs to happen. I ask that you guide that hands and hearts of those involved with this situation towards your plan and purpose. I surrender my feelings of helplessness and questioning and I cast these cares to you today. Thank you for taking these and for your help throughout all my days. I pray that you would bless my family and me today and keep us healthy and pure.

God is With Me - Matthew 28

S - Matthew 28:20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
O - This is Jesus' promise to the disciples and to me that He will be with us always, even to the end of time.
A - What a very exciting and comforting message this is to me. Even when I feel all alone or that God isn't guiding my path, I know that He is there with me. It is up to me to look to Him and seek His guidence as He is a perfect gentleman and will not force things on me. Once I seek Him and ask for His perfect wisdom, He will give it to me as He cares for me.
P - God, Everything about you is perfect. I thank you for your everlasting presence in my life and your willingness to stand by me even when others may not. I pray that you will give me wisdom and strength today to do what you have called me to do and to be the man and husband that my family needs me to be. I love you Lord and I am forever grateful for all that you have done and continue to do in my life. I pray that you continue to bless and heal my family and me today.

Stand Firm For Him - Matthew 24

S - Matthew 24:9 “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.[b] 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other."
O - Jesus is telling about the end of the world and what will take place. In these passages he is talking about the pain and affliction Christians will endure in those last days; persecution, death, and hatred, just to name a few. Because of this many will fall away to save themselves and betray and hate their fellow Christians.
A - We are seeing some of that today with the media portraying Christians as intollerent and bigots. Because of that people are starting to shy away from saying the truth, in love, and lowering standards or even worse, questioning their own beliefs. I need to be ever aware of this slippery slope of lowering standards, God's standards, and questioning who I am or even who God is. I can boldly stand on Him and for Him but do so in a way that doesn't show that I hate others or am better than others. Some may be attracted to this and want what I have but others will continue to shun me and God, but that doesn't mean that I need or can bring everyone to God. Keep standing for Him and sharing Him with others.
P - God, I stay before you today asking and pleeding for your forgiveness. I pray that you will forgive me for the times that I haven't been bold for you or questioned you. You are the creator and my protector and I ask for your forgiveness. Help me to be bold for you and to live a life that pleases you even if it means that I may not "succeed" here on this earth. My pursuit of success in this life should not and will not run over the truth of you or change my values. I pray that my life is a living testimony to you for my family and for others to see and to also follow you. I pray for your protection, healing, and blessing today on my family and me.

Be a Humble Leader - Matthew 23

S - Matthew 23:11 The greatest among you must be a servant. 12 But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
O - Jesus is talking about the hypocricy of the Pharisees and how they love to be at the head of the table and receive the respectful greetings in the marketplace. He is warning to stay clear of this type of activity and to be humble. In the end, those that are humble will be exalted.
A - I am situationally placed in my home, in my business, and at work in a place of leadership. I need to be always aware of these verses and be a servant and humble instead of lording over others and exalting myself. God wants me to be a servant leader; one who does what he teaches and leads not for my own gain. In doing this, not only will I be exalted in the long run but more importantly, God will be glorified as I give Him all the glory and honor for what He has done through me.
P - God, I pray that you be with me today and that you guide me. Help me to be a man full of humility and always willing to serve. Use me for your glory and help me to pass along these values to my children. I pray healing over my house today and I pray that you protect us all. Have your way in my life, Lord!

Stand Firm In My Faith - Mathew 22

S - Matthew 22:46 No one could answer him. And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.
O - In trying to trap Jesus and catch Him saying something that would be allow them to arrest Him, Jesus would just turn the table on them and ask them a questions in return. These questions were very puzzling to the people and they didn't know how to answer them. Because of this, they gave up trying to trap Him and asked Him no more questions.
A - There are people that try to trap me as well. These people want to prove that what I believe is not true and that logic may prove otherwise. First, I need to be learned in the topics and second I need to stand my ground and be confident in my faith. Nothing shows more confidence that asking a challenging question back to the person that is trying to prove me wrong. I believe without a shadow of a doubt that Jesus is the Son of God and that the Bible is the inspired word of God and NO ONE can shake me of this.
P - God, I pray to you this morning that your healing power comes down on my family today. I thank you that your healing power restores my children immediately and that Christa and I continue to be free from any sickness and disease. I ask that you be with us all today as we near the adoption that you have called us to. Give me wisdom to lead my family into this challenge and give me the faith to trust you everyday of my life. I praise you Heavenly Father! You are amazing! Bless my family and me today.

Serve Others - Matthew 20

S - Matthew 20:26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.
O - Jesus is talking with the disciples about who will be chosen to sit in the place of honor in heaven. He basically said that if you want that seat you need to be a slave, not even just a servant.
A - Serving others is not only important but it is essential. A slave is someone who is legally bound to another person. Being a slave means giving up every personal right and luxury to assist and aid another person. This is the way that we are to live this life. To live a life full of personal sacrifice and serving others just as Jesus did. I am going to look for opportunities to do just this throughout this day.
P - God, I pray that you give me opportunities today to serve and bless others. Help me to keep my eyes focused on you and others around me instead of just on myself and my family. I pray that you bring healing into our house and that you protect us and keep us safe. Be with me and my family and guide us and lead us. Use my thoughts, words, and actions today to be a blessing to others and to show others your good love.

Be All In For Jesus - Matthew 16

S - Matthew 16:25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
O - Jesus is talking here to his disciples about the coming circumstances of his death and resurrection. The disciples would have a choice of following him or not and Jesus tells them that in order to save their life they will need to give it up and follow him. Without doing that they would in turn loose their life and their soul.
A - I can't be half in and half out in serving and living my life for Jesus. I need to be radical in the way I live my life for Him and serve Him. If I go off living my life for myself and trying to succeed on my own, I will end up losing my soul. I need to be an "All In" type of Christian and live in a way that others can see this from afar. I also need to be an "All In" person when it comes to fulfilling the call that He has given me. No more playing with this vision; but time to get after it and stay after it until I complete it.
P - God, I come to you today to ask for forgiveness in how I have lived my life and made you second best or a second thought at times. I am all in for you and want to live a life that is pleasing to you and that will attract others to you. Help me to communicate this to my wife and children as well so that they too can live a life pleasing to you and influence those around them. I pray that you will be with me today and bless my thoughts, words, and actions. Protect, heal, and bless my family and me.

Earnestly Seek God and Expect an Answer - Daniel 2

S - Daniel 2:18 He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon.
O - The King had a dream and wanted the wise men to first tell him the dream and then interpret it for him so he was sure that they weren't lying to him. They obviously couldn't do this so he ordered them all killed. When the men were coming to kill Daniel and his friends, he asked for a little time to be told the dream and interpret it. This verse is Daniel talking to his three friends to ask God to show his mercy by telling them the dream.
A - If I was in this situation, I too probably would have prayed to God and asked for his revelation. However, Daniel, based on what has been described of him here and later on, fully, 100% expected God to not only answer his but to give him this wisdom and interpret the dream. Do I truly ALWAYS expect God to give me this level of wisdom and understanding? Do I truly expect Him to answer my prayer and to guide me when making a very tough decision? I think that this is the difference between Daniel and my prayers. I need to fully expect God to answer my prayers and spend a lot of time with him, as we see later on that Daniel prayed three times a day, stopping everything he was doing, in order to be with God.
P - God, I come to you today and ask for your forgiveness. I am sorry for not spending more time with you and expecting you to help me all of the time. I put my trust in you and know that you will be with me always and guide me and protect me. I thank you for that and pray that you help me to explain this same truth to my family and help them have this same reassurance. I pray that you be with me today and bless my thoughts, words, and actions.

When Bad Things Happen - Daniel 1

S - Daniel 1 :2 The Lord gave him victory over King Jehoiakim of Judah and permitted him to take some of the sacred objects from the Temple of God.
O - This verse says the God permitted the Babylonians to win over Judah and the people of God and take some of the sacred objects from the temple.
A - I truly believe the we will be blessed and protected by God. And the question is "Why did God permit this bad thing from happening to Judah?" I don't know the answer but it is probably a combination of two things that I need to be aware of in my life. One, the people of Judah were not always, or may times not, keeping God as their true God. They would wander away from Him and look to idols to be their God. 2 Kings 24:3-4 says "3 Surely these things happened to Judah according to the Lord’s command, in order to remove them from his presence because of the sins of Manasseh and all he had done, 4 including the shedding of innocent blood. For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the Lord was not willing to forgive." Second, God was going to use this bad thing to further His kingdom and His plan. Fast forward to the three Judeans that wouldn't bow down to the statue and were thrown into a firey furnace. Because they were in captivity they were forced to bow down and once they didn't and survived the furnace, the king of Babylon insisted that everyone acknowledge God to be the true God.
P - God, I pray that you be with me and my family today. I ask that you protect and guard us from any evil that is coming against us. You are the true and magnificent God and the only one that is worthy of praise and I want to live a life that is pure and holy and fulling your purpose. I pray that when things may not go the way that I picture or imagine they should that you would help me to understand your plan so that I can accept this and move according to what you desire. I pray for health and protection and blessing today over my family and me.

Treat My Enemies Well - Proverbs 25

S - Proverbs 25:21 If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.
If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.
22 You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads,
and the Lord will reward you.
O - Continuing on from yesterday, there are evildoers that don't want me to succeed or to hurt me. However, this passage says that I am to give them food to eat and something to drink as this will bring the Lord's reward to me.
A - When dealing with people that are out to hurt me or cause me shame, I am to treat them not only well, but to give them the basic necessities that they need to live. In doing this two things will happen. First, they will be brought to a place of embarrassment and shame as they have been treating me unfairly and see that I am able to treat them well and serve them. And second, God will reward me for doing this. His reward is more valuable to me than anything else because if God is for me, who can be against me?
P - God, I ask for your forgiveness today for the way that I have talked about people that are bringing pain into my life and how I may even treat them. I pray that you give me patience in dealing with these individuals and that I not only treat them well but I serve them. Help me to have a heart that can forgive them and not look for anything back in return from them but to instead just focus on your reward that you have promised. I praise you today for being the ultimate example of this in your son Jesus as He treated those that not only didn't like him, but that wanted to kill Him, with love always. I pray a blessing and health upon my family and me today.

Don't Fret Evildoers - Proverbs 24

S - Proverbs 24:19 Don’t fret because of evildoers;
don’t envy the wicked.
20 For evil people have no future;
the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
O - There are evil people in the world and we shouldn't fret because of them. In the long-run, they will be snuffed out.
A - It seems that our world and country is going on a path of unrighteousness and evil. I have a choice to worry about these evil-doers or to give it to God. In these verses it gives me hope that I don't need to, and even shouldn't, worry and fret of these people as they have no future and will be snuffed out. My job is to continue doing what is right and to love these people anyway. God will take care of the rest.
P - God, I thank you for your continued presence and promise that you will be with us and protect us from the evil that is happening around us. Help me to be the salt and the light that the world, my wife, my children, and my families need me to be to give them hope and to point them to you as you are the hope in my life. Bless my thoughts, words, and actions today and help me to touch lives today for your glory. Keep my family and me safe today and give us continued health.

Raising Godly Children - Proverb 23

S - Proverbs 23:24 The father of godly children has cause for joy.
What a pleasure to have children who are wise.
O - Fathers who have Godly children are filled with joy.
A - One of the things that I was called to be was a father; a good, Godly father. My call is and continues to be to raise up my children in a way that not only prepares them for this world and to be the men and women of God that there were called to be but also to teach them about God and to pass along that love for Him that I have. I need to remember this daily as I often spend more time on how to live in this world than how to live in the spiritual world. By taking this time with each of my children that God has blessed me with in a way that makes sense for each of my children individually, this is when that teaching and training will be absorbed and learned. The desire of my heart is to have my children grow up with God leading their life as then I will know that they too are protected and will be blessed, even when trials and tribulations come into their lives. I want my children to want to be with Christa and I and not feel obligated to be with us, and when they are Godly men and women, they will also desire this time with us.
P - God I come to you to in thanksgiving and praise. I praise you and thank you for all that you have done in my life. I especially thank you for the children that you have blessed me with and for the future children that are not yet in my home. I pray that you give me wisdom and strength to daily train and teach them to be Godly children who are growing into Godly men and women. I pray that you would bless them today and everyday and help them to open their hearts to you and to desire you with all of their hearts. Guide me today and make our travels safe. Bless us and give us continued health.

Ungodly World That We Live In - 1 John 4

S - 1 John 4:5 Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them. 6 But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.
O - People of this world think like the world and do not listen to those of us that are filled with the Holy Spirirt.
A - If those people that are of this world will not listen to those of us that are filled with the Holy Spirit, how and why are we to go and make disciples? By speaking the truth and they won't listen, is there any benefit? It is very dissapointing to view our elections of this great country and to see the level of moral decay that is going on around us. I just feel as though there is little hope left in bringing our city, state, and country back to you and to the morals that would again make this country great.
P - God, I pray that you would speak into my life and those others that may be feeling the same way following the election and the show of moral decay that is happening in our country. I pray for those leaders to be touched and transformed into the Godly men and women that you have called them to be and to turn and lead in a direction that is consistent with your word. I also pray for your forgiveness of how I treated both my wife and my children yesterday. I need your help to be that husband and father that will love, cherish, protect, and provide 100% of the time for my wife and children. I love you Lord and just need your help and encouragement today and I thank you for that.

Christians Live a Righteous Life - 1 John 3

S - 1 John 3:7 Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. 8 But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.
O - When we see ourselves or others doing what is right, it shows that they are righteous and when people are continually sinning, it shows that they still belong to the devil.
A - "Am I truly saved?" is a question that many ask about themselves or about others. The answer is pretty simple from this verse. If you are doing what is right you are saved and if you are still sinning you are not. Getting in the business of judging others is pretty risky as we may do not know what is in the heart but it is pretty safe to say that if I run into someone that is outwardly sinning and not changing but saying they are Christians, they are indeed not saved. I want to shine a light in their lives in a non-judgemental way but to proclaim the goodness and mercy of God and help set them free with this truth. In the same way, I can also look at my children and help raise them as I see their outward, and since we are close, their heart and determine if they need additional help in finding or keeping God in their hearts.
P - God, I praise you and thank you this morning for being the one and only God and creator of all things and for the innumerable sacrifices that you have and continue to do for me and those that I love. I pray that you would bless us today and keep us safe in our journeys. Help us to live a healthy and long life and use us to reach many people for your kingdom and your glory.

Get My Priorities Straight - 1 John 2

S - 1 John 2:6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
O - The true test to see if myself or someone else is a Christian is to see if the person lives like Jesus did. The saying "What would Jesus Do" is probably more applicable than one might think.
A - Am I living as Jesus did? Most of the time I am living a life that is outwardly Christian and I know and say the right things. But what about my heart and what about my priorities in life? Do I spend mass amounts of time thinking about God and praying/talking to Him? Are my first thoughts about God and letting Him REALLY take the controls of my life? Am I making time for God throughout my day and looking for Him to guide me or am I talking to Him only when I need Him or for Him to bless the path that I chose? Clearly I need to refocus my life on Him and make my priorities straight. He should be the first priority in my life. I want to be near Him and know what He wants for my life. I want my life to be a blessing back to Him for all that He has done and for who He is.
P - God, I ask that you forgive me for the life that I have been living with only giving you a portion of my life and letting you drive from the back seat. I invite you to take complete control of my life and to steer me in the direction you want me to take. I want to think, talk, and act like you in all I do. Additionally, I ask that you help me to reprioritize my life outside of you. Help me to keep Christa and the children a close 2nd and 3rd priority and to have me and my desires be the last instead of the first. I want to be that man that you desire and the man that Christa desires and needs and the father that my chilren need and desire. I know that I can only do this with your help and I pray that you help me with that daily. Lord, I thank you for your Son Jesus Christ and I praise you and worship you this morning. I give you my life, my heart, and my soul.

Open My Eyes - 2 Kings 6

S - 2 Kings 6:17 Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!”
O - Elisha's servant was afraid as he saw the huge army of Arman surrounding them. Elisha, however, saw something different, an army of horses and chariots of fire there to protect them.
A - There are times in my life that I face obsticles and challenges that look overwhelming and I don't know what to do. God, however, has complete control of the situation as He said that He will not give us anything that we can't handle. Instead of living in fear, I should be asking Him to open my eyes to His will. There I may see that He has assembled an army to protect me or I may see that there is something coming soon to help, but I will always see that God is in complete control.
P - God, I lay my life down before you and worship you with everything that is in me. I pray that you would open my eyes to your plan and to show me what you have in store for me. Please bless my family and me today and everyday and use me for your plans and your kingdom. I pray that you protect me and my family and continue to give us all 100% functioning bodies and complete health. Bless my efforts today and guide me through everything that I may face.

God Works Miracles - 2 Kings 5

S - 2 Kings 5:11 But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.
O - Naaman wasdisappointed in what Elisha said and did when he came to him to be healed. He thought that he would be told to do some elaborate thing or that Elisha would do something more noteworthy than telling him to wash in the Jordan River seven times.
A - I too come to God and ask for a miracle. Eventhough sometimes these requests are not answered with the boon of God's voice or a very clear, definite sign, God is still talking and working miracles in my life. I need to stand back and just realize that ALL things work together for the good of those that love Him. That means that God is in control and He will bring about the events that I need to answer my prayers. These answers may not always be a "Yes" but instead a "Wait" or a "No" but He always answers prayers and answers them with knowing what is best for me.
P - Heavenly Father, I praise you this morning for everything that you have done and for all that you are. I thank you for a great weekend that helped me to recharge and rethink exactly what you have called me to do with my life. I ask for your help and for your guidence in fulfilling the call that you have placed on my life. I pray that you will guide and protect me and my family and help me to be that man, husband, and father that my family and those around me need so desperately.

God Can Be Glorified Through My Actions - 1 Kings 18

S - 1 Kings 18:36...“O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,[e] prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. 37 O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.”
O - Elijah had called all the people of Israel and all the prophets of Baal to the mountain and was going to prove who the living God really was. After the Baal prophets failed miserably, Elijah prepared his alter and prayed this prayer. The prayer wasn't to glorify himself or what he went through, but instead to prove that God was real and that Elijah was speaking for Him.
A - Elijah was called to be a prophet of God and because of this he faced trials. I too have been called to something and I would be a fool to think there are going to be no trials in this calling. However, when I pray, I need to pray a different prayer than that God blesses me for my sake. Instead, like Elijah, I need to pray that I be blessed so that those around me and those that I work with know that God gave this and to bring people to His presence.
P - God, I worship you this morning and realize your awesome power and authority. I pray that you be with me and my family and that you bless our actions to give you honor and glory and to show others around us that you are the one and only God. I pray that you give me strength and courage to go through the struggles so that you may receive all the praise and honor. Bless my family and I and protect and heal us.

See God's Hand All Around Me - 1 Kings 17

S - 1 Kings 17:12 But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.”..15 So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. 16 There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah...24 Then the woman told Elijah, “Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the Lord truly speaks through you.”
O - Elijah was sent by God to a widow during the famine. Everyone was hurting, including this widow would was going to cook the last meal for herself and her son when Elijah came to her. Elijah said that there would be enough food for the three of them and that it wouldn't run out, and that is just what happened. Then the woman's son die and the Lord brought him back to live and only at that point did she say she knew for sure that Elijah was a man of God.
A - There are many times around me and others that miraculous things happen, things that can only be the hand of God. However, we may discredit them and explain them away. This very well may be the hand and voice of God protecting and providing for us. I need to remain aware and alert to these types of events in my life to be more thouroughly lead by Him. I feel many times that I am waiting for that "BONG" followed by God's voice to know for sure that was Him rather than just being still and listening to His still small voice and to perceive those events that are going on around me.
P - God, you are the author and perfecter of life and I praise you this morning. I pray that you help me be aware of the signs and wonders around me that you are giving to me in a way to protect and guide me. I ask that you help me to strengthen my faith and to really see things the way that you see things and to serve and love on people the way that your son, Jesus, loved and served people. Thank you for all of the blessings that you have showered on my life and for your continued blessings and healing on my family and me.

God's Timing is Perfect - 2 Peter 3

S - 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
O - Peter is talking about the end of the world and that God is not slow but has a perfect time for this. He is waiting for repentance.
A - I take this passage I step further. "The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise" means to mean that He is in control and that He does things in His time because He can see the bigger picture and how everything will play together. Wait on Him because His timing is perfect!
P - God, you are the creator and author of life and I know that you have a plan for our lives and that your timing is perfect. I pray that you guide me and my family through our lives in a way that brings you honor and praise. I pray that you also protect us and give us the strength and courage to follow you each and every day in every circumstance. I love you Lord.

Stand Against Sin - 2 Peter 2

S - 2 Peter 2:9 So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.
O - In this section of the chapter, Peter is talking about the sin that was all around Lot. However, Lot was saved from this sin. God had a way to protect Lot and to bring him out of this sin and live a Godly life.
A - This same kind of sin and every other sin is around me and my family daily. I need to first of all identify these sins and not become numb to them and start to downplay them and think that maybe they are not as bad as I once thought. Secondly, I need to take a stand against these sins. At times this may just be an internal stand while other times it might be something that I need to say outloud to my children or wife or even those just around me. My first job is to protect my wife and children from evil and without taking a stand, my lack of stand may show my family that this evil maybe isn't so bad. Thirdly, I need to constantly be looking to and praying to God for His protection and guidence through life. He will protect and if it gets really bad, He will rescue us from these trials and sins.
P - God, You are the author and protecter of life. I pray that you will continue to watch over my family and me and to protect us from these sins that are all around us and that you will give me the courage to stand up against these sins and lead my family. You are the reason that I am where I am today and I want to honor you and praise you with my life and the life of my family. I pray for protection and healing over all of us.

Love My Wife - 1 Peter 3

S - 1 Peter 3:7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
O - Peter is talking through the marriage relationship and how the wife and husband should be treating each other and living together. The husband is first to honor and love his wife. Second, he is to treat her with understanding. And third, he is to lead her. By doing these things Peter says that my prayers will not be hindered.
A - I need to live by this and honor and love my wife daily. I need to strive to understand her and give her the depth that she needs and desires in our relationship. I need to be bold in leading her and my children. Not be a tyrant, but a servant leader that is passionate about God and willing to listen to God's direction and humble myself to Him. I don't understand why doing these things will make my prayers be more affective to God. Maybe because marriage was originally instituted by God and He hates divorce so much that he rewards those people that give the relationship everything it needs to not only survive, but to thrive.
P - God, I praise you and thank you for the wonderful wife that you have blessed me with. I truly count myself as blessed! Thank you for blessing our marriage daily and protecting us. I pray that you continue to work on my heart and guide me to love, honor, understand, and lead her in a way that gives you honor and joy. I pray that you bless my family and me today and I thank you for always being there for me in anything and everything that I go through.

Fulfill My Calling - 1 Peter 1

S - 1 Peter 1:17 And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as “foreigners in the land.”
O - God has no favorites; He will judge based on what a person does. The playing field is completely level.
A - God is no respecter of people. He has given me talents and abilities and to squander them, like I sometimes do, is to choose to not be rewarded. On the flip side, by doing what I'm supposed to do, I will be blessed as much as any other person that does the same thing. God is truly good! I want to live a life worthy of hearing "Well done thou good and faithful servant." I want to live a life that gives God glory and honor each and every day.
P - Heavenly Father, I praise you this morning for everything that you have done for me. I come today before you ashamed of what I haven't done and for the calling that I have left unfulfilled. I ask for your forgiveness and I ask for your strength and courage to start fresh today to go and do what I need to do today and everyday. I know that without your blessing, help, and guidence my actions are in vain. I ask of your to take control of my life and direct me; I will follow your prompting and your calling. Thank you for your mercy and grace for my family and me and I pray that you will continue to bless and protect us.

Do the Work Necessary - Proverbs 20

S - Proverbs 20:4 Those too lazy to plow in the right season
will have no food at the harvest.
O - There is a very simple, yet sometimes challenging, law that says there is a time for everything and doing work for a season is required to live and succeed in life.
A - God has placed a calling on my life and it involves doing some work. Although this work isn't necessarily hard, physical work, it is none the less difficult work mentally. I need to treat this work as if it was planting crops in the springtime. Without planting the crops in spring, there is no harvest in the fall. I can also use this same logic in being a man, father, and husband. If there are jobs to do, relationships to strengthen, or just to give support to someone that I love these are the work that I am to do to become the man, father, and husband that God wants me to be.
P - God I come before you today humbled to be in your presence. I thank you for all that you have done in my life and in the life of my family. I pray that you be with me continually and to give me the strength and courage to do the work that is needed to fulfill your call in my life. I pray blessings, healing, and protection over my family and me today.

Build a Healthy Successful Home - Proverbs 17

S - Proverbs 17:1 Better a dry crust eaten in peace
than a house filled with feasting and conflict.
O - All the success and possessions in the world do no good if there are troubles and conflicts in the home.
A - Being the man, my first responsibility outside of loving and serving God with all of my heart, is to be accountable and lead my family. It starts with having a marriage that is truly amazing. The marriage should be one that both of us feel safe and comfortable sharing everything together, being committed to eachother forever. Having this type of marriage bring a level of peace and happiness in the home and in the lives of our children. Next, it is my responsibility to set the tone in the house. This means that I need to let everyone know what is acceptable and what isn't and to guide and train, especially our boys, to grow into an adult that will be full of love toward God, full of integrity and honest. If these two responsibilities are met, I think that the house and everyone in it will be full of peace and joy and have all the tools they need to live victorious lives. However, it doesn't stop there. This is not all I'm to do. God has also called me to make a difference in other people's lives as well and to be successful in all areas of life. It is not OK for me to be the best husband, father, and man but to stumble and not do what he has additionally called me to do.
P - God, I come to you today asking for your help and your guidence. I fall short at times of what you have called me to do with being that protecting and providing husband, father, and man and also that businessman. Give me your strength to carry on and to be consistent in all of these areas. Help me to show the same love that you showed and to be as persistent and consistent as you are. I love and worship you. I give you all the praise for everything that you have and will continue to do in my life. Bless my family and me today.

Ask God Where Change is Needed - Psalm 139

S - Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
O - The psalmist has just talked about how God is always with him and knows everything about him. Here he is asking God to search him and point out anything that offends Him and then lead him to everlasting life.
A - God is always with me as well and knows everything about me. Instead of me trying to live a life that I may be trying to cover up or excuse away certain things that are maybe questionable to God, I will be like the psalmist and fillet myself open before God and ask Him to search my life for areas that may offend Him. I want to live my life in a way that is pleasing to Him so by honestly asking Him what He thinks and listening to His response I can more easily do just that.
P - God, I praise you this morning! You are amazing and I stand before you knowing that I'm unworthy to be in your presence without your son, Jesus. I ask you today to highlight areas in my life that need adjustments and/or corrections. I want to live a life that pleases you and serves you. Guide me and my thoughts and actions so as to live a live that is free from sin and decay. Help me to be the man, husband, and father that those around me so desperately want, need, and desire. I pray health and blessing over my family and me today.

God's Wisdom - Psalm 119

S - Psalm 119:73 You made me; you created me.
Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
O - The psalmist was admitting that God made him and, because of this, God probably knew more than he did and he wanted the sense to follow His commands.
A - When I start to think that I know so much or don't need any help in life, I should be reminded of this verse. God created me. I have no idea how he could do this and I know without a shadow of doubt I couldn't do that. Because of this, I need to think of this and understand that I don't have all of the answers in life no matter how much I feel I should or feel I do. God's wisdom and understanding makes me look as though I'm stupid. The good thing about this is that when Jesus died for me, the Holy Spirit came to live inside of me. The Holy Spirit can and should rule in my life. The only thing that I need to do is to surrender to him and I will have this same understanding and wisdom.
P - God, I lay my life down before you today and lower myself to you. I know that you are the almighty God and worthy of praise and awe. I thank you for all that you have done for me and my family. I offer my life into your hands and I ask that you give me your wisdom and understanding throughout my life. Guide me today and everyday and give me wisdom as to how we should move forward to get this child that you have placed on our hearts. I pray for healing and blessings on my family and me today and everyday.

I'm a Child of God Because of Jesus - Hebrews 8

S - Hebrews 8:12 And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”
O - Because of Jesus and the sacrifice that He made for us, God no longer looks at me as a sinner. It says that He even goes past looking at me as a sinner but that He doesn't even remember my sins.
A - Jesus is the reason that I am a child of God; He and He alone! Nothing that I have done or will do has made me worthy of being His. As I do things wrong, I need to ask of His forgiveness, which He willingly gives me, but beyond that I need His help to get past these sins and get to the issue in the heart so as to not do these again. The motivation is not to become better so as to earn my way to Him, as this is not possible, but instead to reflect Him through my life to those around me and those that I meet.
P - God, I praise you this morning for the special gift that you give me through your son Jesus! I count it a real blessing to be called your child and I want to act like your child 100% of the time and to reflect you through my life. Help me and guide me through my days to not only do the right things but to have an outward focus and to look at others and see where I can impact them and their lives. Bless my family and me today and I pray for health in all of our bodies.

God Gives Mercy and Grace - Hebrews 4

S - Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
O - This chapter is talking about Jesus and how since He faced the same temptations as we did but was still perfect, He became the High Priest. We are to go to the throne and He will give mercy and grace to us when we need it.
A - God knows that I will need both mercy for things that I shouldn't do and feel terrible about doing and grace when we need help and forgiveness. In order to receive these gifts, I need to go boldly to His throne and ask for them.
P - God, You are awesome and amazing and worthy of all the praise that I and the world can give you. Since your son Jesus lived a perfect life and died for me I come before you asking for mercy and grace for the things that I have done wrong in my life and for help with my future. I thank you for giving out mercy and grace liberally. Help me to be a better person, husband and father and to pass along a great example and teaching to my children so that they too can be everything that you have set out for them. Bless my family and me today.

Be Faithful to God - Hebrews 3

S - Hebrews 3:14 For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.
O - What a comforting message here in that we will share in everything that is of Christ if we are faithful to the end and trust in God.
A - I will firmly place my eyes on God every single day and look to Him for guidence. I will be faithful to Him and stand up for Him. I will trust Him even when things in my life might not make a lot of sense. God is my Lord and Savior and I will treat Him like that daily.
P - God, I thank and praise you for all that you have done for me and my family. You are truly God and about everything else in this world. I pray for your help in focusing on this fact daily and I place my trust in you and you alone. Bless and protect my family and me today and guide us.

Jesus Suffered Too - Hebrews 2

S - Hebrews 2:18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.
O - Jesus himself went through sufferings and testing and had many things that were unfair happen to him. Because of this, He is able to help us through these same types of sufferings and testings that we go through.
A - Sometimes things happen in life that are not fair, not pleasant, and I wonder why God is allowing this to happen. Eventhough I may never know the answer to these questions, I can stand firm in believing that God is there to help me through it. He experienced many of the same issues and He was able to go through these perfectly. He can give me strength to go through these as well and also His wisdom to see these times as He sees them and with a path through them. In the end, these times of sufferings and testings were necessary for Him to sacrifice himself as his death would not have been the same if He lived a perfect life without any temptations or suifferings.
P - God, You are the protector and provider of all life. I pray that you be with me today and to soften my heart. I have been angry at how our adoption journey has taken place and I look to you for help and guidence. I want to do what is right and to give myself for those that are in neeed but I need your eyes to see why things are unfolding as they have to this point. I pray that you give peace and grace to Christa and me as we continue to search for a way to help other children. Be with us today and bless our actions and our children.

Angels Care For Me - Hebrews 1

S - Hebrews 1:14 Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.
O - In this chapter Jesus is being shown to be greater than the angels because he is the Son of God. At the very end of the chapter, though, comes this verse. This gives me insight into the workings and purpose of angels. They have been sent by God to people like me who are to inherit salvation to care for me.
A - Whenever I have a moment of stress or anxiety about things that may be happening in my life, this will help me to remember that I have two additional sources of help in my life. Not only do I have the living God that is all-powerful and ever present, but in addition to that He gave a charge to angels to care for me. What a wonderful blessing to have a God that cares for me so very much!
P - God, You are truly amazing and wonderful! I praise you for all that you have done and continue to do and I thank you for that as well. I pray that you continue to send out your angels to watch over and care for me and my entire family. I cast all of my cares and anxieties on you because you care for me. Thank you for taking this load and for sending your angels to help me along the way. I ask that you bless my thoughts, words, and actions today and help me to be a blessing to others around me.

The Power of Prayer - James 5

S - James 5:13 Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. 17 Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! 18 Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.
O - This is talking about the power of prayer and that I should be going to God with prayer when things are both good and bad. The example of God answering prayer is when Elijah both praid for a drought and for rain God did just that.
A - I need to step up my prayer even more. God deserves and expects me to be in communion with Him always, not just daily. The more that I talk with Him, the more that I will know what He desires. As I know what He desires, I will know which path I should be taking many times to fulfill His desires. Additionally, it is very important that I also give Him the praise that He is worthy of as well as He is the very one that has saved me, protected me, and blessed me.
P - God, I am so sorry for not praying and talking with you more than I have. You deserve my constant and continual praise, thoughts, and thankfulness. Be with me today and guide me through the challenges that I face. Forgive me for all that I have done wrong to those that are closest to me like my children and my wife. I love you!

Faith Without Works is Dead - James 2

S - James 2:17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
O - Faith without works is dead. One can't have true faith without works.
A - Am I living a life full of faith with tangible works? Are people telling me that I have a lot of words but no actions to back up those words? I need to live my life in a way that tangible, noticable actions back up what I say and what I stand for. I need to look for ways to show my faith starting with my wife and my children. They need to know what agape love feels like from me as I will be the best example as to how God really is. I give up rights to take on responsibilities for my wife and children and through this they will see my love and devotion. Outside of my family, I will keep a lookup for people that are in need and give as best I can to show that others are important. Finally, I need to live my life in a way that others can see that my actions marry up with my words.
P - God, I praise you this morning and give you honor and praise! You are amazing! You are all powerful and all knowing! I thank you for the many gifts and blessings that you have showered on my family and me. I ask that you be with us today and give us opportunities to bless others and to show actions that back up our faith. Give me the strength and wisdom to know what you want and to take the first step in getting that done. I pray that you also give me a serving heart, especially toward my wife and children. I want to provide and protect them and to show them that my words are true by the actions that I back them up with. Bless my family and me today.

Nothing is Impoosible For God - Luke 18

S - Luke 18:27 He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.”
O - Jesus is talking to the wealthy man here who is asking who to get to heaven. Jesus starts with the commandments and once the man says he's followed these since his youth Jesus says to sell all his posessions and follow Him. The man becomes sad and at this point Jesus says that it is harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God than for a camel to enter THE eye of the needle. Everyone then asks, then who can be saved, followed by this verse. It is hard for a wealthy person to follow Jesus because many times there treasure is their money and a person can only have one master. BUT, this verse says nothing is impossible for God!
A - As we have been blessed and are continuing to be blessed even more radically, I need to keep this warning near me so that I don't fall prey to placing my treasure in my posessions. I have Jesus in my heart so nothing is impossible for me and this weekness of wealthy people is something that with His help, I will be able to overcome and live victoriously.
P - Dear Heavenly Father, I praise you this morning for all that you have done for me and my family's lives! Be with us today and bless us and guide us. I pray that I be a witness for you and a man that others look at and see Jesus through.

ALL People Are Valuable - Luke 15

S - Luke 15:28 “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, 29 but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’
O - This is the parable of the prodical son. The older brother shows us his anger over his father's reaction to his brother coming home.
A - There are people that do not know Jesus right now and they are living a life that is not pleasing to God, but one day they will come to know Him, through me, and God is very pleased when this happens. I too need to celebrate these individuals' decision to follow Jesus and not act like this brother that feels that I deserve more than this new Christian because I have been serving Him longer. ALL people are of utmost important to God and I am not to judge people as to how they may have lived before knowing Jesus.
P - God, I pray that you help me to have a tender heart towards people and to know that everyone is truly valuable. I thank you for the grace that you have given me and my family and the blessings that you have showered on us. I pray for your guidence today and that you lead us through this decision on our adoption journey. I praise you Lord! You are good and your love endures forever! Thank you!

God Gives to Those That Are Persistent - Luke 11

S - Luke 11:9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
11 “You fathers—if your children ask[e] for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? 12 Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! 13 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
O - Jesus is teaching the disciples how to pray here. After teaching them the Lord's prayer he is telling them to consistently and persistently pray for what you need. The very last verse, however, says that God will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. Does this mean that everything that we pray for is answered through having the Holy Spirit inside of us?
A - Regardless of what this passage is really telling me whether He answers requests with the Holy Spirit or if He gives that which we ask, to me this means that I should ALWAYS pray and continue to pray requests that I have in my life. He is my father and wants to give me that which I need and desire. Why would He not want to bless me?
P - Heavenly Father, I praise you this morning and worship you for all that you have done and continue to do. Thank you for sending your son Jesus to sacrifice for me and taking away all of my sins. I pray today for your favor and blessing on my life and the lives of my family. I pray that you work miracles in our adoption and that you bring this to pass extremely quickly and give us a story to be able to tell for generations. I pray healing, complete and restorative healing, over my body today. I pray that this infection would be healed immediately and that this weak spot in my body would be made new. Bless me and my family today.

Expect Great Things - Luke 4

S - Like 4:1 Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness...14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region.
O - Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After the 40 days in the wilderness, Jesus returned FILLED with the Holy Spirit's power. The significance to Jesus returning from the wilderness with the Holy Spirit's power is that means that He must not have had this power before going to the wilderness and being tempted. Jesus gained even more power when He was filled with the Holy Spirit's power.
A - When I was baptized in the Holy Spirit, I too gained the Holy Spirit's power. This doesn't mean that I am able to do everything that Jesus was able to do as He was perfect, but it does mean that I am able to more than I think many times. Jesus himself said just before He ascended into heaven that He was leaving but that He would send the Holy Spirit to them and that they would do even greater things than He did. Because I'm a child of God, as well as my wife and children, I need to expect and look for great and miracluous things to happen in my life and through my hands/actions. The reason why these things may not happen more frequently is because of the way I talk and expect things to turn out.
P - God, I praise you and thank you this morning for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I ask for your forgiveness when I do not fully expect great and wonderful things to happen in my life. This lack of belief and expectation is a sin as I have been given the most wonderful gift from you and have squandered it at time. I turn from this lack of belief and ask for your forgiveness. Help me to speak in a way that my family also expects these things to happen and strengthens their faith as well. I praise you today! You are amazing! Bless my family and me today.

Talk to Others About Jesus - Luke 2

S - Luke 2:38b She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
O - Jesus was brought to Jerusalem to do all that was required by the law of Moses when a child is born. While they were there Simeon and Anna both realized who this child was and spoke words over the child. Here it shows that Anna went even beyond this by talking about Jesus to everyone who was waiting for the savior.
A - Anna wasn't afraid of talking to others about Jesus and what this child would do. I too need to have this same level of confidence to expose Jesus to those that are looking for a solution to life and what comes after life. This includes most people as almost everyone is looking for at least some level of solution in their life currently and if they have thought about what happenes after they die for even a few minutes, there is most likely a concern for what happens. People may not be open to hearing but it doesn't mean that I shouldn't share because of this small percentage of people that might not listen.
P - God you are amazing! You are wonderful and all powerful! I praise your name this morning and stand in awe of everything that you do and continue to do for me, my family, and all people. I pray for wisdom, discernment, strength, and courage to be a bold witness for your kingdom. I pray for words to fill my mouth that convey your mighty power and to be able to explain why they should put their faith and trust in you. I pray for health and blessing over my family and me today.

Blessed Becuase You Believed the Lord - Luke 1

S - Luke 1:45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.
O - Elizabeth told Mary that she was blessed because Mary believed what the Lord told her. Elizabeth would know this as well because her husband, Zacheriah, questioned the Lord with the similar news that he received. Becuase he questioned this news, he was unable to speak for 9 months.
A - God has told me things as well and I have questioned and/or doubted if/when these things would actually happen. Today I change my thinking to no longer question the word that I receive from God but I 100% believe and trust those words. I will work to accomplish these words and believe that the hand of the Lord will be upon my words and actions and bless them.
P - God, thank you for the words that you have given me. I ask you for forgiveness when I too have questioned these words or go and try to do what I feel is right even if it is contrary to what you said or even varies a little. Bless my words and actions today and let me be a Godly example for my children to emulate.

The Power of the Holy Spirit - Judges 14

S - Judges 14:6 At that moment the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him, and he ripped the lion’s jaws apart with his bare hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat.
O - Sampson faced a lion and the Spirit of the Lord came on him giving him the strength and power to rip the lion's jaw apart. Even though we know Sampson was a very strong man by stories that come later, this text doesn't say that it was his strength that caused him to defeat the lion but instead the Spirit of the Lord.
A - I may not face physical struggles to the extent that Sampson did but I will indeed face trials and troubles. When these come up, I too need the Spirit of the Lord to come down on me to help me through these situations. I may be strong but the Spirit of the Lord is all powerful and having that on my side will be better than my very best strength alone.
P - God, I praise you this morning for all of the wonderful things that you have given me and for the family that I have and for the protection you have promised us. I pray today that your Holy Spirit come down on me and provide strength and wisdom throughout my day today and every day. Bless my family and me today and I pray specially for my brothers and their families and Christa's sisters and their families today. Keep all of us safe and help us all to desire you with everything in our bones.

The Lord Speaks - Judges 13

S - Judges 13:8 Then Manoah prayed to the Lord, saying, “Lord, please let the man of God come back to us again and give us more instructions about this son who is to be born.” 9 God answered Manoah’s prayer, and the angel of God appeared once again to his wife as she was sitting in the field. But her husband, Manoah, was not with her.
O - Sampson's father, Manoah, was not present the first time the angel of the Lord appeared to his wife and told her she would become pregnant. So he prayed that this "man" return to them so he too could see him and learn more of what they were to do. And the angel of the Lord did come back and appear to them.
A - Just like Manoah, I too have the ability to ask the Lord to clarrify His plans for my life. This verse says nothing about how quickly He returned but it does say that He didn't return for a third time. This means to me that I need to be patient in waiting on the Lord. He may speak quickly or He may speak with some delay. I can wait patiently on the Lord and know that He will bring light to my path in His time which is always the perfect timing.
P - God, I pray that you could to me quickly and help me understand what you have for our lives and this adoption. I pray that you give both Christa and I strength as we wait and understanding that this too will pass. Bless my family and me today and help us to do what you have set out for us to do.

God Is My Ruler - Judges 8

S - Judges 8:23 But Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The Lord will rule over you!
O - After Gideon and his army defeated all of Mideon, the Israelites asked him to be the ruler over them. But Gideon deflected this and said that God would rule over them.
A - I too will have success and even though people most likely will not ask me to rule over them like Gideon was asked, I can have the same response as Gideon had. Gideon had the wisdom to say that he wasn't qualified to rule over the people, only God had that much wisdom. I can also make it about God as He is the one that is prospering my life and giving me success. To forget about God or to make Him secondary in my success would be a great mistake.
P - God, you are the provider and protector in my life and in my family's life. I thank you for your goodness and your protection. Help me to never forget that it is you that puts the wind in my sails and provides the wisdom and strength to succeed in the calling you have put on my life. I praise you for your goodness. I praise you for your power. I praise you for your love and peace. Thank you so very much for all that you are and all that you have and will do. I ask for continued blessing and healing in my life and in my family's life.

God Gives Signs - Judges 7

S - Judges 7:10 But if you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah. 11 Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack. 15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before the Lord.
O - Gideon was coming against the Mideonites and the Lord had taken hiw army from 32000 and left him with only 300 men. God knew that Gideon was afraid and therefore had him go down to their camp and here he heard men talking about a dream and the interpretation of the dream was that the Israelites were going to destroy the Mideonites. This gave Gideon strength and courage.
A - I am afraid of things from time to time and also need guidence in my life. God is the same today as he was yesterday and will not change, so the strength and courage that Gideon received by a sign from God can and will be the same strength and courage that I will also receive in a sign from God. Gideon was bold enough to ask for a sign when he was originally called to lead the Israelites and God gave him two signs. I think he was bold enough too in this scripture to ask for a sign as well. Because I am a child of God, I too can have this same boldness and expectancy to receive a sign from God.
P - God, you are truly God and the only one worthy of praise. I thank you for your son Jesus Christ and the work, words, and suffering that He did for me and my family and for all mankind. I pray that you give me and my wife a sign; a very vivid and descriptive sign as to how this adoption journey is to unfold and which path we should be taking. Bless our words and actions today and help me to be a man, husband, and father that shows honor and glory to you. Thank you for you eternal presence in my life and for the protection and blessings that you give me and my family daily.

Be Strong And Courageous - Joshua 1

S - Joshua 1:9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
O - Moses had just died and God is talking with Joshua and commanding him to go into Cannan and possess the land. 3 times including this verse God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. Then later on, the warriers for the 2 1/2 tribes that were settling on the east side of the Jordan also tell Joshua to be strong and courageous. God was promising to be with Joshua and would provide and protect him.
A - This same promise is applicable to me and my family. I have God's favor, blessing, protection and presence with me every single day. With Him on my side and with me, who can could against me and beat me? No one! Because of this, I too can be strong and courageous. I can fight the battles that God has placed in front of me to get to the promise land that he has given me.
P - God, you are amazing and worthy of all the praise that I can and will give you. You have protected me and bless me more than I could have imagined and I thank you for that. I ask that you continue to protect me and to give out even more favor and blessings as we move forward and step out to do what you have called us to do with this child you have for us and with our business. Use our actions and bless them to touch other peoples lives, to bless us, and to increase your kingdom. Let our children see these action and hear our words to know the path that they too should take as they mature. Bless my family and me today.

Ask For Forgiveness - Proverb 14

S - Proverbs 14:9 Fools make fun of guilt,
but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.
O - Everyone has guilt in their life at some times. Those that ignore it or make fun of it are fools, while those that sense it and look to make ammends and/or right the wrong are godly and wise.
A - This is an area that I can be a bit foolish. When others have guilt and look to make things right, when I do the same thing, instead of looking to always make things right, I justify my actions or convince myself and/or others that it is not a big deal. I will strive for godly living in all areas of my life. This includes acknowledging guilt and seeking forgiveness and/or reconciliation for what I did wrong.
P - God, I ask for your forgiveness today for those things that I have done wrong in my life and especially those sins that I may have brushed aside or justified. Give me wisdom and understanding to not only recongnize and ask for forgiveness when I do something wrong but to also steer clear from this wrong in the first place. I praise you today and give you honor and glory! You alone are God and I stand before you today and thank you for your sacrifice of your only Son for me good and forgiveness. Help me today to do what is right and to live my life for your glory and to protect and provide for my family. I ask that you bless my family and me today and give us all continued health.

Fulfill My Dream - Proverbs 13

S - Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
O - Fulfilling a dream makes life fulfilled, but by not fulfilling a dream the heart grows sick.
A - God has placed a dream and a purpose in my life and when I don't work to achieve this purpose, my life is ho-hum and my heart, and especially Christa's heart, grows sick. Even when tempting and inviting dream alternatives are brought up and discussed, I need to stay the course and know that the dream and purpose that I have is the one that God placed on my heart and life. I will work and work hard until that dream and purpose is fulfilled; not only for me but my wife, children, and most importantly God.
P - God, I thank you so very much for all that you have done for me and my family. I pray a blessing over Sara and Mike and that you give them a very happy and rejuvenating honeymoon. I pray that you be with me and my family today and place people in my life that I can touch and help with this life and eternity. Give me the strength and determination to complete the task and purpose that you have put on my life. Bless my family and me today and keep us all healthy.

Be Positive and Uplifting - Titus 3

S - Titus 3:2 They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
O - Believers are to avoid slandering anyone and avoid quarreling.
A - I need to take this to heart. Anything and everything that I say I am accountable for and talking badly about anyone is NOT acceptable. It does no good for them and certainly doesn't do any good for me as I just turn my attitude to be negative. Instead, I need to speak positively and avoid any talk that is quarrelsome or slanderous. Uplift people instead of cutting them down as this is what Jesus would have done.
P - Heavenly Father, I praise you this morning and give you honor. Thank you for this wonderful day and for blessing it and giving us a safe journey to Sara's wedding. I pray that you help me with my attitude and help me to focus on the positive things instead of dwelling on negative. Help me to be a servant leader and to pour my life out to those around me, especially my family. Bless my family and me today.

Fulfill My Ministry - 2 Timothy 4

S - 2 Timothy 4:5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
O - Paul is urging Timothy to stay the course in his teaching and living as he is warning him of the false teaching that will take place as the people just want to be taught that which they want to hear. This is an encouragement to him to not be afraid while preaching the good news and to carry out what God had set him up to do.
A - We live in the same environment today, if not worse, in that a person can find any teaching that they want instead of just the true good news. I need to keep my mind clear everyday and not be afraid of anything or anyone that may come against me as I proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. In doing this, I will be fulfilling have of the call and ministry that God has put on my life. The other half is helping people on this earth to achieve and therefore help thousands of people to not have the level of stress in their lives to free up mind space to help them accomplish what God has called them to do.
P - God, I pray that you give me daily strength and courage to fight the good fight and to proclaim your goodness everywhere I go. Give me a clear mind and wisdom to live a life that is pleasing to you and to fulfill the ministry that you have given me. I pray protection, blessing, and health over my family and me today.

Living Life Directed By God - 2 Timothy 3

S - 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
O - Paul is telling Timothy about the dangers that will come with the end of the world and the godlessness that will be endured. However, the Word of God will stand for the truth and correct when we are wrong and teach us to do what is right.
A - I have a spirit of pride right now and I have difficulty letting God's word or anyone, especially, Christa, speak into my life and tell me what is right. I need to lay this down and realize that God's word is insired by God and that can speak into my life and direct me along with the direct voice of God and also other believers. Without these three sources of counsel in my life I am just a man aimlessly and/or directionless man trying to live a life that pleases God and shows others what a true follower of Christ is really like.
P - God, I confess that I have been living a life without guidence and mentorship for awhile and I have been trying to live life the way that I think is right without really searching for your approval of guidence. Forgive me for this and help me to really search out your will and your desires. Speak ever so clearly to me and help me through every day. Also, I lay down my pride and will listen to those that are in my life and that are following you to hear your wisdom for my life. I'm sorry Lord. I pray this in Jesus' name.

Live A Godly Life - 2 Timothy 2

S - 2 Timothy 2:22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
O - Timothy was to stay away from those things that were not good and instead he was to live a righteous life and be around those that also call on the name of the Lord.
A - I need to strive for a righteous life full of faithfulness, love and peace. This type of life can only come from following and being near to Jesus. Another way to make sure that I live this way is to have companions that also fear God and follow His path.
P - God, I praise you today and look to you for protection and blessings on my day and my family's day. Bless us and give us the courage to stand firm in your word. I want to live a life that is pleasing to you and to give you honor and glory. Lord, I pray for companions that also walk in your truth and give me encouragement and a desire to be even closer to you.

Good and Bad Will Eventually Be Found Out - 1 Timothy 5

S - 1 Timothy 5:24 Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. 25 In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.
O - Some sins and some good are very outward and very obvious to others, while some good and bad are done in secret and are not seen right away. However, these secret acts will someday be brought to light and others will see them.
A - Just like yesterday's reading, I need to think, act, and talk as if someone is physically next to me as those thoughts, actions, and words will someday be brought to light and others will see them. And even if someone doesn't see them, God sees them. I think many times these secret thoughts, actions, and words will also bring a bigger reaction as well as people know that what you say or do in private is truly who you are as most people can control there words and actions better when someone is with them.
P - Heavenly Father, I come to you today in praise and thanksgiving. I thank you for this week and the blessings that you have poured out on me and my family. I pray that you help me to control my thoughts, actions, and words today and everyday. Give me a constant reminder that you are with me and that I need to strive for perfection in all areas of my life. Help me to get outside of my comfort zone today and to excel in every area of my life. I pray healing and health over my family and me and I pray for blessings as well.

Live As If Someone Is Watching - 1 Timothy 4

S - 1 Timothy 4:16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
O - Timothy is to be careful in what he teaches and how he lives because not only does his salvation depend on it but the salvation of those that are following and hearing him does as well.
A - As a leader myself, I too need to pay close attention to what I say and teach and also, maybe just as important or more important, how I live. Most of the time, what I am doing is being watched by someone that I am leading or looked to as a leader. The sheer number of hours that I am just living versus teaching or sharing the word is huge, and that is probably where most people understand who and what I stand for and believe in. If they look at my living as an excuse to fail or fall off the path, their salvation could be in jepordy and I as the leader am responsible for it. Instead of having to live one way when someone is looking and another when there is someone nearby, I resolve to 100% live a life and talk like someone is always near or listening.
P - God, You are magnificent! I praise you today and give you my heart. I ask you to be with me today and keep me on your path always. Help me to live a life of integrity, honesty, and humility. Help me to be the husband, father, man, and leader that you have called me to be and that those around me depend on me to be. Bless my family and me today and give me wisdom and strength to carry on and do what is right.

Pray For Everyone - 1 Timothy 2

S - 1 Timothy 2:1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
O - Paul says to pray for ALL people. We are to give thanks for them and intercede and ask God for help for them.
A - It is real easy to pray for people that are close to me and mean a lot to me. However, I need to get over any feelings of hurt or selfishness and pray for ALL people. Even those that may hurt me or my family or those that I see throughout the day that look like they need help or are hurting. I need to focus my eyes on others and curb the selfishness that I have within me. One of the best ways to get rid of selfishness is to pray for others continually and another is to offer people this business.
P - God, I thank you for this word today. I praise you and lift up your name and stand before you in awe. I pray today for those that are hurting in life, for those that need a miracle for healing. Give me your eyes Heavenly Father to see people as you see them and to have a heart for everyone. Bless the leaders of our country, the leaders of our state, the leaders of our church, the leaders of my work, and the leaders of our community. Give them wisdom to guide those under them in a way that is pleasing to you and will not hurt anyone. I pray Lord that you would watch over my family and me today and bless us tremendously. Put people in my path that need help and give me the strength and courage to reach out and help them.

Homosexuality is Wrong - 1 Timothy 1

S - 1 Timothy 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
O - Paul is writing to Timothy and telling him to teach the Ephisus people the good news and to help them from just becoming learned and debating theology. For this type of debating many of the time focused on the law but as he says here the law is made for the unrigtheous. One type of unrigtheousness is homosexuality. In verse ten the word whoremonger means one who is sexually immoral (male or female) and the phrase defile themselves with mankind means one engaging in homosexual acts.
A - In my mind, this verse clears up the whole debate on homosexuality and whether we as a nation or state should allow marriage to be between the same sex. I can and will stand firm on this verse and the meaning behind it. I need to be aware and careful, however, to not point my finger at people that are homosexuals in a manner that judges and condemns as this sin is no different than me talking with my wife or family without love. Homosexuality is a sin but no different than any other sin. I am to hate the sin but love the sinner and love him/her into the kingdom of God.
P - God, I pray today that your spirit come down in this state and in the country and in the word and permeate the hearts and minds of the people and help them, and me, to stand firm in your word and live lives that are pleasing to you. I pray that you give me a stage to proclaim what is right and to give me the confidence and strength to go through this growing time to get this stage. I ask that you give healing to everyone in my family and me and to also bless us today as we go about our day.

Live A Life Worhty of His Call - 2 Thessalonians 1

S - 2 Thessalonians 1:11 So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
O - Paul is encouraging the people saying that they are doing good and any persecution that they are suffering will dwarf the reward they will have in living with Jesus. They these verses are encouraging them and praying for them to have the will and power from God to live a life worthy of his call; and by doing so their lives will honor God.
A - Am I living a life worthy of his call? Am I being persecuted because of His name? Do others even know that I am a Christian? Does my life prompt others to ask "What does he have that I don't have?" Not all of these questions can I truly answer "yes" to. These are the questions I need to ask myself daily and work to be able to definitely answer a resounding "YES". My God, my fortress and my all, needs to be honored and glorified through my life!
P - Lord God, I stand in awe before you this morning in thanksgiving and praise. You have blessed my life tremendously and have given me wonderful children. Help me to live a life that is worthy of your call and to be a shining light for your glory. Help me to also pass that along to my children and help them to have that will power and to be a shining light for you. Lord I pray in the name of Jesus that I and my whole family have complete health and restoration of our bodies. I also pray that you bless my family and me. I pray this all in Jesus' name.

Jesus Died To Save Us Not to Pour Out Anger - 1 Thessalonians 5

S - 1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.
O - Paul is talking about the end of time and how the time is unknown to us and will come like a thief in the night. However, he says that Jesus sacrificed for us so that we would live and not to pour out anger on us.
A - There are times when we as Christians say, "Why is God doing this to me?" In this verse here it disputes that notion that God is angry at us and that is why we are suffering. Jesus died on the cross and gave the ultimate sacrifice for us not so that we would be suffering here and in eternity but rather that we would live with him in eternity and rule on the earth with God as in heaven.
P - God, you are amazing and worthy of every ounce of praise and honor that I can give to you. I thank you for your son Jesus and for what He did for me and my family. Help me to spread the good news of Jesus and give me the strength and courage to do this aboundantly. I pray that you heal me and my family of the sicknesses and diseases that are attacking us in the name of Jesus. Also, bless my family and me today.

Show Love - 1 Thessalonians 4

S - 1 Thessalonians 4:9 But we don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another.
O - Paul was affirming that the teaching of Jesus to love each other was very important.
A - I really need to focus on this. First and foremost, I need to love Christa all of the time and show that love in a way that she needs. God has given me such a gift in her and I don't always treat her the way that shows love. Next, I need to love me children and give them time, attention, and unconditional love. They need love to thrive and the love that I give them will teach them what God's love is like. And finally others; I need to show love to everyone that I know and meet in a way that they can know of Jesus' love for them. Even those that I may struggle with, I need to show love to them always.
P - God, you are the creator and perfecter of love. I ask that you help me daily to walk in love and to treat people in a way that they can feel this love and then turn around and give it to someone else. I pray for protection, healing, and purity over everyone of us in our house today and everyday. Bless my family and me today.

Owe No Man - 1 Thessalonians 2

S - 1 Thessalonians 2:9 Don’t you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God’s Good News to you.
O - Paul was a messenger of God but yet he still worked hard so that he wouldn't place a burden on others to provide for him. He felt that it was important that they not provide for him as then Paul wouldn't be in debt to them or have to teach them only what they wanted to hear. When he owed no man anything he was free to teach God's word free and pure. Also, the people would probably be more receptive to the word as they didn't have any resentment in their hearts for all that they did for Paul.
A - I too need to work hard to provide for my family and I and not rely on any handouts. Being in debt to no man is very important in that there is no obligation that needs to be recepricated. Additionally, if I am not here, I do not want to place this burden on Christa. Instead, I can work hard and look to God to provide richly above and beyond what I could think or ask.
P - Heavenly Father, I pray that you bless my thoughts, words, and actions today and that you give me the strength, courage and determination to do what is right and to work hard in all areas of my life. I pray for healing and that I and my family be completely healed from any pains, sicknesses, and diseases. I trust in you Lord and I praise you not only for what you have done in my life but just for who you are. Bless my family and me today and give me your eyes and your heart today to look at others and see what may be troubling them and then uplift them.

God is My Shelter - Psalms 91

S - Psalms 91:9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
O - This is the psalm of protection. David says IF the YOU make the Lord you refuge and your shelter no evil or plague will come near you.
A - I have and will continue to make the Lord my refuge and my shelter. I know that I can't do everything on my own and I look to God for my protection. Because of this, I can be confident and sure that no evil and no plauge can come not only near me but also my home and family. This means that sickness and disease have no power over me and if they start approaching me, by the name of Jesus they will have no foothold here and will need to flee. Also, spiritual warfare is so much easier as the name of Jesus has such great power that the enemy is forced to flee from my house.
P - God you are so very good. I place my trust in you and make you my shelter and refuge. I cling to the promise that you have made that you will be always near me and that your loving arms and angels will protect my family and me. Help me to be the man that you have called me to be and bless everything that I put my hands to today.

God Withholds No Good Thing - Psalms 84

S - Psalms 84:11 The Lord will withhold no good thing
from those who do what is right.
O - David is praising God in this psalm and talking about how God blesses those that follow Him and stand next to Him. Here he says that good things will not be withheld from those that follow Him and do what is right.
A - God will not withhold what is good when I follow Him and do what is right. Why then is He not giving us the desires of our hearts? It doesn't say that He will give all good things it says He will withhold no good thing. Maybe what we are asking for is good but He has something even better for us and he is just waiting for us to find that better thing and desire that and He will give it to us. God is so very good and He wants to bless us tremendously. I need to always follow Him and do what is right.
P - God, you are always good and your mercies endure forever. I pray today that you show me what good things you have for me and give me hope that these things will come to pass. I desire these good things to bless my wife and children just as you bless your children. Help me to do what is right daily and put in me a termometer that I can look at and see if I'm doing right/hot or wrong/cold. I love you Heavenly Father. I praise your name and strive to give you glory in all that I have. Bless my family and me today.

God is Good - Psalms 73

S - Psalms 73:28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God!
I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,
and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.
O - David was trying to figure out why the unrigtheous were prospering and he came to the conclusion that God had a plan for them and they would slip and fall and all would be lost. David than said this verse that he has made God his shelter and he would proclaim His goodness to everyone.
A - How good it is to be near God! Because of Jesus dying on the cross I can be near to God and be under His shelter. He will protect me from things that I could not weather by myself. He has and will heal any sickness or disease that comes against me. What an awesome gift! I need to proclaim this from the rooftops and to everyone that I meet and everywhere I go. God is to magnificent to keep to myself.
P - God you are amazing! I love you and thank you for all that you do and have done for me. I thank you for healing of my body and for the shelter that you are providing for my family and me today. Give me opportunity to meet someone today and exclaim your goodness to them and share your amazing news. I love you!

God is My Fortress - Psalms 62

S - Psalms 62:5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
O - David repeats "He alone is my rock and my salvation" at least 2 or 3 times within chapters 61-62. He is putting all of his trust and hope in God for his earthly and eternal protection. In the first verse here, he not only is putting his trust in God but he is waiting quietly before Him. This must be that he is being quiet to hear God and waiting patiently for His still small voice.
A - I need to remember that God is truly the one that can and will protect me and he alone is my hope for this life and for eternity. Without Him, I am nothing. Without the sacrafice that Jesus gave for all people, I would be without hope as He has given us hope for this life and for eternity. I wait here this morning and every morning to hear His voice and heed His call on my life.
P - God, I come into your presence today and stand before you eagerly and honestly waiting for you and your power. Fill my life with your hope and your protection. Use me Lord for your kingdom! I stand on the rock and fortress that you are so that I can go out and do what you have called me to do and to touch people's lives for your glory and your honor. I pray that you be with my family and me today and that your blessings and healing would also fall on us and stay with us daily.

Seek Godly Wisdom - 1 Kings 3

S - 1 Kings 3:11 So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies— 12 I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! 13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life!
O - God told Solomon to ask for anything that he wanted. When Solomon asked for wisdom, the verse above was God's response. Because Solomon asked for wisdom to better lead God's children, God blessed Solomon as well.
A - God's wisdom in my life is also what I need and strive to listen to. This is more important than all of the material blessings of this world bacuase with His wisdom He will guide me and put blessings in my life that I can use to further bless His church.
P - God, I thank you this morning for all of the blessings that you have given me and the wonderful family and the healing power on our lives. I ask you for your wisdom in my life today and everyday that I can lead my family and others to follow your ways and to fulfill the purpose that you have for my life. Bless my family and me today.