Endure Temptations - James 1

S - James 1:¹² God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
O - There will be tests and temptations throughout life, however, God will bless those that endure these and at the end of life they will receive the crown of life.  The last phrase also mentions that we need to love Him, not just endure the tests and temptations to receive the crown of life.
A - I need to first of all be aware of these tests and temptations and then steer clear of them.  By doing this I will be doing what God has commanded.  However, if I stop there I am only doing half of what James is saying here.  The other half and probably the more important half is that I love Him.  I need and want to love God with everything that is in me.  I will unashamed love God and wear this love on my sleeve for others to see.
P - Heavenly Father, I pray for your help and guidance today as I go through my day.  Guide me through the tests and temptations that may come against me.  I love you and want to show you and others through my thoughts, words, and actions each and every day.  Bless my family and me today and keep my extended family near you and protected as well.  To God be the glory!!!

Boldly Enter God's Presence - Hebrews 10

S - Hebrews 10:²¹ And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, ²² let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
O - The writing has been explaining who the priests had offered sacrifices to God in the Old Testament and how only the High Priest could enter into the Most Holy Place, which was when the presence of God was at.  However, since Jesus became the High Priest and made the ultimate sacrifice, we now can boldly go into the presence of God and fully trust Him.
A - God already knows my wants, needs, and desires and because of the sacrifice of Jesus, I can boldly go into God's presence and ask of Him what I need.  More importantly though, I can just fellowship with Him and have a pure relationship with Him.  This relationship should be the most important relationship in all of my life.  I just need to remember that without Jesus, I wouldn't be able to have this relationship with God as God can not be in a relationship with a sinner.  Thank you Jesus!
P - Heavenly Father I come to you today and spend time with you and bask in your goodness and your glory.  I pray that you continue to pour out your love on me and my family.  Help me to show your goodness and your love to my family so that they can see you through me.  Bless our day today and I pray for protection over my family and especially over Christa as she is nearing delivery.  I love you God!

Delivered From Every Evil Attack - 2 Timothy 4

S - 2 Timothy4:¹⁸ Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
O - God will protect me from evil attacks and finally bring me to heaven.  Praise God!
A - When I am going through times that seem tough and possibly attacks from the evil one, this is a verse that I can stand on and have great confidence in whom I serve.  He will protect/deliver me from EVERY evil attack.  This doesn't say that He will not let any evil attacks come against me; but that He would deliver me from these.  These attacks may cause my character to be enhanced or my faith to be boosted when I am delivered from them, but I need to remember that I always will be delivered by God from these attacks.  Praise the Lord!  He is so good!
P - God, I praise and thank you for you are so good.  I rest assured in your promise that you will deliver me and my family from the evil attacks.  I pray that you would deliver this little girl from the evil attacks of this sickness; and that you deliver her very quickly.  We stand on the promise that you also heal us by the stripes of Jesus.  Bless my day today and let it be spent wisely and on purpose.  

Everlasting Father - Isaiah 9

S - Isaiah 9:⁶ For a child is born to us,
    a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
    And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
O - This is a very familiar prophecy of Jesus coming to this world and being the savior.  One thing that really stood out to me today was the phrase "Everlasting Father".  He is said to be our father.  A father is someone who cares so deeply for his children that he would lay down his life for them.  Jesus is even one step more than just a father; he is an everlasting father.  He is a father that spans generations and centuries and will be a father forever.
A - Jesus is my everlasting father.  What a comforting thought.  No matter what and no matter when, Jesus will always be my father and I don't need to question whether He is doing things for my good or not.  I know that everything He does is for my good, even if it may be trying or stretching, I know it's for my good.  He is always there for me to run to and sit in His presence and feel His comfort.
P - Heavenly, everlasting father, I come to you today and praise you and thank you for always being there for me and for always looking out for me.  You are amazing and I stand in awe of your goodness and your glory.  I pray for your guidance and your protection today.  Bless everything that I put my hands to and let it be a testament for you.  I also pray that you would heal, bless and protect my entire family as I am away today and bring us all back home safely tonight.

Accept Things From God - Ecclesiastes 7

S - Ecclesiastes 7:¹³ Accept the way God does things,
    for who can straighten what he has made crooked?
O - The written makes the statement to accept what God does because man doesn't have the ability to fix something that God did for a reason.  Because God is all powerful, no matter how hard we may try, we are unable to change what He did.
A - This is sound advice that is simple to understand but sometimes hard to implement.  Especially for someone like me that wants to be in control of the situation, I need to step back for a moment and hear God's voice to understand why a situation is like it is.  If God says that He did it this way I need to understand why and accept this.  Even when God allows trials to come my way that I need to work through I need to understand that God allowed this and accept it.  Then I can ask for His help and guidance to fix the situation.  This reminds me of the serenity prayer, "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference".
P - God, I truly pray this prayer today.  Help me to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference!  I understand and acknowledge that I do not know all that you do and those things that you have placed in my life, I accept.  I ask for your help and guidance to change those things that are in my life to help build character.  Help me to teach and show an example to my children so that they to look to you for their guidance.  Bless, protect and heal my family and me today and everyday.

Fulfill My Purpose - Ecclesiates 5

S - Ecclesiastes 5:⁴ When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him.
O - God takes no pleasure in fools and fools are those people that make a promise to God and don't follow through or delay in following through.
A - Have I made any promises to God that I haven't kept or that I have delayed in following through?  I think delaying in carrying out my purpose in life when I know without a shadow of doubt what my purpose is is similar to delaying in following through in a promise.  I know what my purpose in life is and I need to start today to make it my habit again and to pursue it with passion that is only behind pursuing God, my wife and my children.  I NEED to do what He has called me to and without delay!
P - God, I am sorry for dropping the ball when it comes to fulfilling the purpose that you have placed on my life.  I ask for your forgiveness and thank you for it.  I also ask that you help me and give me strength and courage to go out and pursue this purpose.  I want to fulfill this purpose for you and my family and the betterment of those that I touch in the process.  Please bless, protect, and heal me and my entire family today.

Obey Authorities - Ruth 4

S - Ruth 4:¹⁶ Naomi took the baby and cuddled him to her breast. And she cared for him as if he were her own. ¹⁷ The neighbor women said, “Now at last Naomi has a son again!” And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David.
O - In the last chapter, Naomi told Ruth to go to Boaz and that he would do what was right.  In this chapter Boaz followed through and redeemed the land that belonged to Naomi's son and also took Ruth to be his wife.  Because Ruth obeyed and did what Naomi told her to do, both Ruth and Naomi were blessed and Ruth had a son named Obed who become the grandfather of David and was in the line of Jesus.
A - Just as Ruth obeyed what her mother-in-law told her, I need to obey the authorities in my life.  God blesses those that follow the authorities that He has enabled to be in positions of authority.  Ruth's allegiance to Naomi was outstanding and she not only obeyed her but wanted to do even more for her.  I will have that same spirit towards the authorities in my life, especially towards my Heavenly Father.
P - God, I come to you today and want to serve, honor and obey you.  Please speak to me so that I know the will that you have for me.  I love you and want more than anything to follow you and to hear "well done".  Not entirely for my satisfaction but to also know that I have placed an example that my children can look at and follow.  Bless me and my family today in all that we do.  Heal and protect us as we go about our day. 

Live Virtuously - Ruth 3

S - Ruth 3:¹¹ Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman.
O - Boaz is talking to Ruth here and explaining what he will do to redeem her and become her husband.  He reassures here that everything will be ok and that he will do what is necessary to protect her.  He is confident that it will be ok since she is a virtuous woman.  The way that she lived her life must have given such a air about her that no one had any question of what she did was right.
A - Am I living a virtuous life?  Does anyone question whether what I do is right or good or full of virtue?  I need to ensure that my life screams virtuous.  I need to do this first, and foremost, for God.  He has done so much for me.  The least I can do for Him is to live a virtuous life in which people see a person that lives different than others which may lead them to question what I have in my life that they may not.  Secondly, I need to live a virtuous life for my wife.  I need her to look at me with love and respect and living a life that she never has to question whether I'm virtuous or not will only help her be able to easier.  Thirdly, I need to live my life like that as a Godly example for my children.  This example will then become the measuring stick and guideline that they will live their life according to.  And finally, I need to live my life virtuously for my business, my community and my church.  I need to be a man that others around me can look to as a leader and a man that can always be counted on to do the right thing and to work hard and smart.
P - God, I come to you this morning with praise and thanksgiving.  I praise you for your goodness and your greatness!  I thank you for all that you have done and sacrificed for me.  I thank you for my amazing wife and children.  Help me to be a husband and father that they are proud of and want to be around.  Help me provide and protect them and show them what it truly means to be a Christian.  Guide me and my words, thoughts, and actions today and everyday and bless all that I put my mind and actions to today.

Fulfill My Calling - Nehemiah 6

S - Nehemiah 6:³ so I replied by sending this message to them: “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?”
O - Nehemiah was under constant stress and threats during the 52 days it took to rebuild the walls.  When they were nearing completion of the wall, he was sent a letter four times for him to come meet with the enemies as they were frightened of him and this new wall around Jerusalem.  Nehemiah's response left no question as to what he thought of these people's request for him to come to them and be potentially harmed.  He wasn't going to stop his great work to meet with them.
A - I need to have this same perspective when doing the work that God has called me to.  It's easy to say this to the things that I don't want to do and to those things that will harm me, but what about those things that may stroke my ego or may be fun or relaxing.  These are the things that I need to be very aware of and "sacrifice" for the good of the calling that God has placed on my life.  The "well done, good and faithful servant" reply from God will be much more rewarding than anything else in this world that may bring a quick pleasure.
P - God, I praise you and thank you this morning for all that you have done for me and my family and for all that you promise to continue doing for us.  I pray that you give me courage and a resolution to go out and persist in doing what you have called me to do and push away those things that are distractions, even if they are good things to do.  I want to please you and serve you with my life; I just need you to keep me on track and to help and bless my work.  I pray for guidance with our family and clear words on the direction we should be taking.  I love you!

Fight - Nehemiah 4

S - Nehemiah 4:¹⁴ Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”
O - Nehemiah was talking to the people of Jerusalem here and giving them encouragement to continue on building and to protect themselves and their families.  One thing that he points out is that the Lord is on their side and He is great and glorious, implying that He will help protect them and bless their rebuilding efforts.
A - When I am afraid or getting tired or wondering if what I am doing will work, I need to remember this same phrase and speak it aloud,  “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”  Even if I am not facing a physical enemy I am always facing a spiritual enemy and he is coming against me to kill, steal and destroy.  I need to stand and fight, remembering that God is with me and fight for my wife, my children, and my entire family and community.
P - God, I thank you for always being with me and I take comfort in knowing that you are great and glorious!  Be with me today and everyday and give me the courage, strength and stamina to continue that fight and the work that you have placed on me.  I desire to do what you have asked and to do it well and I just need your help and your blessing on my work.  I pray also for protection, healing, and blessing over myself and my entire family today and everyday.

Needing Others - Nehemiah 3

S - Nehemiah 3
O - This chapter in the Bible tracks the individuals that were responsible for rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.  One thing that I noticed was that it didn't just take one person to do the actual work but instead many, many people led by a handful of leaders.
A - When there is a large task in front of me, there are some times that I can do this task by myself, other times it will take many others to help me.  I need to look to God to have enough guidance and direction to know when is a time for me to do something alone and when I need others to help.  However, even when I may do something alone, I still need to remember the Proverbs that said "a wise man has many counselors".
P - God, I pray to you today to give me strength and courage and determination to complete the calling that you have placed on my life.  I look to you also for guidance and direction to know when to involve others to help me along in my journey.  I submit myself before you and lay down all of my preconceived ideas of how something should be done and I will follow you all the days of my life and do things the way that you say.  I have complete confidence that by me following Your will my actions will be blessed and I will be protected.  I love you Heavenly Father!  I praise you and thank you for all that you have done in my life and will continue to do.

Encourage Others - Acts 27

S - Acts 27:³⁶ Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat.
O - Paul had just finished telling all 276 people on board the ship that no one would die even though the storm they were in was still raging.  After he did this he broke a piece of bread off and ate it.  The words and the food encouraged all of the people on board and gave them hope.
A - I also need to be an encouragement to people around me.  But this encouragement needs to words and more.  Words alone will only encourage so much.  Giving a person hope and encouraging words plus what they are desperate need for will bring more encouragement than just words alone.
P - God, I acknowledge you as the true source of encouragement and provider.  I pray that you would help me to be an encouragement to others and that I could provide them what they need as well.  Help me and my family today and provide and protect us.  I pray a blessing over us all in Jesus' name.

Defending Myself - Acts 25

S - Acts 25:⁹ Then Festus, wanting to please the Jews, asked him, “Are you willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there?”  ¹⁰ But Paul replied, “No! This is the official Roman court, so I ought to be tried right here. You know very well I am not guilty of harming the Jews. ¹¹ If I have done something worthy of death, I don’t refuse to die. But if I am innocent, no one has a right to turn me over to these men to kill me. I appeal to Caesar!”
O - The Jews had brought Paul in front of Festus demanding that he be sent to Jerusalem for a trial.  They were planning to ambush and kill him on his way to Jerusalem.  When Festus asked Paul if he was willing to be tried in Jerusalem Paul stood his ground and knew his rights and wouldn't just let them do whatever they wanted to do.
A - Jesus has said that we should turn the other cheek if done wrong.  However, He didn't say that we couldn't and shouldn't defend ourselves when being wrongly accused.  I have the right just as Paul did to stand up for what my rights are and not let people, even those in authority, try to make me do something that violates my rights.  There is a very fine line and I need to look to God for guidance on when I should turn the other cheek and when I should defend myself.
P - God, I praise you and thank you that you are my ultimate provider and protector.  I pray for your wisdom and guidance every single day and every single minute especially in times when being accused or mistreated.  Help me to always turn toward you and wait on your word as I know that following your will and your word will ultimately be the best for me.  I love you Heavenly Father!  I want to live a life that gives you honor and praise and a life that fulfills the plan that you have created in me.  I pray a blessing and protection over everyone in my household today.

Respect Your Authorities - Acts 23

S - Acts 23:⁵ “I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’”
O - Paul talked back to the High Priest after the priest had ordered Paul slapped.  When he did this, other believers told him that he shouldn't talk to the High Priest like this.  Paul immediately knew that he shouldn't do that because the priest was an authority to him.
A - I too need to speak will to and of my authorities.  Even if I disagree with the authorities, I can talk to them in a way that shows respect but still disagree with them.  Speaking to and of them in this way shows that I am a child of God and one that respects his authorities as God has placed them in power for one reason or another.
P - God, I come to you today and ask that you would bless, guide, and protect all of the authorities in my life today.  I ask that you would give them wisdom in their leading and that your will would be done through them.  I also pray for your wisdom, guidance and protection on my life today and of my entire family's life.  Protect us and bless us and heal us today and everyday.  I love you God!  I praise you and give you all the glory and honor that you so rightly deserve.  Thanks for sacrificing your son, Jesus, for me and my family.  Help me to spread this good news to everyone that I have contact with.

Life a Life of Purpose - Acts 20

S - Acts 20:²⁴ But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
O - Paul was talking to the elders of Ephesus on his way through and told them that this was the last time that they were going to see him.  He was recapping his time with them and in this verse expressed his heart toward his life.  He was willing to do what God called him to do regardless of the price that he might endure because of it.  He said his life was worth nothing if he didn't do what he was called to do, telling others of Jesus.
A - I, and everyone else, has also been called to this same task, telling others of Jesus.  I need to have this same mindset towards my life as Paul had.  I am not here to live a life of fun and pleasure but of laying my life down to tell others the good news of Jesus Christ.  The first people that I need to tell this to, and frequently, are my children.  We have told this to them before but I need to be instructing them daily.  Also, I need to be living my life as an example of how they should be living as they will do what I do not what I say.  In addition to telling others of Jesus, I have also been called to this business as this is a tool that will bring people out of financial bondage and will ultimately prepare their minds and hearts for the good news of Jesus.  I need to surrender my life to these two purposes and never shrink from any fear or pain that may come from doing this.
P - God, I love you and want to live a life that fulfills these two calls on my life.  I pray for your wisdom and your protection as I go about living my life to spread these good news to others.  Bless my words and actions and let them be profitable, not for my own glory, but for yours, Lord.  I ask that you would protect, heal, and bless my entire family today and everyday.

Correcting Correctly - Acts 18

S - ACTS18:²⁶ When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.
O - A man named Apollos was preaching in Ephesus about Jesus with great accuracy but he didn't know everything about Jesus.  Therefore, Priscilla and Aquila took him aside, away from the people, and explained about God even more accurately.  By taking him aside they weren't discrediting everything that he had said to that point.
A - If someone has a good heart and is trying to do good, I should be slow to correct the person in front of others.  I should take them aside and let their reputation stand and not cast any question on what they have said or done up to that point.   This goes for Christians and non-Christians alike as long as what they are saying or doing does not go against what God has commanded us to do.
P - God, I pray that you would give me wisdom and perception in dealing with people, my children and those that report to me.  I pray that you would give me your eyes to see them through and to guide and correct in a way that is uplifting and effective, without crushing their spirit or putting them down in front of others.  I pray that your will and your guidance would be ever so clear to me and that I would be blessed in following your will.  I pray for your blessings, healing and protection today over me and my entire household.

Find Common Ground - Acts 17

S - Acts 17:²² So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, ²³ for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about.
O - Paul wanted to share with the people the good news of Jesus Christ.  He used terms and items that they were familiar with to show them that there was a God that they didn't know.
A - When I am speaking to others about Jesus or about another topic that I am trying to win them over to, I need to keep this in mind.  I need to use terms and objects that they are familiar with to help build the case for Jesus or whatever I am talking about.  In doing this, I have found something to build on in which they are comfortable with and familiar with that will make that step to acceptance that much smaller and easier.
P - God, I want to spread your good news to many people because of the wonderful and amazing things that you have done in my life.  I praise you this morning and I lay down my life to you.  Help me to do what is right in everything today and to pursue the calling that you have placed in my life.  I pray for protection and good health for my entire family, especially Christa, and I pray a blessing over them all.  Be with me and guide me today and everyday.

God's Guidence - Acts 16

S - Acts 16:⁶ Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time.
O - Paul and Silas were traveling and preaching the Word of God.  However, they were not blindly preaching to whomever they could but instead were listening to the direction of the Holy Spirit in where they should go.
A - Just because I am doing the calling of my life, I still need to listen to God's voice and His direction.  He will ensure that I'm in the right place and the right time to touch the right people.  Being under His guidance is way more important and profitable than stepping out under my own guidance.
P - God, I pray that your voice would be so very clear to me in everything that I do.  I want to follow your guidance and your will every single day.  I pray a blessing over my house and everyone inside it.  I also pray for healing and protection every single day.  I praise you this morning and I submit myself to you.

Accepting God's Will - Acts 11

S - Acts 11:¹⁷ And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?
O - Peter had gone to the Gentiles and preached to them.  Others were criticizing him for preaching and eating with them so he relayed his vision to them as well as what happened when he preached to the Gentiles.  When they received the Holy Spirit Peter realized that God was giving the same gift that they had received on Pentecost to the Gentiles and at that point he understood that they too could be saved and receive eternal life.  If this was the case, he wasn't going to stand in God's way.
A - I too may have thoughts and feelings about a situation and may not understand what God is doing or why He is doing something.  However, since God is the creator of everything He also has the right and ability to do whatever He feels is right.  Since this is the case, who am I to say He should or shouldn't be doing something?  I will accept and even welcome things that I don't understand when I realize that God is truly in charge.
P - God, I come to you today and lay down my ideas and my thoughts of how things should work and I look to you for your word on what you are doing in my life and other's around me.  I want to live in obedience to your will and even if I don't understand something I submit myself to you and your will.  I pray that you will protect, heal and bless myself and my family today and let me be a shining light for your kingdom. 

Follow God's Direction - Acts 9

S - Acts 9:¹¹ The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul"...¹³ “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem!"...¹⁵ But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel...¹⁷ So Ananias went and found Saul.
O - Ananias was told to do an almost outrageous and dangerous task.  He questioned the Lord once and when God told him to go, he went.  He must have been afraid but since the Lord told him to do it and confirmed it with him, he went regardless of the dangers that he was to meet.
A - I am given direction sometimes in my life to do things that I think are outrageous or dangerous or maybe just frightning to me.  Just like Ananias, it is OK for me to question this direction and have the Lord repeat it to me to ensure that this is indeed from Him.  If the answer is again "Yes" then, just like Ananias, I should set out immediately and do it.
P - God, I ask for your very clear direction in my life right now.  I boldly come to you today and pray that you bring this direction to me ever so clearly so that there is no mistake in the direction you what me and my family to take.  I pray that you would bless me and my family today and bring healing and protection to each and every one of us.  Use us Lord for your purposes and for your kingdom.  I love you Lord and praise you this morning!

Stand Firm For God - 2 Thessalonians

S - 2 Thessalonians 2:³ Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction.
O - There were people that were saying that the end of the world was hear.  This clarifies that before the end of the world comes there will be a great rebellion against God and the anti-Christ will be revealed.
A - There is almost a sense of anxiety and hopelessness that I have had sense the last election and the godless morals that were portrayed in America and Minnesota.  I need to remember this verse and understand that there will be a great rebellion against God.  Even when this takes place, it doesn't mean that I need to join in this rebellion or that anything has changed for me and my family.  I will continue to ground myself and my household in the wisdom and understanding of God so that we can stand firm when this happens.  We can continue to be a light to the world even when this rebellion comes about.
P - God, I know that you are the creator and protector of all things.  I praise you and thank you for all that you have done and continue to do in my life and in the lives of my family.  I pray that you give me and my entire household strength to live a life that is pleasing and honoring to you even when this great rebellion comes against you.  Help me and give me strength and wisdom in how to not only withstand but to also influence others around me for your kingdom.  I love you Lord.  Please bless and heal everyone of us.

Pray Continually - Ephesians 6

S - Ephesians 6:¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
O - The direction for the Ephesians was to pray persistently for all believers and to pray in the Spirit at all times.  I think the reason that they were encouraged to pray in the Spirit at all times was because when praying in the Spirit, the person doesn't necessarily need to know what is being prayed for but the Spirit is directing the prayers that are needed.
A - I will be diligent in following this command as well.  Both portions of this command are areas that I can improve on and really need to as God can do way more than I can by myself.  I need Him to help me and other believers and by praying continually for other believers and in the Spirit this will be more beneficial than most things that I could do.
P - God, you are truly amazing.  I thank you for the blessings, the healing, the protection, and the guidance that you give me and my family every single day.  I pray for my family, my friends and all the other believers in the world that you would continue to bless, protect, and guide us all.  Help me to be the man that you have called me to be and to step out and really do what you need me to do.  I praise you Heavenly Father!

Understanding What God Wants - Ephesians 5

S - Ephesians 5:¹⁶ Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. ¹⁷ Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
O - Instead of being fools, the people were encouraged to understand what the Lord wanted them to due and to make the most of every opportunity.
A - Am I making the most of every opportunity that is in front of me?  The key to doing this is to truly understand what the Lord wants me to do.  I need to continue to seek this out in His word and in communicating with Him.  When I know His desires then I can and will make the most of every opportunity.
P - God, I come to you today asking and praying for your wisdom and your understanding.  I want and need to know what you want me to do, especially with this baby.  I pray that your word be ever so apparent and understandable to me.  I then ask for your strength and courage to go out and do what you have asked of me.  I love you Lord and I ask for strength, courage, patience, and love for everyone in this house during this transition.  I ask pray for quick and complete healing over everyone's body.  I pray all this in Jesus' name.

I'm God's Child - Galatians 4

S - Galatians 4:⁷ Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
O - Paul was talking to the Galatians in that they were bond to their false gods before he came and preached the good news.  This meant that they were slaves.  Once they accepted God as their savior, they then became God's children and now have the rights of an heir.
A - This was the same thing for me before I was saved.  Now that I am born again, God is treating me like a son.  This means that He is looking out for me and my best interests and wants to protect and bless me.  Everything that I want for my children, God wants for me and can even give better.  What a great thing for me to remember every single day!
P - God, I thank you for saving me and for now treating me as your child.  I can never repay you for what you did for me.  I want to live a life that is pleasing and expands your kingdom, not to win your blessings and eternal life, but to show my appreciation for what you did for me.  I pray that you continue to watch over me and my family and bless us and keep us all healthy and free from disease.  I pray this in Jesus' name.

Can't Win Heaven Through the Law - Galatians 3

S - Galatians 3:3 How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?
O - The Galatians were trying to earn God's favor and love through trying to obey the laws perfectly.  Paul says here that they were born again and received His Spirit but are now trying to win again eternity through obeying all of the laws.  This is foolish.
A - I have the Holy Spirit inside of me.  I don't need to win eternal life through being holy and perfectly obeying the law.  I am to be holy just as God is holy but not to win God and eternal life but instead to be a witness and example of what God has done in me and to show God that I am thankful and grateful for what Jesus sacrificed on the cross for me.  There is a big difference in trying to win God and trying to thank Him through my actions.  I need to be reminded of this daily and remember that just because some other Christian may not be following one of the laws this doesn't mean that the person is not going to heaven but instead that they aren't bound to the law and only God know the heart.
P - God, I thank you so very much for what your son Jesus sacrificed for me and my entire family on the cross.  I want to thank you by my words and actions every single day and to proclaim your name by my words and actions.  I pray for your guidance today and that you would speak into my life regarding which way you want me to go.  Bless my family and me today and every day and I pray for protection and healing over us all today.

Winning God's Approval - Galatians 1

S - Galatians 1:10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.
O - Paul is warning the Galatians to be careful to not follow anyone who is teaching something contrary to the good news of Jesus Christ dying on the cross and raising from the dead.  He was being very bold with the warning that he was giving to both the Galatians and those that are preaching falsely.  Because of this he knew that some people may not like him but that was not his concern; it was pleasing God that was his concern.
A - Am I doing things to win the approval of people or of God?  This should be a question that I continual ask myself and measure my thoughts, words, and actions against.  God is the one that I always needs to be thinking of.  If people don't like me or think I'm a fool but God is pleased with me, then I have succeeded in life even though others may think differently.  God will either bring success in my life here on earth for following and pleasing Him or will be successful in my eternal life with Him.  Either way is a win for me!
P - God, I ask for your forgiveness for the way I sometimes look to please others instead of you.  I also ask for forgiveness in how I treated my children yesterday.  Please help me to be a better husband and father every single day.  I pray for your wisdom and guidance throughout the day today.  I want to live a life for you and will go about looking to win your approval today and everyday.  Bless, protect, and heal each one of my family members.

True Friend - 1 Samuel 18

S - 1 Samuel 18:³ And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. ⁴ Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.
O - Verse 1 of this chapter says, "There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David."  Jonathan loved David, as he loved himself.  This is more than just a friendship, this was a true friend; one that would lay his life down for his friend.
A - Do I have a friend like this?  And more importantly, am I a friend like this to someone else?  I know for sure that I am this to Christa and would do anything for her.  However, am I giving of myself to anyone else?  And do I have anyone else that would sacrifice for me?  I am going to set out and be that for someone.
P - God, I thank you so very much for my amazing wife and my wonderful family.  I pray that you would bless them and protect them every single day.  I pray also that you would use me to be a friend to someone else that desperately needs one.  I also pray that you would put a person in my life that I can depend on and be a friend to.  Together, we will be stronger and able to accomplish more than if we were separate only; all for your glory!

A Man After His Own Heart - 1 Samuel 13

S - 1 Samuel 13:¹⁴ But now your kingdom must end, for the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart. The Lord has already appointed him to be the leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.
O - This is Samuel's response to Saul offering the sacrifice before Samuel arrived.  The key part of this is that the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart.  Samuel was telling Saul that the king of Israel should have a heart like that of God.
A - If God wanted a man after His own heart to be king of Israel, then I should also be a man after God's heart.  To me, having a heart like that of God is to be a man that is lead by God, has compassion for others, wants others to be saved, and a man that will lead those that God has placed under his authority.  This is a tall order but with the Holy Spirit living inside of me and guiding me, I know that I can be this man.  I owe it to Him for the ultimate sacrifice that His son Jesus gave for me as well as I owe it to my wife and my children that are depending on me.
P - Lord, I pray that you would speak ever so clearly into my life.  I desire to be the man after your heart and I know that without your guidance I would miserably fail.  I pray protection, healing and blessings over myself and my family today and everyday.  Give me wisdom, especially today, as we are making one of the hardest decisions that we've ever made in our lives and we want to make sure that we are doing what you want us to be doing.  I praise you and thank you for always being with me, for speaking to me and leading me, and for your saving grace through Jesus Christ!

God is My Leader - 1 Samuel 10

S - 1 Samuel 10:¹⁹ But though I have rescued you from your misery and distress, you have rejected your God today and have said, ‘No, we want a king instead!’ Now, therefore, present yourselves before the Lord by tribes and clans.”
O - The Israelites wanted a king even though God had been leading them and saved them from all of their enemies and helped them defeat the enemies.  This was actually them rejecting God and wanting to be like the other peoples around them.
A - I don't need to look to anyone else to lead me.  God is my ultimate leader and I can be confident that He will continue to look out for me. 
P - God, I come before you this morning and submit myself to you.  I ask that you look out for me and protect me.  Lead me in the direction that you want me to take and I will step out in faith and follow you.  Protect, heal and bless me and my family today.

God Speaks - 1 Samuel 3

S - 1 Samuel 3:¹⁹ As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable.
O - Samuel heard the voice of God throughout his life and whatever Samuel said came to pass because this ultimately came from the Lord.
A - I too can hear the voice of the Lord.  He speaks but sometimes I'm not listening well enough.  I need to always be open to Him and willing to wait on Him to hear His voice.  Whatever He says is what I should take to the bank as it will come to pass.
P - God, I submit myself to you today and I pray that you continually speak to me and into my life.  I want to follow what you have called me to do and I ask that you be very clear and speak to me so that I know what your will is.  We need to understand what you want us to do with our family and especially this little one.  Help me to be the husband and father that Christa and my children desperately need me to be.  I pray a blessing over all of us and health as well.

Boldly Pray to God - Judges 15

S - Judges 15:¹⁸ Samson was now very thirsty, and he cried out to the Lord, “You have accomplished this great victory by the strength of your servant. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of these pagans?”
O - Samson had just killed 1000 Philistines and he was thirsty.  He was very bold with the Lord with how he asked for water.
A - Samson was used by God to fulfill what God had planned.  Because of this, God was willing to give Samson what he desired/needed.  I want to be used by God to fulfill what God has planned and I know too that He will give me what I need and desire.  I can be bold in asking God what I need/desire when I do what He wants me to do.
P - God, I am willing and able to do what you have called me to do.  Use me.  I pray that you will give me and my family health, protection, and blessings so that we all can live a long life on this earth and be an example for many to see. 

Ask God For What You Need - 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.”
O - The angel of the Lord came to Manoah's wife and told her about her son, Samson, that was to be born.  Since Manoah wasn't with her at the time, he wanted to see this man and ask more questions on how to raise this child.  So he prayed to the Lord to have the angel of the Lord come back to them and explain more.
A - This shows me that no matter what the need or desire that I have it is not only OK, but good, to pray to God asking for it.  God wants me to ask Him for what I need and want.  He is my Heavenly father and wants to bless me and give me what I need.  Just as Manoah wasn't afraid to ask God, I am also going to talk to Him continually and ask Him for what I need.
P - God, I love you and praise you for all that you have done and continue to do in my life.  Thank you for bringing us all back home safely and for keeping us safe, healthy, and pure while we were apart.  I pray for your wisdom and your guidance on this little baby girl.  I need your word.  We want to follow what you want and desire and just need you to tell us exactly what you want.  I pray for protection over my house today and over our vehicles so that all of my household is safe.  Bless us all tremendously and help us to be strong and courageous for you and your kingdom.

Leading With God's Help - Joshua 3

S - Joshua 3:⁷ The Lord told Joshua, “Today I will begin to make you a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites. They will know that I am with you, just as I was with Moses.
O - God was promising to show the people that He was with Joshua and because of this He would be a great leader.
A - I am only a great leader when I let God work through me and shine through me.  I need to always be looking for His wisdom and His direction so that I follow His will.  When I do this, I will also be followed by others because God is the perfect leader.
P - God, I submit myself to you and ask that you would lead me.  I pray for your wisdom and discernment in everything that I do today.  Be with me and my entire family today and give us healing, protection, and blessings. 

Let God Shine Through Me - Joshua 2

S - Joshua 2:⁹ “I know the Lord has given you this land,” she told them. “We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror. ¹⁰ For we have heard how the Lord made a dry path for you through the Red Sea when you left Egypt. And we know what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan River, whose people you completely destroyed. ¹¹ No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.
O - In this text Rehab is talking to the two spies explaining that the whole city of Jericho is afraid of the Israelites.  Because of the great things that they heard about God and what He did for His people, she believed that God was the supreme God.
A - Do people that watch me think that I serve the supreme God because of what He does in my life?  Do I step out in faith and let God do amazing things in my life that can show His great power?  I need to be aware of these questions daily and respond positively to God's tugging on my heart even when the choice may be difficult and all of the answers are not yet known.  If He says to do something, I will do it.  This will give Him and opportunity to shine in and through my life and others will be able to say just as Rehab did about the God that I serve.
P - God, I lay my life down before you.  Have your way with me and use my life for your purposes.  I pray that your word is very clear and that I have the strength and courage to always step out and follow what you ask.  I pray for blessings, healing and protection over me and my entire household today.  Be with us and touch our lives.

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 - God has told Joshua to be strong and courageous instead of being afraid or discouraged.  He is to do this because God has promised to be with him wherever he go.
A - When I first read this, I thought that would be great to hear God say that to me.  But He has when he said fear not for I am with you until the end of the age and when He said that He will protect those that are His.  Even though these may not have been the audible voice of God like Joshua may have heard, these are still His word in the Bible and these truths are true today just as they were back when they were written because God is the same today as he was then and will continue to be the same in the future.  I can rest assured that God is with me and because of this I can be strong and courageous.
G - God, What an amazing promise that you have given me in always being with me.  I pray for your voice to be heard by me and to have Godly people speak into my life and dreams and visions.  I desperately need your wisdom and your discernment.  I know that without you I am aimlessly wandering around and hoping to do the right things but you are all-knowing and all-powerful and I ask you to speak into my life and direct me.  Help me today to overcome laziness and to live life with enthusiasm and vigor and to excel in every area of my life.  I pray for protection over my house, finances, vehicles, and my family today.  Bless us all and give complete healing to all of us.

Provide For My Children - 2 Corinthians 12

S - 2 Corinthians 12:¹⁴ Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don’t want what you have—I want you. After all, children don’t provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children.
O - Paul was telling the Corinthians that he was not a financial burden on them just as a parent should not be a financial burden on their children but instead the parents should provide for the children.
A - I choose to provide for my children instead of being a burden to them.  I want to give my children a leg up on their life by providing the needed things in order for them to go out on their own and live a life that is free from financial want.  By helping them do this, with my example of giving, they too will have the resources to go out and give to Christian causes that will expand God's kingdom.
P - God, I thank you for all that you have given to me and my family.  We are truly blessed and I am sorry for not always thanking you and for giving you the credit for this.  Help me to be a good example of a cheerful giver and a man who provides for his family that my children, especially my boys, can copy as they are running their houses.  I pray for blessings, protection, and healing over my entire household today.

Eagerly Give - 2 Corinthians 6

S - 2 Corinthians 6:¹² Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.
O - Paul is encouraging the people of Corinth to give.  They had stood up and said that they would give now he is encouraging to follow through with this commitment.  This verse is encouraging both big and small gifts.  The key to these gifts is not the size but the attitude in which it is given.  Also, he mentions that the gift should be in proportion to what you have.
A - Do I always give eagerly?  Do I always give in proportion to what I have?  The second question I can 100% answer "Yes".  The first question begs a deep look into the heart and only I can answer this.  I have made a commitment to tithe and go above the tithe and have been consistent with both of these for years, however, when finances are tighter I may think about this giving and start to wonder what I could do with this if I didn't give it away.  I am going to eagerly give ALWAYS!
P - God, You are the provider of everything and I recognize this today and everyday.  I ask for your forgiveness for the times that I have been greedy or selfish and not eagerly given back to you that small portion that you have asked for.  I commit to you today that I will give eagerly to you in recognition of all the amazing things that you have done and will continue to do for my family and me.  I pray for blessing, health and purity over me and my entire family today.  Help me to be a light that shines so very brightly that others can only ask me why and who's I am.

Live a Christian Life - 2 Corinthians 6

S - 2 Corinthians 6:⁸ We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors.
O - Paul was steady in how he lived and served and praised the Lord.  There was no question if he was a Christian or not regardless of what anyone else said about him.
A - With how our state and country are going right now with legislating very immoral laws, I have the ability and duty as a Christian to stand and live a righteous life; one that others can look at and not question what and who I stand for.  I need to be honest in everything eventhough our society is almost encouraging dishonesty and living for one's self.
P - God, I come to you today in sadness and with questions as to where we as a state and country are going.  I feel almost helpless and in despair in the fact that we as a society are turning away from you.  Eventhough I may not be able to turn our whole society around I choose to do what I can with those people that are near me.  I ask for your help and your strength as I may encounter ridicule.  Lord I also ask for your wisdom and discernment in what we should be doing with this little baby.  We want to provide a good home for her but I also am concerned about my existing family and especially my wife.  We need your word.  We surrender our lives to you but just need to have your clear direction on this decision.  I praise you and worship you Lord.  Thank you for being my Lord and savior!

He Will Protect Me - 2 Corinthians 1

S - 2 Corinthians 1:¹⁰ And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.
O - Paul was thinking that he would die but God rescued him.  He knew that God would continue to rescue him of all the dangers that he would face in the future.
A - I can have that same faith.  God has promised me and my family a long life.  God can not break His promises and because of this I know that I can count on this now and in the future.  The is no reason for me to fear or worry about the possible dangers that I may face as God and His angels are there to protect me.
P - God, I thank you for your promises.  I love you and worship you this morning for all that you have done for me and all that you have promised to continue to do for me and my family.  I pray blessings and protection over my family and me today and ask that you would bring 100% healing to everyone in our house.  Use me today for your purpose and your kingdom and give me your eyes and heart for those around me.  I pray this is Jesus' name. Amen

Live a Life Of Love - 1 Corinthians 16

S - 1 Corinthians 16:²² If anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed. Our Lord, come!
O - According to Paul if someone does not love the Lord they are cursed.  The greatest love is to lay down your life for the one you love.
A - Am I really willing to show the greatest love to the Lord?  Am I willing to lay down my life for Him?  I do want to have and show this love to Him each and every day.  I may not ever need to lay down my life for Him but am I willing to stand up for Him or to leave a conversation that is not good?  I am going to be vigilant in making sure that my actions speak so loudly that I live and love the Lord.  In the case where there is an opportunity to share His word I will also boldly step out and do that.
P - God, I love you more than anything or anyone else in this world.  I want to be a vessel for you and a light for your kingdom.  Put me in opportunities that I can share your good news and influence people for your kingdom.  I pray for your wisdom with this little baby and that we would do what you want us to do not what we or others around us may want us to do.  Bless my family and me today and everyday and abundantly bless our actions.  I pray for continued healing, super-natural healing over my entire household.

I Have God's Special Favor - 1 Corinthians 15

S - 1 Corinthians 15:¹⁰ But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me.
O - Paul is telling the people that he is no better than any other apostle, in fact he is almost amazed that he is an apostle due to the life that he led prior to God talking to him.  Now, however, he admits that what and who he is is all due to the special favor that God poured out on him.
A - I need to remember this and teach this to my children.  I/we are no better than anyone else in the world and should never look down on anyone.  However, I/we are no worse than anyone else and that is all due to the special favor that God pours out on us when we give our lives to Him and let Him be the Lord of our lives.
P - God, I love you and honor your this morning and everyday.  You are so great and so powerful and I am so very thankful that you have come into my heart and I again give you controls of my life.  I ask that you would make my journey be pleasing to you and that you would unveil what path you want me to take, especially with this little baby.  I am your servant and willing to do what you have called me to do, I just ask for your word and your wisdom.  Bless my actions today and help me to be an uplifter to everyone that I come into contact with.  I praise you Heavenly Father!

I Can Prophesy - 1 Conrinthians 14

S - 1 Corinthians 14:1 Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy.
O - Paul is instructing the people in how to worship together as a church and the importance of speaking in tongues and prophesying.  The people were to desire the ability to prophesy as well as love.
A - If the people of Corinth were to desire the ability to prophesy, then they all must be able to prophesy if they truly listened to the Spirit.  I am no different than these people in the Bible; I too can prophesy.  Why haven't I in the past?  I truly didn't think that I could or that God would give me this ability.  I desire this ability, not to make my life better but to obey His word and to bring others into His kingdom.
P - God, I come to you today humbled and desiring the ability to prophesy for You and Your kingdom.  I ask that you pour out your Holy Spirit on me and that my heart be open and willing and desiring of your presence.  I want to know your thoughts and do those things that you have called me to do.  I pray that your word would always be near me and in my mind and heart.  And I pray that you would give me the wisdom and tenacity to follow through on everything that you have asked me to do.  I love you Lord and I thank you for speaking ever so clearly into my life today and everyday and guiding me on this decision and every single decision in life.

Examine Myself - 1 Corinthians 11

S - 1 Corinthians 11:³¹ But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way. ³² Yet when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world.
O - Paul is taking to the Corinthians about the judgment of God that is upon them when they are coming to the Lord's Supper without first looking at their own life and making things right.  Also some of the people were getting drunk with the supper.  The Judgment of God for these cases was sometimes sickness, needs unfulfilled, or death.
A - I have the choice and opportunity to examine myself and if I am honest and willing to ask for forgiveness and change those things that I am wrong in I can spare myself from God's judgment.  I should change before I have to of never do and experience God's judgment on my life of disobedience.  I choose today to reflect on my life and to make those things that I have been failing on right.
P - God, I ask for your grace and your favor on my life and for your forgiveness for those things that I have done that hurts you or others.  I love you and want to serve you and be an encouragement for others and for your kingdom.  I desperately want to be this for my family and to pass on this trait to them as they grow and mature.  Help me and my family today and bless and protect us all.  I pray for your healing power on our lives and that sicknesses and diseases be removed completely from this house and blocked from getting back in.

Be Careful To Not Lead Others Astray - 1 Corinthians 8

1 Corinthians 8:¹³ So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.
O - Paul is answering the question that the people of Corinth asked of him regarding whether or not is was wrong to eat the food that was offered to idols.  He basically says that it is not wrong since these idols are not real gods, however that the people should be aware of those around them.  If the people around them would be tempted or lead astray by this act then they shouldn't eat of this food even though it is not wrong.  Paul takes it a step further and says that he would become a vegetarian if it would stop one person from sinning.
A - I can apply this to my life as well.  It may not be food that causes people to sin but instead things like alcohol or when you go to church.  Some people may be tempted to sin when they see me do or consume some things.  If I'm holding an alcoholic drink and someone thinks that now it is ok to go and get drunk, even though this is not what I was doing, I should refrain from drinking this.  If someone feels strongly that there is only one day to go to church and that you have to go to a physical building for church and they see me on that day in clothes that are not those that one would wear to church this may cause them to question why they need to go to church at all.  Neither of these two examples, and there are many more, are wrong but I just need to be aware of those around me so as to not give the wrong impression or give them an excuse to sin.
P - God, I love you and praise you and worship you this morning.  You are my lord and savior and I completely surrender my life to you today and everyday.  I pray that you would watch over me today and keep me safe and bring me back home safely to my family tonight.  I pray that my vehicle can be fixed with minimal effort and expense.  I also pray that this baby would be super-naturally healed and healed quickly.  Use me for your kingdom today and let me be a blessing to those around me.  I pray for your blessings and your protection over me and my entire family today and everyday.

Be a Light For Others - 1 Corinthians 7

S - 1 Corinthians 7:¹⁶ Don’t you wives realize that your husbands might be saved because of you? And don’t you husbands realize that your wives might be saved because of you?
O - Paul is talking about married individuals that have a spouse that is not a believer and that it is important not to divorce this spouse because this spouse may be saved through the believing spouse.
A - I think that this verse can be expanded even to people that are not spouses, but instead friends, family, coworkers, etc.  Just as a spouse may become saved through the believing spouse, these individuals may become saved through me as I am a light to them that they may not see anywhere else.  Also just as a spouse shouldn't preach to, berate, putdown, or condemn the unbelieving spouse I also shouldn't do these things but instead live a pure and Godly life that is so different that anything they have ever seen before that someday they will ask me to share what I have as they want/need it.
P - God, I pray that you give me wisdom and discernment in living my life today and everyday.  I want to be a light for your kingdom and someone that others look at and see you through me.  I pray for your blessings and protection over my day today and over my family.  Heal us completely and bring us all back home safely today.

Don't Judge Others - 1 Corinthians 4

S - 1 Corinthians 4:⁵ So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.
O - This verse is talking about judging others.  Either judging someone by saying they are doing good or bad is talked about in this verse.  Only God can tell the motive behind the action to determine the true judgment.
A - I am guilty of doing this in my life and I need to change this quickly so that I don't continue to tech my children to do this as well.  Before I make a very quick statement of how someone is doing something or not doing something I will take a step back and say to myself, "Why is this person doing this or not doing this?"  There may come an answer that explains the behavior and whether it is a good reason to or not is another question.  However, I may not get an answer and unless this action that the person is doing or not doing is not hurting them, someone else or myself, maybe I just let it be and let God be the judge of it as it truly isn't up to me to be the judge.
P - God I come to you today and ask for your forgiveness.  I have judged people with no intent other than to point out what I think is wrong in their life.  I give that over to you today and choose instead to look for the strengths in people.  I also pray that you would give me strength and courage today to do those things that I know you have called me to do and to do them with a vigor and passion like never before.  Bless my family and me and give complete and utter health to all of us.

Godly Wisdom - 1 Corinthians 3

S - 1 Corinthians 3:¹⁸ Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise.
O - Paul is exhorting the people of Corinth because they have been acting just as the world was.  He is telling them to learn the wisdom of God which is different than the wisdom of this world.  Once they do this they will be truly wise.
A - I sometimes get trapped in this as well.  Being around people that value knowledge so much can and sometimes does wear off on me and I get sucked into thinking only as the world does, not as God does.  There is nothing wrong with having worldly knowledge but the key is to knowing when this worldly knowledge works and when it doesn't work.  When all I count on is world knowledge, this is when it becomes very dangerous.  There is a high power in the universe and there is a spiritiual world that we will in.  Because of this, worldly knowledge will never, ever be able to explain this or help in some cases.
P - God, I realize that I have at times relied too heavily on my own wisdom and knowledge.  I ask for your forgiveness today and I look to you and your word to be my true wisdom.  Help me to understand the thing of the Spirit and be able to teach that to my family.  I pray that you would be with us today and bless us.  Heal all of our bodies and bring us home safely.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Keep It Simple - 1 Corinthians 2

S - 1 Corinthians 2:1 When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. ² For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.
O - When Paul first came to the people of Corinth he didn't start telling the people about the theology of the Old Testament or ideas that where shared in the book of Romans.  Instead he just focused on the life and death of Jesus and that He died for them.
A - When I'm talking with people that are unbelievers, I need to be aware of the things I talk to them about and just focus on the good news of Jesus Christ.  This simple message is what saves and not them hearing some great oratory about theological issues.  In other areas of my life, when first bringing a message to someone, I need to keep it simple and just focus on the main point so as to not confuse them.
P - God, I come to you today and pray that you would give me words to speak today and to bring a clear message to those that are lost and to those that I speak with in my business and work.  I pray blessings over my house today and everyone in it.  I thank you for the healing power that you are laying over each and everyone of us and that supernaturally all sickness and disease would be cast out of our house and replaced with your healing power. 

The World is Foolish - 1 Corinthians 1

S - 1 Corinthians 1:¹⁸ The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. ...²⁷ Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.
O - Paul confirms that the word of God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is viewed as foolishness to the world.  He talks that the death of Jesus is appalling to the Jews and nonsense to the Greeks.   However, God uses those and things that may be foolish to the world to shame those that THINK they are wise and/or powerful.
A - I have seen this time and time again that the "wise" people think the Jesus and God and anything to do with spirituality is a crutch or foolishness.  First thing first, I need to stay away from those people or from reading that as I will become those people or those words if I dwell on them long enough.  Secondly, God will at some point in time show His glory to these people, unfortunately it may be when they are on their death bed and because they were so vocal throughout their lives, they feel as if they still can't accept Him.  God's glory and power and the sacrifice that He gave for us does and will come through.  I choose to accept Him and His word and I stand firm in it and will be a light to this world even if they may think I am crazy or foolish.
P - God, I praise you and thank you for all that you have done for me and my family and for the entire world.  I pray that you would open people's minds and hearts and have people like me that are willing to talk to these people so that they too can receive you and your eternal home.  Use me Lord, and direct me down the path that you want me to be on.  I ask for healing on my household today; supernatural healing; immediate healing.  Bless my wife and my children today as I am away from them and give us a safe journey.

A Radical Faith - John 21

S - John 21:⁷ Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore.
O - When Peter heard that it was Jesus that was on the shore, he didn't wait to get the fish in the boat, he just jumped into the water and swam in to Him.  This, to me, shows me that Peter had such a desire to be with Jesus and possibly even show Jesus that he was sorry and was pained that he had denied Jesus three times.
A - I need to be like Peter here.  When I think about God and all that He has done for me, I need to be radical and jump out of the boat to be near Him.  The boat may be society's "norm" or people that I am currently in company with and their "norm".  Peter didn't care what the others in the boat thought and I need to have that same mentality when it comes to being a true Christian.
P - God, I come close to you today because of all that you have done for me and for making me your child.  I praise you and thank you for that and I long to be nearer to you every single day.  I pray that you would be not only near me today but that you would guide me today.  Help me to make decisions that are not only good but ones that will increase your kingdom and better my family and me.  I pray that you would protect my household and bring super-natural healing over each and every one of us.  Bless us tremendously, Lord and use me then as a bright and shining light for all the world to see, not for my glory, but for yours! 

Stand Up For Jesus - John 18

S - John 18:²⁶ But one of the household slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Didn’t I see you out there in the olive grove with Jesus?” ²⁷ Again Peter denied it. And immediately a rooster crowed.
O - Jesus is on trial for his life and Peter is outside getting warm by the fire.  When asked three times whether he was with Jesus, he denies it.  As soon as the rooster crowed, Peter remembered that Jesus said this would happen.
A - I'm asked explicitly or implicitly whether I'm a follower of Jesus.  Even though I may not be in harms way nearly as much as Peter was in this case, there is still sometimes a fear that comes over me trying to persuade me that I better just keep this to myself.  This fear is from the devil and I need to overcome this and stand up, no matter the situation, and claim to be a follower, a faithful follower, of Jesus.
P - God, I ask for your power and you strength in kicking out this fear in my life and overcoming it and ALWAYS proudly standing up for you.  You have done so much for me this is the least that I can do in return and I want to please and honor you.  I pray that you will give this same desire to the children that you have given to Christa and me.  We are truly blessed and I want to stand up for you and your kingdom and help others to know you in the same way that I know you.  I pray for your continued blessings, healing and protection today for my family and me. 

Live In But Above the World - John 17

S - John 17:¹⁵ I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. ¹⁶ They do not belong to this world any more than I do. ¹⁷ Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. ¹⁸ Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.
O - Jesus is about to ascend into heaven and is praying to the Father.  He is specifically talking about His disciples here and asking God to be with them as they go out into the world and spread the good news.
A - Just as Jesus sent out the disciples into the world He has also sent me into the world through the great commission.  As I am out in the world, God will be there to protect me, verse 15, as I don't belong to the world nor should I conform to the world, verse 16, and He will make me holy, verse 17.  I need to be "out" in the world but not "of" the world.  This means that I need to know what the world is and to be able to reach people that are in the world but still maintain a standard that is above the world; a standard of holiness and perfection that only God can achieve.  Unless I raise my standards to be above the world and then always live by those standards I run the risk of being part of the world and that is exactly where the devil wants me to fall to as there he can steal, kill, and destroy.
P - God, I thank you for your son Jesus Christ.  I thank you that He spoke so clearly to us and gave me a clear direction as to how we are to live in this world.  I ask for your help and guidance in living my life everyday.  I need your help and I surrender my worries, cares, anxieties, and selfish desires to you as I want to live a life that is holy and pleasing to you.  Be with me and my family today as we live in the world but live a life that has a standard so far above the world.  I pray also for your complete and swift healing to everyone in this house.  Thank you for that healing and for your blessings over each and every one of us.

The Holy Spirit Guides Me - John 16

S - John 16:¹³ When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.
O - Jesus is talking to His disciples about Him leaving the earth soon.  However, He says to them that this is a good thing as the Holy Spirit, or Advocate, will take His place.  The Spirit will then guide them into truth and about the future.
A - I am also blessed to have the Holy Spirit in my life.  The Holy Spirit will guide me into truth as He speaks the same thing as Jesus Himself did.  Because Jesus lived a perfect life on this earth and the Holy Spirit is one in the same as Jesus, He can only lead me to perfection and can't lead me down the wrong path.  It is my job to just open my ears to Him and to be sensitive to His voice.
P - God, I pray that you would speak to me through your Holy Spirit and that my ears would be open every single minute of every day.  I thank you for your continual guidance and your willingness to be ever with me through all that life has to throw at me, both good and bad.  I want to be a light for your kingdom and someone that others can emulate and through that give you honor and praise.  I pray for your healing power to be over everyone in this house today and everyday and that any sickness and/or disease would be cast out of these bodies.  Bless my family and me today.

Servant Leader - John 13

S - John 13:14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
O - Jesus was washing His disciples feet to show what a true servant leader is. He then told them to go out and do what He has done to them.
A - This is how I should lead as well. I should not be waiting for someone following me to serve me but instead I should be serving them. This is completely backwards to what the world teaches but I have seen some great leaders that put this into practice and this is exactly what they have done.
P - God, I pray that you will help me to become the leader that you have called me to be in every area of my life. Help me to serve those that follow me and to give me your heart towards them. I come to you today to thank you for the healing that is coming into this house and I praise you that everyone is completely and utterly healed from all of the sicknesses that are coming against them. I praise you and worship you this morning for the price that you paid even when we were your enemies; but now you have made us your children. Thank you!

God Delights in Me - Deuteronomy 30

S - Deuteronomy 30:10 The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.
O - God will delight in the Israelites IF they obeyed Him, kept His commands and turned to the Lord with all their heart and soul. It sounds odd the God would delight in His people, but I think of it as being a father and seeing my children go down the path that is right would delight me. How much more would God delight in seeing all His people follow Him.
A - I know that He also delights in me when I make these same decisions. I choose to obey Him and follow His commandments. I also lay down my life and take up the life that He has for me and I will turn to Him and follow Him wherever He leads me. I will today and everyday bask in his delight as that is the true measurement of success in my life.
P - God, Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for me and my family. I thank you for the sacrifice that your son Jesus gave for us. Because of that I stand before you today confident that I am your child and that you will heal my family and I supernaturally! I praise you and thank you for that! I pray peace and patience over me and my family today. Help me to lead in every area in my life in a way that is positive and uplifting and helping others to choose a path in life that is bringing joy to you, Lord. I pray blessings, protection, and healing over me and my family today.

Love God with Heart, Soul and Strength - Deuteronomy 6

S - Deuteronomy 6:4 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.[a] 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
O - The Israelites were to follow the commands of the Lord and talk about them all the time and remind themselves about them frequently. This is because they were to love the Lord with all of their heart, soul and strength.
A - I've read and repeated this verse, "love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength", many times. But what does it really mean to love this way? To start with strength, the following verses show what loving with all your strength means. It means to commit wholeheartedly to His commands as this is what we actually can do for Him. It takes a lot of "strength" to repeat them over and over and to talk about them everywhere you go and write them on yourself and your house. To love with all your heart to me means that the love is so overpowering that the one being loved is put in higher regard than even ones self. John 15:13 says "There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." And finally, to love with all your soul; what does this mean? I'm not altogether sure on this. My thought is that my soul needs to be so filled with the Holy Spirit that my inner thoughts and feelings are no longer my own but God's. Loving God in these three ways is what I want to do and to teach my children and others around me to do as this will bring peace, joy and wisdom into my life daily and it will impact others for His kingdom. P - God, I am so sorry for the times that I have not loved you with all my heart, soul and strength. I thank you for your forgiveness and I ask for your wisdom and understanding to be flowing through me every single minute of everyday so that I can think and be more like you. Help me to talk about you more often and more opening to not only my family but to also those around me that I think don't know you. I pray for your healing power over this house and everyone in it and I pray for your blessings as well.

God is God - Deuteronomy 4

S - Deuteronomy 4:39 “So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other.
O - Moses is commanding the people to follow God's commands and to remember everything that He did for them while in Egypt and the desert. This sums up who God is though, that He is so powerful that He can sit on His throne in heaven while at the same time here on earth with us. There is no other God.
A - I have much joy in knowing that God is a God that cares enough to be on earth with me and my family. This is truly no other god in this world that can match God. I am so very blessed to be one of His children and I will do everything in my power to help my children and grandchildren to understand who God is and to become one of His children as well.
P - God, I love you! Thank you for always being with me and blessing, healing and protecting me. I pray that you would give me strength, wisdom and discernment in teaching my children, especially when I teach them your ways and about your goodness. I pray that you would make their hearts open to you and that they will let you in and allow you to be their savior as well. Thank you for all that you have done for my family and for me and for the healing that is coming on each and every one of our bodies today.

God Will Fight For Me - Deuteronomy 1

S - Deuteronomy 1:29 “But I said to you, ‘Don’t be shocked or afraid of them! 30 The Lord your God is going ahead of you. He will fight for you
O - Moses is recounting the Israelites journey to the promised land and he came to the part where he sent the spies in and all the people became afraid of the report that was brought back to them. Moses encouraged the people with this passage above saying the Lord will fight for them.
A - When I face challenges and obstacles in life I can have this same level of confidence that the Israelites had but didn't lean on. God is on my side and He will go ahead of me and will fight for me. All that He asks of me in return is the tithe and that I give me life to Him. Thank God that He is willing to do this for me. Because of Him nothing can stop me.
P - God, You are amazing and you are so worthy of praise. I pray today for clarity on what you want us to do in the future. We are walking down the path that you have so delicately laid out before us and have orchestrated an amazing chain of events to get us where we are today. I pray for your wisdom and discernment, Lord. I also pray for your constant and continual healing power to be on each and everyone of us in this house. By the blood of Jesus, we are healed and free from every sickness and disease. Be with me and my family today and bless us in all that we do and go ahead of us and fight for us.