Forgive as He Forgave - Colossians 3

S - Colossians 3:13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
O - Paul is talking here about how we should now be living since we have a new life through the life and death of Jesus . One of the many points that he made about living was this passage talking about forgiving others. Because Jesus forgave us we must forgive others that offend us.
A - I feel that I can forgive most everyone. However, as I meditate on this, I realize that there have been times when there are strings attached or that I don't truly forget it after I forgave which then really wasn't me forgiving that person. Many times when I don't truly forgive or don't forgive, it's because I don't feel that the person is worthy of forgiveness or that they have offended me so many times that I can't forgive them anymore. I need to have the eyes of Jesus and see them as He sees them, as His child. People are all His children and no matter how they look, how they act, or what they say, that doesn't change that fact. I need and want to forgive as this not only helps me but it can show the love of Jesus through me and what a better example that I can live for my children to imitate.
P - Dear Heavenly Father, I ask today for your forgiveness for those times that I have withheld my forgiveness and love to others when they have done something wrong against me. I pray that you give me your eyes so that I see others the way that you see them and can love them enough to show them this same forgiveness that your son Jesus gave when He died on the cross for them and for me. I want to live a life that is worthy of being imitated by my children and this is just one more area that I want them to be able to freely forgive with no strings attached. I pray that you would bless my family and me today and watch over us and give complete healing to all of our bodies. I love you God! I praise you and adore you above everything else!

Know God's Will - Colossians 1

S - Colossians 1:9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
O - Paul is writing to the church at Colosse and is telling them how he is praying for them that they would know God's will for them and to get spiritual wisdom and understanding. With these two ingredients they will know God better and be able to produce good fruit.
A - I desperately want to know God's will for my life as well and also have more spiritual wisdom and understanding. I truly want to live a life that is pleasing to Him and one that He can say "well done". I know in order to have that happen, it is imperative that I know His will and have wisdom and understanding. This comes by being steady in His word and through constant prayer with Him.
P - God, I want to be with you and know your will in my life. I pray that you show me this today and everyday. I pray that you lead me through this adoption journey and that your will be done. Please use me for your kingdom and to spread your good news to others that need you. Bless my family and me today and I pray especially for healing over our bodies.

Grow in Knowledge, Understanding, and Love - Philippians 1

S - Philippians 1:9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.
O - Paul is praying that the Philippians continue to grow in knowledge, understanding, and love.
A - I too need to continue to grow with knowledge, understanding, and love. If I am stagnant or lean only on myself or my own understanding, I am not living my life the way that God wants me too. I need to continue to hunger and thirst for God's understanding and knowledge. When I have these, love will also just naturally fall into place.
P - God, I pray today for your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. I want to live a life that pleases you and that fulfills the purpose that you have put out for me. I need you now more than ever to be the person that my wife and children, my work and business needs me to be. Thank you for always being with me and I pray that you open my eyes and ears to know what you know. Bless my family and me today.

See God in my Life - Luke 24

S - Luke 24:31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! 32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”
O - Jesus now rose from the dead and two men were traveling and talking about all of the events around Jesus' death and resurrection. Jesus started walking with them and explaining how the Scriptures told about His death and resurrection. They still didn't recognize Him until He sat with them and blessed the bread and broke it. At that point they knew it was Him and then started questioning why they hadn't noticed this earlier.
A - God shows Himself in my life many times when I probably don't even notice Him just as these two men did. I need to be aware of God's presence and His word and even look for Him to be a part of my life and talking/walking with me. With this level of expectancy, I know that I will see Him in many areas in my life that He has always been in but that I just didn't realize before.
P - God, You are awesome and full of power. I thank you for your son, Jesus, and for the price that He paid with His life for me and my family. I pray that you would always be near me and guide me and help me to see you in everything I am doing. I desperately need your guidence and your patience. Bless my family and me today.

Make and Stand By Difficult Decisions - Luke 23

S - Luke 23:22 For the third time he demanded, “Why? What crime has he committed? I have found no reason to sentence him to death. So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him.” 23 But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded.
O - Pilate was having a difficult time finding a reason to kill Jesus and for the third time said that he was going to release Jesus and not crucify Him. Upon this, the crowd shouted louder and this made Pilate cave and sentance Jesus to death. Many in leadership face situations similar to this. Either a moral, ethical, or other decision that needs to be made but those that the leader leads, differs in opinion and the leader is left with two choices; the "right" decision or the decision that causes the least amount of short-term conflict. Many times this second decision may feel like less conflict but in the end the results of the decision could be disasterous.
A - I am a leader in my business, work and home. When these decisions come up, I need to make the right decision by thoroughly examining and praying about the situation and stand firm in those decisions that need to be made in one way or another. In the cases where I can't explain why the decision is made, I can explain as much as possible as to the why we are going down this road. Otherwise, explain the why and many times this will help those that I lead understand why the decision needs to be made this way. All decisions should always be talked through with God as He will lead me in the right decision.
P - God, I praise you this morning for all that you have done for me and all the blessings that you have poured out on me and my family. I pray that your presence will always be felt and that your word will be very evident to me always. Be with me today and help me with decisions that I need to make in order to lead my business, work, and family in a way that is pleasing to you and profitable to those that I'm leading. Help me to always lead with a level of love and understanding but to have the strength to not cave in when there may be difference in opinions when the matter is needed to be handled one way. I pray that I make you proud today, Heavenly Father.

God Knows My Future - Luke 22

S - Luke 22:10 He replied, “As soon as you enter Jerusalem, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. At the house he enters, 11 say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ 12 He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where you should prepare our meal.” 13 They went off to the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover meal there.
O - These passages above are just one of about 4-7 times that Jesus foretold what was going to happen. In these verse, Jesus told His disciples to go prepare the Passover meal and told them exactly where they could eat this meal.
A - I have this same God with me daily that knows what the future will look like. I need to look to Him for guidence as He knows what is going to happen and has promised to protect me and give me a long life on this earth. It is my job to hear Him and then to obey Him, regardless of whether I think this is the correct path or not. He is for me and will not lead me astray.
P - God, I pray to you this morning that you will guide me today and everyday. I beg for your word and to understand your will for my life. Help me to not only hear you but to have the strength to carry out those things that you tell me. I also ask that you give me the words and actions to train my children to not only hear you as well but to also obey you in everything. I pray a blessing over my family and me today and ask that you would always pfotect us.

God Will Answer - Luke 18

S - Luke 18:7 So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly!
O - Jesus' parable is about a judge that didn't love God or people. A woman came to him insessantly and asked for a decision on her case. Finally the judge gave a decision because she wouldn't quit bringing it to him. Jesus' point was that if a judge finally made a decision, how much more will God, who loves us, make a decision and make it quickly.
A - I am to cry out to God day and night. He will not keep putting me off. He will instead grant justice to me quickly. Do I cry out day and night? Do I constantly come to Him in prayer and suplication? Do I bring my needs and cares to him constantly? Do I praise and thank Him continually? This reminds me of the verse in Deuteronomy that says we are to talk about Him when we get up and through out our day and before we go to bed. God is always there with me and for me. I need to talk with Him always and in everything.
P - God I come to you again this morning looking for and searching for some direction in our adoption journey. I need you help and guidence to truly know what you have in store for us and which doors to leave open and which doors to shut. I have tried to control this journey and do what makes sense to me but I know your ways are just that much more perfect and that you know the plans you have for me, plans to prosper me and give me a hope and a future. I pray that you quickly give me this word and that my ears are open to receive this word, Lord. Be with my family and me today in all that we do and bless our thoughts, words and actions. I praise you Heavenly Father! I am so thankful that you are forever with me and that your hand is upon my life. I give you the driver seat today and everyday so that you may drive and take me down the path that you want me to take for you and your kingdom.

Forgive - Luke 17

S - Luke 17:3 “If another believer[a] sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. 4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”
O - Jesus is instructing the disciples to rebuke and forgive if these two criteria are met: 1. The person is a believer and 2. the person repents. If these are met we are to forgive as many times as this person sins or offends us. He says nothing about the case if the person is not a believer; I feel this means that we are to forgive but to be wary and possibly avoid time together if the person commits the sin/offense multiple times.
A - I need to be quick to forgive and not just say the words but truly and utterly let go of any hurt when a believer sins against me. Holding a grudge doesn't help anyone, especially me. I will quickly forgive and I will show this as an example to my wife and children so they too can forgive and bring instant relief to their hearts.
P - God, I ask that you forgive me of any times that I have held on to bitterness and unforgiveness in the past. I lay it all down before you and give it to you now. Please help me to quickly forgive those that may hurt me or sin against me and to teach this same principle to my family. I praise you for the ultimate forgiveness you gave to me through your Son, Jesus. Help me to be more like Jesus every single day. I pray this today in Jesus' name. Amen

Use Possessions to Win People to God - Luke 16

S - Luke 16:9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mammon ([h]deceitful riches, money, possessions), so that when it fails, they [those you have favored] may receive and welcome you into the everlasting habitations (dwellings).
O - I'm not sure I fully understand this verse. The context of this verse is that Jesus is telling a parable of an man that was squandering his manager's possessions. The manager was going to fire him and this man went to the people that owed the manager and made their debts smaller so that these people may help him when he was fired. The manager "praised" the dishonest man for being so shrewd and Jesus said that people of the light were not as shrewd as people like this. This verse seems to contradict other teachings. How I read this is "use money to make friends so when the money fails these new friends will welcome me into everlasting habitations." I think that this means to use our possessions to win people to us so that they may understand what we have and who live inside us. They then will want this and ask for this and be saved and live with us in heaven. A - Use the money and possessions that God has given me to win people to God. P - God, I pray that you give me opportunities to display my faith and to use the possessions that you have given us to win people to you. Be with me today and guide me in everything that I think, say and do. Bless my family and me and never leave us or forsake us.

Heed Warnings - 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 end of the parable of the prodicle son. The older brother was angry that his brother screwed up and when he returned his father treated him, in his mind, better than his father was treating him who stayed with him and didn't screw up. Going back to the very beginning of the chapter Jesus started this parable because of questions and even complaints by the Pharisees that Jesus that socializing and dining with sinners. This portion was a rebuke to these Pharisees.
A - There are things in my life that God may be doing or not doing that don't seem right or fair, but I need to have confidence and faith that God always does what is right. In the case where I hear a conficting story or message in the Bible that points out this lack of faith or incorrect thinking on my part, I need to heed this warning and change my thinking. God is always right and He is doing things for my good.
P - God, I ask that you forgive me for the times that I have complained against you or questioned your plans. I ask that you instill in me a complete faith and trust that all things work together for me who loves you. I ask for wisdom and understanding to better live my life in a way that is pleasing to you. I also pray against laziness and contentment in areas that you have called me to sow the fields and that I struggle to do. Bless my thoughts, words, and actions today and also bless those of my family. Keep us all safe and pure today and protect us.

Keep Praying and Asking - 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.
O - Jesus is intructing His disciples how to pray. following the Lord's prayer he talked about a man who had company and went to a friend to ask for a loaf of bread as he had nothing to eat for his company. This friend may not give him the bread as it was late and didn't want to get up, but Jesus said he would if the man was persistent enough. This is the same principle as prayer.
A - Many of my prayers have been "do what you want, Lord" which is good as we are to serve Him and follow His path. However, there are things that we need in life and there is nothing wrong with continually asking Him for these things. Thing like long life on the earth for us and our children, which He has promised, and putting the necessary people in front of us for our business are just two examples of things that we need to fulfill His desires for our lives.
P - God, you are always faithful and good. I praise you and stand in awe before you today and everyday. I pray that you would continue to protect my family and I and give us long life on this earth to accomplish everything that you have set out for us. I pray that you would give Christa and I wisdom to build strong children who will be even strong men and women. I pray that you would also give us strength and wisdom in building a very strong marriage. I pray also that you would continue to bless us and help us to build this business that you have set out for us so that we may be able to spread your word and hope with many people.

Doing Good In Private - Luke 8

S - Luke 8:17 For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.
O - This is Jesus talking about not covering a lamp with a basket but instead putting it on the stand for the light to shine throughout the room. This light then will reveal those things that are hidden and make it known to everyone.
A - Most of the time I think of this verse as a warning to understand that everything I do and say in private will eventually be brought out into public; and this is true. I need to be extremely careful with my thoughts, words and actions even in public as they will be made known at some point. However, I think I tend to miss the other side of this verse most of the time. Those good things that I do or say in private will also be made known in public. Although my point shouldn't be to do something in private knowing that others will find out and this may give me satifisfaction and or respect, I should be aware of this as this means I don't need to broadcast my good words or actions that were done in public. God will take care of letting whoever needs to know know of what was said or done and even if no one ever finds out, I know that God knows about it and I do it for Him.
P - God, Help me to understand this truth daily and to focus on doing good and not worrying about who may see this good. I do right for you and you alone, regardless of who else hears about this. I want to glorify you and thank you for all that you have done by the words out of my mouth and actions that I take. Bless my family and me today and keep us healthy and pure.

Forgive Others - Luke 7

S - Luke 7:41 Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver[i] to one and 50 pieces to the other. 42 But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”
O - Jesus is making a point that eventhough this woman that is washing his feet with perfume is a sinner, she finds even more joy in thanking Him for the forgiveness of these sins.
A - I am a sinner as is every other person on this planet. God has forgiven me as He has forgiven everyone else as well. I need to keep this in mind as I go about my days to follow suit and also forgive others. They already have God's forgiveness so by my witholding my forgiveness does nothing against them, it only hurts me. Everyone, and I mean everyone, deserves my forgiveness as Jesus has paid the price for them already.
P - God, I praise you and thank you this morning for the forgiveness that you have given to me. Help me and guide me in my days to forgive those around me that may do harm to me. Help me to quickly and completely forgive them and then forget the transgression. In doing this, I will show them Your love and forgiveness. I can't thank you enough for what you have done for me and my family. I pray that these actions of forgiveness can show my appreciation. Bless my family and me today and continue to give us health and protection throughout our day.

Heed the Warnings - Luke 3

S - Luke 3:18 John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people.
O - This phrase, "used many such warnings as he announced the Good News", seems to be a bit of an oximoron. Warnings usually don't come with good news but instead around danger.
A - I think that sometimes I might be so focused on God's love and forgiveness that I don't step back and heed the warnings. Even though the love and forgiveness of God is real and available, it would be extremely prudent and limit hurt in my life by heeding the warnings of danger and what is to come to unbelievers in the future. I need to live my life like today is the very last day of my life and give sacrificially, especially to those closest to me and to serve God with everything that is in me.
P - God, be with me today and help me to give and serve and give some more to those around me. I want to live a life that is pleasing to you and to show your goodness and grace in everything I do. Help me to be a husband that can comfort and show acceptance and grace to my wife every single day. Forgive me for times that I haven't done this and have caused issues in our marriage. Bless my family and me today.

Glorify and Praise God - Luke 2

S - Luke 2:20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
O - The angels had been told that Jesus was born and then they decided to go to Bethlehem and see this child for themselves. Once they were done, they left and told everyone what they had seen and heard. Once back to their fields, they glorified and praised God for all they had heard and seen.
A - I too have been priviledged enough to have heard the story of Jesus and all that He has done for me. Do I glorify and praise God daily for what I have seen and heard? Do I give Him even a thought some days? I need to follow the example of the shepards and glorify and praise God for what He did for me and my family and what He continues to do daily for us.
P - God, I come to you today and give you praise, glory and honor! You are amazing and I stand in awe before you. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do daily for my family and me. I pray for your wisdom and understanding. I also thank you for always being with me and protecting me. Help me to be the man that you have called me to be and to understand the path that you have laid out for us with this adoption. I pray for blessings, protection, and health for my family and me today and everyday.