Light in the storm.

Readings for 10/13/15 – Lamentations 3-5, Isaiah 29.

Lamentations 3:24 – I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; there I will hope in him.

Father, sometimes I feel just like Jeremiah as he poured out his complain to you.  He found himself suffering and struggling.  He was weeping about the things that were happening to himself and to the people around him.  It’s hard to be upbeat when so much seems to be wrong.  But in the middle of this storm you gave him a breakthrough.  You helped him see and remember where his hope was. God, I beg you, give me the same breakthrough, the same insight, the same hope.  As the storm rages and the rain falls, fill me with a hope that you are my portion.  Let the rain of your word drip down into the soil of my heart and raise up within me hope and confidence in you and in your good working in my life.  If you will not calm the storm, please calm my heart.  Keep the eyes of my heart fixed and focused on you and on you alone.  I’m waiting for you to do what you do.  I know it’s going to be good.  Amen.

The Big Picture.

Readings for 10/2/15 – Jeremiah 28-30, Isaiah 20.

Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Lord God, how great is your care for us.  In your wisdom you see the big picture, you see all things working together in every place and in every time – past, present and future.  You see how it all works together for good, to help me, to give me hope and a future.  I admit that I don’t always see it that way.  I am more often in the moment, more often concerned about what I’m seeing and experiencing.  But you have more in mind as you care about me and direct my life.  You see me and everyone else.  You see the whole picture and you see how it all connects and grows into a beautiful tapestry.  What you see and how you lead me is good.  Lord God, thank you for ruling my life like this.  Help me trust you and find comfort hearing and knowing these words.  Amen.

Laughter comes after weeping.

Readings for 10/1/15 – Jeremiah 25-27, Isaiah 19.

Psalm 30:5 – For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Lord God, thank you for intervening in my life.  Your light broke into my heart when I was baptized.  And you have not left me since. You discipline me, but only for a moment, only for my good, only so that I may share in your holiness and enjoy an eternity of pleasures with you at your right hand.  Thank you for dealing with me in love and mercy instead of justice. Oh, yes, it hurts me sometimes and I certainly grumble and complain about it.  Many times I don’t understand.  Thank for you, however, for dealing with me; as painful and unpleasant as it may be, you are teaching me to know that you are only doing it train me and draw me closer to you. Amen.

Can’t hold it back.

Readings for 9/29/15 – Jeremiah 19-21; Isaiah 17.

Jeremiah 20:9 – But if I say, “I will not mention his name or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.  I am weary of holding it in; indeed I cannot.”

Lord God, the more I am in your Word and sink my roots deeply into it, the more I make your Word and it’s truths my own, the more I live in it, the less I can keep quiet.  The more I am with people and get to know their lives and their hearts, the less I can keep quiet.  You speak so clearly to each of us and you’ve called me to share it, not in judgment but in love.  And the reason is simple. Hell is hot and forever is a long time.  You’ve given me the words of eternal life that will rescue and set people from that eternal fate.  Keep me from muzzling myself or Word no matter what the circumstance. Help me always speak in love, not to be right but to save from hell.  Light a fire in me that cannot and will not be extinguished, a dam that will not be held back. Amen.