I. Opening Prayer
In praise and thanks we come before you, blind and sinful though are we. Open our eyes to the beauty of your blessings and illumine our paths for this time in our lives. In the name of our Savior, amen.

II. Passage of Praise Psalm 30

III. Daily Bible Readings:
June 28, Monday Jeremiah 20:7-13 June 29, Tuesday 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
June 30, Wednesday 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
July 1, Thursday Isaiah 40:12-14
July 2, Friday Philippians 4:8-9
July 3, Saturday 1 Corinthians 12:1-13
July 4, Sunday 2 Kings 5:1-4
6th Sunday after Pentecost Galatians 6L1-6) 7-16
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

IV. Moments of Reflection: Silent and/or written

V. Sweet Hour of Prayer: Personal and/or intercessory

VI. Hymn: This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now (UMH 608)

VII. Closing Prayer
In the knowledge that you are our Living God we praise and give thanks. In the knowledge that your presence is with us we are in humble gratitude, on our knees in worship truly blessed. May your wisdom be with us always in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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I. Opening Prayer
In the light of a new day we praise you, God. In the beginning of a new life we come and thank you. Humbly we ask that we come into your presence, and allow us moments of intimacy with you. In Christ’s name we ask, amen.

II. Passage of Praise Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20

III. Daily Bible Readings:
June 21, Monday 2 Samuel 12:1-13a
June 22, Tuesday Luke 18:18-30
June 23, Wednesday Mark 4:26-29 June 24, Thursday Luke 7:36-50
June 25, Friday Romans 5:6-11
June 26, Saturday Galatians 5:16-26
June 27, Sunday 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
5th Sunday after Pentecost Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62

IV. Moments of Reflection: Silent and/or written

V. Sweet Hour of Prayer: Personal and/or intercessory

VI. Hymn: O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee (UMH 430)

VII. Closing Prayer
We praise you as we grow, we are in gratitude as we produce branches in the vineyard through the power of your Spirit, we give thanks to you as we mature in the knowledge of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Amen.

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I. Opening Prayer
Almighty God, in praise we humbly approach you and in joy we thank you. We covet your presence, we ask for your inspiration, as we prepare ourselves for the new day in devotion. Join us, we pray, in Jesus name. Amen

II. Passage of Praise Psalm 42

III. Daily Bible Readings:
June 14, Monday Luke 6:43-45
June 15, Tuesday Luke 10:21-24
June 16, Wednesday Luke 11:27-28
June 17, Thursday Luke 15:1-10
June 18, Friday John 9:24-33
June 19, Saturday John 12:1-3
June 20, Sunday 1 Kings 19:1-5a
4th Sunday after Pentecost Galatians 3:23-29
Luke 8:26-39

IV. Moments of Reflection: Silent and/or written

V. Sweet Hour of Prayer: Personal and/or intercessory

VI. Hymn: Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed? (UMH 359)

VII. Closing Prayer
In praise and gratitude we approach you. Thank you dear Lord for the new life you have allowed us to enjoy in your presence. We thank you for the moments spent at your feet. May we, in response, give our lives to you in the service of our fellow human beings. In the name of our Savior Jesus Christ we pray. Amen

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I. Opening Prayer
Merciful God, we praise you. Thank you for your goodness and love. You have always been faithful to us. Allow us to be faithful and true to you through the empowerment of your Spirit. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

II. Passage of Praise Psalm 5:1-8

III. Daily Bible Readings:
June 7, Monday 1 John 3:19-24
June 8, Tuesday James 5:13-16
June 9, Wednesday (John Wesley’s b’day) Psalm 139
June 10, Thursday 2 Corinthians 4:5-12
June 11, Friday Psalm 125
June 12, Saturday Galatians 2:15-21
June 13, Sunday 1 Kings 21:1-21a
3rd Sunday after Pentecost Galatians 2:15-21
Luke 7:36-8:3

IV. Moments of Reflection: Silent and/or written

V. Sweet Hour of Prayer: Personal and/or intercessory

VI. Hymn: Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me (UMH 361)

VII. Closing Prayer
Lord God, We end our devotion in praise and thanksgiving; remembering your bountiful grace and endless generosity in allowing us a life which though often marked by difficulties, also leads to the path towards eternity; an eternity in your presence that which we will always covet. In the name of Christ. Amen.

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I. Opening Prayer
Our God and Protector, we come to you in humble praise and joyful thanksgiving. We ask that your strong and mighty arm afford us defense, guidance and empowerment. Bless us with your presence. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

II. Passage of Praise Psalm 146

III. Daily Bible Readings:
May 31, Monday Psalm 62:5-12
June 1, Tuesday John 10:7-21
June 2, Wednesday Psalm 91
June 3, Thursday Luke 12:22-31
June 4, Friday Psalm 121
June 5, Saturday Hosea 2:14-23
June 6, Sunday 1 Kings 17:8-24
2nd Sunday after Pentecost Galatians 1:11-24
Luke 7:11-17

IV. Moments of Reflection: Silent and/or written

V. Sweet Hour of Prayer: Personal and/or intercessory

VI. Hymn: Seek Ye First (UMH 405)

VII. Closing Prayer
The blessings, joy, and peace from our loving and caring God we now claim to keep us into His fold, to serve Him – who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – and even His Church and our fellow human beings. Amen.

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I. Opening Prayer
Lord God, you have revealed yourself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Reveal your will to us as well, so that we may have purpose in our being. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

II. Passage of Praise Psalm 8

III. Daily Bible Readings:
May 24, Monday Proverbs 8:22-31
May 25, Tuesday Psalm 148
May 26, Wednesday John 17:1-5
May 27, Thursday Psalm 149
May 28, Friday John 5:19-29
May 29, Saturday Psalm 150
May 30, Sunday Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
1st Sunday after Pentecost Romans 5:1-5
Trinity Sunday John 16:12-15

IV. Moments of Reflection: Silent and/or written

V. Sweet Hour of Prayer: Personal and/or intercessory

VI. Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty (UMH 64)

VII. Closing Prayer
May the indwelling of the Triune God in our lives – in our minds and hearts – be ours not only now, but for always. In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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I. Opening Prayer
Almighty God, allow us your Holy Spirit so that we may perfectly love and follow you, especially in these moments of devotion and prayer. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen .

II. Passage of Praise Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

III. Daily Bible Readings:
May 17, Monday Genesis 11:1-9
May 18, Tuesday Acts 2:14-21
May 19, Wednesday Acts 2:43-47
May 20, Thursday Psalm 134
May 21, Friday Romans 8:1-17
May 22, Saturday John 15:26-27
May 23, Sunday Acts 2:1-21
Pentecost Sunday Romans 8:14-17
John 14:6-17 (25-27)

IV. Moments of Reflection: Silent and/or written

V. Sweet Hour of Prayer: Personal and/or intercessory

VI. Hymn: Spirit of the Living God (UMH 393)

VII. Closing Prayer
Eternal and Infinite God, Spirit Most Holy, you are the source of our being which you continue to sustain. We recall your act mightily done at the feast of Pentecost, which your Church equally needs for its sustenance and empowerment against the dangers which today’s world has been confronting it with. Do not leave us, O Lord God. And may we feel…your indwelling for the strengthening of our faith to continue the work you have set for us to do. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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I. Opening Prayer
God of Time and Eternity, we approach you in thoughts of praise and thanksgiving. Though Christ ascended to claim his rightful place, we know he is with us through the Holy Spirit. Allow your children to feel, relish, and appreciate this presence. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

II. Passage of Praise Psalm 97

III. Daily Bible Readings:
May 10, Monday Psalm 1
May 11, Tuesday 1 Peter 1:3-12
May 12, Wednesday John 17:11-19 May 13, Thursday Acts 1:1-11; Eph. 1:15-23
(Ascension Day) Luke 24:44-53; Psalm 47
May 14, Friday John 17:20 26
May 15, Saturday Ephesians 4:17-32
May 16, Sunday Acts 16:16-34
7th Sunday of Easter Revelations 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
Ascension Sunday John 17:20-26

IV. Moments of Reflection: Silent and/or written

V. Sweet Hour of Prayer: Personal and/or intercessory

VI. Hymn: Crown Him with Many Crowns (UMH 327)

VII. Closing Prayer
O Triune God, praise and thanksgiving we bring you. In triumph Christ resurrected and in exaltation Christ now ascends to heaven. We keep this in our hearts to cherish and celebrate for all our days. Grant us your peace. Amen.

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I. Opening Prayer
God of all, we praise you. We thank you for you have made us prosperous in everything. Fill us with your Spirit and allow us to be in your presence in the sweet moments we will spend in prayer with you. Amen.

II. Passage of Praise Psalm 67

III. Daily Bible Readings:
May 3, Monday Acts 11:19-30
May 4, Tuesday 1 John 5:6-12
May 5, Wednesday Hebrews 1:4-14
May 6, Thursday Hebrews 12:12-29
May 7, Friday Hebrews 13:1-19
May 8, Saturday Hebrews 11:1-3
May 9, Sunday Acts 16:9-15
6th Sunday of Easter Revelations 21:10, 22-22:5
John 14:23-29

IV. Moments of Reflection: Silent and/or written

V. Sweet Hour of Prayer: Personal and/or intercessory

VI. Hymn: There’s Within My Heart a Melody (UMH 380)

VII. Closing Prayer
O God, our Father, we are before you, in praise and gratitude for your love. Allow us now your eternal presence to afford us faith in the promise of eternity. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

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Greetings!

I visited with a friend over dinner the other night. He is an attorney. A really good one. He works for a prestigious firm and does some of their most important work for its biggest clients. He was talking about leadership. “Law schools are producing some sharp graduates these days and sending them our way,” he said. “As you can imagine, we get lots of applications from the best and brightest. I don’t think it would ever be the case that we worry about one of our applicants knowing the law or being able to pass the bar exam. But we are really having a hard time finding people we want to hire.” “Why is that?” I asked. “We have a hard time finding people who are leadership caliber,” he continued. “We need people who will step up and step out. And they are getting harder and harder to find. Either that or we are looking in the wrong places!”

The more we talked about the leadership issue, the more engaged we both became in the conversation. What does it take to make a leader? What are the qualities to look for? What are the qualities to cultivate in your own life? You obviously look for core competencies in a leader. She must have appropriate background and training. He must have some assessments that say he can do the job. It is always better to have someone who has already proved himself in a similar role. All these things point to aptitude and know-how. It is harder still to find someone who sees the big picture and is forward-looking in handling his responsibilities. Leaders have to fix messes and keep a close eye on hitting productivity and profit targets. But they have to be more interested in keeping the company, family, or church on track with its long-term goals. They have to be visionary persons who can communicate their vision. They are getting harder to find!

Okay, those two are obvious and easy. A leader has to possess basic competence and vision. But my friend was emphatic about the third item. No, it wasn’t third except for the sequence of discussion. It is, according to him at least, the first and most critical item. He was adamant that the thing most often lacking in potential leaders is personal integrity. Common decency. Good character. Leadership is a matter of being before it is a way of doing. Politicians, evangelists, athletes, bankers, actors, CEOs – all of them had good-to-excellent skills and a sufficient supply of vision and ego to get to their leadership positions. But we have witnessed hosts of them melt down before our eyes because of a lack of principled character that would let them use their positions responsibly. All the knowledge, skills, charisma, looks, and imagination in the world can’t make up for a lack of character. The wise man said it long ago: People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall. (Proverbs 10:9 NLT) <(((><

—
While some disagreements can be cleared up quickly, others linger on for years.
Being misunderstood is one of the most common problems a Christian must face.
People fail to understand our motives.
Some jump to false conclusions.
Others assume things about Christians
that grow out of feelings rather than facts.

<(((><

image credit: Stewf via Flickr

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Greetings!

Because of several deadlines I have set for myself I am finding myself feeling rushed, a bit overwhelmed by all that has to be done, pressured, even talking to myself. One of the things I could be heard saying is, “There is not enough time to get everything done that needs to be done.” I have found myself running from place to place, task to task, and hour to hour trying my best to get everything done on my “to do” list before the day is done. I have found myself getting frustrated, irritated, and easily distracted. From time to time as I zipped from one location to another trying to do too much in too little time if anyone happened to get in my way moving a little slower than I think they should, if anyone were listening they could have heard me say, “What are you doing? Get out of my way!” Those outbursts are usually followed be a period of reflection and repentance.

I don’t get like this very often, but when I do it is not unusual for me to wake up in the morning thinking about all I need to get done, and go to bed at night thinking about all I should have gotten done that I didn’t get done, or that I forgot that I was supposed to have gotten done. I make lists of things to do which often include, “Make another list of things to do” as one of the items on the list. I find myself hurrying to finish one task only to find another waiting for me. I think it was in a time such as this that the phrase, “I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I think it is the headlight of an oncoming train” was first spoken. Whew!

It is a busy time. There is much to do. And, after all that is done, there will be more to do. Times like these are really not that uncommon are they? My schedule is probably not any busier that yours. In fact, it is not unusual at all to hear others say the same thing I said earlier, “There is not enough time to get everything done that needs to be done.” Yet, somehow I know that’s not true. As overwhelming as some days (and weeks, and months) may be, there really is time to get things done that need to be done.

I believe that is some of what Paul was saying when he said in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” I don’t believe Paul meant to imply he could do everything that he wanted to do. In fact, earlier in the letter he had expressed how much he wanted to be with these people but was unable to do so. In Romans 7 he describes his struggle with the flesh and indicates that there were some things that he wanted to do but could not, and some things he did not want to do, but he kept doing them. But, I do believe he was expressing a basic principle for the believer that he had the power, the ability, and the time to do the things that God wanted him to do.

Perhaps our frustrations are caused in part because we make our lists of things that we want to do, or things that we think that we need to do. Then, we drive ourselves nuts trying to do things that could have gone undone. Instead, when I concentrate on doing the things that God wants me to do, my life settles down and joy returns.

This week is likely to get just as busy as last week, to focus more on doing what I know the Lord wants me to do, and what I know I have time for. If you can rearrange your schedule, I invite you to join me in living differently this week. <(((><

—

Do you feel as though God could never forgive you,
that your sins are too many,
or that some of them are too great?
The good news is that God can and will forgive them all.
Nobody is beyond redemption,
and nobody is so full of sin
that he or she cannot be made clean.
<(((><

image credit: monkeyc via Flickr

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I. Opening Prayer
O God in heaven, we approach you with praise on our lips and thanksgiving in our hearts. We thank you that in unconditional love you have accepted us all as your children though not one of us deserves to be called as such. Indwell us with your Spirit that we may serve you. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

II. Passage of Praise 148

III. Daily Bible Readings:
April 26, Monday Psalm 17:1-7
April 27, Tuesday Galatians 5:13-15
April 28, Wednesday (Nurses’ Day) John 13:1-9
April 29, Thursday Romans 3:21-31
April 30, Friday Romans 5:1-11
May 1, Saturday Ephesians 5:21-32
May 2, Sunday Acts 11:1-18
5th Sunday of Easter Revelations 21:1-6
John 13:31-35

IV. Moments of Reflection: Silent and/or written

V. Sweet Hour of Prayer: Personal and/or intercessory

VI. Hymn: Only Trust Him (UMH 337)

VII. Closing Prayer
Dear God we come to you in praise. We come near to you in thanksgiving for goodness and mercy manifested in your Son, Jesus. We thank you for your love manifested in all that you do. Fill us with your Spirit so that we can be with you always. In the name of Christ. Amen

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Greetings!

“‘… Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

Is it really that important to have a quiet time with the Lord everyday? I mean the Lord knows how busy my life is, so if I just toss up a few prayers and listen to a Christian song on the radio while rushing into my day, that should suffice. Right? It’s easy to let the busyness of life crowd out time for prayer, Bible reading, and sitting with the Lord. There are a million things on all of our to-do lists, time is tight, and quiet moments seem few and far between. But I’ve learned that if I make the choice to be with the Lord first thing in the morning, my outlook on life that day and my ability to handle things seems to go so much smoother.

Also, I’ve had to change my mindset on having a quiet time. Spending time with the Lord in the morning doesn’t end when I say “amen” and put my Bible back on the shelf. I’ve just invited the King of kings to participate in my day. So, I get up from spending time with the Lord in the morning and start eagerly looking for His hand of activity in my life.

I think about the Bible verses I read that morning and look for ways to apply them to my life that very day. I watch the circumstances that come my way hour by hour and ask the Lord to constantly give me wisdom to process life in the way that would be most honoring to Him. My mindset is healthier, my attitude more positive, and my ability to extend grace to those who rub me the wrong way is increased just by setting aside some time to be with the Lord.

If you are struggling with having quiet time with the Lord each day, try these helpful ideas:

Be honest with God and admit your struggle. Ask God to give you the desire to set aside time to be with Him.

Start with just a small amount of time. Even if it is just 5 minutes at first, give these 5 minutes solely to the Lord without any other distractions. Over the next weeks and months, your desire for more time with Him will increase.

Use a version of the Bible that lends itself to study. I use the NIV Life Application Study Bible and I love it. It helps me understand the context each book was written in and gives me commentaries to understand specific verses.

Ask God for understanding as you read the Bible. When I first started reading the Bible I had a hard time. So, I started praying that God would open my spiritual eyes to see the truths in a life changing way for me.

Write some of the verses that seem most applicable to your life on 3×5 cards and use them in your prayers. For example, Matthew 6:19-20 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” So, I could use this verse in my prayer time by praying, “God, help me to know how to store up treasures in Heaven. Help me to relinquish my tight hold on my earthly possessions so I can use them to build Your kingdom now. Show me how to best use that which You have blessed me with. Give me Your mindset for the money I have.”

Get involved in a Bible Study with friends. This will help hold you accountable to getting your study time done and will open up great discussions to deepen everyone’s understanding of applying God’s truths to everyday life.

Dear Lord, I want a more vibrant relationship with You and I know having a daily quiet time is an important part of that. Help me make this my most important priority each day, no matter how busy life is. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. <(((><

—

Glorious Father, thank you for sending Jesus to give me life. I do
believe that your Son, Jesus, came to be my Savior by dying for my sin
on the Cross. I believe you raised him from the dead to ensure my
future. I believe that he poured out the Holy Spirit. And, dear Father,
I believe he is returning in glory to bring the redeemed home to be
with you. So bless me as I try to live obediently to Jesus, my Lord, in
whose name I pray. Amen.

<(((><

image credit: AndreaR via Flickr

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I. Opening Prayer
O God, our Father, who provides all that we need for our bodies, minds, and spirits, allow your children the bounty and grace of your holy presence; that in this hour of devotion you may infuse in us with inspiration and motivation to do our best and be as shepherds to your people. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen

II. Passage of Praise Psalm 23

III. Daily Bible Readings:
April 19, Monday Psalm 80:1-7
April 20, Tuesday Isaiah 40:1-11
April 21, Wednesday Jeremiah 31:10-14
April 22, Thursday Hebrews 13:20-21
April 23, Friday 1 Peter 5:1-11
April 24, Saturday 2 Corinthians 4
April 25, Sunday Acts 9:36-43
4th Sunday of Easter Revelations 7:9-17
John 10:22-30

IV. Moments of Reflection: Silent and/or written

V. Sweet Hour of Prayer: Personal and/or intercessory

VI. Hymn: The King of Love My Shepherd Is (UMH138)

VII. Closing Prayer
O God, our Shepherd true and faithful, allow us now your blessings of strength and purpose so that we may be able to fulfill our mission in the vineyard of our Savior Jesus Christ through whom we pray. Amen.

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