Week of May 13, 2019
Photo by Joshua Earle
MONDAY
Plant Intimacy with God
Hosea 10:12 (NIV)
Sow righteousness for yourselves,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the Lord,
until he comes
and showers his righteousness on you.
We reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7). This means we help decide what the future will look like by “planting” certain seeds in our lives today.
If you want to reap love, sow love. If you want to reap mercy, sow mercy. Choose to show these things to your loved ones even in times of tension and trial, and watch how your loving heavenly Father blesses you.
The best thing we can plant in our lives is intimacy with Jesus. When we seek the Lord, He shows up. He comes and pours out His righteousness like rain upon us.
Pray like this: Lord, thank You for this opportunity to trust You and to plant good things in my life and relationships. Today I choose to trust You in the area where I’ve been sowing fear. In the name of Jesus, amen.
May your Monday be blessed!
TUESDAY
Relying on God’s Leading
John 21:3–6
“I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
All of us have tried to do things our own way—without the supernatural intervention of Jesus. In those situations, we often learn that “fish” can be scarce! Even when we feel we are experts in our field or at dating, parenting, or anything else, we still need Jesus. We will always need Jesus.
At the beginning of each day, get in the habit of looking to God for guidance. Let His wisdom lead you (Jas. 1:5), because He knows which way to go for the best outcome—His outcome.
Pray like this: Father God, I know that You will always exceed my expectations, so please guide me in everything I do. Let me see how much You truly desire to be with me and help me. In the name of Jesus, amen.
May your Tuesday be blessed!
WEDNESDAY
Choose to Love Like Jesus
Luke 17:4
If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying “I repent,” you must forgive them.
Things happen in relationships. We make assumptions or say something that hurts the other person; we respond in anger and just make the situation worse. Sometimes we get bitter and begin to lose our way.
In every relationship, we are called to love the way Jesus loves. This other person matters to us, so it doesn’t do us any good to hold a grudge against them.
Today if you and your significant other are having some problems, maybe it would be good for you to lower your walls and forgive. As Ephesians 4:2 says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” The NLT says, “Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”
Make allowance for this other person’s shortcoming, and don’t allow resentment to build a wall between you.
Pray like this: Lord, thank You for Your Word. I’m sorry for the times when I’ve built a fortress to keep certain people out. Today I choose to love the way You want me to. In the name of Jesus, amen.
May your Wednesday be blessed!
THURSDAY
You’re a Giant Killer
2 Samuel 21:15–17
Once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel. David went down with his men to fight against the Philistines, and he became exhausted. And Ishbi-Benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, whose bronze spearhead weighed three hundred shekels and who was armed with a new sword, said he would kill David. But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him.
God is teaching you how to defeat the “giants” in your life. Perhaps you’re facing the giant of fear today. Or anger. Or jealousy. Or maybe even a broken heart. God is giving you the secrets you need to be successful.
As you learn these lessons, it’s good to share them with other people, so they can become giant killers, too.
Pray like this: Father, thank You for teaching me to overcome the giants in my life. Please give me opportunities to speak into others’ lives and show them what You’ve shown me. In the name of Jesus, amen.
May your Thursday be blessed!
FRIDAY
God Is the Answer
Ephesians 5:15–17
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
In difficult times—when relationships are falling apart, when we’re dealing with injustice, or whatever life throws at us—we will live wisely as we seek the Lord’s counsel. Even in the worst circumstances, God will show us how to live in victory.
Instead of complaining about our circumstances, we can look to God and choose to go after His wisdom. He has the answers we need to make the most of every opportunity and walk according to His will.
On good days and bad, God is the answer. As we seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, we will find ourselves living at a level of blessing beyond what we thought possible.
Pray like this: Father God, I want to follow Your wisdom in all things. Please help me to hear Your voice and every day take the opportunities You give me. Teach me Your ways. In the name of Jesus, amen.
May your Friday be blessed!
SATURDAY
The Power of Agreement
Matthew 18:19–20
Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
A marriage or dating relationship cannot prosper if there is no agreement between the two parties involved. Agreement is a stronger power than we expect—it brings Jesus right into our midst.
What is going on in your life today? Where do you need God to come in and save you?
Find someone to agree with you in prayer. It could be a friend, parent, spouse, mentor—anyone who knows Jesus. Pray with that person, and then keep praying (Luke 18:1). Expect to see God move powerfully.
Pray like this: Father God, thank You for hearing my prayer! Thank You that I don’t have to fight for this thing on my own, but You are with me to help me. I believe You and trust what Your Word says. In the name of Jesus, amen.
May your Saturday be blessed!
SUNDAY
The Lord Your Shepherd
Psalm 23:1–4
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing…
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me.
The lamb can be a fearful animal, one that is easily scared. But the shepherd is its safe place.
King David, the writer of this psalm, was a shepherd in his youth, and he knew the sheep trusted him. He fought off the things that wanted to kill them, and he cared for them even at the risk of his own life.
Today let God be your Shepherd. Trust Him to protect you from things that are bigger and fiercer than you. Even when everything is dark, He will renew your strength so you can keep moving forward. He will show you the way and be your light.
Pray like this: Lord, You are my Shepherd. I choose to place my trust in You. Even in the worst moments, I know that everything will be all right because You are there. Show me how to follow in Your steps, and I will receive from You the strength I need for this day. In the name of Jesus, amen.
May your Sunday be blessed!
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