As the Day Begins “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” —Romans 8:29, NIV When we spend enough time with someone we love, their expressions sometimes become our own. We borrow a phrase, recognize theirContinue reading “The Family Resemblance”
Category Archives: A Morning Prayer
Begin the Day Beneath His Throne
As the Day Begins “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” —Psalm 2:6, NIV Before we have finished breakfast, the world can fill our minds with reasons to worry. Trouble seems loud, while God’s presence may seem quiet. Psalm 2 helps me put those impressions in their proper place. The nations rage,Continue reading “Begin the Day Beneath His Throne”
Before You Ask What to Do
As the Day Begins “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’” —Exodus 3:14, NIV When I open my Bible, I often bring questions about what I should do. How should I handle this difficulty? What should I say? Where should I go next? Those are reasonable questions, but the burning bush invites meContinue reading “Before You Ask What to Do”
Love That Tells the Truth
As the Day Begins “You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.” —Acts 20:20, NIV Some conversations leave us choosing between being comfortable and being helpful. I understand the temptation to say only what will be welcomed.Continue reading “Love That Tells the Truth”
Lord, Show Me What I Cannot See
As the Day Begins “Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, ‘What? Are we blind too?’” —John 9:40, NIV It is possible to look directly at something and still miss what matters. In John 9, Jesus restores the sight of a man born blind, yet some religious leaders refuse toContinue reading “Lord, Show Me What I Cannot See”
When God Hasn’t Given You a Date
As the Day Begins “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” —Psalm 27:14, NIV Waiting becomes especially difficult when nobody can tell us how long it will last. We can prepare for an appointment marked on a calendar. Waiting for a relationship to heal, a burden to lift,Continue reading “When God Hasn’t Given You a Date”
What You Carry Can Strengthen You
As the Day Begins “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2–4, NIV. I sometimes picture each of usContinue reading “What You Carry Can Strengthen You”
Decide Before the Moment
The Day Begins “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace…” —1 Peter 1:13, NIV. A pilot practices difficult decisions before an emergency ever occurs. Preparation helps steady the response when pressure rises. Our spiritual lives also need preparation. Peter’s instruction pictures someone gathering a long robe aroundContinue reading “Decide Before the Moment”
Grace for the Thorn
As the Day Begins Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 A fine musician can make beautiful music, yet an orchestra requires something more: the willingness to listen, follow, and serve a shared purpose. Spiritual gifts call for that same humility. Whatever ability God has entrusted to us becomes fruitful as we offer it under His direction. TroubleContinue reading “Grace for the Thorn”
When You Can Only See the Next Step
As the Day Begins “I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. —Ruth 3:5, NIV I understand the desire to have everything settled before taking the next step. We want assurance that the conversation will go well, the opportunity will last, and obedience will leave us comfortable. Ruth had no such complete view when sheContinue reading “When You Can Only See the Next Step”