On the Go - October 17, 2008

The same thing that's viewed as blessing by a believer offers false security to someone who's not.

Live it
Most consider long life a blessing and a short one the opposite. But from God's perspective, one day with him is more valuable than a lifetime without him. Similarly, possession of money is viewed by a believer as a means to bless others, but by the world as reward to be used on themselves. Not all believers share a godly point of view. I'm sure you've heard a sad story like this one before:

Recently after a few years of declining health, the elderly parents of two children passed in the same year. Prior to that, and for over a year, the older daughter assumed responsibility for caring for the needs of her parents. With her husband's blessing, she quit her job, moved away and into her parents' house to be more effective caring for her dad at home with Alzheimer's and her mom in a nursing home. In the absence of a legal will, and with nothing left but responsibility, the daughter had no assistance, physical or financial, and or moral support from anyone, including her brother. At his dad's passing, the brother wouldn't take time to attend his father's funeral. Now, as the daughter prepares to move on with her life, her brother has all the time in the world to show up, criticize and demand accounting for his share of the "loot." He wants a guarantee from someone that his personal wealth and welfare won't be affected negatively as a result of his negligence. How is it that some people calling themselves a Christian, think they can protect things destined for the furnance?

Pray it
I trust You today to provide what I need and promise not to make a shrine out of it. For those who have been unjustly maligned, I pray they continue to keep their eyes on Jesus and not on those who are blindly perishing.

Resources
A true Fairness Doctrine is seen in the way God judges men by Truth. (2000)
Faith can be no deeper than my willingness to trust God. (2003)
Who asks for help when he's not in trouble? (2004)
For all the things I've feared in life, not one has lived up to its billing. (2005)
Devotional (2006)
God works through people we'd never suspect to deliver mercy in time of need. (2007)
Each one of us determines the value of life. (2008)

How to Pray for...
My husband or wife.
Teach me to love my wife today the same way Jesus loves me.

My children.
Lead my children in paths of righteousness and keep them from straying too far.

Their school.
Keep those of bad influence from teaching in our schools.

Their teachers.
Protect those whose passion is to teach what is right in Your eyes.

My children's friends.
Give my children godly friends who are committed to do what is right in Your eyes.

My friends.
Help me be a friend to the friendless and faithful to those who befriend me.

My work.
Make me a diligent worker, one who inspires my boss and leads him to trust you.

My city.
Take my city one where truth and liberty are dominant and favoritism has no place.

Governmental leaders.
Guide government leaders to do only that which Scripture teaches.

My country.
Convert our country's patriotism "fever" into a passion for holiness under Your Banner.

My President.
Give him wisdom to make the choices You want him to make.

My church.
Give my fellow church members a passion to be clean and reconciled to each other.

My pastor.
Direct him to lead resolutely, anchored on the rock of uncompromising faith.

My church leadership.
Teach the leaders in our church to serve faithfully, even when none one is looking.

Sister churches.
Bless those churches whose stand is uncorrupted by a world value system.

Persecuted churches.
Protect persecuted brothers, giving them a testimony that extends around the world.

Missionaries.
Bless them. Meet their ministerial and personal needs to overflowing.

The sick..
Sustain those on his or her sickbed.

The lost.
Direct them to someone willing and ready to present the Gospel of Jesus without compromise.

Those in despair.
Remind those in despair that it is only ignorance of God that's hopeless.

Those in the hospital.
Protect those in the hospital from infectious germs that might exasperate their condition.

Those grieving.
Give hope to those who grieve so they will know it's purpose and not be servants to it.

Widows.
Protect the widows and provide their needs. Bless those who serve them.

Orphans.
Let the orphans know of Your care. Bless those who care for them.

Myself.
Give me the confidence to speak your Word boldly today.

Prayertower Devotionals are the original creation of James R. Green:
Just Thinkin'... (2000-2003)
Read the Bible Thru in 365 Days (2004)
Pray Thru the Word in 365 Days (2005)
One-minute Devotionals (2006 to present).

Scripture provided by God's Word Translation (c)1995 - God's Word to the Nations. All Rights Reserved.