On the Go - November 13, 2008

When our focus is on men, we lose understanding and confidence.

Live it
A few years ago I attended my High School reunion and like many of you who have done the same, was surprised when I arrived. My first thought when I walked in the door was that I'm not nearly as bad off as I thought. Far too many of my childhood friends were dead or dying. At least I'm still alive. It was curious how those formally voted most likely to succeed didn't, and of those who most thought wouldn't, did. We used to be judged on money and friends, but today it's whether we still have hair, not how we dress. Hard life takes a toll on most and is working overtime on the rest. Maybe a school reunion is not the best place to go if you cherish static childhood memories.

Isn't it funny how the things we once viewed as large and more than adequate can change in our perception to something small and deficient? The huge house of our youth is smaller than most car garages today. And the streets on which we drove our cars seemed so wide, but were actually barely wider than our driveway. Perception is subject to change, but reality demands comparison to something that doesn't, like God for example. Today, why not ask him to enlarge your perception, so you can stop whining about what everyone else seemingly has and you don't?

Pray it
I do cherish memory of growing up and how You've brought me to this point. You are indeed my Ebenezer and I have no reason to doubt you won't help me today. A great God demands a great perception, so I ask you to enlarge mine.

Resources
The Israelites thanked God for provision one day and took it for granted the next. (2000)
If we believed profession was not possession, we'd spend more time with converts. (2003)
There's more security above the clouds with God than flying beneath the radar without Him (2004)
Devotional (2006)
In God's eyes, reluctant but compliant is a little better than rash and contrary. (2007)
Do you belittle God? (2008)

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

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.