On the Go - November 20, 2008

Independence is good as long as it's in dependence of God.

Live it
Gratefulness and a spirit of giving define this season of the year, but far too many don't have one or do the other. Gratefulness is normal for those who've known helplessness, and they find joy in giving because someone gave to them. They do it, not in a spirit of obligation, but of opportunity. It's unfortunate in this year of vanishing prosperity and freedom, many positive attitudes will vanish with them.

Nothing teaches humility like receiving something we need when we have no means to provide it ourselves or repay it. Not everyone is grateful however, because some might view what they get as someone else's responsibility and something long overdue. Their attitude is one of expectancy while that of the believer is one of thanksgiving and love. It's amazing to consider more money and gifts will be spread around this season by people who don't know God, than by those who do. Is it any wonder that the number one reason most people think they're going to heaven is because of good things they've done?

Pray it
I'm humbled that you love someone like me, especially in light of the fact I don't display or preach your love as I should. I can't wait until January when I can show my love isn't seasonal and my giving traditional.

Resources
When the foundations are being destroyed, what should we do? (2000)
We honor God when we read Scripture and dishonor Him when we don't .(2002)
Have you learned to live and not be dependent on God for everything? (2003)
We should be more concerned about the need of others than our own? (2005)
Devotional (2006)
If it seems too good to be true, you're probably right. (2007)
Obligation doesn't always come from subjugation. (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.