On the Go - December 14, 2008

Don't presume a goodbye won't be your last.

Live it
Sadly, the older we get, the more time we spend in funeral homes comforting friends who have lost someone. And almost without exception, a family member is there who has never said what needed to be said to the one in the casket. I've never understood how someone could possibly think hurt feelings more important than having a clear conscience.

My wife frequently goes to the nursing home where her mom and dad spent their last days on earth. There, she visits some of the residents she got to know as she visited her parents. But, one person she always sees when she goes there are the parents of her best bud from high school. The sad thing is that her old friend has never been there for her parents in their old age, but acts as if they're already dead. What memory is so painful, someone is willing to do that? What causes someone to shun the love someone else has for them? And what activities are so important they're willing to lose the only opportunity they have to get past the past? If I've described you, don't bother thinking of a good answer because there isn't one.

Pray it
There are so many people who have influenced my life in a positive way and most of them are still alive. Like last week, I want to take time to call or visit and encourage them by telling them what You've done in me because of them. I want to do this, not to glorify them, but thank You who works in all of us and deserves all the glory.

Resources
You can't finish what you never start. (2000)
Timothy: A loving care for others that flows from the heart of a true servant (2001)
Living by faith is acting on the revealed word of God (2003)
Repentance - what the Ninevites did and Jonah didn't. (2004)
The only way to grow a healthy garden is to pull out the weeds that inhibit growth. (2005)
Devotional (2006)
You'll never get close to God until you approach Him and spend time with Him. (2007)
Scary thought: people learn about God from watching you. (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.