We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. – John 9:4

OBSERVATION: In the gospel according to the writer John 9:4 it talks about working the works of Him that sent Jesus, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

PRAYER: Lord we are asking you to give each of us individually and all of us collectively the stability and the ability to do our part to help our neighbors, provide for ourselves, and our families. Help us to see you the light of the world and see ourselves to walk by faith and do the works necessary to accomplish the task necessary to live comfortable in the world as we wait for your return, to take us to a far better place. Lord, when we are there with you, where everything that we need and want will be provided. Thank you Lord, for what we now have and thank you for that which you have for us in the future. Amen.

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You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew‬ ‭5:13-16

OBSERVATION: May we never become so consumed with the world around us that we lose sight of those around us who desperately need to hear the saving message of Jesus Christ. ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

PRAYER: Lord, we’re committed to partnering with missionaries around the world. May unreached people groups be reached with the Gospel. And Lord, as we partner to reach around the globe, empower us to also walk across the street. Right here, right now, we know there are many who need a relationship with Jesus. We know you love them all, as you love us, and we want them to experience that love. May we truly be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

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And Jesus passing by, saw a man, who was blind from his birth…Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents; but that the works of God should be made manifest in him…He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and spread the clay on his eyes, And said to him: Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, which is interpreted, Sent. He went therefore, and washed, and he came seeing. – John 9:1,3, 6-7

OBSERVATION:  Why does God allow evil, such as incurable diseases?  He allows evil so that a greater good may come from it, so that “the works of God should be made manifest”.  The greatest suffering of the world (the crucifixion and death of the Lord) came with the greatest good (our salvation).  Our suffering only finds meaning when it is united with His.

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus Christ, you chose to share our human nature, to redeem all people and to heal the sick.  Since you have given a share in your own passion to those who have incurable diseases help them find hope in suffering for you are Lord for ever and ever. Amen.

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Jesus heals a man with a demon. – Mark 5:1-20

OBSERVATION:  In this passage we read about an encounter that Jesus had with a broken man. It is heartbreaking to hear about his condition. The community was so afraid of him that they drove him away to live among the tombs. They decided to give up on him. Much like this broken man, the homeless in our community are looked down upon as unclean, outcasts, and dangerous. Many people have given up on them…but not Jesus.  And we shouldn’t either.

PRAYER:  Dear Jesus, help us to follow your example by loving and serving the homeless in our community.  We pray that you would bring healing and restoration in their lives.

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As we pray today, listen to god through His Spirit: “The counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you. – John 14:26 (NIV)

OBSERVATION:  I believe that those who teach are practicing a call from God. Teaching is the entry point to all professions and skills. Whether artists or actors, mechanics or surgeons, all owe allegiance and gratitude to mentor who first taught them. Mistakes may have been made, techniques may need practice. But the basis of all life experience is teaching.

PRAYER:  Father, we pray today for those who teach. Strengthen them with wisdom, courage and grace. In your strong name, amen.

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Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. – Hebrews 13:1-3

OBSERVATION: The author of Hebrews tells us to remember those who are in prison.  He does not give us an explanation as to why they are in prison.  He simply says, ‘remember those in prison.’  Then he instructs us to identify with those in prison by saying, ‘as if you were together with them in prison.’  In another words, try to put yourselves in their shoes.  Think about what they face each day and what they are going through in their condition.  More than 5 million children, or one in 14, in the U.S. have had a parent in state or federal prison at some point in their lives, according to the Casey Foundation.  We are not to ignore the many families who are dealing with life without a father or mother at home due to a prison sentence.  Hebrews 13:3 tells us to keep on loving one another.  This means showing hospitality to those who need it.  This means we seek to reach out to those who are facing life without a significant family member.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, remind us of those who are suffering today because of a loved one who is in prison.  I pray for prison ministries and for the gospel to go into these prisons to lead inmates to Christ and to a place of new beginning with you.  Thank You that You are near to the brokenhearted.  I pray we will all do what we can to reach out to those in prison along with their families.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. – Colossians 3:17

OBSERVATION: I can’t offend, hurt, or slander anyone with the social media posts I don’t write. Maximize connections and friendships. Minimize drama. Is it kind?  Is it encouraging?  Is it necessary? Most of all, does it provide a good representation of Christ? Our social media accounts are part of our lives. Our lives should bring glory to God, and point others towards Him.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, social media has only complicated matters in our culture.  Even when issues ignite our passions, help us to spend our time praying rather than posting.  May we represent You in all we do.

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I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. – I Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

OBSERVATION: When I read a scripture such as this I do not think of a king as it is referenced. I think of those we place in roles of leadership through the process of election. Those who seek to “serve.” A term we hear frequently, but all too often many seem to forget what it means to be a public servant. An individual with authority must remember where all authority stems. All authority comes from God as we read Romans 13. May all of our leaders have a servant’s heart.

PRAYER: Father God, as we pray for elected leaders, I pray that they understand that with authority comes the responsibility of being a true and faithful servant. May Your hand guide their decisions to do what is right for the people that they serve. Help their words and actions be of Your Will. Give them the courage and integrity to stand for what is right and just. We ask that You be present in their daily lives and they be willing to ask You for wisdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches…. – Acts 12: 11

OBSERVATION: Sometimes God out of the blue and dramatically answers our prayers. Other times involve prolonged waiting. In Acts Chap. 12 the Apostle Peter was given a sudden and miraculous answer as God sent an angel to deliver him from prison. It took a bit for Peter to realize his prayers for freedom had been answered. It was only when he was out of his cell, through the maze of the prison, and in the dark street that he realized he was really delivered from jail. Like Peter, we too can be so focused on our prayers that we fail to see the answer God sends. Whether your path to praise is long or short, be ready to offer praise to God for what He does in your life. God has His timing, let’s be always be ready with our praise.

PRAYER: Father, today we thank you for answered prayers! May we live lives of gratitude and in all things may we bring Your honor and glory.

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Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. – Matthew 18:5-6

OBSERVATION: In our world today we tend to spend the majority of our time protecting our own wealth, power, and ideals. But one of our greatest priorities is to protect those that are the most vulnerable–children. God has given us the great responsibility to receive His little children and keep them safe.

PRAYER: God, we come before you today to pray for the safety of our children. Ultimately they are Your children and You give them as a blessing to us. Help us to take on this great responsibility of receiving and guarding them from all harm.

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