Choose you this day
whom ye will serve . . .
as for me and my house,
we will serve the LORD.
– Joshua 24:15

In America, every year July 4th brings with it fun, food, family and friends, and fireworks—all as a celebration of national freedom.  But even with all the celebrating and fun, many Americans are still caught in the web of bondage on a mental, emotional, relational, financial, vocational or spiritual level.  Most often, we ourselves create the chains that bind us by making poor or sinful choices. The longer I live, the more convinced I am that life is a series of choices, each choice has a consequence, and we must live with the consequences of our choices.  In order to have true freedom in your life, then, you must make wise choices.

Father God, you are the one who gives us freedom to make choices and pursue actions that can either be good or harmful to ourselves and others. On this sacred day of freedom, we thank you for the opportunity to live in a great nation that has all of the resources to help a hurting world. Help us to choose the people and nations with whom we will share our blessings. Freedom in Christ does indeed set us free! In his name, amen.

Sovereign God, help me discern today what my life is intended to fulfill in your plan. Thank you for loving me and promising to walk beside me every step of my life. I live trusting that you will never forsake me and committed to never forsaking you. In the name of your faithful Son, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
– 2 Peter 3:9

Maranatha — O Lord come! This cry of the early church, especially during times of trial, persecution, and difficulty must be tempered with the reminder that there is a lost world around us — many of whom are dear friends and family. Our passion for the Lord’s coming must be equaled by our passion to share his grace with those who have not “come to repentance” and have not changed their lives to serve the Lord who died to bring them life. Until he comes, let’s commit to do his work of bringing others to repentance and salvation in him.

O great and patient God, please use all of your power and grace to bring my loved ones and dear friends to repentance so that when Jesus appears they can share in my joy and your salvation. In the name of Jesus the only Savior I pray. Amen.

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace.
Micah 5:4-5 (NIV)

When Jesus proclaims that he is the ”Good Shepherd,” he means that he will lay down his life for us! For us, however, it means all that Micah promised — strength, majesty, security and peace.

Loving and eternal God, thank you so very much for sending Jesus to be my sacrificial Shepherd. In a world gone crazy, his strength sustains me, his majesty overwhelms me, and in him I find my security and peace as I face the future. In the name of Jesus I thank you. Amen.

Correct me, LORD,
but only with justice —
not in your anger,
lest you reduce me to nothing.
Jeremiah 10:24 (NIV)

God is love! God is also holy and righteous! If he did not lovingly and tenderly correct us, none of us could survive before his awesome perfection. Yet our God has chosen to give us his undeserved mercy and kindness as he corrects us and molds us to be more like him.

Holy and righteous Father, I truly do want to become more like you in my daily character; but please, dear Father, humble and correct me gently for you know how small I am compared to you. In the name of my Savior, your Son Jesus, I pray. Amen.

And when the Chief Shepherd appears,
you will receive the crown of glory
that will never fade away.
1 Peter 5:4 (NIV)

Everyone needs direction in life and God provides the very wisest and most trustworthy people to guide our path. What a wonderful blessing it is to be led by godly, loving shepherds. But as much as we love them and show them respect, they will receive even greater appreciation in heaven!

Glorious God, please bless every faithful and concerned leader in your Church with a clear sense of your blessing and appreciation. Please use me to show this love to your faithful servants as well. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.
Psalm 105:4 (NIV)

Most people would admit that life is full of stress and that there is never enough time for the things we enjoy. Our vocations, families and hobbies consume so much of our daily schedule. We must prioritize and actively think about the most important tasks at hand. A form of triage becomes so necessary so we may faithfully follow a routine of activities in order to get through each day in an organized and productive manner. When we honestly evaluate where we use our time, how we spend our money, what we think about most often, and where we put forth our best efforts, what do we find? Is God our consuming passion? Is he our first love?

O mighty Lord, it is hard not to be able to see your face, yet I know my imperfection makes that impossible in light of your awesome holiness. Until that Day I see you face to face in heaven, please make your presence known in my life as I seek you with all of my heart. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Look to the LORD
and his strength;
seek his face always.
Psalm 105:4 NIV

Most people would admit that life is full of stress and that there is never enough time for the things we enjoy. Our vocations, families and hobbies consume so much of our daily schedule. We must prioritize and actively think about the most important tasks at hand. A form of triage becomes so necessary so we may faithfully follow a routine of activities in order to get through each day in an organized and productive manner. When we honestly evaluate where we use our time, how we spend our money, what we think about most often, and where we put forth our best efforts, what do we find? Is God our consuming passion? Is he our first love?

Mighty Lord, it is hard not to be able to see your face, yet I know my imperfection makes that impossible in light of your awesome holiness. Until that Day I see you face to face in heaven, please make your presence known in my life as I seek you with all of my heart. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.