September 30th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Safety

Readings of the Day
Jude-But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
Ezra 9-10-Here we are before you in our guilt, though no one can face you because of this.
Psalm 95-O come let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
Judges 16.1-22-But he did not know the LORD had left him.

God's Word of the Day
Keep in My Love. I have come to you and called you. Do not turn away from Me.

Story of the Day
I did it three times. The man I was following the past few years was on trial. It was a trial that he didn't deserve. People were upset in so many ways. Some were mad because he didn't turn out to be the man they thought he would be. Others were mad because he was gaining attention and leading many people in a direction they didn't like. Some of the people even thought that he may take away their power from them. I was his follower. At first I thought he was wrong. He told me I would do it three times and I didn't believe him. But I did it three times. I did it and didn't even realize I was doing it till he looked me in the eyes. It was as if he stared into my soul. How bad I felt now. I did it three times. And now I ran away in shame. I ran away and hid. I ran away from him. But after the whole ordeal was over. After he came back and gathered us together. He did it three times. He showed his love in triplicate. He forgave me. He came to me and gave me direction. How could I have ever run away from him? I did it three times and then he did it three times. Denial times three then love times three. I did it three times and he did it three times.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, keep me in the safety of Your Love. Keep me in Your arms. When I deny; love me. When I betray; teach me. When I sin; forgive me. I come to You knowing that I am sinful and in need. I know I need You. For I deny, I betray, I sin and cannot free myself. I need You to free me from sin, death and the devil. I do it and need You. I worship and adore You my Savior and my God. For only in You can I find hope, faith and love. Only in You can I be transformed. I give my sinful self to You. I place my life in Your hands. Let me live in the safety of Your arms, my Lord and Shepherd. Lead me, teach me, guide me and use me in Your Kingdom, today, tomorrow and forever. ---Amen

September 29th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Hope

Readings of the Day
3 John-I have much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink; instead I hope to see you soon, and we will talk together face to face.
Ezra 7-8-Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done with zeal for the house of the God of heaven...
Psalm 94-But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.
Revelation 12.7-12-Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah...

God's Word of the Day
Place your hope in me for salvation is in my Son.

Story of the Day
There was a conversation that day between Hope and Faith. Hope contended that he was needed in order for Faith to exist. Faith contended that he was needed for Hope to exits. Hope explained that he was needed because things just weren't quite right yet. Things on the earth needed to be fulfilled and made right. We needed Hope to exist so that we had something to look forward to. We needed Hope knowing that with Hope we would have Faith. Faith argued that he was needed in order for us to accept Hope that things would be fulfilled one day. And that's when Love stepped into the conversation. Love pointed out that He in fact, was the one that made both Hope and Faith possible. Love was the action and fulfillment of the Hope and Faith that we needed all along. So there they were all together. Hope and Faith were face to face with Love. Love made Hope and Faith respond with zeal and passion. Love was the salvation of Hope and Faith. Hope and Faith were now disciples of Love. Through Hope and Faith the worship began to be made perfect by the action of Love. There they were; Hope, Faith and Love, and the greatest of these was Love.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, in the hope and faith, You have graciously provided, may I respond in zealous action with the Love of Christ in my heart. Show me the way to compassion and understanding and action this day for You and all those You give to me. Let me reflect Your hope through faith in Love. For You are salvation. May I join in with all the angels in a hymn of everlasting praise to You, our God and King and Savior, now and forever. ---Amen

September 28th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Rest

Readings of the Day
2 John-And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning--you must walk in it.
Ezra 5-6-With joy they celebrated the festival of unleavened bread seven days; for the LORD had made them joyful...
Psalm 93-The LORD is King, he is robed in majesty...
Matthew 21.23-32-He answered, "I will not"; but later he changed his mind and went.

God's Word of the Day
I command you to rest and I call you to obedience, both of these are needed.

Story of the Day
In the spring of the year I came to life. It was time to wake up and go to work. I was to be obedient to my call. I was to wake up and produce the oxygen needed. So buds and leaves began to form. During the day I grew. I took in the sunlight and my leaves grew. I grew new branches and spread out further from the previous year. All summer long I took in water and sun and made the oxygen I was called to make. Then fall came. It was time to prepare to rest for the winter. My leaves gave off the beauty of the season of life that showed maturity and wisdom. I was wonderfully beautiful in the fall of the year. As my leaves fell to the ground, I prepared myself to rest for the winter. Then through the winter I rested. I prepared for another season of life giving action in obedience to my Creator.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, You call us to action. May I be obedient to Your call and be Your disciple. You also grant us rest. May I be obedient to the rest You give. You know the cycle and path I need to take. I look to Your wisdom, Your plan, Your understanding and listen for Your direction. May I be obedient to Your call and be Your disciple. Transform my mind and spirit and change it when it needs changed to abide by Your will and Your way. For You alone are God my King, robed in majesty, now and forever. ---Amen

September 27th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Passion

Readings of the Day
1 John 5-For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world.
Ezra 3-4-And all the people responded with a great shout when the praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
Psalm 92-For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep!
Psalm 25.1-9-Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.

God's Word of the Day
Respond to My grace in obedience not from what you have done but because of what I have done for you in love.

Story of the Day
I was a slave. I was bought for a price. I was put to work for my master. No matter as hard as I worked, I could never please my master. It really didn't seem to matter anyway. He owned me after all. It didn't matter if I pleased him or not. He treated me as some "thing" that he owned and deserved to get his moneys worth out of. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't fully please him. I was always something less that he expected. So I gave up on it. I even got mad at him for the way he treated me. I couldn't stand my master. I was nothing to him and he meant nothing to me. So that's when the beatings began. The more he beat me the more I hated him. I would kill him if I ever had the chance. And he nearly killed me in beating me. He would beat me to near death and then stop. I was a "thing" after all that he paid for and he wanted his moneys worth out of me, so he would never kill me, unless he thought the joy of killing me was worth the money. There was no love anywhere, me for him or him for me.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, forgive us in this world who turn Your Love upside down. Forgive us in our abuse of people. Forgive our hateful hearts. Forgive our unloving actions. Forgive our sinful desires. Turn us around to see the obedience Jesus had for the Father's command to give himself for our sin. Make Your Love glaringly obvious to all of us that we me see the depth of that Love for each person You have created. Open our eyes to Your work of Love in Jesus life, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension. Open our hearts to that relationship with Jesus we all need and desire. Transform us through obedience and discipleship as we respond to Your awesome and powerful Love in Jesus. Transform us as we serve You and walk Your path. We follow Your lead and ask You to teach us in truth what we should do for You and each other, all in the Love and the name of Jesus our Savior. For You have shown a Master's Love that is beyond explanation and we in joyful obedience respond in a wonderful and eternal love for You. That's the way it's supposed to be. May our love for You and for each other reflect Your gracious Love, now and forever.---Amen

September 26th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Go deep

Readings of the Day
1 John 4-Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God: everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
Ezra 1-2-...the LORD stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia so that he sent a herald throughout all his kingdom...
Psalm 91-When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble...
Acts 13.32-41-...by this Jesus everyone who believes is set free from all those sins from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.

God's Word of the Day
Search the deepness of My Love through Jesus. Search and live this infinite Love into eternity.

Story of the Day
We were on a journey to somewhere and nowhere. We were on a journey of faith and hope and trust. As we looked forward we could not see the ending. We could not fathom an arrival destination. Time was endless, space was endless, dimension was infinite. We couldn't understand what was happening, where we were going, or what we were doing. We were called by something greater than ourselves to a journey to someplace we couldn't even understand. Love propelled us along this journey to somewhere and nowhere. Love lead us along the way in action and purpose. But we couldn't understand what was happening. We knew that somehow and for some reason we could place all of our trust and hope in this Love that propelled and lead us along. As we placed our trust and hope in this Love, we found that we began to live outside and beyond ourselves. We found that the Love that propelled us along our journey lived in us and we lived and existed in this Love. In our journey, propelled by Love, a spirit of discipleship was stirred to action and we began to take on the characteristics of the very Power that propelled us. None of this made much sense to us. But we continued on the journey, faithful to the Love that continued to propel us. We found that the Love that propelled us had all the purpose and meaning we would ever need. We found that the Love that directed and taught us could be completely trusted. We gave our very beings, our very existence, our eternal time in response to this Love. Our destination was in the hands of this Love that propelled us along the journey. And this was eternally and infinitely more than we would ever need. We were on a journey to somewhere and nowhere. We were fulfilled and propelled and obedient to Love. And that's all we would ever need.

Prayer of the Day
Lord of Life, Lord of Love, propel us along this eternal, infinite journey only You can understand. Teach obedience, transformation, and Love to us along the way. Make us into Your desire. Take us to Your destination. Call us Your disciples in Love and action, today and forever. ---Amen

September 25th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Watch diligently

Readings of the Day
1 John 3-What we know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
2 Chronicles 36-The LORD, the God of their ancestors, sent persistently to them by his messengers, because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place; but they kept mocking the messengers of God, despising his words, and scoffing at his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against his people became so great that there was no remedy.
Psalm 90-For a thousand years in you sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.
John 4.11-16-The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.

God's Word of the Day
Watch Me. Hear My calling. Obediently get up and go! Follow me and you well be transformed.

Story of the Day
So there I was, this speck of dust laying on the side of this hill. I had been here since creation. If I could only tell you all the things I had seen over time. But in reality, this whole business of time is overplayed. In time I am but just a moment. To the people that pass by me over and over, time is a life-time, maybe seventy or eighty years or so. But to me, time just goes on and on. But compared to eternity, even my time is just a second or two. I've seen these people, strong in their faith in the Creator at times and at other times, I've seen these people deny their Creator and look to other false god's. I've seen it all over this small amount of time that I've existed as this speck of dust on the side of this hill. I've seen kings come and go. I've seen good rulers and bad rulers. I've seen people kind hearted and people at war with one another. I've seen good and evil. I've seen it all, I think. But the best I ever saw was when the Creator decided to come into this very world He created. He came as a man. He came and lived a life of sacrifice. He gave His very life to save these people He created. A people gone astray. Then a Love beyond belief. On this very hill I saw the most amazing thing. I saw the Creator, I saw the Son, I saw the Father, I saw the Spirit, out of love, die for His Creation. He died for His people. Out of love he gave his life to give new life to His creation. He gave an everlasting spring of life to all creation. I think I've seen it all. I've heard Him call His people to action. Call them away from their daily lives to obediently follow Him. To get up and leave their life behind to be His disciples. Some obey and follow. Others turn and run. Others just make up excuses and really don't follow. I've seen it all. These days as this speck of dust, I've seen it all. Those that follow are transformed. Even when they give up their lives they gain a life that is beyond belief. They are changed into the likeness of Him. It's amazing the change! I've seen it all. Here I am this speck of dust on the side of a hill and I really haven't seen it all. I've only seen the glimpses of the beginnings of eternity. I have so much more to see!

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I hear Your call each day. You come to my door and bid me to come out with You. To follow You in Your Kingdom. I leave this place of mine. I leave this life of mine. I leave myself to follow You. I trust You and will obey Your call. Lead me this day to where You would have me go. Teach me this day what I need to learn. Use me this day, how You would want me used. Transform me this day into what You would have me be. I am Yours. ---Amen

September 24th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Build up and encourage

Readings of the Day
1 John 2-Whoever says, "I have come to know him," but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist; but whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says, "I abide in him," ought to walk just as he walked.
2 Chronicles 35-So all the service of the LORD was prepared that day, to keep the passover and to offer burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD, according to the command of King Josiah.
Psalm 89.38-52-Who can live and never see death?
Matthew 18.1-5-Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

God's Word of the Day
If you know Me you will respond to My love and take on the attributes of My Son in joy and faithfulness.

Story of the Day
He brought that old cross out of the storage area of the church. He decided to display the old thing in front of the sanctuary. This cross was not a very pretty one. It was beaten and worn. It was even a cheap one. But it was displayed in the front anyway. So many people were upset. Why couldn't a nicer cross been used and not this old beaten one? This cross that was worn out. This cross that needed replaced. This cross that was a symbol of death, and everything used and abused. An old cross, yet a cross that brings life and salvation. A cross that upon Easter morn takes on a vine of flowers that display transformation and new life. The old cross is transformed into the beauty of the Savior that died upon it. An instrument of death takes on saving grace and life. A device for torture is transformed into a device of joy and eternal life. The tomb stone is rolled away and that old cross is revisited and takes on new meaning. The cross responded to the risen Christ and was changed. The law became life. The response of that old cross and the change in meaning. He brought that old cross out of the storage area of the church and it changed from death to life. Life eternal!

Prayer of the Day
I come to You Lord as Your child. I come small in faith. You build me up. You build my faith. You give me hope. You speak the truth and I hear Your command of love. As I respond in joy to the grace You have given, show me how to take on Your attributes. Change me into what You would have me be. Show me Your Law and Your Way that I may gladly obey and be changed. For You alone transform me and my life into Your desire. This is my desire; that I may please You. Teach me to abide in You and walk as You walk.---Amen

September 23rd - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
A fresh start

Readings of the Day
1 John 1-If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from unrighteousness.
2 Chronicles 34-All his days they did not turn away from following the LORD the God of their ancestors.
Psalm 89.19-37-I will establish his line forever, and his throne as long as the heavens endure.
Genesis 28.10-17-Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go...

God's Word of the Day
Confess your sin each and every day and I will give you a new start, for I am with you always wherever you go to lead and guide you.

Story of the Day
So there I was. Alone and standing still. I wasn't doing anything at the time. Then a Fire from above came to me. It came close to me. I could feel the heat as it approached. It came so close that the heat lit me on fire. I was grounded in some sticky substance that melted around the heat. The flame approached and I was set ablaze. Ablaze in the very same fire that came to me. I danced for joy as I lit up the night. This Fire that came to me that night radiated from me and lit up the darkness of my world. It gave light to all those around. It's heat melted the wax that surrounded me. As the wax disappeared, the Light continued to glow from me. I became something different. I became something new. I was transformed from standing still, to giving off the Light. It was a wonderful calling. It was a joyous job. It was Life burning in and through me. So there I was. Alone and standing still. Then a Fire from above came to me. Thanks be to God!

Prayer of the Day
Send now the Fire of Your Spirit Lord that it may burn within me. Light up my life that I may be transformed into Your likeness. Permit me to glow in the joy of salvation. As I confess my sin, send forgiveness, send direction, and set me ablaze in action for You. I turn my face to You and seek to always follow Your Truth, knowing that You are with me wherever I go. ---Amen

September 22nd - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Clean up

Readings of the Day
John 21-Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast."
2 Chronicles 33-While he was in distress he entreated the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. He prayed to him, and God received his entreaty, heard his plea, and restored him again to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD indeed was God.
Psalm 89.1-18-I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
Genesis 27.1-29-Then prepare for me savory food, such as I like, and bring it to me to eat, so that I may bless you before I die.

God's Word of the Day
I have prepared a savory breakfast for you. Eat fish and break bread with me, then serve faithfully in My Kingdom.

Story of the Day
The hike from the day before on the Appalachian Trail was a hard leg to hike. It seemed that it was mostly an uphill climb. But we had survived. Today would bring a more level hike of this long but popular trail. When we arose one of our mates had already prepared a breakfast. Breakfast was so sweet that day. We were really hungry from the day before and looked forward to the food. The bread was especially sweet that day as we broke it together and conversed what had just taken place. We had survived the toughest leg of the trail and looked forward to a wonderful day. A day when we would see the sights from the heights of the mountains. A day that the sun would shine brightly on our lives. A day that would be a reward for the struggle of the day before. Sure there would be some more struggles to come. Sure someone would surely suffer from some future and present blisters. But today we would revel in God's creation and enjoy. We would see God active all around. We would feel His presence in creation and begin to glimpse His awesome power. This was a day to clean up our lives and know God. This was a day to be humble in His presence. This was the day after the struggle, where our eyes would open to Him and all He does in our lives. This was a new day. This was a day of transformation. A day that we would change into what God wishes for us to be. This was a day to be faithful to God and realize His impact in life. The struggle was hard but the reward was even greater. The reward was more than could ever be imagined or deserved. This was the day into eternity with our Savior.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, You humble me. You come to me and prepare a wonderful breakfast of fish and bread. You bring forth the blessing of plenteous fish which I can't even bring in. You are my source of Life. You are my God and my Savior. As I go through this day, from early morning to late in the evening, keep my eyes open to You. Keep me in Your path and teach me the attributes You would wish me to transform into. Make me more like You. ---Amen

September 21st - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Repair

Readings of the Day
John 20.19-31-Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
2 Chronicles 32-He appointed combat commanders over the people, and gathered them together to him in the square at the gate of the city and spoke encouragingly to them, saying, "Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him; for there is one greater with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles." The people were encouraged by the words of King Hezekiah of Judah.
Psalm 88-O LORD, God of my salvation, when, at night, I cry out in your presence, let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry.
Matthew 20.1-16-Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous? So the last will be first, and the first will be last.

God's Word of the Day
Join with Me in the battle. Work with me in the Kingdom. It is an honor to work the entire day. Be happy with the wages of salvation, for this is eternal Life.

Story of the Day
I went to work early that day. I worked hard the entire day. It was great to work side by side with the people I loved to work with. We worked for a wonderful Boss. He would teach us new things each and every day. Sure the work was hard. The work was sometimes dangerous. The work brought pain at times. The work sometimes left our muscles sore and made our joints ache, but that was OK. Sometimes someone would get hurt. They had to suffer through some pain. But they always received good care from the Boss. They were always taken care of. All of our needs were met. We lived a good life. New people were constantly being added throughout the day. The Boss was so good that He took care of the new people just as well as He took care of the ones who had worked hard all day. But I always felt the privilege of working harder and longer with the Boss. I felt good about being with the Boss just as the ones who came later felt good about being invited by the Boss to work so late in the day. You see, the Boss made me feel good for working all day and made the late arrivals feel good for having been chosen to work even a portion of the day. So our wages were the same. We all felt good and knew that the Boss was generous to the ones that worked all day and to the ones that only worked a short time at the end of the day. We have a generous Boss. We have a loving and compassionate Boss. We have a Boss that gives all He has for our well being. Wow! What a great Boss! I'd work for free for this Guy if needed!

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I give You all thanks and glory for calling Your people to action. You call us early in the day, at mid-day and at the end of the day. May we all respond to Your call, no matter what time of day it is. May we respond with thankful hearts and willing hands. May we respond to Your gracious gift of grace. May we respond in joy for You and in joy for one another as we are called to action any time of day. For You are generous and loving, compassionate and caring, and You are our salvation. What a wonderful God! ---Amen

September 20th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Recharge

Readings of the Day
John 20.1-18-But go to my brothers and say to them, "I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God."
2 Chronicles 31-And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God, and in accordance with the law and the commandments, to seek his God, he did with all his heart; and he prospered.
Psalm 87-Singers and dancers alike say, "All my springs are in you."
Psalm 145.1-8-Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable.

God's Word of the Day
I AM the everlasting spring of life. I have risen and live. My greatness is unsearchable.

Story of the Day
It was time for another treatment. Take the pills and wait. Monitor temperature and blood pressure. Checks by the nurse. Then the saline and then the treatment. As the drug drips into the IV I read and relax. I ponder the wonders that God has given to humans through the medical field. I ponder the complexities of the human body. I ponder mortality and death. I also ponder life and living abundantly blessed even in this failing body of mine. I ponder eternal life and how I am already on this journey of eternal life with my Lord and Savior by my side. I ponder what a blip in eternity this three to four hour treatment really is. I ponder all the blessings of the relationships God has gifted me with throughout my life. I ponder and give thanks to a God whose greatness is unsearchable. A God who goes way beyond human understanding. I give thanks that God is who He is and comes to me even in this broken sinful state, to walk by my side in His gracious gift of Life. I ponder that spring that always provided the Life Giving Water. I ponder an ascended Savior who goes to my Father for me and brings my Father close to me. I ponder and give my whole heart, soul and very gut to God with all I have. It's time for another treatment and I ponder God.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, You are always near with the treatment that I always need. You give me life and give it abundantly. You have blessed me and been gracious to me. You have forgiven me and died for my sin. Your greatness is unsearchable. You are awesome and loving. Be with me and teach me to treat others as You have treated me. For I desire to do Your will and walk in Your way day by day throughout eternity. ---Amen

September 15th-19th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Days
Power

Readings of the Days
John 17-19.42-Pilate therefore said to him,..."Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?" Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above..."
2 Chronicles 25-30-For the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him.
Psalm 82-86-Happy are those whose strength is in you...

God's Word of the Days
My Power comes to you in and through My Son and My Spirit. Now go, in that Power to love and serve.

Story of the Days
The power went out. At first we thought it would only be a temporary thing. But this time it stayed out. A drive around the city confirmed that this wasn't just a small power outage. This was a wide spread event. The power was out for miles around. Traffic lights, gas stations, homes, schools, grocery stores, malls and on and on. All without power. This was going to take a while. If your car was out of gas, well then you were out of gas. No way to get gas. Your food began to spoil without refrigeration. There were no restaurants open or grocery stores. People began to panic and act in unusual and selfish ways. Everyone thought that their power took priority over another's power. Too many people were irritable and self-centered in the way they were acting. Arguments and accusations were falsely made. It got ugly. The power went out. But then a few would be caring and considerate. A few were compassionate and loving. These were the ones who seemed to have a different kind of power active in their lives. A power from above. A power that was so much more than the earthly power that was out. And it was this Power that made all the difference. Eventually, the electricity was restored. The power was on. But would people remember? Would they remember the Power from above that sustained them? Would they remember or would they go back to their selfish ways? The power was out....or was it?

Prayer of the Days
Lord, when the power goes out in this earthly kingdom, sustain me with the Power from above. The Power of Your Kingdom. Teach me love and compassion and understanding and service when the power on this earth is out. Teach me Your Power and may Your Power transmit through my life to the lives of those I meet day by day in Your Kingdom. ---Amen

September 14th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Break bread together

Readings of the Day
John 16.4b-33-In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!
2 Chronicles 24-All the leaders and all the people rejoiced and brought their tax and dropped it into the chest until it was full.
Psalm 81-I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.
John 3:13-17-"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."

God's Word of the Day
Lift high the cross. I have won the victory. Unite in Me and My Son.

Story of the Day
There I was so high up in the sky that I thought I couldn't get any higher. Then it happened. A great flash of bright light. I looked around and saw a small speck of dust nearby. We clung together this speck of dust and I. We began to fall a great distance. I could see the earth below coming closer and closer. We fell through some clouds and then just as quickly towards the earth. As I saw the trees below, I wondered where my partner and I would land. Then we we hit the trees and tumbled off several leaves and branches, hit a few boulders and some rocks and fell into a fast moving stream of water. Once in the water, I and the water united as one and became this large body of flowing water in a stream. I moved along this stream until we came to drop off. As I went over the drop off, I hit another rock and flew out of the unity of the stream as a single droplet of water. Some of the other water around me flew off as droplets, others separated as mist and still others remained united with the main body of water. Then I reunited with the stream of water after tumbling over some boulders. Then we all came to a calm body of water. Here we languished and relaxed for quite some time. We were calm and life was wonderful and slowly we moved forward towards another stream the led peacefully through the pasture valley. Our journey would continue on. We would bring life to animals, people, and all creation. Parts of us would separate in a cloud and at some point we would repeat the cycle. A never ending cycle of unity that brought life.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, You sent Your Son as the Bread of Life into this world to save and sustain us. Just as a droplet of water and Your Word and Promise brings Life in baptism, so I ask this day that You would unite me with You and You with this world. I believe in You and Your Son; that You came into this world to bring Life. You have given me Life and I will live it in joyful abundance. You have promised eternal life and it has begun. Thanks! Your Son is that finest wheat, that Bread of Life, Life covered with the blessing and the sweetness of honey that satisfies all of my desires. Your blessings are numerous and wonderful. Sustain me in the tough and tumble times and keep me united with Your Church and with You. All this I ask and pray in the name of the Bread of Life, the Everliving Water, Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior. ---Amen

September 13th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Conversation

Readings of the Day
John 15.1-16.4a-Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.
2 Chronicles 23-Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and tore it down...
Psalm 80-Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
Psalm 103:1-13-The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

God's Word of the Day
Tear down the evil in your life and turn to Me for I am gracious and loving.

Story of the Day
The wind was coming in gusts. It grew greater and greater. Then you could see it, you could see the storm on the horizon. It was coming our way and we needed to take shelter soon. We knew that the storm was coming from forecasts, but had chosen to ignore the pleas to take shelter. Now the storm was upon us and we were about to "ride it out." So now what. Sure we could pray. But after all, we had ignored the warnings. Prayer just didn't seem right because of our own ignorance. But here we were anyway. So we prayed anyway. We prayed in our own ignorance for help. We prayed that others would be safe. We prayed to open our minds and fill our hearts with the safety and gracious love of our Savior. The storm came and went. There was damage for sure. We missed any injury or damage. But we certainly jumped in to help those who did sustain damage. We reflected the Love we felt in the prayers we made in our ignorance. But we acted and responded to that gracious face of God to those in need. God came to us and God came through us. God came in that storm in so many ways. Not in the destruction and death and pain. But God gloriously came in His presence during and after the storm. The wind was coming in gusts and the Breath of God, the Holy Spirit, blew over the face of the earth in and through the people He loves.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, as You speak to me, as I listen and speak to You; be with us in the troubled times. Rejoice with us in the joyful times, and always, always, breathe Your Spirit into our actions of love, each and every day. May we bear the fruit You wish for us to bear in fervent love towards You and in fervent love towards one another.--- Amen

September 12th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Update

Readings of the Day
John 14.15-31-If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
2 Chronicles 21.2-22.12-He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD...
Psalm 79-...from generation to generation we will recount your praise.
Acts 7:9-16-...but God was with him...

God's Word of the Day
I know you will sin, but I am with you even when you do evil in my sight and rescue you from sin. Proclaim My glory from generation to generation and respond to My Love by keeping My commandments.

Story of the Day
We gathered around the patch of dirt on the playground. A circle was drawn and we drew out our small satchels of marbles. I love to do this! We played marbles on the ground that sunny September day during our break from the classroom studies. Lose a few and gain a few and pick up some great marbles now and then. But when I went on a winning streak, I thought that I couldn't be beat. I was relentless in defeating all of my friends and taking almost all of their marbles. Then came Eddy. He was really good. I had been mouthing off about how I was the greatest. Eddy put me in my place. Even though Eddy was a year older, I figured I could handle him. Eddy was relentless in defeating me. He found great joy in humbling me and taking almost all of the marbles I had won over the past week. He took so many marbles that I had to go to the corner store after school to replenish my supply. I hated Eddy for what he did to me. Then I realized that I had done this same things to my friends in my own grade. I had lost the focus of having fun with the game. I had lost the focus of making friends by playing the game and had made it into a way for me to prove myself so great. So, back on the playground my playing changed. I played to have fun with my friends. I played to cheer the other person on. I played to build friendships that would last. This was so much more fun that playing to prove myself. I proved myself by respecting my friends. Marbles became fun once again. Eddy taught me a lesson and showed me how to love my friends.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I tend to lose focus now and then on what is important. I tend to curl up and focus on my own needs. I tend to make myself more by making someone else less. As I turn from You and curl inward on myself, I realize that I need You. There is always an Eddy around that's better than me. Forgive my sin and show Your face as I turn to You. For You come to me and spin me around when needed. You show me Your Love. In my sin You come to me and open my eyes to myself and contrast my selfishness with Your awesome and forgiving love. Teach me to emulate Your Love to those I'm with this day. Shine through me and let the world see Your glory active in me. Build relationships with the neighbors You send to me this day that center on Your Love and Your Way. All this I ask in Jesus wonderful name. ---Amen

September 11th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Gather together

Readings of the Day
John 14.1-14-In my Father's house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.
2 Chronicles 20.1-21.1-On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, for there they blessed the LORD; therefore that place has been called the Valley of Beracah to this day.
Psalm 78.56-72-With upright heart he tended them, and guided them with skillful hand.
1 John 3:11-16-We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us--and we ought to lay down our lives for one another.

God's Word of the Day
I AM your Shepherd and gather you together in My Love. I gave My Life for you. Now go in My Love and do likewise one for another.

Story of the Day
It was as if the sky lit up that night. There was this beam of light coming from the earth that illuminated a heavenly being in the skies. It was hard to tell if the light were streaming from the star in the sky to the earth, or if the light was beaming from some point on the earth and illuminating the star in the sky. Either way it was intriguing enough to cause me to follow this light out to it's earthly source. So I drove my car in the direction of this beam of life. Drove to the earthly connection of the heavens with the earth. I arrived at some farm out in the middle of the corn fields of Illinois. Then I saw where this light was beaming from and to or to and from. The light was coming from a barn. It was a brilliant light. Whiter than any white I could ever imagine. Surely this must be the white light that the disciples saw on that mount with Jesus, Moses and Elijah. So I went into the barn. And there I saw Him. I saw Jesus as a baby and that great Light. That Light of God that awakens the world. I saw that Great Light shining. I also saw that Great Light illuminating the cross. I saw the Light of Love beaming from Jesus on the cross. I saw the Light of Jesus gleaming from some grave clothes by the tomb of the Risen Savior. I saw a Great Light drawing a host of people and angels together as one at the Feast of Gathering at an awesome Communion Table. I saw another world or universe united in this Great Light of a Love Feast. A gathering of people and the host of heaven united in this Light of Love. A Light of Love for God and one another. It was as if the sky lit up that night. And I realized that that night and every night from now to eternity, this Light would always be present in me, this Light would always be with me, this Light would now carry my in His Kingdom from now and into eternity. This Light would warm my heart and feed my soul. His Kingdom had come to me, here and now and eternal Life had now begun in me through Him.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I hear that You have prepared a wonderful Upper Room for me to dwell in. I so look forward to Your dwelling in me. Let me be humble, honest, loving, compassionate and caring. Let me be transparent enough that Your Light of Love shines brightly in and through me. Reflect Your Light off and through me so that the whole world may see Your activity in my life. Make me bold enough to proudly tell of Your story in my life. Unite me with those You give to me this day in Your Love that we may go out into Your Kingdom and declare Your glory to all we meet. Guide our hearts with Your skillful hand and teaching. Stand by in the battle. For You have won the victory. But even in the battle, I know You are there to free me to give my life in Love for another. And when we gather in that Valley of Beracah. When we gather together with all Your blessing; hear our joyful praise for all You have done so graciously for us, to give our lives in Love to you and one another. ---Amen

September 10th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Struggle

Readings of the Day
John 13.21-38-By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
2 Chronicles 19-Deal courageously, and may the LORD be with the good!
Psalm 78.38-55-Yet he, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them; often he restrained his anger, and did not stir up all his wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and does not come again.
Matthew 21:18-22-Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.

God's Word of the Day
I know of your struggles and give you faith. Believe in Me and love Me and one another.

Story of the Day
I heard the scanner tell of a robbery at the local Taco Bell. They caught the crooks. How good it was to see the wicked caught and punished. How good it was to have "bad" people off the streets. They got what they deserved! Then the trial. A life of need and want. A life very different from what most of us had received. People hooked on drugs and homeless. People struggling to feed themselves and their family. "They got what they deserved!" The thought went through my mind. Did I ever get what I deserved? Why did they get what they deserved? Thoughts in my mind as to why people are in the situations they are in. Why were these people raised in a different family and environment than I. Was it what they deserved? If I had been in this same situation with this same upbringing and environment; would I have done the same? Questions that are, if honestly dealt with, sometimes hard to answer. But the law was the law. They had choices to make. Were they conditioned to make the wrong choices in life? All questions of difficulty. But then I thought of all the prisoners in the Bible. Just think about that! Some deserving imprisonment and others not. I thought of Jesus, a prisoner, forgiving the criminal on the cross. I thought of how God sent His Son just for all of us in our situations, whatever they may be. I thought of His love and compassion and how we all need His grace. He did not destroy flesh but saved all flesh. He came to save me and these here on trial who robbed the Taco Bell. Not that any of us are innocent. Not at all! In fact we are all guilty. Myself and these on trial before me now. Guilty as charged. Face the penalty, no doubt. But live, loved and forgiven through the suffering, death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus. Thanks be to God!

Prayer of the Day
Lord, the judgment is true. The penalty is harsh. I deserve what I get. And then I see Jesus, on that cross in love and compassion taking on my sin. You are good and loving. You have saved all flesh through Your actions. You restrained Your anger and out of love saved us. Thank You! Thank You for the faith You give in abundance. Faith enough to move mountains. Faith enough to forgive. Faith enough to live in trust and hope of all You have done. Faith enough to face the penalty. Faith enough to live in You. As You have loved, now I go out into Your Kingdom by Your side in Your love to love those You present me with this day. ---Amen

September 9th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Appreciation

Readings of the Day
John 13.1-20-Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!"..."So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them, If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
2 Chronicles 18-But Micaiah said, "As the LORD lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak."
Psalm 78.21-37-Yet he commanded the skies above, and opened the doors of heaven; he rained down on them manna to eat, and gave them the grain of heaven. Mortals ate of the bread of angels; he sent them food in abundance.
Deuteronomy 17:2-13- So you shall purge the evil from Israel. All the people will hear and be afraid, and will not act presumptuously again.

God's Word of the Day
You have sinned and deserve death and damnation. But I have rained down Manna from heaven. I have given you the Bread of Life. Now go alive in service to Me and those I set before you this day and forever.

Story of the Day
We didn't expect to be in this place. We came to visit our friend. As we visited, another patient came forward. She had some issues of her own. She would act a little different. But somehow you could tell she had a heart of gold. Her own father at the same time was hospitalized also. Hospitalized with a heart condition. This sweet lady had grown up dependant on her father. She couldn't live on her own. So she sat at table with us. We involved her in conversation. And she blessed our lives with an open, honest and transparent spirit. A spirit that let Christ shine through. We didn't expect to be in this place. We came to visit our friend. And we found out that we were visited by Christ.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, You come out of nowhere. You come out of nowhere to my door day after day and invite me out to play in Your Kingdom with You. You invite me out in relationship with You and those we meet. You come out of nowhere and feed me the Bread of Life. I can't figure it out. I know from my sin that I deserve to be taken outside the city and stoned to death. I know that I deserve damnation, imprisonment and death. I am the evil that needs to be purged. Yet You come out of nowhere and feed me the Bread of Life. You redeem me and use me to work as a servant in Your Kingdom. What joy You have brought into my life, my King, my Savior, my Friend out of nowhere! ---Amen

September 8th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Strength

Readings of the Day
John 12.27-50-Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant also be.
2 Chronicles 16-17-For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the entire earth, to strengthen those whose heart is true to him.
Psalm 78.1-20-...we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.
Leviticus 4:27-31; 5:14-16-Thus the priest shall make atonement on your behalf, and you shall be forgiven.

God's Word of the Day
Your strength is in Me and Me alone. Now go in service, strong, and forgiven, and walk by My side.

Story of the Day
He was in all the movies. He was always the hero. He would always win the battle. He was strong and hansom. He was every one's hero. He was in all the "blab" sheets as being great. He was awesome. Then the news broke. He was arrested. Arrested for something you couldn't believe a hero would do. Arrested and placed in jail. He was convicted of his crime. He was sentenced to pay the price. He paid the price and returned to society. He was humble. He was honest. He was transparent. He lived differently now. He was changed. He was good. He was now a servant. He was on a mission. He was living fully. He followed a hero. He was forgiven. He was saved. He was strong in a better way.

Prayer of the Day
My Great High Priest, my Lord, my Savior, Jesus; thank You for coming into this world. Thank You for coming into my life. Thank You for taking on my sin and making atonement on my behalf that I may be forgiven. You have freed me from my sinful self. You have freed me from the clutches of sin. You have freed me from death. You have freed me to live a life by Your side. You have freed me to serve You and all those You give to me. Keep my heart true to You and You alone. A let me tell future generations of Your mighty acts, Your mighty deeds, Your mighty love, Your mighty compassion, Your mighty suffering, and Your mighty grace; that all may know the wonders You have done. You alone are my strength. Send me this day, my Lord, my Savior, my Hero, in Your strength, to joyfully serve You in Your Kingdom. ---Amen

September7th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Persistence

Readings of the Day
John 12.1-26-Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
2 Chronicles 14-15-Nevertheless the heart of Asa was true all his days.
Psalm 77-I will call to mind the deeds of the LORD...
Matthew 18:15-20-For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.

God's Word of the Day
Die to yourself and live in Me and I will live in you.

Story of the Day
It was a warm summer morning as my friend Larry and I sat beside the small creek near our house. We threw a few stones in the creek. We talked and imagined what it would be like to be all grown up and on our own. We imagined being army men or the guys that picked up the trash. We thought about what life would be like in the future. Then our thoughts moved on to adventure. I wonder if the Ol Man is up yet? The Ol Man that would yell at us as we moved under his house through a pipe that ran under the streets from the creek. Let's see! So into the pipe we went. It was dark, but there was just enough light to see our way. This was always an adventure. As we approached the place where the Ol Man would open this little trap door and yell at us, we dared to throw some rocks at the trap door. Then it opened. The Ol Man yelled that he had a gun and would shoot us. We ran! He never shot anything but as we came out the pipe at the other end, we realized the adventure was fun. I had a pocket of some pennies and a few nickles. So we came up out of the creek to the store nearby. We picked out some candy and paused to eat it before going back through the pipe and back home. We were very quiet this time past the Ol Man's house. Back to the other side our hot summer day continued. We reflected on how we had somehow made it once again past the Ol Man's house. We were not killed! We didn't even get hurt. But we also wondered when we might happen to be killed. Why didn't the Ol Man shoot? It must have been some super power force from beyond ourselves that kept us safe. Our minds wondered way out to Superman and other heroes that save the day. So the rest of the day, we played, Superman, Batman and Army guy and saved the world with some super power above and beyond human abilities.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, You let me see the real Power. You show Yourself to me at my door each and every day. We wander out into Your Kingdom and do Your will day after day. You are the Power that protects me. You are the Power that is by my side in pain, and trouble. You are that source that defeats armies greater than any army I could muster on my own. You saved Asa and his troops from defeat. You teach me to die to myself and live in You and trust in Your Power. You are King of my universe. You are Lord and Savior. You are God! May my heart always remain true to You, day after day. May I gather together with those You give to me and may You always be present with us as we adventure through these lives You have graciously given each and every one of us. ---Amen

September 6th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Care for one another

Readings of the Day
John 11.28-57-When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved.
2 Chronicles 12-13-But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not abandoned him.
Psalm 76-In Judah God is know, his name is great in Israel.
Psalm 119:33-40-Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end.

God's Word of the Day
Look upon the cross and see the deep passion and feeling and love I have for you. Look and see!

Story of the Day
As he wrote the letter and reflection of his experience, he began to weep. These were tears of deep emotion. Deep emotion and compassion for others. But he continued in the writing. Then he sent the letter. Upon arrival and subsequent reading, his emotion and deep feelings came through. Came through space and time in some words. Came through to bring forth deep emotion in the reader. The reader shared these same words with close friends and family. Deep emotion once again was had by all who set eye upon the words. People deeply moved. People with spirits being fed. People moved by words to respond. People taught by deep emotional words of how to live life fully. People banding together within some words. As he wrote the letter and reflection of his experience, he began to weep, and some deeply emotional Word jumped onto the letter.

Prayer of the Day
Jesus, my Word, my Light, my Joy, leap into my heart this day and move me as You were moved those years back at Lazarus's tomb. Draw me out of my tomb of sin and death and free me with Your deep movement and compassion. Free me through the Word made Flesh to live eternal life now and forever in You. Out of deep compassion and love I move out day after day in Your Kingdom, overjoyed with love and fellowship to follow Your call and Your leading and Your voice and Your way. Help me to show to all the world my deep emotion and love I have for You so that they too may come to see all You did on that cross. ---Amen

September 5th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Reunion

Readings of the Day
John 11.1-27-So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, "Lord, he whom you love is ill." But when Jesus heard it, he said, "This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God's glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it."
2 Chronicles 10-11-But he rejected the advice that the older men gave him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and now attended him.
Psalm 75-We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks; your name is near. People tell of your wondrous deeds.
Romans 10:15b-21-So faith come from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.

God's Word of the Day
Listen to the Word, have faith and live, for you are loved.

Story of the Day
He had grown old. When young, he was playful and loyal. But now he had grown old. At times he could become quick tempered. Sometimes he would even snap at you expectantly. He had grown old and lumps and bumps were forming in places that aggravated his comfort. So he did the best he could. He was as loyal as possible considering how uncomfortable his body was making him, he remained loyal. He had grown old and knew of the ways of the world. He had experienced life and knew what life was about. In all this he had wisdom and age and experience. He had grown old and life was closing. When young, he was playful and loyal. When old, he was in pain yet still loyal in a different way. He had grown old, but was still dearly loved.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, we grow old. But old in the sight of whom? You teach us life. You lead us in Your Wisdom. Let me impart Your Wisdom to those You give to me this day. Let me be open to the Wisdom You choose to give through others this day to me. Let me hear Your Voice of Love while I wait in the tomb of my sinful death for that Life only You can give and restore. Bring me out of my tomb of sin to Life in You. Let me heed the advice of the wise old men and discern the advice of the young, hearing Your Voice from each. I know of Your Love even when I'm in the grasp of sin, death and illness. Bring Your glory to the situations I am placed in, and let my life honor You so that You may be glorified in my life. For You are always near and I will daily tell of Your wondrous deeds. ---Amen

September 4th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Prayer

Readings of the Day
John 10.22-42-My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.
2 Chronicles 9-Happy are your people! Happy are these your servants, who continually attend you and hear your wisdom! Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on his throne as king for the LORD your God. Because your God loved Israel and would establish them forever, he has made you king over them, that you may execute justice and righteousness.
Psalm 74-Yet God my King is from of old, working salvation in the earth.
2 Corinthians 12.11-21-Everything we do, beloved, is for the sake of building you up.

God's Word of the Day
I know you and you know Me. Listen and I will build you up and make you happy.

Story of the Day
There we were, all in the same boat. A row of us facing backwards. We couldn't even see where we were going. The row of us did all the work. At least we did all of the physical work. In front of us was one person who could see where we were going. She was facing forward, and we were facing backwards. She didn't help row in any way. But she was so needed. She kept time for us. She commanded us to row. She gave us direction. She was the only one who could see our destination. We depended totally on her voice and her command. We knew the sound of her voice and listened and obeyed her command. We worked as hard as she wanted us to work. In time and together, we rowed to her command and reached the finish line in sync and happy.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, You know me and I know You. I listen for Your voice and command this day. I will follow Your lead. I know You have the plan and am overjoyed with happiness that You have decided to include me in Your plan this day. I come out to play with You in Your Kingdom today, tomorrow and into eternity, knowing You are my lead and guide and way. I come with You knowing that You build me up and renew me and bring laughter and joy and happiness into my life. You answer prayer and deliver me from evil. You save me from my sinful self, and death. You are the source of all wisdom and strength. You are my Savior, working salvation on all the earth! ---Amen

September 3rd - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Patience and perseverance

Readings of the Day
John 10.1-21-I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
2 Chronicles 8-Thus all the work of Solomon was accomplished from the day the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid until the house of the LORD was finished completely.
Psalm 73-But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, to tell of all your works.
Matthew 12.22-32-Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

God's Word of the Day
You have life in Me. I am always near and with you and by your side as you work and serve in My Kingdom day by day.

Story of the Day
We flew through the air. It would only take me a second or two to travel a thousand miles. I flew through the air along and with so many others. You couldn't even see us coming. Most people couldn't even hear us coming or going. Back and forth over thousands of miles, we flew through the air. We flew through the air carrying voices of the one's at the source. Voices of people with messages that reached out to other people at our stop points. We flew through the air with a message that brought relationships with other people. What a purpose we had. Some of the messages were of love. Other messages were of rescue. Some messages were just helpful information for others in a time of need. The message was the source of our purpose. But we flew through the air delivering vital and important messages of love to those people in relationship with one another. We flew through the air and it only took a second or two. It was really easy and fun to do. Fill me with a message and I'll be off to fly again.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, use me each day to take Your Message to those I'm in relationship with each day. Let me fly through the air with Your Message of Hope, Love, Strength, Perseverance and Patience; all found in Jesus. Be in relationship with me as I am in relationship with those You have blessed me with this day. Permit me to live these relationships abundantly and lovingly. Build all my relationships on Your sure foundation and rise up the temple You would have for me to be this day. It is good You are near and here day after day. Walk by my side as I join side by side with others this day and let me fly with Your Message to all the world. ---Amen

August 29th - September 2nd - Let's Play

Theme of the Days
Trust, hope, faith, and love in separation

Readings of the Days
John 8.1-9.41-"If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
2 Chronicles 1-7-The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold...praise to the LORD, "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever," the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud...
Zechariah 14-And the LORD will become king over all the earth; on that day the LORD will be one and his name one.
Malachi 1-4-For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.

God's Word of the Day
We are united in a spirit that transcends space and time. We are One in Love. Celebrate this blessing now and forever.

Story of the Day
It was one of those precious moments. Two generations that were ages apart in one respect but oh so close in another. It was the middle of the night. An infant asleep, sound asleep. A kiss and a prayer and a sign of the cross by Gramps. A moment to say goodbye in a special way that transcends verbal communication. He was caught by Grandma in the act of this special communication without any words. Tears of sorrow, tears of joy, tears and memories of time spent, life invested, in this young life to date. Grandma picks up the child in her arms. She shares her own form of communication with this special, unique, bundle of blessing and joy God freely gave to this elderly couple in their life. Grandma holds the child close to her breast and rocks that special rock only a grandma could rock. Love flows freely from heart to heart. Tears flow freely. Then she places the joyful bundle on Gramps belly. A wide open mouth grin as big as the morning sun beams from the child. A child that has never failed to bring joy and laughter and love into the lives of Grandma and Gramps is freely given. Freely given love without a word spoken. Freely given laughter that causes a gush of tears of joy and blessings realized to the eyes of Gramps and Grandma. Oh how this parting yet uniting communication was needed. Oh how the love flowed so wonderfully free and open. Oh how the return joy from generation to generation streamed that late night. Space or time could never separate these three people. Nothing could separate this trinity. For the Love of God was present in this special moment. That moment late in the night between a grandchild and her grandparents. Thank you Kaiya. Thank You Lord for this unique, special and wonderful gift of joy in our lives.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, You are my King. You are Truth. As Your disciple, let me hear Your voice and heed Your call and do Your will in Your Kingdom, today, tomorrow and forever. With those precious nails, You suffered for all mankind. You suffered to unite us in a Love so deep that we seem to only fathom shallow depths of the richness of Your Love. Let that Love You have richly blessed us with flow through us from generation to generation, let that love flow through and beyond space and time. May our spirits unite as one in this Love of eternity. For You are King of all Love throughout time and space. Refine my heart with this Love and feel the heat of the pot as I become one with You and with those You love. Unite us together in this Love You have shown, so that from generation to generation, with or without words, we may all speak that common language only You could teach. ---Amen