October 28th and 29th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Days
Arrival

Readings of the Days
2 Thessalonians 2-3-But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
Isaiah 27-30-And the LORD will cause his majestic voice to be heard...
Psalm 118-119.32-This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

God's Word of the Days
Notice My arrival and give thanks.

Story of the Days
The clouds separated and a bright Light shone. The Son had arrived. On the clouds He was descending. To each person gathered together He descended. He descended to each person and He descended to the entire group. He descended to both. As He descended, He came into the hearts of each person and He came into the heart of the group. He descended to both the individual and the corporate gathering. His Church was created in His descending. And the Spirit moved over the hearts of all. And all were called into action. And change occurred. A reforming, transforming change that was eternal. The clouds separated and a bright Light shone. A majestic voice was heard and all replied with a shout of joy; "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

Prayer of the Days
Lord, You come to each one of us. You bless us with Your presence. Fill each of us with Your Spirit. Guide Your Church with the Passion only You could grant. Come through us in Truth and Hope and Light, now and forever. ---Amen

October 27th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Walk together

Readings of the Day
2 Thessalonians 1-To this end we always pray for you, asking that your God will make you worthy of his call and will fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 25-26-Trust in the LORD forever, for in the LORD GOD you have and everlasting rock.
Psalm 117-For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Deuteronomy 6:1-9, 20-25-You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.

God's Word of the Day
My love is great and everlasting.

Story of the Day
I looked around on this walk I was taking. I could see in creation a loving God. As the trees were dropping the pine cones, I noticed the intricate detail in each one. No wonder my friend had asked me to collect a few pine cones for her. She was going to use God's work of art in her work of art. She always made a centerpiece for the table for use on Thanksgiving Day. The love of God present in pine cones created by God and recreated by my friend. God would be glorified in and through the careful work of my friend as she took the time to make something beautiful. As I walked along, I thought about how God was reforming and transforming my heart from within. How God was taking something He created and forming a centerpiece of love. I was somewhat like those pine cones. My heart was not cast aside due to sin. My heart was picked up off of the ground and being used by God. Love great and everlasting at work from within. Thanks be to God!

Prayer of the Day
Lord, you are my everlasting rock. I will trust in You. I love You with all my heart, soul and might. You love endures forever. Now reform and transform my heart from within. Make me Your desire. Glorify Yourself in and through me this day. ---Amen

October 26th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Ride along the path


Readings of the Day
1 Thessalonians 5-But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.
Isaiah 23-24-The earth lies polluted under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant.
Psalm 116-I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.
Matthew 22.34-46-You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.

God's Word of the Day
See your sin and turn to me sober. I offer you the cup of salvation

Story of the Day
As the wine was being poured out onto the ground, I couldn't help but to think of Christ's blood poured out for me. His suffering and very blood poured out onto all of creation. His blood becoming one now with His creation. Isn't that what just happened to me while I was taking communion? His blood became one with me? How sober this realization made me. God cared so much for me and all the world that He would offer this cup of salvation that contained His own blood. Jesus became that great sacrifice to pay for my sin. How I love God with all my heart, mind and soul. How I lift up this very cup of blood for all the world to see. As the wine was being poured out onto the ground, I couldn't help but to think...

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I turn to You repentant of my sin. The very sin You poured out Your blood for. I turn and seek forgiveness. Lead me this day in Your Kingdom. Lead me and direct my heart, soul and mind to do Your will, today, tomorrow and forever. ---Amen

October 25th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Don't give up

Readings of the Day
1 Thessalonians 4-For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel's call and with the sound of God's trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Isaiah 20-22-What do you mean that you have gone up, all of you, to the housetops, you that are full of shoutings, tumultuous city, exultant town?
Psalm 115-Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and four faithfulness.
Psalm 1-...for the LORD watched over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

God's Word of the Day
Sure I'm going to come back! It will be glorious! But look closely and you will notice My presence here and now.

Story of the Day
I was one of the slowest animals around. Although I really didn't know how slow I was. It really didn't matter. Whenever I wanted to retreat to myself, all I had to do was draw my head in and draw my legs in and there I would be, pretty safe anyway. I had some protection. God had created me a slow being but a protected being. My defense was in my shell. Other animal's defense was in their speed, their smell, their teeth, their wings and on and on. God gave us so many ways to protect ourselves. It was fascinating to look around and see the gifts that God gave all the creatures to protect themselves with. Some day we wouldn't need all of this protection. Some day we would use these gifts of God for love and caring rather than for protection from one another. But for now we needed to persevere with whatever protection God had provided and use that gift of protection to it's fullest. Use the protection to allow us to continue to show love, one for another. As we showed love and felt God's protection we responded in our unique ways with songs and actions of praise and glory to our wondrous Creator who watches over us day after day. And they say that some day our Creator will return in glory to set it all right. I can't wait! But for now, I'm going to plod along in the Creator's Kingdom, daring to do, daring to go to the dangerous places He sends me to show His Love, knowing that the Creator has provided the protection I need.

Prayer of the Day
Spirit, You are the protection I need. You give me the faith and hope and passion to go forth into Your Kingdom day after day. You lead me through the danger. You protect me from harm. You provide the shell I need to pull in to when the time is right. You also call me to action and give me what I need to go where You call me to go. As I wait for that wondrous day when I will meet the Savior in the clouds; I go forth in praise to You. I go forth knowing and seeing the salvation You have achieved on my behalf. I go today offering all the praise and glory to You! ---Amen

October 24th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
On target

Readings of the Day
1 Thessalonians 2.17-3.13-And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you.
Isaiah 17-19-On that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the center of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border.
Psalm 114-Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water.
Titus 2:7-8, 11-15-For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all...

God's Word of the Day
Place Me in the center of your life and love will increase.

Story of the Day
This was a different kind of building being built. The supports were all in the center. The corner stones had no corners, they were placed in the exact center of the building. As the building was erected all extensions were supported off of the center. It was as if there were radiating spokes coming out that brought the protection from the elements. When the building was completed; no matter what approach you took, you were invited into the center. The center was the foundation. The center was the focus of this building. You were drawn to the center of the building no matter what entrance you came through. As you approached the center, the ceiling and the space became greater and more grand. Then once you reached the center; you felt that the center had come to you rather than you approaching the center. The center of the building was the attraction. The center of the building was the grace of this structure. A graceful and awesome center. A wonderful tribute to life. The center...

Prayer of the Day
Lord, may You always be at the center of my life. At the center of all I do. At the center of my very being. For through grace and love, You have invaded my very being and inhabited my center. You at my center bringing salvation. You at the very gut, heart and soul of me. It's all about You. Increase Your love from my center outward to the world, that I may be a vehicle of Your desire. You are my desire, as You are in the center of my life. Thanks be to God! ---Amen

October 23rd - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Obey

Readings of the Day
1 Thessalonians 2.1-16-So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.
Isaiah 14-16-When the oppressor is no more, and destruction has ceased, and marauders have vanished from the land, then a throne shall be established in steadfast love in the tent of David, and on it shall sit in faithfulness a ruler who seeks justice and is swift to do what is right.
Psalm 113-From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to be praised.
Titus 1.5-16-I left you behind in Crete for this reason, so that you should put in order what remained to be done...

God's Word of the Day
Obey Me and My commandments and act in love.

Story of the Day
He was a loyal dog. I would come home from work and he would always be waiting. He would seek recognition from me. He would greet me with enthusiasm each time I arrived home. Then he would sit up and beg for a treat from me. He would come to me when I was sick and comfort me. He would seek to entertain me with play when I was down. This loyal friend of mine was deep caring and faithful in love. At times, I almost felt his praise for being his master. He gave so much to me. It seemed that his one goal in life was to please me and to bring order to my life. At times it all seemed so backwards. I was his master but his loyalty made me appreciate him and be loyal to him.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I anxiously await Your presence day after day. I look so forward to greeting You each morning. You are my King! You are my Savior! You are my God! Hear my song of praise, each and every morning. See my acts of faithfulness all through the day. From You have come faithful love and caring. This love and caring causes my heart to leap and dance for joy. I respond in this same love in praise to You and in fervent love for others. Bring order out of chaos to my life and permit me to serve You and those You graciously give to me this day. ---Amen

October 22nd - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Refill

Readings of the Day
1 Thessalonians 1-For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction...
Isaiah 11-13-A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD.
Psalm 112-Praise the LORD! Happy are those who fear the LORD, who greatly delight in his commandments.
Matthew 17.22-27-However, so that we don't give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.

God's Word of the Day
I have filled you with My Word; now go and act in My Love.

Story of the Day
I don't know what it was that came over me that day. As I was swimming along, suddenly I felt my gut weighted down. It was difficult to swim. All I wanted to do was get out of this water. That was a strange feeling in itself. It was this water that sustained my life. I lived off of this water. I breathed off of this water. In this water I fed myself life giving food. But for some reason I felt weighted down to my very core and I wanted out of this water. Then I saw a hook come my way. It was an opportunity I know! I had seen others before me leave this place by taking the hook. It was my way out of this water. So I took it. I was pulled out and a man placed his hand down my throat and removed what had weighted me down. It was a shiny coin of some sort. How did that get there? I don't know? Then he threw me back in the water. I felt so much better. I rejoiced in the life giving water that I now lived joyously in. I knew that I had been of service by a higher power and had been used by my Creator. What a joy to be chosen. What a delight to go where I had never gone before and to be used by God! Thanks be to God!

Prayer of the Day
Lord, choose me this day and call me to fit into Your plan. I go willingly and joyfully with You this day into Your Kingdom, glad to be by Your side and used as You will. You refill me day after day with Your Word and Spirit. You feed me life giving nourishment from the Branch of Life and I go with You in delight. Thanks be to God! ---Amen

October 21st - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Release


Readings of the Day
Revelation 21-22-See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away...then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Isaiah 9-10-The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness---on them light has shined...For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually and there shall be endless peace.
Psalm 111-He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name.
Daniel 3.19-30-"Was it not three men that we threw bound into the fire?" They answered the king, "True, O king. " He replied, "but I see four men unbound, walking in the middle of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the fourth has the appearance of a god."

God's Word of the Day
Look and see! I have released you from the bondage of sin. Now go free in love to serve!

Story of the Day
This last week of school had been so much fun. Instead of work and so many classes. We had word games. Games of all sorts. We had extended recesses. This was a fun week. We grew closer together with one another. We grew fond of all of the teachers. Then it was the last day. The emotions were happiness, yet a fun kind of anticipation for another year. But first, we would play for a summer. We would exercise. We would read books just for the fun of it. We would go on vacation. We would be free! Happiness and laughter filled the air that last day of school!

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I look to that day when pain, tears and suffering will be no more. I look to You in hope. I look to You knowing that You have set and paved the way. I know there will be a day of laughter and joy in You. At times, so many times, You send blessing our way. Blessings that we don't even see or realize. I give You thanks and praise for all You have done. I am filled with joy and laughter and fun! Then there are the times that I need to endure pain and suffering. I know that You are in the fire by side. You know of the heat of the fire. You share my pain. But I still look forward to that summer vacation. And I look forward to the time we gather back together in work to serve in Your Kingdom. ---Amen

October 20th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Close calls

Readings of the Day
Revelation 20-When the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive...
Isaiah 7-8-For the LORD spoke thus to me while his hand was strong upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people...
Psalm 110-"You are a priest forever according the the order of Melchizedek."
Daniel 3.1-18-But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire, and who is the god that will deliver you out of my hands?

God's Word of the Day
Worship only Me. I will deliver you.

Story of the Day
As I flew by, I noticed a heavenly scent in the air. Then I saw the source. There was some spoiled rotten meat in the trash can at the curb. It had attracted several of my friends and family. It had attracted so many that new birth was taking place. This meat had set out in the hot sun until it was perfect! So I decided to join in on the party. We were all having a great time and then it got even better. At once a loud sound approached and some men threw the spoiled meat into a mound of meat that was beyond belief. It was as if someone had gathered together all things spoiled and rotten and placed them in one place. This must be heaven! Then we and the meat were thrown as one into the great pile. Then it happened! A huge blade came down and began to crush the meat and all of us into one small space. So many of my relatives and friends were crushed and smashed into one space that they were united with the spoiled meat and trash and killed. I was able to fly away just in time to witness the horror of it all! It was more than I could take to watch! It was horrendous! The men jumped back in the truck, satisfied with the horror they had accomplished and drove away.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, save us from the time of trial. Let me smell the stench of sin and smell the fragrance of Your saving grace and run to You. For You are God. You are salvation. You are life. You alone will I follow. You I worship. You I praise. And to You is all glory and honor, now and forever. ---Amen

October 19th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Family

Readings of the Day
Revelation 19-He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called The Word of God.
Isaiah 5-6-Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I; send me!"
Psalm 109.20-31-For he stands at the right hand of the needy, to save them from those who would condemn them to death.
Matthew 22.15-22-Tell us, then, what you think.

God's Word of the Day
I'll show you what I think. Look to My Son and see His life. I'll show you what I think.

Story of the Day
There were two boys on the playground that day that stood out from the rest. The bigger boy was the leader of many of the other children. The smaller boy just didn't seem to fit the mold that the bigger boy thought his following should fit. So the group decided that the smaller boy must go. The smaller boy didn't fit in. The smaller boy just wasn't up to the standards of the rest. He was different. He acted differently. The smaller boy had some family in the group. Certain members of the family were afraid to stand up for their sibling. A couple of the family members were proud to stand up. So some of them sided with the bigger boy and others left the group with the smaller boy. They left with the smaller boy knowing that the group does not form around a bigger boy. The group must exist for something greater. Some of the family were proud to stand with the smaller boy. Proud to exist for something greater.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, you alone are my "something greater." In You alone do I exist. Teach me to stand up and be by the side of the weak, poor, sick and down-trodden. For we are all weak. All we have comes from You. You suffered and died for the weak, poor, sick and down-trodden. Let all people see that we are at once in this group but also in the group of those so dearly loved that You would give Your life for us. You stood up for me! Let us band together as family in Your Name and in Your honor. When I need to take a stand, give me the courage to leave it all behind for Your honor and glory. Let me give to You what is Yours; my life and myself. As I stand for You, I ask You to send me. I ask You to call me. Send me to stand by the needy today and forever. For when I stand by the needy, the weak, the poor, the sick, the down-trodden; I stand with You. ---Amen

October 18th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Honor

Readings of the Day
Revelation 18-After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority; and the earth was made bright with his splendor.
Isaiah 3-4-On that day the branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and glory of the survivors of Israel.
Psalm 109.1-19-Do not be silent, O God of my praise.
Luke 1:1-4; 24:44-53-And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

God's Word of the Day
Give Me all honor and blessing and glory, now and forever.

Story of the Day
The message was in the fruit. As we visited the farm and looked at all the baskets of apples; I saw the message in the fruit. The fruit carried a message. The fruit wasn't produced over night. It took time. It took care. It took acts of God for this fruit to be present in these baskets. Fruit, present in baskets, to feed my body and restore health to my mind and soul. The message was in the fruit. The fruit was the product of a glorious God working with "common man" and nature to bring forth something that would sustain life. God sent His Son to sustain "common man." The message is in the Fruit. God, in His boldness, sent a Man to sustain "common man." The message was in the fruit. Now we are called to produce fruit. We have been cared for. We have been nourished. We have be combined with the Fruit of God to produce fruit. Let all the world rejoice. Let all the world give glory and honor to God. Let all the world offer worship and praise to our King of Glory. The message was in the Fruit. Now go and produce likewise! Thanks be to God!

Prayer of the Day
Lord, You are the branch that feeds me. Feed me and nourish me and combine nature and Your loving touch, that I may produce fruit for You. ---Amen

October 17th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Giving

Readings of the Day
Revelation 17-So he carried me away in the spirit...
Isaiah 1-2-Hear, O heavens, and listen, O earth; for the LORD has spoken...
Psalm 108-With God we shall do valiantly...
1 Peter 5.1-5-And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another...

God's Word of the Day
Listen to My Voice and humbly follow.

Story of the Day
We knew that all of us were unique. Each one of us had our own list of attributes. Each one of us was valuable in our own way. Alone we could not stand. But together we resulted in a movement of passion. So we were each assigned out, one or two. Assigned out to help and to develop the person we were assigned to. We worked in each individual and worked through the individual. When the people were combined in the using of our unique skills an awesome team was formed. A team of people using us and we using the people. Together we were a corporate Body. Together the Spirit moved. Each of us unique and each of them unique. We were the Gifts of the Spirit active in the Body of Christ. We were the Church moved by the Spirit. Thanks be to God!

Prayer of the Day
Lord, show me the unique gifts You have given. Teach me to use Your gifts in action. Move Your Spirit through me to lead and guide me to move in unison with Your Body, Your Church. ---Amen

October 16th - Let's Play

Theme of the Day
Work

Readings of the Day
Revelation 16-The seventh angel poured his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, "It is done!"
Esther 9-10-So the Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, slaughtering, and destroying them...
Psalm 107.23-43-Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
3 John 9-12-Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but imitate what is good.

God's Word of the Day
See My Son and imitate Him.

Story of the Day
We were walking at a fast pace. I could see the dust puff up from His sandals as He walked in front of me. I was doing all I could just to keep up. Sweat began to drip from my forehead. My shirt began to wick perspiration from my body. A constant puff, puff, puff of the dust would raise into the air as He walked along the road. We were heading somewhere. We were on a mission to a place I did not know. Then He dropped back by my side. I felt as if a Friend had joined me in the walk. I felt a Friend by my side in this unknown mission and work we were about the perform. He reassured me to just go with the flow. He gave me hope and told me that whatever was required, I would be able to do. He told me that I would have the skills necessary for the job. The pace was quick but now I knew that the job would be a good one. The job would be challenging yet rewarding. As He walked by my side, I felt good about all of this. As He walked by my side, I felt that He was living life with and in me. As we walked together down that road, the dirt of the road puffed up from our feet. We were on a mission and I was part of the mission. My Friend and I, together as one.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, as we walk this road of life together. May the dust billow from our feet in swift travel towards fulfillment of the mission You have blessed me with. Make me a part of Your story. Make me a part of the daily work. Make me a part of Your plan and walk with me this day. ---Amen

October 15th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Investigate

Readings of the Day
Revelation 15-...and the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power...
Esther 6.14-8.17-So they hanged Haman on the gallows that they had prepared for Mordecai.
Psalm 107.1-22-Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
John 6.25-35-Then Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life."

God's Word of the Day
See and taste the Bread from heaven that the Father gives. This Bread brings life.

Story of the Day
As the detectives gathered clues from the crime scene; they began to notice a pattern. It seemed as if the clues were placed intentionally by someone. It seemed as if this crime would be solved on it's own. They were looking for clues as to who may have planned the escape and rescue of a known criminal. The prisoner disappeared from prison without one guard knowing it. But the clues were so obvious. From the prisoners cell were a trail of bread crumbs. It was a trail that showed the path of escape. It was as if these clues were way too obvious. How could the guard not have noticed a trail of bread crumbs that showed the prisoners path of escape? It was all too obvious. So at an entourage of detectives and guards followed the bread crumbs that seemingly dropped from heaven, they retraced the steps of the prisoner. The crumbs led from the cell to the prison chapel and stopped there. The prisoner left the prison cell, went to the chapel and was free. Bread from heaven freed this prisoner. As the detectives gathered clues from the crime scene; they began to notice a pattern. It seemed as if the clues were intentionally placed by someone. Right there at the end of the trail of bread crumbs, in the chapel, their eyes were opened, and the crime was solved!

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I give You thanks for Your life-giving Bread from heaven. I give you thanks for release from this prison of sin. Send me out today free in Your Word. Free to serve in Your Kingdom. Guard me from the evil within me and around me. I give You thanks for Your steadfast love and compassion, my Savior who comes down in and through that life-giving Bread! ---Amen

October 14th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Recovery

Readings of the Day
Revelation 14-Then I looked, and there was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion!
Esther 5.1-6.13-If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to a banquet that I have prepared for the king.
Psalm 106.24-48-Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. And let all the people say, "Amen." Praise the LORD!
Amos 9.5-15-I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.

God's Word of the Day
Look to My Son and you will recover.

Story of the Day
It was an old house that we went through. It was old and used and falling apart. But we bought it anyway. Then we began to clean it up. We pitched all of the garbage in the house. Tore down the tired walls and began the restoration. We put in new walls and made new living spaces where there were none. New furnace and air conditioning. We put in new kitchen cabinets and a new sink. New floors and carpet. New bathrooms. We went through that whole house and made what was old and used new again. As we moved into the house, it was like a new house. Lives would be shaped in this house. Memories would be made. The house would become a home. And I'm sure at some point this house would become old and used once again. But for now, we had a new life to live in an old house made new.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, take me as I am and rebuild me. Make me new in You. Pitch what needs to be pitched and replace what needs to be replaced. Create me into Your desire. ---Amen

October 13th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Love and compassion

Readings of the Day
Revelation 13-Let anyone who has an ear listen...
Esther 3-4-For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father's family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.
Psalm 106.1-23-Praise the LORD! O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
Exodus 19.7-20-Prepare for the third day...

God's Word of the Day
See My Love and Compassion defeat sin, death and Satan on the third day.

Story of the Day
Listen! Listen carefully. It was quiet here in the dark and listening was easy. As the words were spoken; it was the only sound that could be heard. A group of us were gathered together in this dark place and the only source of light were our candles. Each one of us had a candle. One person asked us to listen to him. Listen carefully. We all turned. You could see the light of each person's candle light their face. Lit faces turned to the one voice that was speaking. He spoke of a time three days from now. A time when our small lighted candles would no longer be needed. He said in three days a great Light will shine through the walls of this cave we were trapped in. This Light would be so great that it could even lead us through the walls we were trapped within. On the third day we wouldn't need our small lights. On the third day we would be able to walk through these walls. At some point, as we passed through the walls, rock and flesh would occupy the same space. On the third day dimensions would combine. Dimensions together, like a rock passing through water. Our flesh would pass through these stone walls. Listen! Listen carefully and see the Light that shines beyond these stone walls of sin, death and evil. Listen! See! Listen and see carefully!

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I hear Your Voice. I hear the Voice of Jesus. I hear Your Voice from the cloud on top of the mountain. I hear Your Voice behind the stone of the tomb. In three days You appeared. A great Light from behind that tombstone of sin, death and the devil. You alone defeated evil. You alone are Savior. Let Your love and compassion shine brightly beyond my stone cold heart. Let it shine through my sin. Let Your love and compassion shine through me and through my family and brightly shine out into the Kingdom you call me to this day. You are God! Your steadfast love endures forever! ---Amen

October 12th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Darkness and Light

Readings of the Day
Revelation 12-And war broke out in heaven..."Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah. for the accuser of our comrades has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not cling to life even in the face of death. Rejoice then, you heavens and those who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you with great wrath, because he knows his time is short!"
Esther 2-Every day Mordecai would walk around in front of the court of the harem, to learn how Esther was and how she fared.
Psalm 105.26-45-He sent darkness, and made the land dark; they rebelled against his words.
Matthew 22.1-14-Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?

God's Word of the Day
Even in the midst of your darkness, My Light will be with you.

Story of the Day
I was dropped into a pit by my enemies. It was cold and dark and muddy at the bottom of this pit. I was miserable. I couldn't stand the place I was in. I hated those who had dropped me in this pit. I hated those who weren't coming to my rescue even though they may not have even known I was in this pit. I cried out for help but it seemed no one could hear my cries. I hated God for having let this happen to me. The pit was dark and cold and damp as were my spirits. The darker my outlook got the darker this pit got. I was dropped into a pit by my enemies with no hope of escape. Then I saw and small beam of light. My eyes adjusted to the darkness. It seemed as if being in the darkness for some time now allowed me to see light. Just a tiny bit of light seemed to be large beams of light. The light became so obvious in the darkness. As the light became brighter and brighter I could see that the Light was coming to me in the darkness. The Light was leading me out of this pit. The Light came to me and led me to safety and a new life. It was all because of the Light in the darkness that I was saved.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, in this pit of darkness, come to me as Light and lead me to a new path. ---Amen

October 11th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Honesty

Readings of the Day
Revelation 11-Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple; and there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and earthquake, and heavy hail.
Esther 1-...to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing the royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the officials her beauty; for she was fair to behold. But Queen Vashti refused...
Psalm 105.1-25-Remember the wonderful works he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he was uttered...
Psalm 23-He makes me lie down in green pastures...

God's Word of the Day
Be steadfast in honest love for one another.

Story of the Day
This time it hurt more than the other times. As we were playing together, and one of my friends decided to choose someone else to be on their team instead of me. He made this decision on purpose; at least I think he did. And it hurt this time. Because I had always felt it to be a privilege and an honor to play on the same team with him. So this time it hurt more than the other times that this has happened. This time it just appeared to me to be more intentional. Then there was that period of silence between us that followed. I was hurt and didn't want to talk about it. He never asked to talk either, so I figured he didn't want to talk to me. We weren't being honest with one another. We weren't trying to reconcile our differences. Maybe we needed a rest from one another for a while. But at some point the conversation came about. At some point something lead us to reconcile with one another. At some point...but how do you get to that "some point?" Someone has to approach the other or both approach one another. There is an approach of some sort. In the approach, our eyes are opened to the friendship that we were missing. In the approach we see the love. In the approach and the honesty we are reconciled.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, constantly keep me in the approach with You and with those I may have hurt. Keep me in the approach of friendship and love. May I see Your heart of Love at the center of all I do. Open my eyes to see and hear the directions You have called me to take. Grant me rest when I need rest and courage when I need courage and strength when strength is needed. ---Amen

October 10th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Rebuild


Readings of the Day
Revelation 10-...the mystery of God will be fulfilled...
Nehemiah 13-Remember me, O my God, for good.
Psalm 104.24-35-...may the LORD rejoice in his works...
James 4.4-10-God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

God's Word of the Day
Humility brings My grace.

Story of the Day
The artist took the hunk of clay and began to work it. She took the clay and rolled it in her hands. She continued to heat the clay and roll it with the warmth of her hands. As the clay grew softer and softer it became easier for the clay to be manipulated by the artist's hands. Then after it was soft enough and she had worked the stiffness from the clay; the artist began to form the clay. She would form it and reform it as she pleased. She continued to work with the soft clay, making it into what she desired. It took several attempts to create just the shape and texture she was looking for. When she had completed the piece; the artist looked at the clay and was happy.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, when I'm arrogant and proud, work me in Your hands. Soften me and humble me to be what You desire. Work me and form me into something that You can be pleased in. Your creative and redemptive powers are a sweet mystery of Love and Salvation. Remember me and be joyful with Your creation. ---Amen

October 9th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Arrogance

Readings of the Day
Revelation 9-And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their fornication or their thefts.
Nehemiah 12-Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall, and appointed two great companies that gave thanks and went in procession.
Psalm 104.1-23-People go out to their work and to the labor until the evening.
1 Peter 5:1-5, 12-14-Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock.

God's Word of the Day
Look at Jesus' life. Be humble, serve those who work for you and those you work for. Put arrogance aside and meet in the center at My Temple.

Story of the Day
Both sides were at odds with one another. Someone had to win the fight. So the battle began. The battle raged on until one side felt as if they had proven their dominance over the other. But the wounds lived on in the hearts of both sides. The dominant side was insulted that they were challenged. The other side was insulted by arrogance. Over time it became obvious that this was not a solution. The sides were never reconciled.

An equal conflict arose by two other countries. But this time a mediator chose to have each side walk towards a common goal. They took opposite approaches to their common goal of reconciliation and met in the center. In the center was the goal of harmony and peace. Each took an opposite direction to the same purpose. When meeting in the middle at that common goal, stories of the journey could be shared. Each party could learn from the other. Each could sing with one voice upon arrival and unity in the middle. Now both were united and the journeys were completed. Both parties became one.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, open my eyes to the goal in common. Open my eyes to the journeys of myself and the journeys of others. Keep arrogance away but unite me in the common joy of Your presence in the Temple. Lead me in the approach and unite us as one in You, our Lord and Savior. ---Amen

October 8th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Bless the animals

Readings of the Day
Revelation 8-And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.
Nehemiah 11-Now the leaders of the people lived in Jerusalem...
Psalm 103-Bless the LORD, all his works...
John 11.45-57-This man is performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him...

God's Word of the Day
Look at Him, see Him, see the sign He performs and believe!

Story of the Day
There we had all gathered. So many of us, dogs, cats, lizards, snakes, hamsters, gerbils and even some humans. We had gathered before the Lion. Our King and Savior. We had gathered to give Him praise and honor. We brought incense to burn before Him in His honor. All of the leaders and servants gathered into one place to praise the Lion our King. Then He came. He showed us power and might but most of all He blessed us with his Love. It was in the Love that we believed. His roar was mighty and awesome. We knew that He was our Savior and King. There we had all gathered to bless our King and He blessed us with His Love!

Prayer of the Day
As You have blessed Your creation with Love; Your creation blesses You with praise. Hear our praise and thanks for Your Love! ---Amen

October 7th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
What is best

Readings of the Day
Revelation 7-"Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!" And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen."
Nehemiah 9.38-10.39-We obligate ourselves to bring the first fruits of our soil and the first fruits of all fruit of every tree, year by year, to the house of the LORD...
Psalm 102-Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet unborn may praise the LORD; that he looked down from his holy height, from heaven the LORD looked at the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die; so that the name of the LORD may be declared in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem, when peoples gather together, and kingdoms, to worship the LORD.
Isaiah 27.1-6-In days to come Jacob shall take root, Israel shall blossom and put forth shoots, and fill the whole world with fruit.

God's Word of the Day
Give Me praise and honor and glory and go produce fruit in My Name.

Story of the Day
The mouse wandered out and saw the cat. The cat was ready to strike and pounce on the mouse. The mouse had to decide quickly if it was best to run, to fight or to freeze. The cat then saw the dog approaching. The dog was ready to attack. The cat had to decide to go for the mouse, to run from the dog, to fight the dog, or to freeze. The dog had to decide to save the mouse, go for the cat, obey the master or to freeze. The master was ready to discipline the dog. All had decisions to make that had some impact on the other, the mouse, the cat, the dog and the master. All needed to decide on the fate of the other or the fate of themselves. Then a Voice and a Presence came from above. Came from all around and within. A surrounding Presence. A Voice that was more than surround sound. A Voice of Love. A Voice and Presence that said, I have created all of this. I created it good. I created it in love. Love one another. Be kind and compassionate to one another. Work for one another and not against each other. Do all this and live in My Love. Fight the evil that you feel. Live in the Love I freely give and produce fruit. Then spend eternity in My Love praising and honoring Me and the Love that I freely gave to you. Now go and produce Love and leave all this hate behind. It worked! Once we saw each other as loving, living creatures of our God, we produced fruitful love and praised our God! All glory and honor and blessing to the Voice, to the Presence, to our God, now and forever!

Prayer of the Day
Lord, You looked down and sent Your Son to save us from our sinful selves. You saved us from certain death. We would destroy one another had it not been for Your Son who came down to save us. As we fight the battle against sin and death in this world, until the time You will fulfill the Kingdom; give us the courage and strength to live in Your Love. Send now Your Spirit to teach and lead us and to show us the way. As we give our fruit of life to You, fill us with Your Fruit of Love. May we be Your fruit bearing children. For You alone are all power, and glory and wisdom and might, now and forever! Amen!

October 6th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Check it out

Readings of the Day
Revelation 6-...I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered for the word of God...
Nehemiah 8.13-9.37-Moreover, you led them by day with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire, to give them light on the way in which they should go.
Psalm 101-I will sing of loyalty and of justice; to you, O LORD, I will sing.
Ezekiel 19.10-14-Now it is transplanted into the wilderness, into a dry and thirsty land.

God's Word of the Day
Sometimes the way leads through the wilderness. Sometimes the way is not easy. But I will always be with you to care for you.

Story of the Day
The radio crackled. I could barely make out a voice coming through. It was a cry for help. So I tried to radio back. They could hear my signal. I had a very hard time understanding the weak signal coming back. So it became a question and answer game. I would attempt to repeat what I thought I heard. Then I would listen for correction or confirmation. The person was stranded in the wilderness. Stranded and in need of help. Stranded and hungry and thirsty and tired. But I finally made out their location and radioed the location to the local authorities to attempt a rescue. All I did was communicate. All I did was relay a weak signal. The rescue was by someone else. All I did was pass words back and forth. All I did was use the Word.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I know there are times we are stranded in the wilderness. Send Your Word made flesh to comfort, feed, teach, guide and rescue us in our wildernesses of life. Use each one of us as You wish to help one another and to show Your love and compassion. Use us to pass Your Word along. ---Amen

October 5th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Rejoice

Readings of the Day
Revelation 5-Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, "To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"
Nehemiah 7.4-8.12-And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.
Psalm 100-Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.
Matthew 21.33-46-Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.

God's Word of the Day
Rejoice in My Word made flesh and produce fruit.

Story of the Day
As I opened the book, I noticed some notes in the first few pages. They were left by the previous owner of the book. They left a hint of what the other person was thinking as they read the very pages I was about to read. All through the book I saw notes from this person. The notes gave me insight into the words I was reading. The notes gave me some history into the person whose eyes had read these very same words. I could see the impact this book had on the other person and the impact this very same book was having on me. Words touching lives. Words leading people. Words teaching. Words informing --- Words becoming life.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, may Your Word made flesh, teach, inform, lead and me to walk closer with You. Your Word has made a profound impact on my life and I give You thanks. Cause Your Word to produce the fruit in me that may bring You the pleasure and glory. ---Amen

October 4th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Play with passion

Readings of the Day
Revelation 4-You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.
Nehemiah 5.1-7.3-So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.
Psalm 99-Extol the LORD our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the LORD our God is holy.
Psalm 80.7-15-Turn again, O God of hosts, look down from heaven, and see, have regard for this vine, the stock that your right hand planted.

God's Word of the Day
In passion My Son gave His life for you. In passion give your life to Me.

Story of the Day
It took place in duplicate. In one place was the royal drink, wine, made from grapes. Grapes that were stomped and crushed under the load of bare feet. Bare feet that tread all over the grapes that later were formed into wine. Then there was the bread. Bread made from grain that was tossed into the air and the grain separated and ground by a mill stone. Crushed by the heavy grinding of the stone. The grain was then used to form bread. Bread and wine, both formed by crushing and separation. Bread and Wine...every day Bread combined with Royal Wine. Bread and Wine - common and majestic. Bread and Wine - Body and Blood - given and shed for you. Common and Royal. Bread and Wine in the Passion of Life for you. It took place in duplicate --- Bread - Body ---Wine - Blood. Salvation from above. Salvation from the Royal Throne of heaven that came down to the common. Bread and Wine, the Body and Blood, given and shed for creation. Given and shed for the vine in a Passion so deep, so awesome, so wonderful, that we joyously respond in everlasting song to the God of Salvation that reigns in glory and honor and power. Amen, Lord Jesus! Yes, it shall be so! Amen, now and forever!

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I give thanks that You came down. I give thanks for Your Spirit that You graciously pour out upon Your Church and this world. I give thanks for the Bread and the Wine. I give thanks for the Body and the Blood. For all power and glory and majesty are Yours, now and forever! ---Amen

October 3rd - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Return

Readings of the Day
Revelation 3-Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.
Nehemiah 4-When our enemies heard that their plot was known to us, and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his work.
Psalm 98-Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.
Philippians 2.14-18; 3.1-4a-Finally my brothers and sisters rejoice in the Lord.

God's Word of the Day
Keep working in My Name. I will take care of what needs taken care of. Return to work and don't worry.

Story of the Day
There was so much going on in the world. We saw war and financial problems. There was hunger and natural disasters all around. Criminals were stealing and killing. There was corrupt business and government. The newspapers were filled with problems. But all in all the message seemed to be, get back to work. Concentrate on the work set before me. As I began to work and worry less about what was going on in the world; I began to be absorbed by my work. The issues of the world and the newspaper faded. I started to see what needed to be done in my own workplace. I began to relate to my co-workers. Sure the world was filled with issues and problems. Sure there were some problems at work. But I discovered that it was the relationships with people at work and family at home and church were what really mattered. I was concerned with the world and worked to solve the issues. But it was what was happening within my life with God and family and church and work that really mattered.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, help me to see how my piece of existence fits into the puzzle. Show me how to apply myself to the daily calling You have graciously given me. Then permit me, now and then, to see the big picture and how it all comes together. Permit me to see with Your eyes and hear my praise and adoration. For You alone are all knowing. You are wisdom and understanding. You know the big picture. Hear the hills and mountains rejoice in Your Holy Name, my Lord, my God, my Savior, now and forever. ---Amen

October 2nd - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Accelerate

Readings of the Day
Revelation 2-Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Nehemiah 3-And between the upper room of the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs.
Psalm 97-Light dawns for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.
Colossians 2.16-23-If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the universe, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world?

God's Word of the Day
I have given you new life. Live as Christ lived. Accelerate in faithfulness and live.

Story of the Day
There we were lined up at the track. About to start the race. As we came around the turn you could see the flag. We were off. The acceleration pinned me back in my seat. While accelerating you couldn't move about in your seat very easily. Then once I reached my running speed the tension let up. I sat easily in my seat. I was able to move about and steer the car easier. Around the turns it would get rough. When I had to apply the brakes it would get tough to steer once again. The only time is was easy to steer was when I was up to speed and on a straightaway.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, bring my faith up to speed. Teach me to be like You. Take me through the corners and past the times that I need to put on the brakes. Make me more like You each day and keep me on the straight path You have defined for my life. When I need to pull in the pits for repairs, make the repairs that I need and grant me forgiveness of sin. And bring me to the finish line as Your child reformed into Your likeness. ---Amen

October 1st - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Meet

Readings of the Day
Revelation 1-I was in the spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, "Write in a book what you see..."
Nehemiah 1-2-The God of heaven is the one who will give us success, and we his servants are going to start building...
Psalm 96-Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth.
Matthew 9.2-8-And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God...

God's Word of the Day
Meet together and praise My Name. Meet together and hear My Voice.

Story of the Day
A great crowd of people had gathered that day. We were looking up into the clouds. A wind storm had blown into town. The wind was strong. The trees bowed in the wind. There was a great noise that came with the wind. It was refreshing, yet frightening all at once. And then we heard a noise. Was it the sound of a trumpet? Or was it the wind playing tricks? We weren't sure. A great crowd of people had gathered that day. We were looking up into the clouds. Then we saw something like a man in the clouds. A man riding the clouds. We couldn't tell for sure. A buzz of conversation started about the man in the clouds. Were our eyes playing tricks on us? We weren't sure. The reporters in the group began to write in their little notebooks. The TV crews began to film the cloud. Many of the people began to fall down in worship. But we really weren't sure of what we were seeing. So others decided to wait this vision out and see what it really was first. A great crowd of people had gathered that day. We were looking up into the clouds. A wind had blown into the lives of these people. A transformation was taking place. The people were united in the vision of the man in the clouds.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, draw Your people together. Blow the Spirit of Life into Your Church. Keep our focus on Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Sweep the Wind of the Spirit through Your Church, focused on Christ that we may act out in the service of love that You have ordained for Your Church to carry out. Be with us here and in this place as we fulfill Your Will and Your Way. Continue to be the Vision of the Church until we are complete in You. ---Amen

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