Today's Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy Chapter 4
   The Holy Spirit really spoke me today through the words of Paul to Timothy.  In verses 7-9 Paul tells Timothy to "Train yourself for devotion, for, while physical training is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and the future. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.

Training for devotion.  I have felt so guilty at times because I didn't feel devoted enough.  Now I know that I have to train myself for devotion.  These words are trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.  Oh, how I draw these words into my heart and soul.  My Lord, Jesus, I devote myself to you and I pray you will train me how to devote myself even more fully to you.  I give you myself, my Jesus.  Oh, how I love you.  You are my all; you are my everything.  In you I live, breath, and have my being.  Through my training for devotion I will be actively praying while teaching my soul to passively pray as well.  I will pray without ceasing as you have commanded.  I love you my precious Jesus!

Returning after a long pause

I have been away for awhile but thank the Lord, Jesus Christ, I am able to return again.  Earlier this week we were able to see our granddaughter's first steps with her push toy and last night we enjoyed conversation together and a wonderful dinner of tuna steaks with mango salsa and rice pilaf.  My husband and I talked at length about the Lord and our commitment to Him.  Jesus is the center of our relationship and has been since we first became a couple. I pray your relationships are the same.  We talked about the importance of keeping Christ in our daily lives.  I pray you have a blessed day and carry Christ to those you meet this day.  Turn off the TV and have a conversation with your family and God.  Life is too busy....slow down, have a conversation and share a meal.

Are you lukewarm in your faith?

Daily Scripture Reading: Revelations 3:15-22
"I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich and affluent and no need of anything, and yet do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I advise you to buy from me gold reined by fire so that you may be rich, and white garments to put on so that your shameful nakedness may not be exposed, and buy ointment to smear on your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and chastise. Be earnest, therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me. I will give the victor the right to sit with me on my throne, as I myself first won the victory and sit with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (New American Bible)

Are you lukewarm instead of hot or cold for Christ? Are you opening your door to Christ because he is knocking? Is your home and life a place where you want Jesus to visit? When I say home I do not mean just within yourself. Are you openly living your faith at home and at work or all places you go, sharing it with your loved ones and friends and acquaintances, making it obvious in your home and your life that Jesus dwells within your walls and within you?

Daily Prayer:
My Lord, Jesus Christ, you are my Savior. My Lord I praise you. Thank you, Lord, for your many blessings. Lord please enter my house and dine with me. Lord let me know you more and more fully with each passing day. Lord let your Word dwell in my heart and strengthen me and give me wisdom and courage. Lord may all those I encounter this day see only You today and not me. I give you my entire being to use as you will. I love you, Jesus. In Jesus name, Amen. +

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Well, it is snowing outside and I am feeling like baking and crocheting. Of course it sounds like great fun to curl up and snuggle on the couch with a blanket and watch Christmas movies, old movies, or read a book or all of the above.  Cook and crochet and watch movies while snuggling up on the couch......yep that sounds great for a snowy evening and day tomorrow.  What do you think?  What is your idea of fun on a snowy evening and upcoming day?

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

1Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

MORNING SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER

Romans 15:13 Then let us no longer judge one another, but rather resolve never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.  (New American Bible)

Prayer for the day: Thank you, Lord, for this day. Lord, lead me in your ways so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.  I want to walk as close to you as I can today. I want to imitate you as much I can. Give me courage to proclaim you to all I meet and strength to resist any temptation. I ask you to fill my heart with joy and peace and remove the anger in my heart. Bless and keep my family and friends in your hands. I praise you and I thank you, Jesus. I pray Lord you will answer the prayers of my family and friends. You know their needs.

Psalm 91:15-16 assures us "All who call upon me I will answer; I will be with them in distress; I will deliver them and give them honor. With length of days I will satisfy them and show them my saving power.

Night Prayer

Before I lay my head down to rest I ask Jesus to forgive me for all my sins this day. I am sorry for having offended or hurt You in way.  Be with my family throughout this night; enfold them in your arms and keep them safe. Guide me Lord in Your ways and show me the path You have prepared for me.  Help me to say, "Yes, Lord" to anything you ask of me. Forgive me for my weaknesses. You are my strength.  I seek you, Lord.  I rest assured in scripture that tells us to ask and it shall be given,  seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened. I come to you, Lord, with open heart. I ask, I seek, I knock.  I am yours, Jesus. I love you, Jesus.  Amen

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Angel of God,
My guardian dear,
To whom God's love commits me here,
Ever this day be at my side,
To light and guard,
To rule and guide.
Amen