Letting Go Of Grudges

Dear God,

By now, I believe I have discovered how ugly it is to harbor a grudge. It seems, that if I don't deal immediately with something that makes me angry, I begin to make the situation a lot worse than it already is.

Sometimes, when everything has gone in the opposite direction of whatever I have planned, I begin to have "pity moments" for myself. I look at everything my DS, DD, DH, and anyone else have done wrong and magnify it in an attempt to blame someone other than myself and to justify my bad attitude.

But You have told me that I should overlook the faults of others and that I should set aside my anger. Please help me do things Your way, Lord. I desperately need Your help in this...

A person’s wisdom yields patience;
it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
Proverbs 19:11

Being Blessed Abundantly

Dear God,

Perhaps some people might just think that my quiet time reading for the day is not true. But I know oherwise. You, who are the truth, would never ever say something false in Your Word.

There are times when DS and DD want more of certain things than they could possibly need... I long for many material things... However, when we are all truly focused on You, the desire for wordly, material things we all want to have disappear. And then Your desires for us become our desires.

When I see my DS or DD share with others, like lending out a hand to those in need, or bowing their heads to pray, I know they are learning to honor You by doing Your will. They are also watching me as I do these things. Lord, please guide me to always point them to the right and perfect example that Jesus set for all of us.

Fear the LORD,
you his holy people,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
Psalm 34:9

Having Great Faith

Dear God,

I wish I could say that I have great faith – but really, I often fall short. The mother described in my quiet time verse for today had enough faith to realize that it would take just a small amount of Your power to heal her demon-possessed daughter.

I'm afraid that too many times my faith is so shallow that I believe what I need done is going to require an enormous amount of power. I may even convince myself that my need is not important enough to bother You with. In doing so, I miss receiving and seeing Your blessings. I know You promised in Matthew 17:20 that if I would have faith the size of a mustard seed, I would be able to move a mountain with just a word. That's the kind of faith I want in my daily life. Please help me grow that kind of faith in me.

Then Jesus said to her,
“Woman, you have great faith!
Your request is granted.”
And her daughter was healed at that moment.
Matthew 15:28

Let My Children See You In Me

Dear God,

You are the best example of what a loving parent should be. I know I am called to be Christ-like in all I do, and that includes my parenting style. Lord, please give me the strength and the wisdom to be the godly example that my DS and DD need to see, especially at home. I know that the life I live has a big influence on their attitudes that are developing concerning You.

Lord, I want to be instrumental in helping my two kids establish a close, direct walk with You. I clearly realize that in order for this to happen, I must be like You in every way. Please help me daily to renew my commitment to follow in Your steps. Thank You for being the example I need.

To this you were called,
because Christ suffered for you,
leaving you an example,
that you should follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21

Growing As An Encourager

Dear God,

Whether I like it or not, I am an example to my DS and DD. But how many times have I failed to do what my quiet time verse for today commands? You know that I am not always patient, Lord... I don't take time to comfort or support those who need it most, and everytime, my kids are watching.

But every moment of my waking life, I want to improve. I want to tell my kids about the need to be there for others, to encourage in whatever way is needed. Your Word says I have to do this by example.

The little ways do count, Father. Please help me teach my DS and DD that to grow as encouragers, they can start with small things as they comfort others and build from there.

And we urge you, brothers and sisters,
warn those who are idle and disruptive,
encourage the disheartened, help the weak,
be patient with everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:14

The Fruit Of Righteousness

Dear God,

I cannot thank You enough for the promises and truths found in Your Word. I would not have believed it possible for myself to have such a change of heart. The day before yesterday was an ugly day for me at work. I was simply diappointed, devastated, angry at the whole world; even my DS and DD wouldn't want to stay close to me at home... But today, I am the sweetest, most loving parent any child would want.

I know that once again the sinful nature will rear its ugly head. My beautiful self will become tainted. I will be harsh, and affect other family members negatively again. I also know that my relationship with my kids will not be good when that happens. It will not be a joyful ride at home. It will hurt; however, Your promise will hold true once more. Thank You that Your Word is right every time, Lord. Each time life tests my boundaries, I can throw up the fence that You provide.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time,
but painful. Later on, however,
it produces a harvest of righteousness
and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11

Help Me See Them With Your Eyes

Dear God,

I did it again... Somehow, some people in the workplace said something to hurt my feelings. I acted polite, but then my hurt and anger boiled over. I can still see the wide-eyes of my DS and DD as they listened to my unkind words. How could I have actually "listed" down my gripes in front of them? Really now, I realize, I should have just spoken to You in private, Father...

Give me the wisdom to talk to my family about what I said. Perhaps that co-worker wasn't feeling well...? Maybe I misunderstood the intended meaning...? After all, how many times have I also allowed something to slip off my tongue without thinking...?

Lord, I want to be able to show my DS and DD the value of self-control and forgiveness. Please help me to see other people the way You see them.

Blessed are those you choose
and bring near to live in your courts!
We are filled with the good things of your house,
of your holy temple.
Psalm 65:4