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

Your Unfailing Love

Dear God,

Thank You for being so ever faithful. Thank You that each day Your love for me is always just the right amount to get me through the day. Some mornings I don't even want to open my eyes; I close them tight, hoping to squeeze out the fact that there is an undending number of tasks that await me.

I don't want to face the inevitable DS and DD fights that are just around the corner. For that matter, I don't want to think of the ordeal of trying to come up with a meal that both of them will actually eat.

When I face it from my perspective, I am overwhelmed, but when I remember that You are offering me Your compassion, I am renewed. I rejoice in Your faithfulness, Lord.

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

Wisdom From You

Dear God,

My DS and DD are not rich or wealthy. At least not by the world's standards... It's also not too likely that they ever will be as long as they're relying on us, their parents, for their income. I would not say that they are poor either, but, of course, these are not the things that should matter in this world... Listening to us and paying attention to wise counsel will definitely make both of them far better people than either wealth or poverty.

Lord, please give me the wisdom I need to properly advise my DS and DD. Please help me also teach and instill in their hearts and mind to always seek guidance from Your Word and in accordance with the Holy Spirit. DH and I may not be able to offer earthly riches, but we can always teach them Your truths, and that is what really counts. As our kids grow, Father, help them use wisdom from You.

Better a poor but wise youth
than an old but foolish king
who no longer knows how to heed a warning.
Ecclesiastes 4:13

Help Me Control My Anger

Dear God,

I know that in all my numerous foolishness and meaness, I have caused You so many reasons to be angry at me. But You very well know how to handle anger , and of course, too many times always, I don't... If my DS or DD disobeys, or if DH does something that annoys me, I have a difficult time controlling my temper. And too often always, I harbor a deep, wounding anger throughout the day. Believe me God, all I want and pray for, is for us to go to bed so we can start a-fresh the next day...

But Lord, instead of waiting for another day, I know that You want me to start fresh today -- even before the sun sets in the horizon... In Your infinite wisdom, You know that it will help my whole family if that happens. Please help me keep that in my mind and heart. Please lend me a hand so that I can handle anger the way You do. Help me not to lose my temper with my DS, DD, or DH, and please give me the grace to forgive today... Amen.

"In your anger do not sin”:
Do not let the sun go down
while you are still angry...
Ephesians 4:26

Casting Everything To You

Dear God,

If I completely trust You for my eternal and spiritual salvation, why don't I trust You for my daily needs? If I were totally honest, I would say that I defnitely know that I can do nothing about my salvation other than accept You as my personal Lord and Savior. But -- when it comes to my everyday, daily concerns, I often feel that there is something I can and should be doing...

A large part of it has something to do with my DS and DD. I feel that if I don't worry about them, and do something about it, they won't turn out right. I also know that in reality, my job is to pray everyday for them and bring them up according to Your Word. Then I must totally surrender them to You and trust You to do the work in their young lives.

Lord, please instill in me the peace and stillness that comes from casting all my cares on You.

Cast all your anxiety on him
because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7

Wisdom From Your Word

Dear God,

As much as I need Your wisdom in the many, everyday decisions I make (and face) concerning my family, I need it even more so for spiritual matters. Although I have been a Christian for many years, I still have many questions and also much to learn. As I read and study and hear about Your Word, still I need to receive a clear understanding of what You are saying to me through it.

Lord, I want the wisdom and the ability to discern and apply Your Word in my life, and I want to use it to teach my DS and DD. I know that it is Your will for me to understand Your Word, and I also know that You have given me the Holy Spirit to guide me. I pray hard that I will be able to take advantage of this great blessing to bless others around me.

For this reason,
since the day we heard about you,
we have not stopped praying for you.
We continually ask God
to fill you with the knowledge of his will
through all the wisdom and understanding
that the Spirit gives...
Colossians 1:9

Thanks To You

Dear God,

The language I speak is not enough to tell You what I want to say fully. I cannot begin to find the exact words to thank You for the many successes I have and received in my life. You are truly awesome, Lord.

The victory this devotional verse tells me this evening is so amazing. I even pointed this out to my DS and DD -- that we don't have to rely on our own abilities or the abilities of others -- we only have to wait on You, Lord. You are truly the mighty One -- the only One who helps us triumph over the whole world.

There is totally no condemnation for us when we believe in You. The covering of the blood of Jesus helps us to prevail over anything, and we never have to fear anymore. Thank You for giving us this victory, Lord.

But thanks be to God!
He gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57

Bound By Your Love

Dear God,

Please comfort my heart and give me complete understanding and assurance... In this spiritual family where we belong with Christ, I should feel that I am rich in love and compassion. Instead, some of the people are critical, cold, and self-serving... That hurts, Lord.

To be honest, You have seen me in my ugliest moments -- or when I myself am critical and outright bad. During these times I am reminded afterwards that it is my pride that more oftenly causes me to become critical of others. These people are my spiritual family, God. By finding fault in them I am setting a poor example of how to belong.

Real love is kind, not prideful or self-serving. God please fill me with compassion for my fellow Christians so that I may be a godly example of love and understanding -- especially to my DS and DD. There is nothing more that I want, than to emulate your Son, Jesus.

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart
and united in love,
so that they may have the full riches
of complete understanding,
in order that they may know the mystery of God,
namely, Christ...
Colossians 2:2

Your Everlasting Strength

Dear God,

Just how long is everlasting...? A million years...? A billion years...? A mega gazillion...? I cannot fully comprehend that length of time. And I know that my time is measured in hours, days, years, and sometimes even in minutes. Truly, the thought of "everlasting" is so vast, I cannot understand it. Explaining eternity to my DS and DD is almost impossible as I myself, could not totally grasp it.

But I can trust in You, Father, because Your strength never ever fails. It is here for all eternity. You do not weaken like I do. You are omnipotent...

The heroes that the world admire today have weaknesses. But not You, Lord. You are perfect. Your strength is everlasting. I want my DS and DD to trust You as their only hero -- their only all-wise, all-powerful, all-sufficient, mighty protector -- the One they can trust in forever and ever. I praise You, my God.

Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD,
the LORD himself,
is the Rock eternal.
Isaiah 26:4