July 2021 week 2
For Friday,
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.” — John 17:1
Thoughts on Today’s Verse
John 17 is one of the most moving chapters in all the Bible. Jesus knows he is going to die. He knows he is spending his last few hours before his death with disciples who do not understand what he is about to do and why he is about to do it. Jesus has two key goals in mind as he prepares himself, and his disciples, for their life ahead without him. He wants them to be one so they can remain strong and influence the world for God. He wants what he does to bring glory to the Father. While he faces humiliation and abandonment, his desire is to bless others. We are going to face hardship. What will be our goal? Hmm, no wonder we are reminded to fix our eyes on Jesus and follow his example.
My Prayer
Loving Father, I cannot fathom the mysteries of anguish and grace that touched your heart as Jesus made his way to the Cross with such honesty and selflessness. Lord Jesus, I cannot thank you enough for leaving me a powerful example of how to endure life’s heaviest burdens. Please make my life a blessing to others and give me courage to serve and to bless even in times that are hard. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
For Thursday,
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. — Psalm 127:1
Thoughts on Today’s Verse
“It’s all up to you!” That’s the prevailing mindset for high achievers in our world. But it is wrong. Our efforts to build and be a part of something great are ultimately in vain if the Lord doesn’t bless them. They may flourish for a time under our intense efforts, but if the plans and the construction of great things is not from the Lord, they will not stand the test of time.
My Prayer
Almighty God and Eternal Father, forgive me for trying to make everything happen by my own efforts and relentless work. You can do far more to advance my work for your kingdom than all my worry and fretfulness could ever do. Please take the lead in every aspect of my life; defeat me in efforts not in harmony with your will and please empower those efforts which will bring you glory and others closer to your grace. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
For Wednesday,
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. — Matthew 6:33
Thoughts on Today’s Verse
Seek! That is the focus word in this verse. This word is a robust word, describing a passionate pursuit of something to make it our own. The Kingdom, and the righteousness of those in this Kingdom, is not our wish, our hope, our dream — it is our passion. We will pursue it at all costs. We will pursue it with passion. This will be our consuming effort until we make it our own, or better yet, find it our home!
My Prayer
Forgive me, dear God, for letting my passion for your Kingdom and your character get pushed to the side. Awaken me each morning with a sense of passion for your work and your will for that day. Father, I want to be a passionate seeker, please make me restless for your Kingdom as my home. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
For Tuesday,
For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever — Psalm 37:28
Thoughts on Today’s Verse
God is committed to his people. He loves justice, and those who pursue it. He will not forget his people, those who seek to honor him by displaying his character in their lives. God has promised that he will honor his promises to his people and preserve them with his protecting power, forever. As God has promised elsewhere, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you!”
My Prayer
Eternal and Faithful Father, thank you for your great promises. I am thrilled at the reminder of your faithful presence in my life. I fully believe that I can entrust my future to you and that you will bring me into your presence with victory and great joy. Thank you for my sure and steadfast hope. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
For Monday,
Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. — Proverbs 10:6
Thoughts on Today’s Verse
Righteousness brings us great blessings. Violence becomes its own vile reward, bringing to those who use it what they have done to others. So what’s our choice? Blessing or violence? Encouragement or a foul mouth? So what’s the real choice? Letting God define character and not someone else.
My Prayer
Holy God, I want to the live the kind of life that pleases you — a life of righteous character and gracious compassion. Father, I want to bring your Kingdom and your grace to others. I want to help others see that violence is destructive to themselves, to others, and also to the little children. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Min Jean