Innholdsfortegnelse for April/May 2019 i 60 Days of Prayer

There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. Exodus 3:2 (NIV) SIGNS FROM GOD are rarely as clear as the burning bushes but most, if not all, believers have heard the still small voice that prompts all who listen. When you are burdened with a difficult decision, ask God for help. He specializes in complex situations. Dear Lord, help me wait patiently for Your counsel. REFLECTIONS…

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV) YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER is with you every minute, every hour of every day. He is your supporting lifeline, ever present, ever protecting, keeping you in His daily care. When you feel stressed or in danger, think of this verse and believe Christ’s promise that there is nothing to fear. Lord, thank You for always being near. Still my heart and calm my fear. REFLECTIONS…

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11 (NIV) IS THERE SOMETHING in your life that is wedging between you and God? Perhaps it is jealousy, greed, or dishonesty. Whatever it may be, you must stay alert to areas in your life that are coming between you and His love. Put Him first and ask His help to release all blocks that interfere with your relationship. Dear Lord, help me release the things that hinder my faith journey. I want to walk closely with You, the Shepherd of my faith. REFLECTIONS…

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 (KJV) CHALLENGES AND OBSTACLES are valuable tools for your spiritual growth. The winds of change help shape your faith; define your character and give you the opportunity to rise to life’s challenges with fortitude. Of course, when you’re in the eye of the storm, it can be difficult to see your many blessings… until you trust God’s plan. In times of trouble, help me to recognize that I am truly free and blessed when I allow You to be in control. REFLECTIONS…

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay.” Matthew 28:5-6 (ESV) THE EASTER MESSAGE tells us that we do not need to be afraid of anything, not life with all its uncertainties, not even death itself. When your spirit is filled with the unshakable strength of God in the name of Jesus Christ, you can be filled with the power of tremendous hope. Dear God, thank You for Your sacrifice. Thank You for making all things new! Shine Your light over me. Help me reflect Your peace and hope. REFLECTIONS…

I want to know Christ —yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10–11 (NIV) TAKE A MOMENT and consider the amazing power of Christ in your life. Feel the comfort of His infinite love. Reflect on how much He suffered for you. Spend time with Him in prayer and ask Him how you can truly know Him. Heavenly Father, open my eyes and heart to know You better. REFLECTIONS…

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) PAUL DESCRIBES YOUR prayer journey in the above verse. Being saved through faith is the start of your path. The good works you do are your progress and development. Today, ask Jesus to show you the works you have been created to do and ask Him for the courage to keep on the path. Dear Lord, when I stay close to You, I know I am on the right road to fulfill my purpose. REFLECTIONS…

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV) DR. NORMAN VINCENT Peale said, “Start and end every day, and in between times too, by thanking God.” Jesus gave everything so that you can live life to the fullest. Reflect on all He has done for you. Thank Him for the power of His love and presence. If you keep a prayer journal, write Him a thank-you note. Dear Lord, I love You and need You, today and every day. Thank You for this abundant life. REFLECTIONS…

Yet the news about Him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:15–16 (NIV) THE NEXT TIME you feel overwhelmed by stress, remember Jesus’ example in the above verse. When crowds sought His attention, Jesus frequently slipped away by Himself to pray. When you are upset, take a moment, find a quiet place and ask Him to calm your troubled heart and grant you peace of mind. Lord Jesus, when I am overwhelmed, I can draw strength, comfort and wisdom from You. REFLECTIONS…

If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:8–10 (NIV) GOD IS A never-ending presence in Your life. At this very moment, you can draw near to Him simply by recognizing He is with you. Talk to Him throughout your day—ask Him about decisions, praise Him for your blessings. Staying connected with Him throughout the day keeps you in tune with His grace. Heavenly Father, Your faithfulness never falls short. Your love never fails. Your mercy endures forever. REFLECTIONS…

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. Matthew 5:13 (NIV) WHILE PREACHING THE Sermon on the Mount, Jesus proclaimed, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). On the simplest level, Christ’s words are about salt as a flavor enhancer. He is telling us that as Christians, we are here to season the world with grace and the results of knowing Him. Lord Jesus today and every day help me be full of grace and salt. REFLECTIONS…

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:23–24 (NLT) THE MAN IN the above verse trusted Jesus enough to admit that he wrestled with doubts, even though he believed in Jesus’ healing power. He asked Jesus to strengthen his faith. Like this man, your faith will not always be perfect. Jesus understands your weaknesses. He invites you to share your doubts and ask for help to overcome them. Heavenly Father, when I have trouble believing Your promises, help me overcome my unbelief. REFLECTIONS…

She was quick: “You’re right, Master, but beggar dogs do get scraps from the master’s table.” Jesus gave in. “Oh, woman, your faith is something else. What you want is what you get!” Right then her daughter became well. Matthew 15:27–28 (MSG) IN JESUS’ DISCUSSION with the Canaanite woman, she pleads, banters, bargains and amazingly Jesus changes His mind. This verse lets you know that you can change the outcome by prayer. But most importantly, God wants you to know that prayer changes you, transforming your attitude and bringing you closer to Him. Dear Lord, I come to You humbly with open arms. Without Your help I don’t know where I’d be. REFLECTIONS…

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 (NIV) TODAY WE REMEMBER those who gave the greatest sacrifice for our country. We hold them in our hearts and thank them for their courage and sacrifice. We pray for the families of our troops and ask for God’s comfort and blessings fill their homes. Dear Lord, I remember and honor the men and women who died serving our country; please comfort their loved ones. REFLECTIONS…

He is the Rock; His deeds are perfect. Everything He does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright He is! Deuteronomy 32:4 (NLT) JESUS’ DEEDS ARE perfect. “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection” (Psalm 18:30). When you need guidance, turn to Him for help. He is there for you in everything you do. Lord, You are my rock. The One I can always turn to for wisdom and patience, advice and healing. REFLECTIONS…

But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” Luke 12:20 (NIV) THE PARABLE ABOUT a farmer who selfishly stored his treasure is a lesson to teach us that we should never hoard God’s gifts. Don’t fall into the trap of being a materialistic fool. Focus your attention on your relationship with God, knowing His kingdom is built on more lasting things. Give me wisdom, Lord, to fix my heart on You, for You are my greatest treasure. REFLECTIONS…

Say to them, This is what the Lord says: “When people fall down, do they not get up? When someone turns away, do they not return?” Jeremiah 8:4 (NIV) MISTAKES ARE PART of life. When failure strikes, instead of getting bogged down by defeat and discouragement, say a little prayer and keep trying. God’s strength will give you the encouragement and courage to keep going forward so that you can persevere until you succeed. Heavenly Father, by the grace of Your mercy and strength no matter how many times I fall, I can always get up. REFLECTIONS…

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (KJV) WHEN YOU ARE working towards a goal, don’t let temporary setbacks derail you. If your aspirations are worthwhile and your commitment is firm, you will succeed despite life’s hurdles and once you’ve reached your dream, the obstacles you’ve defeated will make your accomplishment all the more sweet. Dear Lord, reassure me that I’m on the right track even when my wheels seem to be spinning. REFLECTIONS…

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. Matthew 5:44 (NKJV) ONE THING IS certain, when Judas realized the evil of his actions, he was so full of guilt that he could not live with himself. What he forgot was that Jesus would have forgiven him even for his betrayal. If you feel as if you’ve failed against God, remember there is no sin beyond His forgiveness. Dear Lord, thank You for the grace of Your love that heals our guilt and takes away our sins. REFLECTIONS…

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NKJV) DR. NORMAN VINCENT Peale said, “Have great hopes and dare to go all out for them. Have great dreams and dare to live them. Have tremendous expectations and believe in them.” Too often we underestimate our own potential and set our sights too low. God has planted seeds which require work and faith to blossom. With faith and work nothing is impossible. Inspire me Lord, to dream big and to support my dreams with action. REFLECTIONS…

I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Ephesians 3:16–17 (NLT) REPEAT THE ABOVE verse and reflect on what it means: the Lord and Savior desires to make His home in your heart. Close your eyes and imagine your love overflowing as you grow in knowledge and understanding of Him. Heavenly Father, please guide me to open my heart to the bright glory of Your love. REFLECTIONS…

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) WHEN YOU LOOK in the mirror what do you see? God wants you to remove the veil so that you can see what He sees. As His follower, the more you look with His vision, the more you believe and reflect His image. Lord, thank You for creating me in Your image. I long to see as You see and to love as You love. REFLECTIONS…

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. Psalm 127:1 (NIV) THE HOUSE OF God is a house of fellowship where believers gather to worship and hear God’s word proclaimed. If you need direction in your life, strength or healing, chances are good you’ll find it where people who love God gather to worship Him. Lord, give us the right spirit, when we enter Your house of worship. Help us shine Your light. REFLECTIONS…

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 (ESV) THIS SCRIPTURE ADVISES you to guard your mind by fixing your thoughts on things worthy of your time. Whenever a negative thought enters your mind, use the verse to think about Jesus. Focus on how He is true, honorable, just and pure. Dear Lord, help me to make all my thoughts obedient to Your word. May all my thoughts be pleasing to You. REFLECTIONS…

Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence. It’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence. 1 Corinthians 10:12 (MSG) AT ONE TIME or another, we are all guilty of making the mistake of trusting ourselves instead of God. Perhaps you make it when you hold onto a worry, or try to answer your own prayers. When you find yourself relying on yourself instead of Him, shift your focus and place your cares in His capable hands. Lord Jesus, help me to believe and trust that You have everything under control. REFLECTIONS…

Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV) MEMORIES ARE GREAT places to visit, but don’t dwell there. Follow the Apostle Paul’s advice in the above verse. Growing and aging is one of God’s greatest gifts. Thank Him for every new day and then get on with the work that lies ahead. Heavenly Father, help me to let go of yesterday and press toward new and beautiful tomorrows ahead. REFLECTIONS…

Later, as Jesus left the town, He saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow Me and be My disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him. Luke 5:27–28 (NLT) JESUS SAW SOMETHING in people that others overlooked. He knew no one was beyond redemption. Consider this verse as an invitation to see others as Christ sees them, with their full potential. Avoid judging by their history or appearance, instead look to their heart. Heavenly Father, Transformer of Lives, renew my vision so that I may see others as You see them. REFLECTIONS…

He then asked, “And you—what are you saying about me? Who am I?” Peter gave the answer: “You are the Christ, the Messiah.” Mark 8:29 (MSG) THE TRUE FOUNDATION for your life is answering this question about Jesus and recognizing how your answer shapes your relationship with Him. Every day, your actions and words, your prayers reveal what you believe about His identity. “Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” Matthew 6:8 (NRSV) REFLECTIONS…

When David had gone a short distance beyond the summit, there was Ziba, the steward of Mephibosheth, waiting to meet him. He had a string of donkeys saddled and loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred cakes of raisins, a hundred cakes of figs and a skin of wine. 2 Samuel 16:1 (NIV) THE ABOVE BIBLE verse shows the amazing impact of a gesture of encouragement. Today embrace God’s command to “encourage one another and build each other up.” Ask God to make you aware of who needs a pat on the back or a listening ear. Heavenly Father, help me to be aware of another’s needs so that I can help ease their burden. REFLECTIONS…

Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT) DR. NORMAN VINCENT Peale said, “When you get up in the morning, you have two choices—either to be happy or to be unhappy. Just choose to be happy.” Every day focus on the good and choose to be grateful for what you have and for what you can do. Heavenly Father, help me to be a living, happy, monument of Your grace. REFLECTIONS…

For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things. Psalm 107:9 (ESV) PEOPLE SEARCH THE world for something authentic and meaningful to fill the void in their lives only to discover that their emptiness is spiritual. Neither riches, fame nor anything else can provide the fulfillment that Christ can. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Dear Lord, You are the missing ingredient in many lives. Help me witness the miraculous transformation Your presence brings. REFLECTIONS…

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land. Song of Solomon 2:12 (KJV) FLOWERS IN SPRING are a symbol of faith, a reminder that even though you may be feeling out of sorts the earth is in order and on schedule. There are times when everyone goes through periods when their faith is low and hope seems futile. To all who hold on, God promises renewal and rebirth as surely as the daffodils return each spring. Lord, when I struggle, give me the faith to believe. REFLECTIONS…

They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. Isaiah 44:4 (NIV) LIFE IS FILLED with thousands of simple pleasures. Little priceless blessings that take an ordinary moment and put a halo around it. Examples abound: the glimmering sunrise, the budding trees, watching a forsythia bush progress from green buds to golden bells. Dear Lord, today I thank You for the millions of tiny blessings You sprinkle throughout my life—the ones I experience and forget to thank You for. Thank You! REFLECTIONS…

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV) WASTING THE GIFTS God has given us is one of life’s great tragedies. Most of us have many talents to offer, but unless we focus on them and ask God for help in applying our gifts to help others no one will ever benefit. Lord, when I am feeling confused about where to apply my efforts, help me pick a course and take the first step. REFLECTIONS…

Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37 (NIV) TODAY, ON GOOD Friday, reflect on Jesus on the cross. Despite all He had been through, He asked for mercy and forgiveness for those who crucified Him. Are you able to pray for the people who cause you pain? A true pathway to a peaceful heart is to ask God for help in showing compassion to your adversaries. Lord, thank You for Your infinite love expressed through Christ on the cross. Lead me to be a vessel of Your healing in this hurting world. REFLECTIONS…

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27–28 (NIV) WORRYING IS A waste of time. Instead of misusing your energy on worry, focus on God and what He wants you to do. Center your thoughts on His will and your obedience to Him. Trust that He will make sure everything turns out for the best. Heavenly Father, I release my worries to You. I know You will take care of me. REFLECTIONS…

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) ELISABETH ELLIOT WROTE, “Repeatedly throughout our lives we encounter the roadblock of suffering. What do we do with it? Our answer will determine what we can say to another who needs comfort.” When you are in pain, allow Jesus to comfort so that you may extend His comfort to others. Dear Lord, guide me to see the good in my situation. Help me to heal so that I may help another in need. REFLECTIONS…

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) ARE YOU STRUGGLING over a difficult situation? Have you prayed for a breakthrough but are feeling disheartened? Take your focus off of your own situation and pray boldly for another with an overwhelming circumstance. Devote your time and energy interceding for others suffering in similar ways. Heavenly Father, help me see other’s needs and respond to those needs with hope and prayer. REFLECTIONS…

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1–2 (NIV) SOME DAYS ARE packed with little problems: annoyances like traffic jams, missed appointments and petty misunderstandings. When frustrations draw your attention, look to Jesus’ blessings. His grace is constant and the beauty of the life He gives us is filled with peace. Dear Lord, when little problems grow out of proportion, remind me to fix my eyes on You. REFLECTIONS…

Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. Hebrews 12:13 (NLT) IN THE ABOVE verse, straight paths prevent physical injury, but the same can be said about faith, certain “crooked” situations can trip up your thinking and cause you to go against God’s Word. Is there a habit, relationship or negative way of thinking that might be leading you spiritually astray? Straight paths lead you on the right track. Dear Lord, help me to follow Your guidance and stay on the course You’ve charted for me. REFLECTIONS…

Then Jesus placed His hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly. Mark 8:25 (NLT) WHEN YOU READ the Bible, Jesus is improving your spiritual eyesight. He is opening your understanding to know Him better and to apply His spiritual principles to your life. If you are struggling with a challenging verse or passage, ask for His help in growing your faith so that you may see how to apply His Word to your life. Heavenly Father, heal and open my spiritual eyes so that I may see You more clearly. REFLECTIONS…

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Psalm 24:1 (NIV) NORMAN VINCENT PEALE said, “There is no power in the world equal to spiritual power.” He asked us to think about the sight of spring sunshine streaming through a window and how the earth awakens this time of year with fresh green grass and fragrant flowers covering the earth. Your spirit is the same. It will bloom through the Bible. Our Heavenly Father, guide me to live on the teachings of Jesus that have the power to change my thinking, to change everything. REFLECTIONS…

The mind is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Romans 8:6–7 (NIV) HAVE YOU EVER found yourself playing the game of regret? Do you pace through the past, examining failures and mishaps? When you become caught up in should-have thinking, ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit. Heavenly Father, guide my mind away from rehashing upsetting situations. Help me see the past as You see it, through eyes of love. REFLECTIONS…

But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then His disciples urged Him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.” Matthew 15:23 (NLT) HAVE YOU EVER had that terrible feeling that God is ignoring you? Perhaps it’s a prayer request that has been on your heart for years. After a while it’s tempting to simply give up! Instead ask Him to help you use your struggle to grow your faith. Heavenly Father, I trust your merciful nature and trust there is always a reason and an answer that fits with Your plan. REFLECTIONS…

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. Titus 3:1-2 (NIV) DR. NORMAN VINCENT Peale said, “Take Jesus, the greatest giver of happiness the world has ever known, into your heart. His presence in your life will bring you joy and happiness.” Do good, help people and bring blessings into their lives. Become a beacon of peace in a world of turmoil. Make someone’s day better. Life will be good and you will love it. Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me that faith is the way of highest happiness. Help me to be a beacon of peace in this world.…