Innholdsfortegnelse for October/November 2019 i 60 Days of Prayer

Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of His approval. John 6:27 (NLT) JESUS TELLS US not to worry about things that won’t last, but to focus our energy and concentrate on what is truly important, like living a life of faith. When we turn our eyes away from temporary things like money or fame, we open our hearts to the spiritual sustenance Jesus offers. Heavenly Father, You fulfill all my needs—You are the Bread of Life! REFLECTIONS…

But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. Matthew 26:70 (NIV) AS JESUS PREDICTED, Peter denied knowing Him three times. Later, after Jesus’ resurrection, He asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?”—giving Peter multiple chances to correct his wrongdoing and respond with love. Like He did for Peter, Jesus offers us His grace and forgiveness, every time we doubt or turn away from Him. Heavenly Father, thank You for Your endless grace and forgiveness that helps me to grow closer to You in faith. REFLECTIONS…

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming.... Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:7-8 (NIV) LEARNING TO WAIT is a necessary part of being prepared to receive God’s promise. It’s not a matter of time, but a matter of trust. When you open your heart to faithfully waiting, you pave the way for His promises to work in your life. Lord God, help me to learn to appreciate the waiting periods and experience every moment in the fullness of Your love. REFLECTIONS…

Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else? Matthew 11:3 (NIV) HAVE THERE BEEN moments in your life when you questioned, “Jesus, are you the One?” Times when you feel off-balance by an opportunity or situation and doubt that this is the turn your life should take? In these moments, trust that it is God at work in your life and you will not only stretch the boundaries of what you are capable of, you will develop greater faith. Lord, You continue to do miraculous, amazing things in my life! You are the One! REFLECTIONS…

I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will. Acts 13:22 (KJV) DESPITE KING DAVID’S flaws he is described in the Bible as “a man after God’s own heart.” Although David was not perfect, his mind, will and soul were in accord with God. David serves as an example of how to live a humble, respectful, faithful, obedient and devoted life. Merciful God, though my actions and thoughts may not always be perfect, I long for you to say, “You are truly after my own heart!” REFLECTIONS…

But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. Matthew 12:36 (NIV) THE WORDS YOU use have an impact on how you think, live and interact with others. Often Jesus instructed the disciples to reflect not only on their words but their motives. Use your words wisely—they have great power—to spread darkness or light. Heavenly Father, empty words lead to an empty life. May my words be sincere and kind, comforting and encouraging, loving and understanding. REFLECTIONS…

So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Genesis 18:12 (NIV) SARAH WAS NINETY when she became a mother! Of course, she had doubted God’s promise would ever be fulfilled and yet when she held her baby in her arms, she was filled with joy. The name Isaac even means laughter. Sometimes God’s promises take us through hard times of doubt, grief, sarcasm—and ultimately elation. Maker of Miracles, there is nothing You cannot do! Because of You, life is filled with wonder! REFLECTIONS…

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV) SOMETIMES GOD LEADS us to opportunities and challenges that takes us out of our comfort zone. When we go above and beyond our personal abilities, we show the world that He is the way. So if you feel overwhelmed by a situation that is forcing you to grow, turn your worry into prayer. Heavenly Father, I will follow Your instructions, knowing that I am not doing it alone. You are the power and the glory! REFLECTIONS…

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NIV) IS THERE SOMETHING in your past that weighs on your heart? Maybe something you said or didn’t say, a mistake or misunderstanding that still nags at your conscience? Turn to God and ask for His grace to forgive and cleanse you. Ask Him to lift this burden so that it no longer pulls you down and keeps you from experiencing His pure and beautiful love. Dear Lord, when I put my full faith in You, I release the burden of sin and experience Your grace. REFLECTIONS…

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. Hebrews 10:36 (NIV) GOD’S PROMISES HAPPEN in God’s timing. Sometimes we mistakenly believe that our wants should determine what happens when we know deep in our hearts that God’s blessings happen according to His perfect timing. When we do His will, we must also be patient and trust that we will see the promise fulfilled. Heavenly Father, help me to be a faith-filled and patient person worthy and appreciative of Your graces. REFLECTIONS…

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. Acts 1:9 (NIV) IN THIS SCRIPTURE, and in different passages throughout the Bible, clouds symbolize divine presence. Other examples are when Moses ascended Mount Sinai and a cloud covered the mountain, or at Solomon’s dedication when a cloud filled the temple. The next cloudy day, pause to reflect on God’s use of clouds to remind us of His presence and to feel His comfort when it is overcast. Heavenly Father, help me feel Your presence, in both cloudy and cloudless skies. REFLECTIONS…

Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders. Judges 2:16 (NIV) PHILIP YANCEY SAID, “Though the world may be tilted toward the rich and powerful, God is tilted toward the underdog.” The Bible is filled with unlikely heroes, ordinary people that the world considered underdogs. When you think that a goal is out of reach and the odds are stacked against you, look to the Bible and the many examples of everyday people living lives of heroic faith. Dear Lord, when I feel discouraged give me a boost of Your confidence. Help me to remember that because of You I will be victorious. REFLECTIONS…

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 (NIV) IN THIS SCRIPTURE the apostle Paul addresses a problem everyone faces at one time or another: Do we please the people around us, or do we please God? Your life won’t always make sense and you won’t always make others happy, but it’s best to decide to trust His plan and purpose for your life. Seek to please and obey God over man and everything else will fall into place. Heavenly Father, I come to You today with a heart open and ready to follow You. REFLECTIONS…

That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you. Philippians 2:13 (MSG) WEAVE PRAYER INTO all parts of your day—morning, noon and night. Share your problems and worries and praise Him for your blessings. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, “If you live in conscious communication with God you receive of His power, His health, His wellbeing, His zest, His energy.” Gracious God, fill me with joy and help me cherish the approaching holidays. REFLECTIONS…

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. 1 Timothy 4:4 (NIV) “I’M SO GLAD I live in a world where there are Octobers,” wrote L.M. Montgomery in Anne of Green Gables. This time of year, evidence of God’s majesty surrounds us. The stunning fall foliage invites you to look around and take notice of the changing landscape. Be still in the moment and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Lord, October is filled with beauty and blessings. May I never take the wonder of Your creation for granted. REFLECTIONS…

Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you. Luke 8:39 (NASB) SOME OF LIFE’S worst experiences serve as our greatest lessons. Through our struggles, we learn to trust, to have faith and to recognize God’s touch in our lives. Every Christian has a faith story—that “Aha!” moment when they first experienced God’s divine love. When we share how our faith has helped us through tough times, we share His love and offer comfort to those who need a boost of hope. Maker of Miracles and Great Endings, may my testimony be a beacon of light to someone in the darkness. REFLECTIONS…

For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings, I sing for joy. Psalm 63:7 (NASB) WHEN YOU FEEL lost and uncertain about what the future holds, pause for a moment and look back at your life. Reflect on the many instances where you were guided and blessed by God; the times when you could clearly feel Him helping you. Know He is with you now. He is helping you. Merciful God, when I am in the midst of a difficult time and cannot recognize Your presence in my life, I trust You are helping me. I know I am not alone. REFLECTIONS…

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (ESV) DR. NORMAN VINCENT PEALE said, “Don’t be satisfied with a half life. God never said, ‘I’ll give you a half life, I’ll give you a desultory life.’ He said, ‘I give you life!’ ” What’s holding you back from living your best life? Jesus gave everything so that you can live your life to the fullest. The time is now. Dear Lord, I vow to make the most of all my days—to live fully, with joy and love. REFLECTIONS…

I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Matthew 11:28 (MSG) JESUS TAUGHT THAT we should value people over tasks. When you give as He gave—sharing your time with others, caring for people and offering comfort where needed—you can experience life in an unhurried, calm and peaceful way. It’s the perfect way to understand the “unforced rhythms of grace.” Heavenly Father, when I make the time to get away with You, walk with You and work with You, I experience the divine groove of stress-free, faith-filled living. REFLECTIONS…

I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 1:14 (NIV) THE BOOK OF Job reminds us that wisdom isn’t everything. Yes, wisdom is a helpful and necessary tool, yet it doesn’t serve every purpose. Likewise, the above Scripture tells us that a life of meaning, purpose and fulfillment is only found when we look to God. Heavenly Father, You are the one who holds my future in Your hands. Everything else is just chasing the wind. REFLECTIONS…

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (ESV) DR. NORMAN VINCENT PEALE said, “God never made anyone else exactly like you, and He never will again. Thank Him for yourself and then for all the rest of His glorious handiwork.” Take a moment and reflect on this truth: God made you exactly as you are. He wants you to love yourself. Heavenly Father, help me see myself and others as unique and precious masterpieces. REFLECTIONS…

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. Hebrews 8:12 (NIV) DWIGHT L. MOODY said, “When you go into God’s Kingdom, you go through the door of forgiveness.” Are you getting in your own way of growing spiritually by holding bitterness in your heart? Reflect on your past and any hard feelings you are harboring. Give yourself a great gift and release them. Heavenly Father, help me move forward and let go of my hard feelings. Heal my wounded spirit. REFLECTIONS…

David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. 2 Samuel 6:14-15 (NIV) DAVID’S DANCING IN the above Scripture is his way of expressing great emotion. He clearly felt God’s presence. Have there been times in your life when you felt overcome with emotion by His presence? Perhaps the birth of a child, the beauty of a sunrise, divine comfort during a gripping moment of grief. Reflect on your divine experiences. Dear Lord, I am forever grateful to You for being so good to me! REFLECTIONS…

The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. Exodus 1:17 (NIV) WHEN THE KING of Egypt instructed the midwives to kill all infant boys as soon as they were born, the caring women instead listened to their hearts and let the boys live. Of course, they were afraid of disobeying the king, but their fear of disobeying God was much greater and God blessed them and helped them deliver His children. Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me with the ability to hear Your guidance and callings, and to have the courage to rise above fear to follow Your lead. REFLECTIONS…

The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32:17 (NIV) DO YOU PRAY for world peace? Sometimes we are so caught up in our own personal needs that we forget to put the power of prayer behind something as large as peace on Earth. Today, focus all your thoughts on the people of the world; ask God to give leaders the insight to obtain justice for all. Teach us all humility and responsibility to care for those in need so that the world may be a safe home for everyone. Prince of Peace, may the oppressed and needy experience justice, equality and a world without hunger and poverty. REFLECTIONS…

Give your servant a discerning heart. 1 Kings 3:9 (NIV) IF YOU HAVE a decision to make and need wisdom, go straight to the Source. Ask God to show you how to make choices that will bring honor to His name. As Daniel described in verses 2:21-22: “He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.” Heavenly Father, You are the Source and the Light of wisdom. REFLECTIONS…

Then she knelt behind Him at His feet, weeping. Her tears fell on His feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing His feet and putting perfume on them. Luke 7:38 (NLT) THE STORY IN this verse of the anointing of Jesus is a beautiful testimony of love. So moved by Jesus’ forgiveness, the sinful, unnamed woman didn’t utter a word. She simply wept and kissed His feet, knowing deep in her heart that she had been forgiven. Heavenly Father, thank You for the countless times You’ve forgiven me. REFLECTIONS…

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44 (NIV) PRAY FOR THOSE who persecute you. Praying for someone that isn’t good to you is not easy—especially when you are angry or hurt—but it is exactly what Jesus requests of you in the above verse. By sincerely praying for the worst people in your life, you grow closer to God. Father, today I pray for the people that have not been best to me—I open my heart to you and sincerely wish them the best. REFLECTIONS…

And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. John 6:39 (NIV) LIFE INEVITABLY HAS its share of ups and downs and unknowns. But when you trust in Jesus, and believe that He is attentively keeping watch and taking care of you, you develop a strong sense that no matter what is happening, everything will be okay. Your faith will calmly steer you through life’s storms. Dear Lord, You are my Rock, my Savior, my Strength! Thank You for the peace of knowing that everything will be okay. REFLECTIONS…

I am the light of the world. John 8:12, 9:5 (NLT) JESUS MADE SEVEN “I am” statements in the Gospel of John: I am the bread of life, I am the light of the world, I am the gate for the sheep, I am the good shepherd, I am the resurrection and the life, I am the way and the truth and the life, and I am the vine. With these declarations, Jesus went to great lengths to clarify His mission and to help the people understand that He is the Messiah. He is the Light in the darkness. Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. You are the truth and the Light. REFLECTIONS…

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18 (NIV) JESUS’ ACTIONS WHEN HE was tempted show us that the best way to fight temptation is to focus on the bigger picture. When you know and use God’s Word you are equipped to resist whatever trials you face. Jesus knows what it is to be tempted and understands what you are going through. Heavenly Father, my faith and my relationship with You is more important than any temptation. REFLECTIONS…

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) THIS VERSE IS a reminder that that no matter how much you plan or set your heart on an outcome, sometimes things don’t go your way. When your life goes off the beaten track, try to be flexible and accept that God’s ways aren’t always what we hoped or planned for, but ultimately they are for the best. God Almighty, help me relinquish my controlling grip when things take a major turn. Help me to align my will with Yours. REFLECTIONS…

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Ephesians 4:31 (ESV) LOOK TO THE trees and the falling leaves and be inspired to let go of the weight of past hurts and disappointments. Release any feelings of jealousy and worry, bitterness and defeat that block you from God’s presence. Breathe—and let go. Heavenly Father, I don’t know why I insist on holding onto things that block me from fully experiencing Your love. Today I vow to embrace Your grace. REFLECTIONS…

The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. 1 Kings 17:6 (NIV) ELIJAH WAS ALONE, and most likely afraid, when the ravens first swooped down to feed him. But the ravens, acting against their own natural impulses to scavenge and devour food, instead did as God had promised. Have you ever felt stretched to go beyond your wants and desires to follow God’s instructions? Do you answer His calls? Heavenly Father, I long to serve You knowing that You will always provide for me. REFLECTIONS…

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. Acts 16:25 (KJV) IN THE ABOVE verse, Paul and Silas sang their prayers and God set them free. When you feel let down and discouraged, lift your spirits by singing praises to God. It may sound counter-intuitive or seem difficult to sing when you are sad, but try it. Feel your spirit lift. Lord, thank You for the joy I feel when I sing your praises—the joy that sets me free and takes me above my own pain and discouragement. REFLECTIONS…

Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10:48 (NIV) IN THE ABOVE verse, Blind Bartimaeus asked Jesus for mercy and his vision was restored. Bartimaeus’ testimony opened the eyes of countless others who grew in faith and started following Jesus. So many beautiful transformations were made possible simply because Bartimaeus had faith and asked for mercy. Gracious God, have mercy on me. REFLECTIONS…

And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city. Joshua 6:16 (KJV) IN THE ABOVE verse, the Israelites were given instructions to march around the city blowing horns for days in order to win Jericho. Most likely, they were confused by the orders and yet, they obeyed and trusted Him. When you are up against defeat, express your faith, loudly. Even in the face of doubt and confusion, triumph will be yours. Heavenly Father, when I face seemingly impossible obstacles, I will shout Your praises knowing that because of You, I have already won. REFLECTIONS…

O Lord, if You heal me, I will be truly healed; if You save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for You alone! Jeremiah 17:14 (NLT) DO YOU NEED to feel God’s healing power? Make time for yourself and for God. Pray and ask Him to help you relax so that you receive His healing power. Share your fears and tears. Ask that He shine His blessings on You. Heavenly Father, I seek Your calming peace that comes from the wisdom that “this too shall pass.” REFLECTIONS…

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little. Luke 7:47 (NIV) LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS are complicated. Everyone makes mistakes, says things they shouldn’t, misses events and misreads unspoken signals. This verse helps us to remember that loving, trying and forgiving are all necessary parts of loving greatly—and experiencing God’s love. Heavenly Father, help me to have a forgiving heart that opens me to Your great love. REFLECTIONS…

Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 1 Corinthians 10:11 (ESV) AS ANOTHER YEAR winds down and we enter the holiday season, it’s not unusual to reflect on your life. Be kind to yourself and recognize you are a work in progress. You are growing in faith. Look ahead with hope. God has great plans for you! Heavenly Father, help me truly grasp the divine gift of Your presence in my life. You are the Source of all hope. REFLECTIONS…

And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him. 1 John 5:15 (NIV) SOMETIMES PRAYER TAKES time. You might feel as though God isn’t listening but prayer still works. Your time with Him reminds you of His presence even when you doubt He is there. Prayer brings comfort, and long-awaited answers remind you that delay doesn’t mean denial. God Almighty, help me to recognize Your purpose in my persistent prayers. REFLECTIONS…

Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Psalm 106:1 (NIV) DR. NORMAN VINCENT PEALE said that when we give thanks, we not only recognize past blessings, we activate blessings yet to come. All of us have simple, beautiful things that Almighty God has given us which we can appreciate. Open your eyes and see that God “does wonderful things without number” (Job 5:9). Every day! Praise Him for the good in your life. Dear Lord, thank You for the bounty of blessings You have given me. REFLECTIONS…