Innholdsfortegnelse for June/July 2020 i 60 Days of Prayer

Stand steady, and don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Bring others to Christ. Leave nothing undone that you ought to do. 2 TIMOTHY 4:5 (TLB) OFTEN, DURING LIFE’S darkest times, we experience a glimpse of the divine that significantly changes our perspective and helps deepen our faith. During the grief of losing a loved one, or facing a serious illness, God will give signs that you are not alone. He will let you know that there is nothing to fear because when everything around you seems dark, it is easiest to see the light. Lord, may I always have the grace to praise You, in darkness and in light. REFLECTIONS…

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen. GENESIS 22:14 (KJV) THE OLD TESTAMENT uses the name Jehovahjireh meaning “God Will Provide.” Like Abraham, you can be confident that God will provide the resources to fill your needs. When you turn to Him in prayer, there is no doubting or hesitation, because your faith is larger than your circumstance. Heavenly Father, I know that You will supply all of my needs according to Your riches in glory. REFLECTIONS…

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” LUKE 11:28 (NIV) AS DR. NORMAN VINCENT PEALE said, “Your thoughts can change your life,” and the most positive thoughts are stated in the Bible. The Word of God is alive. When you fill your mind with Scripture, the Word becomes part of you, guiding your actions, leading you to live a secure life—free from fear and filled with meaning. Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Word that fills my spirit with purpose and meaning! REFLECTIONS…

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. PROVERBS 9:10 (KJV) WHAT DOES IT mean to fear God? Author JoHannah Reardon gives her insight as: “Fearing God keeps us from fearing anything else. Because God also loves perfectly, we can trust him and know that one so powerful will conquer all else that we fear in the world. Perfect love balances fear.” Heavenly Father, teach me to trust and fear You, for I know true comfort comes from having You as a daily presence in my life. REFLECTIONS…

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. JOSHUA 1:9 (NIV) TURN TO THE empowering Scripture above when you need encouragement to face difficult situations. Turn your focus to filling your heart with God’s strength. He won’t let you down. Lord, when I get upset, I know that holding on to Your promises will center me, and give me the courage to help me see that every problem is an opportunity for me to be my best. REFLECTIONS…

As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. ECCLESIASTES 11:5 (NIV) THE BIBLE STATES that God is incomprehensible, yet He is knowable. How can that be? God is infinite and all-powerful, yet, amazingly, He is personal and His love is intimate and individual with each and every person. Your relationship with Him is unique, unlike any other. Heavenly Father, I am in awe of Your ability to make me feel Your love in a way that is mine and mine alone. REFLECTIONS…

My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. PSALM 131:1 (NIV) CHARLES SPURGEON SAID that Psalm 131 was “one of the shortest psalms to read, but one of the longest to learn.” In the psalm, David tells us that pride causes stress. When we surrender and let go of things outside of man’s understanding or control, we turn to God with humble hearts and trust Him with the faith of a child. Dear Lord, may I walk and grow with You every day of my life. REFLECTIONS…

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength....” ISAIAH 30:15 (NIV) WHEN YOU ARE on vacation, it can be hard to downshift from work and truly enjoy your time away. Recognize the importance of taking a break to replenish your mind, body and spirit. Make a point to relax and enjoy every moment. Lord, help me draw nearer to my loved ones—to get lost in the beauty of the moment, to be forgiving when things are not perfect and to appreciate my many blessings. REFLECTIONS…

I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. PSALM 119:30-32 (NIV) TODAY AS WE celebrate Independence Day, reflect on the blessings God has showered on our nation. Give thanks for the many people who have sacrificed in the past and those who are currently serving to protect freedom. Pray for peace among nations and all people. Lord, make us worthy of the gift of freedom. REFLECTIONS…

What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” MARK 10:51 (NIV) IN THE ABOVE verse the blind man doesn’t simply say, “I want you to help me,” or “I want to feel better,” he says, “I want to see.” Being specific is important when you ask God to fulfill a need. When you share exactly what you want, it shows that you trust Him and that you believe He can help you. Dear Lord, I know that you are listening—and that you hear my prayers. REFLECTIONS…

“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” JEREMIAH 2:13 (NIV) IN THE ABOVE verse, Jeremiah points out that, people make the mistake of looking to the wrong things, “broken cisterns”, ideas or beliefs that don’t hold water and that can never truly satisfy. Jesus gives us a spring of Living Water that will never run dry. Lord, only You can satisfy the longing in my heart. REFLECTIONS…

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 JOHN 4:18 (ESV) A STRONG FAITH gives you the courage to take chances, and the freedom to explore opportunities even if it means you might fail. With God at your side, you can follow your heart knowing that no matter what happens, you are cared for by Him. Heavenly Father, because of you I don’t have to let the fear of failure hold me back. REFLECTIONS…

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. JAMES 1:2 (MSG) NO MATTER WHAT today holds or tomorrow brings, you can be confident and encouraged if you recognize difficulties help shape your faith. Each challenge and every problem draws you closer to God, and as you pray, you see His goodness in a new light. Lord, I know in my heart that the difficult times are a necessary part of my faith journey and give me an opportunity to experience Your grace. REFLECTIONS…

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” ECCLESIASTES 1:2 (NIV) BIBLE SCHOLARS HAVE translated the above verse in many different ways, but essentially the meaning remains the same. What is the purpose of life? How should we spend our finite time on earth? Of course, the answer is to use our time to grow spiritually, to nurture our relationship with God. Lord, so many of us spend our time searching for what we already have: a meaningful life devoted to You. REFLECTIONS…

And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders. LUKE 15:5 (NIV) IN THE PARABLE of the Lost Sheep, the shepherd leaves his flock to find the one that is lost. When you feel alone and distant from God, know that it is never too late to turn to Him. He has compassion for those who are lost. In the words of James 4:8, “Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.” Jesus, when I have lost sight of where I am and where my life is going, help me find direction. Guide my steps and thoughts. Give me peace. REFLECTIONS…

So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them… Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! GENESIS 1:27, 31 (NLT) AS WE ENTER into bathing suit season, the time of year when you might be tempted to look in the mirror and judge your reflection, shift your focus to the above verse. If you find yourself being critical, recognize that God designed every part of you. You are His masterpiece! You are His child. Dear Lord, guide me to see the beauty that You created in me. REFLECTIONS…

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. PROVERBS 3:5-6 (NIV) WHEN YOU ARE facing a difficult decision, turn to God. Pray about your options and ask Him for guidance and the ability to see the situation from all perspectives. Then be still and wait for His insight to come to you. Dear Lord, I come to You, the source of all wisdom. Fill me with Your knowledge. Help me make the right decision. REFLECTIONS…

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 TIMOTHY 6:17 (NIV) IT IS EASY to be distracted by technology—a second to check social media or email can turn into an hour of missed time with your family or enjoying the beauty that God has placed before you. Make a commitment to unplug during your vacation or family time—and keep it! You won’t regret being present in the precious moments that you share with your loved ones. Heavenly Father, I want to fully experience the wonder of the world and the blessing of my family. Guide me to…

This is what the Sovereign Lord showed me: a basket of ripe fruit. AMOS 8:1 (NIV) TODAY IS THE first day of summer! Rejoice as we enter the season filled with blessings: the fragrant smell of flowers blooming, relaxing with family, soaking up the sun. Each day offers new opportunities to experience God’s grace and draw us closer to Him. Father God, thank You for the gift of summer, for moments where we take a break from the busyness of life and appreciate everything we have. Thank You for today. REFLECTIONS…

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 JOHN 2:17 (NIV) MAKE YOUR TIME with God count. Don’t miss the deep meanings and direct messages from God that are in His Word by rushing through Scripture. Instead, slow your pace. Stop and take a moment when something touches your heart. Let it sink in and become part of you. Dear Lord, Your Word is a gift to savor, to fully experience so that it can do its work in me—transform my spirit. REFLECTIONS…

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. PROVERBS 23:7 (NKJV) CHANGE CAN BE hard because we become attached to our current situation. If you are being called to do something new but are being held back by your desire for sameness, pray about it. Ask God to help guide your thinking so that you can make the right decision and approach any upcoming transitions with the right attitude. Heavenly Father, when it’s time for a change, give me the courage to keep going! REFLECTIONS…

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 (NIV) DO YOU EVER feel too small to matter to God? If you feel God has forgotten you, turn to Scripture and tell Him that you are ready to serve Him. Pour out your worries. God wants you to know that you can do wonderful, great things for His glory. He has instilled a specific and genuine purpose in you to thrive and contribute to His kingdom. Dear Lord, I know that I have Your power behind me and I am ready to do great things for the good…

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. ROMANS 8:38-39 (ESV) PAUL’S WORDS ENCOURAGE us to believe that life may be filled with uncertainties, but there is absolutely nothing that can separate you from God’s love. The future might be uncertain, but God’s love is not. You can let go of any fears and anxiety, because God is here with you. Unchanging God, You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) REFLECTIONS…

He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.” LUKE 9:3 (NIV) JESUS TOLD HIS disciples not to bring anything with them on the journey. To leave their belongings—all the outward trappings of life—and come with Him. Perhaps He wanted to show that He was a responsible provider and nothing was necessary and at the same time teach them that their faith journey would be easier without worldly possessions. Lord, guide me to see how easy life can be when I let go of things that I don’t need. Help me to streamline my life. REFLECTIONS…

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. ISAIAH 43:19 (NIV) GOD CREATED YOU to challenge yourself, to keep growing and learning new things. As a result, He frequently changes up your life by presenting new and exciting possibilities. Try not to fight or stress over what is to come. Instead, open your mind and heart. Creator God, thank You for making each and every day fresh and exciting, filled with adventure. REFLECTIONS…

Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled among the weeds and nothing came of it. Some fell on good earth and came up with a flourish, producing a harvest exceeding his wildest dreams. MARK 4:7–8 (MSG) AS THE FLOWERS bloom and gardens burst with bounty, weeds are also thriving, so it makes sense to reflect on your faith. Has anything crept into your life—unhealthy thoughts or habits—that needs weeding out? It’s important to nurture your relationship with God by removing anything that separates you from Him. Lord, help me clear away all barriers that get in the way of my connection with You. REFLECTIONS…

Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. PSALM 84:3 (NIV) PERHAPS IT IS part of being human and wanting to be self-sufficient, that we doubt God’s promise to take care of us. We worry that we must be in control. Yet, the truth is, that no matter what you face there is no need to be afraid. Proclaim God as your Provider and trust that He will take care of your every need. Lord, when worry overwhelms me, give me the peace that transcends all understanding. Remind me that I can breathe easy because You will never leave or forsake me. REFLECTIONS…

“Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. JOHN 9:7 (NIV) IN THE ABOVE verse, Jesus directed the blind man to go into the water without explanation. The man followed His words and both his physical and spiritual eyes were opened. When you have the faith to follow God’s divine instructions—not because of an end goal, but because you believe and trust His guidance—you experience the blessing of spiritual sight. Dear Lord, I long to trust and obey You. Give me a humble heart to follow Your instructions. REFLECTIONS…

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. HEBREWS 4:16 (NLT) WHEN YOU FEEL tired and need a boost of God’s goodness ask Him to fill you with His strength and inspire you with divine energy. He will give you the courage and confidence that you need to keep going. Lord, You are the source of all energy. I long to dwell in Your goodness, to renew my mind and body with Your presence. REFLECTIONS…

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 JOHN 4:16 (NIV) EVERYTHING THAT GOD does for us is out of love. Often we misunderstand His intentions and see the world through a lens of judgement or punishment—and we adopt that same viewpoint of judging others or seeing a downward turn of life’s circumstances as the result of wrongdoing. Instead, shift your view to reflect on God’s intention of shaping our actions and intentions to come from a place of love and compassion. Heavenly Father, guide me to treat others with heart—to see the world through a filter of love. REFLECTIONS…

He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” LUKE 22:41-42 (NIV) HAVE YOU EVER wanted something so desperately you prayed for a specific outcome and when God had a different answer, you turned your back on Him and lost your faith? Faith and prayer are about trusting the road ahead, no matter what. When you trust that your Heavenly Father knows all your needs and knows the situation from His perfect perspective, you can faithfully pray, “Thy will be done.” Dear Lord, thank You for teaching me, again and again, to trust You. REFLECTIONS…

Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purpose. ROMANS 6:13 (TEV) SURRENDER CAN HAVE a bad connotation in our culture: It can mean that you gave up or lost a battle. But when it comes to faith, surrendering to God is key to experiencing His love and mercy. Surrendering or offering yourself to Him, trusting and obeying His instructions even when they don’t make sense—these actions make you a winner in God’s eyes, for they are the heart of your faith. Lord, I am trying each and every day to let go of my desires in exchange for Your righteous purpose. REFLECTIONS…

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. HEBREWS 11:1 (NIV) GOD’S WORD HAS tremendous power when it is hidden in your heart. The faith that no one else can see connects you to God and provides a strong foundation from which all other relationships can grow and flourish. Make it a point to memorize Scripture to strengthen your connection and help you live a faith-filled life. Dear Lord, from the words of Psalm 119:11, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” REFLECTIONS…

If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. ROMANS 14:8 (NIV) IN THE ABOVE verse Paul explains that if we live, we live for Jesus, and if we die, we die for Him—it all belongs to Him. You can find comfort knowing that if you devote yourself to your faith, all that your life is, every one of your accomplishments, and, your failures, too, belong to Him. Your life is filled with meaning because of Him. Heavenly Father, I live for You. REFLECTIONS…

He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. ISAIAH 53:3 (NLT) JESUS IS “ACQUAINTED with grief.” He understands your sorrows. When you are grieving, turn to your Heavenly Father. He knows you fully and completely. He is aware of your pain. He is with you. Dear Jesus, You know my pain. Wrap Your arms around me and shower me with Your comfort. REFLECTIONS…

This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, “They are my people, and they will say, The Lord is our God.” ZECHARIAH 13:9 (NIV) THE ABOVE VERSE shows that God brings His own people into the fire to refine them. He compares you to a precious metal, showing how the “fire of life,” the hot water, the challenges and difficult situations are for refinement. He is teaching and guiding you to think and live by His ways. Lord, when I’m in the fire, I will lean on you to get through, as I trust that this difficult time will pass. REFLECTIONS…

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. EPHESIANS 6:12 (NIV) IF YOU ARE experiencing a spiritual struggle, a dark night of the soul, turn to prayer. When you feel that life has kicked you down, your faith can help you get back on your feet. Know that the power and provision of God flows into your life. Heavenly Father, guide me to master life’s battles, whether they be of my own spirit against flesh, or larger powers that be. REFLECTIONS…

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” MARK 6:30–31 (NIV) TODAY, BE MINDFUL when you rest. Take time to notice the simple blessings around you. The sounds of nature outside, the wind, the birds singing. At night, look up at the stars in the sky. Fuel your spirit by being still and paying attention to the gifts of life that so often go unnoticed. Lord, today I will pay attention to the many ways You grace me with Your beauty. REFLECTIONS…

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 (NIV) IF YOUR FAITH life is beginning to feel tedious, face it, and ask God to help you find a new way to spend time with Him. Perhaps it’s praying while you take a walk, or joining a Bible study group. Tell Him you are ready to make a change that will help you grow closer to Him. Lord, thank You for caring enough to guide me every day. REFLECTIONS…

If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness. ISAIAH 58:10 (NIV) IN THE ABOVE verse, the prophet Isaiah describes the kind of service God favors. He values and uses your willing and generous acts to help those in need. He honors all who help build the powerful positive forces in His kingdom. Heavenly Father, when I help others, I feel energized and refreshed. I feel Your light shine on me. REFLECTIONS…

What shall I say? For he has spoken to me, and he himself has done it. I walk slowly all my years because of the bitterness of my soul. ISAIAH 38:15 (ESV) IN THE ABOVE verse, King Hezekiah learned his life was near the end. Filled with bitterness, he called out to God and his bitterness was replaced with wholeness. When you are distressed, look to the Lord and become whole. Lord, when bitterness consumes me, I will call out to You, the only One who can fill me with Your grace. REFLECTIONS…