Father, far too often we want quick fixes or to know the exact means in which You are going to work a matter out in our lives. But even as the Gospel is in ways a mystery unfolding, so is Your leading in our lives. If we had it all figured out and knew exactly how everything was going to fall into place, we’d be walking by sight rather than trusting by faith. We know that “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we cannot see.” Reassure our hearts as we keep the words of Solomon before us, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” May Your Voice of Truth always be our guide in testing the spirits of those who are quick to say, “Thus saith the Lord” or “God told me…” If they are truly Your prophetic messengers their actions and words will be confirmed through Scripture. Amen.

Father, we confess that there are many teachings of the Bible that are difficult to understand and challenging to implement. Yet we honor Your inspired Holy Word and hold it up as the standard for our pilgrimage here below. As lawlessness and ungodliness continue to plague our world we recognize all the more that You are like a shield for all who seek Your protection. There are instances where we may be called to take a stand for righteousness that requires us to make hard decisions, even that of choosing our relationship with You over our comfortable standing with our family or friends. We love You with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. May our choices reflect that proclamation as we are counted among those who endure to the very end. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Jesus, You know my tendency to worry and fret about circumstances and people dear to my heart. Thank You for giving me Scriptural wisdom in how to deal with this ongoing weakness that robs me of Your joy and peace. As I seek first Your kingdom I will look to Your Word rather than the unending problems that lead me to a worrisome state of mind. As I read Scripture over and over that pertains to my needs, it replaces the time spent worrying over and over about the problems at hand. Meditation on Your Word is similar to worry in that I turn Scriptural promises over and over in my mind. You replace my worried thoughts with divine wisdom and peaceful reassurance as my heart is open to You when looking for answers to my problems. Help me to seek You above all else and trust Your overflowing provision for all that concerns me today. It is in Your name that I pray. Amen.

Father, You made my heart to be the life-giving source for my physical existence and You also made my heart to be the life-giving source for my spiritual existence. Create in me a pure and contrite heart, O God, and establish a steadfast spirit within me. It is only in the power of Your Holy Spirit that I can faithfully guard my heart from the follies of this world. Fill me with the abundance of Your goodness so that it overflows into the lives of others as my conversation and conduct reflect Your residency within my heart. Help me, I pray, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Father, the dynamic story of the three Hebrew men has been a favorite story of Your miraculous deliverance for all ages and throughout all generations. Their unyielding devotion to You, Almighty God, is a tremendous example to those of us who call You our Father. You are not only our Father who watches over us but also our Deliverer in times of trouble. Faith that cannot be tested is faith that cannot be trusted, so it is in times of fiery testing that we prove Your power and You prove our allegiance to You. Help us to be willing to give up our lives rather than serve or worship any god except the one true eternal God. Amen.