I have prepared a place for you

Day

Saturday

Date

03-19-2011

Scripture

Matthew 6:19-34 (BSFL*)

Translation

NIV

What God said to me

You do not worry about the essentials for life. Why do you worry about the details of these essentials? Why do you fuss over not having the house of your dreams here? Isn’t the house of your dreams the one I have prepared for you? What you live in here, what you drive here, what you eat here, what you wear here (the list goes on and on) are of little consequence. I will meet your needs.

What I said to God

You are right. I will never find the house of my dreams here. Keep me focused on You.

* Scripture selection from Lifeway’s Bible Studies for Life series

I AM

Day

Friday

Date

03-18-2011

Scripture

1 Chronicles 29:10-20 (BSFL*)

Translation

NIV

What God said to me

I AM.

What I said to God

You are. And what else can be said? Without You, nothing else would exist. I have nothing to give You that You did not give to Me. All praise, honor, and glory are rightfully Yours.

* Scripture selection from Lifeway’s Bible Studies for Life series

Divide and conquer

Day

Thursday

Date

03-17-2011

Scripture

Acts 15:36-41 (BSFL*)

Translation

NIV

What God said to me

Divide and conquer. Time and time again I have had to allow situations that would cause My people to move from where they had become comfortable to where they could be of the most service to Me. You have seen this in your own life. It is certainly okay to have Christian friends. But if you always with these friends (and only these friends), how will you ever have the opportunity to talk about Me to those who have never heard about Me? It is when you and your friends are apart that you are able to collectively minister to the most needs.

What I said to God

Conflict is never easy. A steady diet of love, encouragement, and comfort like we have discussed in the past few days is soooooo much more pleasant. But I can see how You have used those deeply painful experiences in my life to move me to places that I never would have gone without them. Thank You for the privilege of suffering for You. Thank You for trusting that I would not only be able to endure each experience but that I would also be strengthened by it. I love You.

* Scripture selection from Lifeway’s Bible Studies for Life series

Prod me

Day

Wednesday

Date

03-16-2011

Scripture

Acts 11:19-26 (BSFL*)

Translation

NIV

What God said to me

I have appointed some to tell others about Me in their local communities and some to venture into other communities. But all have been appointed. I am with you. Speak of Me and watch Me change the lives of those around you.

What I said to God

You are a great and awesome God! There is none like You. I have seen You change lives like no one else can. Talking about You should never be difficult, and yet sometime it does seem to be. You have been extremely gracious to me. I want the world to know You – I mean really know You. Give me courage to speak of You in difficult situations. Prod me when necessary.

* Scripture selection from Lifeway’s Bible Studies for Life series