Leaves of Life

[Judy Harder]

March 17


Psalm 23:1-3
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

Thoughts on today's verse

He restores my soul. My, that sounds so good. But it is more than talk. When we've reached point that we can't go on, God blesses us with strength to just keep on walking. When we're in a struggle and things are tough, his power upholds us and we run to victory. When we're winning victories in his name, we can soar on wings like eagles. He is a shepherd and more. He is the Rock and Sustainer of our lives!
Prayer:

O Gentle Shepherd, help me rest tonight in your grace and in the confidence that you are nearby. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

March 18


Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thoughts on today's verse

Hope and joy and peace sound terrific! Two things are vital for this to be a part of our lives. First, we must trust God to meet our needs and get us to where we need to be. Second, we expect the power of the Holy Spirit to bless us and empower us with God's qualities.
Prayer:

Great and Mighty God, bless me with greater trust that you are nearby and long to help. Bless and empower me to be the person you want me to be. Fill me with your Spirit so I may live my life more like Jesus lived his life here on earth. Through him I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

March 19


Galatians 5:22-23
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Thoughts on today's verse

A lot of different religious groups will give you all sorts of ways to know whether or not you have the Holy Spirit. Jesus has one simple answer: "by their fruit you will know them." Paul gives us the definition of holy fruit. Say them out loud and ask the Lord to make it true in you: LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF-CONTROL.
Prayer:

Abba Father, through the Spirit I call upon you. Please fulfill in me the character you possess. I want to exhibit the qualities of your child, Jesus, through whom I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

March 20


1 Peter 2:2-3
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Thoughts on today's verse

Salvation is such a precious thing! But like a newborn baby, we become obnoxious or sick if we stay in the same place we were spiritually when we were saved! Read Hebrews 6 and see what God has to say about remaining immature! We must really want to grow. We must crave what is good and what builds us up. What are you going to do today to satisfy your spiritual appetite?
Prayer:

Mighty God, thank you for loving me and saving me. I really want to mature in your grace. Bless me today as I seek to pattern holy habits and fill myself spiritually with the things that will help me grow. But Holy God, I know that true growth comes only from you, so I ask you to strengthen me by your Spirit as I pursue your character. Through Jesus' mighty name I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

March 21


Jeremiah 17:7-8
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought.

Thoughts on today's verse

Trust. Can we trust in God? Is the Lord faithful? While we may wish to have been alive when Jesus walked the earth or Jeremiah spoke fearlessly God's hard truth, we are especially blessed to be alive today. We stand at the end of an incredible stream of God work and know him to be profoundly faithful to his people. We can launch out into the future with boldness because we know, as Psalm 139 says, God is there!
Prayer:

Holy God, I know you are there! In the morning, in the evening, in the long nights, I know I am not alone. Thank you for knowing me and going with me through all my days. Please make your presence known to me this day as I seek to honor you in what I do and say. Through Jesus my Lord I ask this. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

March 22


Ephesians 6:10-11
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

Thoughts on today's verse

Many of the struggles in our lives are not mere accidents! In fact, many of them are not put there by God. Our challenges often come from the hand of our enemy, Satan. He always prowls around looking for the best scheme to knock us out of our commitment to, and relationship with, the Lord. Placing ourselves firmly in the hands of the Lord and using his tools of warfare will help us defeat our enemy, who has already been humiliated by Jesus and the cross.
Prayer:

Strengthen me, O God, that I may stand against my foe and triumph by the power of your Spirit and bring honor and glory to my conquering Savior You will return one day and take me home in victory. Through the Rider on the White Horse I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

March 23


James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive he crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Thoughts on today's verse

Only Christians win at life. That's because none of us have the power to hold back our greatest enemy, death. But when we have persevered, we are given the ultimate victory, LIFE that will not end.
Prayer:

Thank You, O Father, for giving me the assurance that when all is said and done, I will share in your life and your victory forever. Help me this day to live confidently, knowing that I have your life. Through Jesus, my conquering King, I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

March 24


Romans 6:23
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thoughts on today's verse

When we get death for sin, we're only being paid what we're owed -- sin is rebellion against the God who loves us and gave us his most precious gift to redeem us from sin! But God's gift is free -- eternal life in Jesus Christ. He gave it without our assurance of following.
Prayer:

Thank you, God, for loving me when no one else could or would. Thank you for sacrificing the most precious gift of heaven so I could join you there. Of all the gifts I've ever received, yours is the best. This thanksgiving I offer through the gift that set me free! Amen.

[Judy Harder]

March 25


1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Thoughts on today's verse

We can be forgiven of our sins! That's great. We can be purified of any stain from sin!! That's incredible. But only because of God's grace and his willingness to give us the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
Prayer:

Forgiving Father, please forgive me today for my lack of passion to love and forgive others in the way you have forgiven me. Create in me a heart like your own. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

March 26


Philippians 1:29
It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.

Thoughts on today's verse

When we read the book of Acts, we find the disciples overjoyed at suffering "for the sake of the name." Jesus' followers consider it a privilege and not just a hardship. The truth of our commitment is often best shown to the skeptical when we are "under fire."
Prayer:

What a precious name you have given to your son, O Lord. May it be exalted in all the earth and through out all the heavens, until all existence knows that he is truly Lord. Through him I pray. Amen.