Heartlight/Leaves of Light

[Judy Harder]

September 12

Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!

Thoughts on today's verse

Joy is found in the Lord, not in things. Joy is found in knowing that he always accompanies, sustains, helps, protects, and upholds me. How can we not rejoice?

Prayer:

Precious Father, thank you for always being there, knowing what is on my heart, and caring for me in ways that I cannot even imagine. To know you, to know your promises and your coming Kingdom's glory, I rejoice because I know my future is in your hands! Thank you through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

September 13

1 Peter 3:8
Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

Thoughts on today's verse

Unity and harmony are no accident! They happen because of intention and submission. But more than just states of being, they are commanded by God. How do we have unity and harmony? Peter reminds us that we must have three commitments 1) actively share concern with those who grieve; 2) share love just like a healthy family does; and 3) show compassion rather than arrogance as we deal with others failures toward us.

Prayer:

Father, I confess that I have let my own over-sensitive self be wounded, and have reacted with pettiness when my brothers and sisters in Christ have not treated me as I felt I deserved. I know Jesus was treated so rudely and shamefully by those he created, so I know I shouldn't be surprised. But Father, please help me to know when to challenge those who wound me with a loving confrontation and when to just ignore the barb and find a way to minister to them because of some deeper wound in their life. Father, let me be an instrument of your peace, harmony, and unity. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

September 15

1 John 4:16
We know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

Thoughts on today's verse

How do you know God is at home in your heart? You know when you are doing loving things to bless the lives of others! Just as we trust and rely on God's constant love for us, our brothers and sisters in Christ need love expressed to them, too!

Prayer:

Loving God and Almighty Father, fill me with your Spirit so I can be more loving to my family, my friends, and those whom you place in my path so they can learn about Jesus. Through whom I pray. Amen.'

[Judy Harder]

September 16

James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

Thoughts on today's verse

Wisdom is proven right by the character of a loving lifestyle. It is so easy, however, for someone to be arrogantly intelligent and be dumber than a post at spiritual wisdom. Which are you closer to in your walk with Jesus -- wisdom expressed through humble and loving lifestyle or smart with feelings of superiority and arrogance?

Prayer:

Loving Shepherd, I know you have been a wise and loving Father to me. Help me to share that care you have lavished on me on the person who most needs it today. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

September 17

Ephesians 5:8
You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.

Thoughts on today's verse

Before and after -- that's the story of grace. "I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see." If we could only fully grasp what we so easily sing then life would be filled with more grace and our churches with more confident servants of God.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, by your grace I know today that I stand before you welcomed into your presence and received as a beloved child. Thank you for rescuing me from all the traps of the darkness and bringing me into your light. Guide my heart and my feet so they will walk your path and show forth your light. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

September 18

Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.

Thoughts on today's verse

Do you remember one of the earliest questions in the Bible? "Where is your brother Abel?" To which Cain responded: "Am I my brother's keeper?" Paul's answer is a clear and undeniable yes! We must look to the interest of others and not just our own.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to love your family as you do. I get so caught up and distracted with my own world and my own problems that I forget to notice those who are hurting. Help me to grow more aware and more attune to those needs so you may minister through me. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

September 19

Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Thoughts on today's verse

The goal in Christian communication is not merely clarity, but encouragment based on what the needs of the other person are.

Prayer:

Tender Shepherd, give me a heart that is pure so that my words may be pure. Give me a heart that is kind so that my words may be kind. Give me a heart that is full of joy and encouragement so that I may share these with those you bring to my path and with whom I share conversation. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

September 20

Joel 2:23
Rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains.

Thoughts on today's verse

"The prayers go up and the blessings come down..." The words to this children's song are only half right, because God sends his blessings many times even when we don't pray. But with the special smell that comes with a drought-breaking rain, God loves the aroma of his children's joy, especially when he is the source of its delight!

Prayer:

Holy God and Tender Father, you are my great delight. When all others fail, you are still God. You are a rock and fortress, you are a tender shepherd, and you are a solid mountain that cannot be shaken. Your blessings and grace shower upon me and fill me with joy. I can't wait for the day I get to see you face to face and delight in your presence. Until then, I will see you faith to face and rejoice in anticipation. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

September 22

Romans 15:7
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Thoughts on today's verse

I hate racism and exclusivity. But my loathing does not even approach God's revulsion at these things. On the other hand, we can anticipate the choir of heaven if we will accept one another in Jesus and not let race, language, culture, or suspicion keep us from loving each other as we have already been loved by the Savior.

Prayer:

Holy and Righteous Father, I pray that we will let your Spirit and your grace help us tear down any wall that divides your people based on race, culture, or privilege. Teach us, teach me, to love all people the way you do. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

September 23

Romans 5:3-4
We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Thoughts on today's verse

I remember the old Corrie ten Boom line, "Thank God for the fleas." The fleas kept the German soldiers out of the barracks in the concentration camp where she was imprisoned. This allowed her to minister and visit with those who were being persecuted. There she could show and share Jesus.

Prayer:

Mighty God, I confess that I get impatient and frustrated with difficulty, pain, and suffering. Please give me more compassion and a better listening ear, so that I may bless those who need love and grace. Through Jesus I ask it. Amen.