Heartlight/Leaves of Light

[Judy Harder]

June 9

Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus said, "Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to live, and only a few find it.

Thoughts on today's verse

The world wants a Savior but not a Lord. The New Testament is clear, a Savior who is not Lord is no Savior and no friend. If the Old Testament showed us anything, it is that God's seemingly bizarre laws were written not for his fascination but for his people's preservation. Let's not only call Jesus Lord this week, let's live in a way that shows that he controls our lives and his Spirit produces our character.

Prayer:

Most Holy Lord, please take control of my life and my will so I may be wholly yours, not just in word, but in thought and in deed as well. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

June 10

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Thoughts on today's verse

How can I not forgive a brother for whom Christ died, when I know what God paid to forgive me?

Prayer:

Holy Father, I commit today to release any grudge or bitterness that I have against one of your children. I am sorry for not reflecting your grace and mercy which you lavished on me. But Abba Father, I need the help of your Holy Spirit to relinquish my claim on the wrongs committed against me and to treat those who have hurt me as full siblings in your family. Empower me as I commit to follow your example in forgiving, even when it is hard. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.'

[Judy Harder]

June 11

Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Thoughts on today's verse

History tells me it has been true! Faith trusts it will be true eternally! Reverent silences, a pause in the hectic rush of our lives, reminds us that it is true today.

Prayer:

O Father in heaven, may your name be revered and held holy in my life and my world today. Your will be done, your reign on earth come with power and might and finality, just as it has already come in heaven. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.'

[Judy Harder]

June 12

Psalm 19:1-2
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

Thoughts on today's verse

God's voice is always speaking. His witnesses give testimony to his glory, majesty and creative grace. The universe shouts with joy because behind it's intricate beauty and power is the One who gave it life, purpose, and intention.

Prayer:

O Great God and Creator of the countless heavens and our own small, blue planet, thank you for noticing the heart cries of one so small in a universe so large. I love you, admire you, trust you, and worship you with wonder. Be exalted in my life, by words, and my deeds this day. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

June 19

Ephesians 5:25-26
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy.

Thoughts on today's verse

For husbands, there is sacrificial love in our purpose and purpose in our sacrifice. We give up ourselves to love our wives. But Jesus is the example here, and he gave up everything. His purpose? Simply to make us holy. Our motives are to be equally as sacrificial and pure in surrendering our rights to bless and love our wives.

Prayer:
Holy God, help our families to be full of love and may it begin with me, today. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

June 20

Mark 8:36
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his very soul?

Thoughts on today's verse

We chase after so many different things. Only one thing is needed. Having a fist full of dollars, a great estate, and lots of prestige doesn't mean a whole lot if you've gone to your ultimate address without the Lord. Even worse is to find that in the middle of your busy-ness, you awake to find yourself in the barren land where Christ does not dwell and life is not found.

Prayer:

Father, help me to keep my priorities right and my life holy and my heart open to your will rather than being blinded with my own self-seeking. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

June 21

Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Thoughts on today's verse

How good it is to be as close to God as his shadow and share in the comfort of his shelter. He is not far if our hearts choose to draw near him.

Prayer:

O great Almighty God, tender Shepherd and Abba Father, make known to me your nearness. I long to live in your presence and reflect your holiness and grace. By Jesus' blood I draw near to you in full assurance of your love and grace. Amen.'

[Judy Harder]

June 22

Psalm 121:7-8
The Lord will keep you from all harm -- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Thoughts on today's verse

Our lives are not lived alone. The Lord is with us personally. He holds each of futures and our safety in his hands. We live to serve him and go to be with him when we die. The Lord will keep us from all harm!

Prayer:

Mighty Protector, Rock of my salvation. Thank you that my future is secure with you. Make this assurance the convicting power in my life to turn over my future and my life to you. Through Jesus I ask this. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

June 23

Isaiah 40:31
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and will not be faint.

Thoughts on today's verse

It is easy for us to live victoriously for the Lord when we soar on eagles wings. It can be exciting when we run and don't grow weary in the work of the Lord, buoyed by his power and presence. But it often takes heroes to keep walking and not faint when trying times come. Keep on walking, brother and sister. The Lord is there when you most fear he has forgotten you!

Prayer:

Majestic God, whose voice holds together our universe, give those who can barely walk under the stress and assault the strength to continue. I specifically want to pray for those I know personally who are facing trying times. Please, dear LORD, give them strength and meet their most pressings needs. Through the intercession of Jesus I ask it. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

June 24

2 Thessalonians 3:3
The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

Thoughts on today's verse

It's amazing to me how Satan knows our "silver bullet sins" -- those sins that can especially wound and disable us from the work of Christ. Commit in your heart to ask God to protect you, your family, and one other person (you'll silently support) from the attacks of the evil one.

Prayer:

Mighty and Triumphant King, crush your enemies under your feet and liberate me and those I love from the oppressive attacks and the horrible consequences of sin. Not only forgive and cleanse me, but please guard my heart so that I might gain strength to serve you with passion and power. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.'