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 13

Luke 11:13
If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask for him.

Thoughts on today's verse

Think of all the great gifts you've been given. Next to Jesus, the gracious sacrifice for our salvation, the greatest gift we can receive is God's abiding presence in the Holy Spirit! He is ours if we ask. In fact, when we ask, he is already there interceding for us!
Prayer:

Abba Father, through the precious Holy Spirit I come before you asking you to empower me, my loved ones, and my church through the power of the Holy Spirit. I pray for renewal to sweep my country and this world led by your Spirit of grace, power, and love. Through Jesus, the giver of this great gift I pray. Amen.'

[Judy Harder]

June 14

Philippians 3:20
Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thoughts on today's verse

No matter what your passport says, if you are a Christian, there is no earthly country that can hold you, no borders that can claim you and no flag that flies above you but Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven. You have more in common with the believing aboriginal tribesman of Indonesia, the Christian refugee in Africa, or the Bedouin brother in Egypt, or the high-rise business person in Hong Kong who bows to pray in Jesus name, or the Spirit-filled Brazilian housewife, than you do your next door neighbor if they don't know Christ as Lord and Savior.
Prayer:

Glorious God and Almighty Father, I look forward to the day when people from every language, tribe, nation, and language join the angels and elders around your throne and worship you in joy forever. Make us one, if not here, then soon, we ask you Lord, please come. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

June 15

Proverbs 23:24
The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.

Thoughts on today's verse

The greatest gift I can give my father, and my Father, is to be righteous in my heart and life.
Prayer:

Holy and righteous Father, may my life please you and bring honor to my father and his name. I know that if I please you, it will make his heart glad. Help me as I seek to know you and serve you in ways that show your character in my life. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.'

[Judy Harder]

June 16

Psalm 103:13
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.

Thoughts on today's verse

Compassion. Not pity, not anger, not shame, not impatience, not intolerance, not rejection, but compassion is what God, my Father, gives to me. He cares for my pain enough to enter into my world and share it in Jesus.
Prayer:

Father of Mercies and God of all Compassion, thank you for not only knowing and caring about my struggles and problems but sending me help in Jesus and the Holy Spirit. By one I know your love and mercy and by the other I know your might and power. May your Spirit of compassion be found in my relationships. Through the grace of Jesus I pray. Amen.'

[Judy Harder]

June 17


Psalm 68:4-5
Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds -- his name is the Lord -- and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

Thoughts on today's verse

I can't help but think of what James, Jesus' brothers said: "Pure religion, undefiled before God the Father is this: keep oneself undefiled and care for orphans and widows in their distress." Jesus showed clearly this was the Father's heart in his ministry. Now it is up to us to continue it!
Prayer:

Father, may my life, my compassion, and my ministry reflect your heart for those who need care and protection and love. Give me eyes to see this need more clearly and a heart to responded more certainly so that your love may be demonstrated through me. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

[Judy Harder]

June 18


Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Thoughts on today's verse

Mothers have such an inside road with children that it is interesting that God commands fathers to be about the work of spiritual nurture. I don't believe he means to exclude mothers. No, I think he assumes they'll do their part. But the father's influence and intentional training is so essential.
Prayer:

Abba Father, may my children come to find you in me. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.