Isaiah 48:17

This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.- Isaiah 48:17

Dear Lord, 

When I watch a movie or read a book, I get an adrenaline rush from surprise twists in the plot.  They make the story exciting, bigger than life and powerfully unpredictable.  It's what keeps me watching and reading. But when you introduce the same plot twisters in my own life, my first response is insult and anger because I like predictability in my self made kingdom.  How dare you try to write my story!  But ah, your word reminds me that you are the author and the plot you write is what is best for me and others. Help me to keep reading with hopeful anticipation what you write in the pages of my story. Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Your life is fun for God to write.  To enjoy the plot is to commune with him.  

Psalm 51:6

Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. - Psalm 51:6

Dear Lord,  you made my heart to be upright and clearly loving and honest.  But by nature I am bent over with a self-focus and denial of my condition.  You desire truth in my heart about this.  I am being honest with you.  I see the problem you are pointing out.  I honestly admit that I struggle with sin at every turn.  Be merciful to me and forgive me.  Make me want what pleases you and give me the insight and strength to make the right choices.  Help me overcome my habitual sins and make me an honest person with everyone, especially with myself and you.  AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

Honesty with ourselves and God is a rare gem synthesized by the Holy Spirit in cavern of our soul. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Dear heavenly Father,

I am selfish enough to believe that my life is all about me. So, when I come to you for relief from my situation or comfort for my bewildered heart, I easily think that I am just asking for myself.  But you have the people around me in mind when you let me be afflicted by the chaos of earthly life and plan to bless me with spiritual comfort. You want it to spill over into the lives of those next to me. It blows my mind that this solitary life that I struggle through isn't really just about me.  It's about you blessing me and others all at the same time.  Oh God, give me the love and openness to bless people with the comfort and help that you hand out of the window of your car at my curb.  AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

God is never blessing just one when he blesses you. Join his team and share.

Proverbs 16:32

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. - Proverbs 16:32

Dear heavenly Father, 

It's easy to pride oneself in a competitive spirit, but you point out that the better person is one who learns to wait with grace and peace. I want to wait for you to bring blessings and solutions to my life without tapping my foot.  Give me the fruit of the Spirit called patience. Help me to bring calmness to others in how I endure delay and slow moving situations. 

Amen

Patient is a gift from God. Sit quietly and beg for it. 

Proverbs 16:25

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. - Proverbs 16:25

Dear Heavenly Father,

One of my fears is that I would get on the wide path that leads to hell. I want that healthy distrust of my own opinions so that I learn to listen to yours. You tell us that heaven is a free gift. But you also say that faith in your Son is a "narrow road" that few find. I believe in your Son, Jesus. I trust only his work to cover my own incomplete life. I accept his rescue and I want to follow him all of my life. I don't want to waist any more time chasing ideas that end in nothing. Oh Lord, establish the work of my hands.

Amen

Let God navigate your life so you don't waist anymore precious I renewable time.

Proverbs 16:21

The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. - Proverbs 16:21

Dear Jesus,

Judging by all the words in red the things you said must have clung to people's minds for the rest of their lives. It's because they were filled with truth and grace. I want to be that kind a blessing for other people: to speak wise and discerning words that free captives and comfort the sorrowful and increase hope and joy for those who are depressed. Help me to use my mind and tongue to bring about the same kind a blessing that you did.

Pastor Don Patterson

Never underestimate the shelf life your words have in other people's hearts.

Proverbs 16:16

How much better to get wisdom than gold,
    to get insight rather than silver! - Proverbs 16:16

Dear Heavenly Father,

How easy it is to pursue what I can see, feel, and touch more than the inner treasures. It's easy to let days, even weeks, go by without trying to grow spiritually or in godly wisdom. Help me to let go of earthly pursuit and give me a heart that longs to know you better, to serve you more faithfully, and to be a friend of people more honestly. Give me insight and wisdom into my own strengths and weaknesses and help me to have the same kind of wisdom for others. Your son grew in wisdom and he is my mentor forever.

Amen

Pastor Don Paterson

Spiritual treasures make our heart rich no matter how big our balance at the bank.

Proverbs 16:7

When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone'sways he makes his enemies to be at peace with him. - Proverbs 16:7

Dear Lord,

Help me to give up the selfish desire to get even or to withhold forgiveness from those who have hurt me. And because of your promise in Proverbs I boldly ask that you work on the hearts of my enemies so that they become grace filled toward me. Give me the piece that you will work allthings for my good.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God gives peace without measure to those who let him.

Proverbs 16:2

All a person's ways seem pure to them. But then Lord weighs the motives. - Proverbs 16:2

Dear Heavenly Father,

To know that you weigh my motives changes the way I look at my plans. It makes me think through why I want certain things to happen. It makes me sift through my heart to look for the fruit of selfishness. It makes me plan less rambunctiously. Please send more of your Spirit into my heart so I have godly motives behind any cause I take up for myself or preach to others. And give me discernment to know the difference between right and wrong.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God shows his patience by dwelling in sinful hearts.

Proverbs 16:3

Commit to the Lord whatever you do and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

Dear heavenly Father,

I have many plans and I know that not all of them are the same as your plans for me but I commit my ideas to you. Use those that you know are a blessing for me and others.  I trust you to make them happen. Those that are not part of your divine masterpiece I trust you will put on the shelf as long as you wish. I know your plans are always best and include my eternal welfare. So, I will rest secure in your wisdom. Help me use the freedom I have from faith to strengthen others today.
Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God loves to wow us with his plans over ours.

Ephesians 4:25-27

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold– Ephesians 4:25-27

Dear Jesus,

Give me the strength of pure honesty in all my words and actions toward others.  But temper my honesty with love so I do not hurt or harm others with brutal observation.  Also, make me honest about my own faults, weaknesses and strengths so I live real life by real faith with real people. When I get angry over something someone did to let me down lead me quickly to your cross to dip out forgiveness to share. Make me an honest forgiving and peaceful person all at the same time. 

AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

Honesty and love are like the two stabilizing wings of the airplane called relationships. 

Ephesians 4:20-24

 

 

 That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. – Ephesians 4:20-24

Dear heavenly Father,

When you brought me to faith you changed the way I think about everything.  I am motivated by love and faith now. I don’t like the selfish desires I see in my heart.  I want to have a positive joy filled attitude about serving you in every circumstance.  I don’t want the “what’s in it for me” attitude I used to have.  I want to be a giver and not a taker.  By faith I will take off the old sinful nature and put on the fresh cleans spiritual clothes of goodness and grace from your son.  Help me to wear these clothes with confident generosity as I go out to bless people today.

Amen

In Christ we dress for success every day, the success of selflessly changing other people’s live.

Ephesians 4:16

From Jesus the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. – Ephesians 4:16

Dear Jesus,

I am just a part of your church but I want to do my part to help other Christians grow in faith and godly living.  Show me what gifts you think I have with which to bless others.  Give me a tenacious love for other Christians young and old that makes me look for ways to encourage them in their walk with youAnd help me to appreciate the different gifts that other people bring to our flock so I make room for them to do their best as sharing your gifts with the rest of us. 

AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

We are all a perfect piece in God’s giant masterpiece jigsaw puzzle called the church.

Ephesians 4:11-13

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. – Ephesians 4:11-13

Dear Jesus,

You gave me so many great pastors and teachers who have built up my faith and taught me how to live the Christian life.  If they had not come to my corner of the world, I would be so much less mature in faith and godliness.  Even now, they are a huge encouragement to me to be more like you.  Please protect my pastor and church leaders from the temptations and persecutions of the devil.  Give them zeal to grow in faith and godliness, too.  Give me an open heart to accept what they are trying to teach me so I can grow spiritually under their care.   
Amen

Pastor Donald Patterson

Leaders in the church are a gift from Christ not to be taken for granted.

Ephesians 4:1-6

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. – Ephesians 4:1-6

Dear Jesus,

Just like every parent you long for your family to be united.  But our pride and self- centeredness gets in the way.  You made us one by bringing each one of us to spiritual life by the gospel.  But we easily see ourselves different than other Christians.  Give me the humility and gentleness to promote unity with every other Christian I meet.  Help me to look for every opportunity to forgive and encourage others rather than criticize.  Make my heart a place that others feel welcome and gently handled.  Help me be the glue that binds your church as one family. 

AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

When we make oneness our top priority it’s amazing how little we think of our own opinions. 

Genesis 16:13-14

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered. – Genesis 16:13-14

Dear Heavenly Father,

Hagar was so worried and anxious about her life.  She was a mistreated slave and all she knew to do was to run.  It didn’t help her to run but it gave her a watershed moment with you.  You showed her that you saw her struggle and that she could trust you to bless her without removing the struggle for her.  Teach me that lesson too. It’s easy for me to get so caught up in my struggles that I forget that you’re the God who sees me.  I think I must tell you what’s going on so you’ll remember to help me.  You already know everything about my life and its challenges.  You are the God who sees me and you are working everything out for my good and the blessing of others too. Since I know you see me, I will run free this day like a school boy who knows his father is at the park with him. 

AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

God stays in our place with us like good parents stays at the park with their children.

Revelation 7:3-10,14

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. – Revelation 7:3-10,14

Dear Jesus,

I have full confidence that I will be completely released from all my troubles and will live in eternal glory and peace in heaven one day because I have washed my life in your blood and you have made me white and perfect.  It seems too good to be true.  I who have failed so miserably at being the person you wanted, and yet I am forgiven and accepted back into your fellowship because you removed your own animosity toward my hurtful animosity and cold indifference.  The strength of being forgiven will give me confidence and peace to face this day in hopeful expectation of blessing. 

AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

God’s children both good and bad, know they are still his children.

Isaiah 44:6-8

“This is what the Lord says—
    Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty:
I am the first and I am the last;
    apart from me there is no God.
Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it.
    Let him declare and lay out before me
what has happened since I established my ancient people,
    and what is yet to come—
    yes, let them foretell what will come.
Do not tremble, do not be afraid.
    Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?
    No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.” – Isaiah 44:6-8

Dear Heavenly Father,

I never am the first to any scene.  You are everywhere and you are never surprised by what surprises me.  You see everything in my life with perfect clarity and surround me with your being even when I feel all alone.  Help me to see your presence with my soul especially when I am afraid and worried about things.  I believe you will take care of my life and my loved ones and that all struggles and all good things come from your hands.  You are God and there is no other.  I don’t want to live as if it all depends on me.  I like being your child and letting you be the father.  Be my rock and my strength and give me the peace that comes from letting you drive. 

AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

God is always near, always working and always anticipating everything for us.

Matthew 8:23-27

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” – Matthew 8:23-27

Dear Jesus,

I want that kind of faith that trusts in your goodness and protection even in the midst of a frightening storm. I don’t just want to be amazed that you can and will take care of us.  I want to be convinced of it.  I want to be courageous and calm even though the valley of the shadow of death surrounds me.  I want to believe that you are there and that you will see me through every hard time.  I want this great faith but I can’t produce it.  I can name it but I can’t make it.  You have to give it to me.  So, please, in your mercy, give me the faith that you and I both want me to have.  Be my Savior and replace my faithless heart with trust in you. 

AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

Faith is a gift from God who knows we need it as much as his help.

Matthew 23:5

Everything they do is done for people to see. – Matthew 23:5

Dear Jesus,

How you must cringe when you see that I do things simply to look good or great in the eyes of others.  Help me to check my motives and to pursue doing the right thing before you just because I love what is right. Make me a lover of the truth and not a lover of attention. Give me a new heart that forgives, helps and encourages others instead of criticizing, comparing and judging them.  Give me insight to use words that release people from sin and guilt and not condemn them.  Make me a blessing to my family, church and community. 

AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

Who we are is ten times more important that what we do.