Matthew 20:17-19

Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!" - Matthew 20:17-19

Dear Jesus,

My friends and me are addicted to finding some meaning in life that serves our own desire to gain more, live more comfortably, get more attention and impress others with our great works.  But then there's you.  You were committed to dying for us so we would be preserved forever, saved from our own sins.  You "looked forward" to the great gift that would cost you everything.  The terrible way your life would end was the big thing for which you lived.  Because you knew you'd pass through it and then I would be free forever from the condemnation I keep earning through my waywardness.  You have freed me forever from my dead end.  Thank you for making my life last so I too will pass through death, just as you did. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Your life has meaning because it means everything to God. 

Psalm 147:3

God heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. - Psalm 147:3

Dear Heavenly Father, 

I have been brokenhearted about several things in my life.  In time, with the strength of your word and people who knew how to love, you have healed my brokenness.  I know I will be broken again and you will heal me then too.  Your promises are my cell companions when I am confined to my hurts.  I cling to them and let them speak to me.  They are like a light gleaming through the small window at the top of the cell. Thank you for being the God who heals our hurts.  Make me a healer of hurts too.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God knows how to heal a broken heart. He healed his own first.  

Colossians 2:6-7

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. - Colossians 2:6-7

Dear Jesus,

That phrase, "overflowing with thankfulness" both confronts and encourages me. I hear my complaints and whining more than anyone else. But I know others are plagued by negativity too. It's a spiritual breakthrough when I catch myself before I grouse. Give me that breakthrough today! I want to be truly thankful deep in my heart so it overflows and is not forced. Only you and your grace can create that. Make me thankful Jesus in all circumstances.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Our hearts have eyes that sometimes need the lenses of grace in order to see the blessings in all circumstances.

Colossians 2:2

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, - Colossians 2:2

Dear Jesus,

I love it when Paul tells us his motives were that people be encouraged in heart, united in love and growth in understanding of you.  Too often I have more pedestrian goals for my family and church; like attendance, and conformity and progress on projects.  How shallow!  How worldly!  But to want them to grow in love, unity and spiritual understanding- that guides my leadership in a much deeper direction.  It makes me prepare to teach them in their hearts more faithfully.  Help me grow in these areas first.  Use your Word to take me to new spiritual heights, So, from there I can teach others. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Through his word, God restores us to his own likeness and reverses the fall. 

Hebrews 11:32-40

And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword;whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. - Hebrews 11:32-40

Dear Jesus,

Your list of Old Testament saints that endured terrible persecutions in this world is very humbling to me.  The endured the loss of everything, even their lives for the sake of their faith in you.  I on the other hand live in a country that protects my religious freedom, allows me to spread and defends my human rights.  Thank you for the blessings of my country and give me the faith and love to use this freedom to lead others to you instead of fritter away my time on only selfish pleasures.  Drive the luke-warmness out of my heart and kindle in me a fire that cannot be quenched. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Freedom brings with it the responsibility to shine.

Hebrews 11:31

By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. - Hebrews 11:31

Dear Heavenly Father,

Now wait a minute God, I know that Rahab lied when she hid those Israeli spies and yet here and in James 2 you commend her. That challenges my pedestrian mind. When I look closely at the story in Joshua I see her faith. She feared you and held on to her 40 year old belief that you delivered Israel through the Red Sea. She chose your people because they were yours. She loved and trusted you no matter what. It was her choice to follow you that made her do anything she felt you wanted even if meant hiding the truth from her king and his men. Give me that faith that makes every decision about you and not me or anyone else.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Faith knows what's right and wrong without a rule-book to quote from.

Hebrews 11:30

By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days. - Hebrews 11:30

Dear Heavenly Father,

What wisdom was there in making Israel march around the city of Jericho for seven days? All that did was give their enemies a good look at their strengths and weaknesses. It removed all elements of surprise, too. Militarily the idea stunk, but spiritually, it was brilliant. It told both Israel and Jericho that this was your battle and not theirs. It gave people in Jericho and Israel time to repent and find forgiveness before they faced you. And finally, it created an encouraging story for all time. I'm encouraged by your mighty hand at Jericho and I'm thankful for its remembrance when I face fortified challenges in my fight of faith. Thank you for Jericho and the faith you have taught me through it.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

When God's requests seem unreasonable, expect unreasonably amazing results.

Hebrew 11:29

By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.- Hebrew 11:29

Dear Heavenly Father,

What it must have been like for the children of Israel to take those first steps into the chasm you formed in the Red Sea.  Their hearts must have been beating out of their chests as they gawked at the walls of water on either side.  But you led them with your mighty word and you allowed them to watch their enemies fall behind them. Help me to remember your great act of deliverance in the Red Sea crossing when you call on me to step in between two "walls of water" for you.  Protect me from my enemies and give me the privilege to see either their conversion or their end.  

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson 

When God's on your team, the wins are embarrassingly obvious.  

Hebrews 11:27-28

By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel. - Hebrews 11:27-28

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, Moses' exodus from Egypt is one of the largest leaps of faith in history. But you made it easy by showing your great blessings through the plagues and by giving Moses the words he needed to confront Pharaoh and to lead your people. You have given me great blessings, too, and I have a whole book full of your words. Give me the faith of Moses to take leaps of faith because, even if it takes me through the wilderness, I know you will do your wonderful work through my leap. Make my life count, Lord.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

When God calls you to leap he always extends his arms to catch you.

Hebrews 11:24-26

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. - Hebrews 11:24-26

Dear Heavenly Father,

Faith makes us different. You gave Moses a wealthy upbringing and all the riches of Egypt, but you never intended him to exploit that for himself. You wanted him to use it as a leader to be prepared for big things. He understood your purposes and was willing to give up an easy life to accomplish great things with you. He led Israel out of captivity and he signed up for the last 40 years of his life to be hard labor. I want to be like Moses; living for you no matter the cost. I cannot do it on my own. Give me the will and the power to overcome the self indulgent messages of my culture and become a servant who burns brightly for you right to the end of his life.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God went all in for us, let's go all in for him too.

Hebrews 11:23

By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. – Hebrews 11:23

Dear Heavenly Father,
How brave and loving were Moses' parents! They risked their lives to save him and through their heroism the whole world received great blessings such as: the first five books of the bible, the ten commandments, the accurate account of the beginning of the world, the beginning of Israel and the first promises of a Savior. I can see now that long after I am gone, the actions of I do today out of faith will have a greater impact than I can imagine today. Help me to remember this when the pressure is on for me to conform to the world out of fear and convenience and help my by your Holy Spirit to be like Moses' mom and dad.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God will do tons more than you can ever imagine with the small things you do today for him.

Hebrews 11:22

By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones. – Hebrews 11:22

Dear Heavenly Father,

What great wisdom you gave Joseph that he would make his people keep up with his bones for hundreds of years until you fulfilled your promise to send them back to the promised land.  As each generation told the next about the bones they also told them about your promises.  It’s your promises that produce faith in us.  Thank you for giving me parents who passed on your promises to me.  When my heart was still wet cement they carefully made sure I knew all the big and wonderful promises that I hang my faith on. Help me to pass along your promises to my children and grandchildren. Give me creative ways to help them remember you are their God, you have redeemed them, that you are there for them and that you will welcome them into glory. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Family leadership is passing the baton of God’s promises from one generation to the next.

Hebrews 11:21

By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff. – Hebrews 11:21

Dear Heavenly Father,

The blessings of Joseph on his sons came true because you were speaking through him.  I don’t have special blessings that you have given me to speak over my grandchildren, but I do have blessings from you that are for all people including them.  I can learn to speak those blessings to them and over them.  Too many people don’t ever talk about you in their families and homes.  They hear about you at church but then it seems you are put in a box during the week as we go about our personal lives.  Help me to get your promises out of my heart, over my lips and into the minds and hearts of my children and grandchildren.  Help me give them the positive destiny and identity that you have promised them.  They are heirs of heaven.  They are your own children that you watch over and encourage and lead.  They are a blessing to many others and their lives matter.  Even hardships in their lives are a way you prepare them for greater impact.  I can tell them these things and give their lives your divine blessing and perspective.  Thank you for giving me so much to give them. By faith I will bless my family like Jacob did.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

The promises of God are low hanging fruit to pluck and bless and your family with.

Hebrews 11:20

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future. – Hebrews 11:20

Dear Heavenly Father,

Oh Lord, all of your purposes are good even if they look like you are favoring one of us over the other.  Your favor for Jacob announced by his father led to the salvation of all of Esau’s descendants.  You never told him so, but from heaven Esau wouldn’t want it any other way.  Help me have the faith to see the blessings and restrictions you place on my life from heaven’s perspective.  Sometimes when you say “no” to my prayers from earth, it’s so you can make sure I will be surrounded by my loved ones forever in heaven.  By faith I will tell my kids and grandkids about your salvation and the beauty of your Son.  By faith I will tell them that the gospel is the best I could ever give them.  And then I will relax as you work out their lives for eternal good. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God’s blessing on others have a way of making our own lives better.

Hebrews 11:17-19

By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death. – Hebrews 11:17-19

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for graciously revealing here in the New Testament what was in Abraham’s heart in the Old Testament story where he was completely committed to sacrificing his Son for you.  He believed that you would raise him from the dead.  Since this happened on the same mountain where you really did sacrifice your Son for me, I can see that you too were comforted that you would raise Jesus from the dead after he had died for me.  It’s the perfect win/win situation.  I get saved by that one supreme sacrifice and you get your Son back along with me and all believers.  Everybody wins in your grace.  Only you could pull it off.  Because I have already won your grace, I will lose my life on earth in Christian service.  You can give me ten thousand times more than I ever would need when I get to heaven.  It all makes sense when I consider that heaven is waiting for me.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

The greatest test on earth is the test to give up your best bird in the hand for God’s best two in the bush.

Hebrews 11:13-16

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. – Hebrews 11:13-16

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am a stranger on the earth because I view the entire planet as not worthy to be called my home.  The most beautiful place on earth and the land I love the most will still cough me up at the end and reject me as a permanent inhabitant.  I will not kid myself with state pride as if I have a stake on something special over any other earthling.  I long for my home in the city that you are building for all who have learned your gospel. It’s a home where truth, grace, peace and hope eternally grow where there is no fall or winter. It’s a home where every relationship is perfect and satisfying, where criticism ceases and attitudes are perfect.  It’s the place where you walk with us in person and prayer is casual conversation between you and me. It’s where I will see your form and not be afraid of your holiness.  It’s where there are no taxes, fines or penalties and no misbehavior that would warrant them.  Your home will be my home and mine will be all yours too.  Angles will be my neighbors and saints will call me by name.  Oh, how I long for that home where heaven and nature sing for joy everlasting!

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Imagining heaven is great therapy for spiritually realistic earthlings.

Hebrews 11:11-12

 And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. – Hebrews 11:11-12

Dear Heavenly Father,

It's easy for me to get discouraged when I do not see the fulfillment of your promises to bless me as soon as I expected.  Sometimes I wonder if you will turn away from me because I am so easily discouraged.  But then I see in this passage that you commend Sarah for her faith, even though she pushed Hagar on Abraham because she doubted, and she laughed when you sent visitors to tell her she would have a baby in a year.  You saw her imperfect faith and you counted it as righteousness.  Oh, how little faith you will commend!  I do believe in you Lord and I believe in all of your promises too.  But in my heart lurks doubt too.  Help me overcome my unbelief and thank you for fulfilling your promises in spite of me.  I will not let Satan lead me to despair because I know you count my weak faith as righteousness. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

It only takes a thimble of faith to grab a life preserver when you are drowning.

Hebrews 11:8-10

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. – Hebrews 11:8-10

Dear Heavenly Father,

Your friend Abraham is one of the greatest mentors of faith that I have ever known. He went even though he did not know where.  We waste so much time waiting to see where we think you are leading when you love to hide the details.  You want us to put our hand in yours.  Instead of charting a course for myself and calling it your plan, I will let you drive where you want me to go.  I want to live by faith that doesn’t have to see to step out. Shed light on my next step and I will go that direction even if the following steps are still hidden to me.  I do not have to know exactly what you are doing, only that I have you guiding my life.  Give me the faith of Abraham so I am truly your friend and not your boss.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Why waste time being overly disappointed or overly thrilled with anything in our temporary life, when our permanent home in heaven is being built by God himself.   

Hebrews 11:7

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. – Hebrews 11:7

Dear Heavenly Father,

I realize that faith is also calling out sin when you do, instead of pretending everyone can do whatever they want to do without consequences.  It seems that my generation thinks the biggest sin is not being nice.  Otherwise anything goes.  You led Noah to build the ark because you were done with evil in your justice.  Thank you for being merciful to Noah and his family, for preserving their faith and blessing their efforts.  I am their descendant and had you killed them also, sinners that they were, I would never had the privilege of living here.  Your mercy toward them was mercy toward me.  Help me to have the courage to stand out for you against the evil that runs rampant again today.  And most of all, help me lead people to your redeeming grace before the great and terrible day comes when you will once and for all destroy this sinful world in your justice. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

When God says his patience has come to an end, faith sits up and listens.

Hebrews 11:5-6

By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. - Hebrews 11:5-6

Dear Heavenly Father, 

I am still blown away that Enoch did not have to die. What mercy you showed your child by allowing him to escape the horrors of losing his breath. I find it equally intriguing to know that without faith in you, I cannot please you. It is, and always will be, a matter of the heart. What do I think about you, O God? I believe that you created me and all beings. I believe you are merciful and gracious to all you have made. I believe you have redeemed me in your son. And I believe you have a purpose for my life today. To fulfill that purpose, I will love and serve the people you put near me today. If you have more specific things for me to do, make it perfectly clear to my otherwise dimwitted soul. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Faith recognizes that one's very existence on God's green earth is an act of mercy on his part.