Matthew 18:1-5

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At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. - Matthew 18:1-5

Dear Jesus,

We spend so much time asking the wrong questions, like, "How do I fit in?" When we should be asking, "How do you want me to fit in?" Make me a little child in my heart so I give up any pursuit of personal greatness. Make me great in love, patience, humility and truth. But make me small in my own eyes. I spent my whole life longing to be grown up and now I'm led to become small again. I am your child. Lead me in the path of child like faith. Give me the dependency of a little person. Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

You know you are the childlike believer Jesus wants when you don't care so much about being treated like a child.

Psalm 24:1

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The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Psalm 24:1

Dear Jesus,

You own everything. Why would I worry about finances, possessions, thieves, rust, and depreciation? You own everything. Thank you for letting me be the steward of so many blessings. Help me to use them to save and bless more eternal souls. And help me to leave those same blessings for others to use after I am gone.

Pastor Don Patterson

Leave the things you have on loan from God in better shape for the next folks who will borrow them after you.

2 Corinthians 3:18

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And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. - 2 Corinthians 3:18

Dear Jesus,

Help me to keep the eyes of my heart firmly fixed on you and the hope you bring of triumph over this world. Help me keep the eyes of my heart firmly fixed on the love you share to enable me to love my enemies. Help me to keep my eyes of my heart firmly fixed on the truth you reveal that stomps all lies that would deceive me. Help me keep the eyes of my heart firmly fixed on the grace you cover me with that cleanses away every guilty and shameful feeling. Help me see you in all your glory so my life remains bright and cheery in your presence.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Bask in the Son-light to get the spiritual tan you long for.

Hebrews 12:2

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We fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. - Hebrews 12:2

Dear Jesus,

It's so easy to focus on all my own efforts. I'm so addicted to believing in myself. But you are the author and perfecter of my faith. I believe because I have you as the God who made me and the man who saved me. You ran the race of life before me and never once failed. You saved my soul and you stand at the end of my race waiting to greet me with your triumphant arms. I will fix my eyes on you when I have guilt, temptation, fear, doubt or fatigue. I will fix my eyes on you when I face frightening medical problems. I will fix my eyes on you when others criticize me. I will fix my eyes on you when I am passed over for a job. I will fix my eyes on you when a business deal goes poorly. I will fix my eyes on you when my closest loved ones pass over to you. I will fix my eyes on you when my church struggles to triumph in love. I will fix my eyes on you when I feel lonely and depressed. I am saved and I'm going to win this race because you are there to make me a winner.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

You will become what you look at the most. So look the most to the One you want to become like.

Colossians 3:15

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Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. - Colossians 3:15

Dear Jesus,

So often I try to get what I think I want or need from a conversation and often that leads to conflict and debate, sometimes even to childish disagreements. But here you tell me what to pursue in each and every verbal exchange. You want me to pursue peace. Help me prioritize that peace above all other desires so people who live around me will sense that I am promoting peace between us more than trying to get my own way. I want to have oneness with as many people as possible because I see from your word that it pleases you. Oh Jesus, make me a peacemaker.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

People who create peace, give away emotional and spiritual gifts in every conversation.

Colossians 3:12-14

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Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. - Colossians 3:12-14

Dear Savior,

I get dressed before I face each day but so often I leave the house without dressing my heart with your virtues. But here you remind me that the clothes I wear over my soul are more important than the threads donned on my limbs. Help me to chose to love everyone with these virtues. Give me gentleness, compassion and everything in between. And when loving means I must forgive a direct wound from an irritable soul, grant to me in that moment the supernatural ability to view your cross where you begged the Father to forgive us all. I want to experience perfect unity with others through the love you created on Calvary. Oh, Jesus, give me a love that dies to self and rises to change even my enemies with redeeming grace.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

On that old rugged cross, Jesus created a rugged grace that loves people more toughly than any mamma bear.

Isaiah 53:5-6

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But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. - Isaiah 53:5-6

Dear Jesus,

From eternity you promised you'd come and be pierced for me even though I would stray. My sin pierces you the most and yet you still absorbed it all. I'm forever thankful for your consuming love. Help me absorb the hurts that others cause me the way you absorb mine, especially the hurts that go the deepest from the closest of loved ones. Make me an unconditional forgiver, so people see what you're really like. I need the miracle of unconditional love to mend the hurts and to help me triumph in redeeming grace.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

We enter communion with Jesus when we forgive deep hurts just because we can.

‭‭Luke‬ ‭15:21‬ ‭

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The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
‭‭Luke‬ ‭15:21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Dear Jesus,

Help me to be honest with myself and you. I’m not really worthy to called your child. I’ve sinned against you too much. But I’m here asking you to be merciful and let me have your blessing. I accept the earthly consequences of my sin but I don’t want to lose you. I will seek to serve you in my new adjusted life. Please let me stay in your family by grace alone.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God loves it when we honestly repent.

‭‭Luke‬ ‭15:20‬

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So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭15:20‬

Dear Jesus,

I find great comfort in how you tell us the father reacted to the lost son coming home. It reminds me that each time I turn back home to you and the father that you welcome me with open arms. There is nothing so warm as a forgiving hug. You are mine and I am yours. I have a place, a home with you. My soul is at peace knowing you forgive me of every single wrong. Help me show others they have the same home with you.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God is filled with compassion for us. What an incredible thought.

Luke 15:11-16

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Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. - Luke 15:11-16

Dear Jesus,

When you wanted to show what your heavenly Father is like you first showed what we are like. How many times I have found myself like this younger son? I wanted to get my blessings from him and then go live self indulgently. I wanted to be blessed but not ruled by his love and truth. I wanted gifts but I didn't want him. And then I found myself empty and alone, needing rescue. Then I came crawling back and your Father welcomed me with open arms. I'm sorry for the many times I have treated him like an ice cream truck driver. Thank you for paving the way for him to forgive me and all other sinners. Your grace is my peace.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God knew when he invented you that he'd have to rescue you from your own mistakes.

John 11:25-27 

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Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?  “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” - John 11:25-27 

Dear Jesus,

Your words to Martha are the most hope filled words I will ever hear.  We will live beyond the grave if we put our faith in you.  It gives me hope that I will see my parents and friends that I loved so much but who have since left this life.  It reminds me that I will not really ever die.  I will just be translated to heaven.  I'm like Martha, "Yes, Lord, I believe you are the saving Messiah. Help me smile all day today because I know eternal life is alive and well among my Christian loved ones. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Hope in Christ reaches farther than any other hope we will ever have.  

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May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” - Psalm‬ ‭19:14‬

Dear Jesus,

It’s so easy to speak what’s on my mind without thinking. Sometimes before I realize it I have given a critique or said sometime cutting I wish I could take back. My thoughts wander also. You have to see them too. Oh, how weary that can make one. Please sanctify my thoughts and words so what comes from this soul is wholesome for both you and people.  

Amen 

Pastor Don Patterson

Purify the thoughts and edifying words will freely flow. 

Romans 8:32 

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He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? - Romans 8:32 

Dear Heavenly Father,

When I think that you gave up your own Son for me, I know you are committed to blessing me without blame or regret.  How could you let him go for a second in order to save a worm such as me?  It comforts me that in my wandering story where I experience many setbacks and struggles to know that you are actually giving me blessings on top of your Son who saved me.  I know things will work out for my good because you gave me your Son.  I know things will eventually get better because you gave me your Son.  I know you still love me while I'm fumbling around because you gave me your Son.  The fact that you gave me your Son settles all my fears. I am loved and blessed, after all, you gave me your Son.  I will live in that joy today. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

If you think God doesn't love you, you have forgotten Jesus' cross. 

2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:5‬

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For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. - 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:5‬

Dear Jesus,

Help me to remember today that it’s not about me. When I talk about faith help me to remember to tell people about you and not so much about my church or issues that we human centered creatures love to focus on. You are the author of life and the wonderful redeemer of all you have made. Help me keep you out of the closet in every witnessing opportunity. 

Amen 

Pastor Don Patterson

Jesus Christ saves; our fine sounding arguments do not.

1 Corinthians 3:21-23 

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So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God. - 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 

Dear Jesus,

I could spend a week meditating on what you are teaching us in these words from Paul.  He was helping his flock avoid divisions  by choosing sides with their favorite pastor.  He was telling them that all leaders were gifts to them.  But he went on to say that everyone and everything is a gift from you. He made it hard to be jealous by pointing out that if you let us share life with someone or something, they all are a gift from you.  Ownership in the spiritual sense is living with anything during your lifetime.  That's a mind bender.  My friends and my enemies and everyone in between belong to my life's story and you intended them to make my story unique.  Oh God, thank you for the many ways you have created my story by giving allowing me to share life with so many others.  I'm learning a new appreciation for everything. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Everything and everyone with whom you share life on earth is somehow a gift from God for you. 

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23

Dear Jesus,

If I will spend more time on the "do's" I won't have time for the "don'ts"  Your Holy Spirit inside of me yearns to make me joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled.  I will focus on getting to him and his message of grace and then let his influence take over my life.  Let me be a virtue factory for you.  

Pastor Don Patterson

No one ever resented being loved and handled gently.  

John‬ ‭13:14‬

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Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” - John‬ ‭13:14‬

Dear Jesus,

I know you would not ask me to do anything you wouldn’t do. Your clear example of humble love gives me a great model to follow. Washing feet is really kinda gross. When you lead me to do just that you show me how you want me to value everyone.  Oh Lord of love, replace my selfish heart with your feet washing selfless one.  Unless you recreate yourself in me I will still look at the world around me as my servant instead my opportunity to serve. I want to impact people with your active caregiving love. So, help me overcome my addiction to wanting to be served.  

Amen 

Pastor Don Patterson 


Serve the one you want to serve the least and you’ll easily serve all the rest too. 

Jude 3-4

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Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. - Jude 3-4

Dear Jesus,

The grace and forgiveness you have given me are the mainstay of my life. They give me peace of mind and confidence that although I'm a sinner, you still have my back. You are bound to me through love. Please don't ever let me do what Jude talks about here; turn your grace into a license to sin. You are forgiving but you are not lax. You care deeply that I live a godly life and glorify you in the way I treat my body. You want me to live a pure life and I want to do it for you too. I live in a very permissive society that now wants me to value many immoral acts as legitimate choices for all. Give me a lust for purity and grace so I am vigilant about walking the line of godliness but loving to all to all those who fall off the path.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Starve your worldly desires by lusting after grace and truth instead.

2 Peter 1:3,5-7

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His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. ... 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. - 2 Peter 1:3,5-7

Dear Jesus,

Ever since you saved me and sent your Holy Spirit to live in my heart, you have empowered me to live a godly life.  I know I have often stumbled and fallen back to old worldly habits.   I hear you gentle call in these verses to renew my efforts to add to my faith the fruits that you grow in lives.  I want goodness, knowledge, self control, perseverance and love.  Take my heart by the hand and lead me to evaluate the changes you want me to make so I can grow into the person you want me to be to bless my family and friends and to be a blessing to myself as well.  You have graciously given me so many spiritual virtues, don't let me waste them while by idling through life.  

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Jesus Christ come to live and work in our lives, not sit on the couch.  

2 Peter 1:4

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Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.  - 2 Peter 1:4

Dear Jesus,

You want me to be different than the fallen world around me.  But you see that I am cut out of the same lumber and fall to the same temptations.  But you have given me promises that you have saved me and that you now live in me by faith.  You promise that with your presence in my life I can say "no" to sin and "yes" to loving service to all.  You promise that you are with me and that you are working behind the scenes to help me.  You promise to meet me at the end and congratulate me.  You promise grace to cover my guilt feelings and love to fill the holes caused by hurts.  You promise to listen, to care and to rescue.  In your promises I am invincible and powerful to live a God pleasing life from the right attitude.  I can thrive through troubles and be a blessing to others even when I am in a difficult spot.  Thank you for your great and present help.  It will make my full week a blessing for me and others.  

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God went to heavenly great lengths to save us.  He's not going to abandon us now.