‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24:15

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But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24:15‬

Dear Heavenly Father,

You led Joshua to challenge each of us to make a vocal, visible, public choice to follow you and your gracious leadership. We could never choose to follow you without your Holy Spirit. But because he has taught me about your love, I choose to follow you. I don’t want to serve the gods of this world. They leave me empty and disappointed. Take me where you want me to go this day and be my God and Savior. Give me faith, hope and love to share with everyone I meet.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Choosing God who first chose you is a no-brainer.

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Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” - Romans 12:15-16

Dear Heavenly Father,

I know you want to enlarge my heart enough so I can reach beyond my own struggles, hopes and dreams to feel with others what they are feeling. You want me to see the equal value of every soul. You want me to stamp out the loneliness our proud isolation creates. Oh Jesus, turn me inside out and enable me to hurt with and help those who need me to. And when I have reached my limit raise up other great lovers of souls to be there for those I see hurting but cannot help them myself.

Amen

Pastor Donald Patterson

When we share life with hurting people it’s four part music to God’s ears.

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:10

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Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. -‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:10‬

Dear Jesus,

You watched Peter and his friends argue over who was the greatest more than once. How proud you must have been when the Holy Spirit inspired him to write this verse later in life. He teaches us that you have gifted us so we can be a blessing to the people in our lives not so we can exploit them for self importance. Help me use my gifts to bless my life “teammates” and not waste my gifts on myself. Give my Christian family and friends the power to look beyond themselves to use their gifts to bless many people. You made your life count for everyone. Give me the will and ability to make mine count for several someones too.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

You’ll never fit in if you don’t work at blessing others.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:19

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That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:19‬ ‭

Dear Heavenly Father,

Because of the many struggles we have in our lives I catch myself feeling like you need to do something for me in order for me to be reconciled to you. What a grand example of my human pride! You see everything about me and all people and you are offended by the slightest wayward thought and yet I have so many. There is so much that you need to be reconciled about. And you took care of all of it when you sent your son. You were in him reconciling the whole world to yourself so that in spite of my waywardness you still have love for me without violating justice. Thank you for reconciling yourself so that I have your grace and favor even though I struggle with sin for my whole life. This grace will carry me through the day today and give me a desire to please you.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God the father needed Jesus to reconcile him to us as much as we did.

Psalm 127:1-2

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Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. - Psalm 127:1-2

Dear Heavenly Father,

I love this simple profession of faith. Unless you bless and protect all my endeavors they are doomed to fail. I do fall into the temptation of believing it all depends on me. But actually it all depends on you. And you have shown yourself to be my provider and protector so many times. Help me to sleep in your arms and to lead a quiet life of sublime trust that you are there to take care of all my needs. Give me the work you want me to do and bless that work the way you wish. Just as you came and took care of my salvation, I know you will be there for me every day to take care of my preservation. As you keep me in mind that you are always near to help me, use my gentle confidence to encourage others to trust you to be their God and Savior too.

Amen

Good earthly parents are a reflection of our perfect heavenly Father.

Proverbs 6:9-10

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How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. Proverbs 6:9-10

Dear Jesus,

Protect me from thoughts that make me lazy. Give me a strong desire to be productive and helpful in every situation. I know every day is a gift from you. I want to get the most out of every day too. Help me to be industrious and to save for myself and those who depend on me. But give me a holy abandon from worry and strife over money and possessions. Help me to apply myself to life long learning and make me a blessing to all without any self righteousness. Not only do I ask you to keep poverty far from me, but help me alleviate the effects of poverty on others too. You met earthly needs for the full length of your ministry. Give me that same servant mindset. All this I ask because your love consumes me.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Love compels us to meet the needs of bodies and souls all around us.

John 21:10-13

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Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.- John 21:10-13

Dear Jesus,

Their eyes must have been popping out of their heads and their mouths were gaping open. They had fished all night and caught nothing and then you showed up. That's when the net was filled. It reminded them of when you first called them. But since then there had been the cross and their desertion. Here you show them that you still loved them, would still take care of them and that you still wanted them to do your holy work. I sense you still have the same three lessons for me. You still love me although I have failed you. You will still take care of me in your time and way. You still want me to feed your lambs. I have never met anyone like you nor will I ever again. But that's okay. I have you as my God and Savior. Thank you for continually coming back to get me. I know I am safe in your grace.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Jesus loves to stand on our shore and fill our hearts to overflowing.

John 4:19-29

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The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he. Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” - John 4:19-29

Dear Jesus,

You took that woman from being an embarrassed failure to being an excited herald of your love. She used to slink around in guilt and shame but you made her run out in the open to share your love. I know some of what she felt. I can live past my guilt and shame because you came to save me too. You know exactly what I have done and you still came to save me. I want others to know the freedom and restoration of forgiveness. Help me tell them that their Messiah is here. Thank you for releasing me from my sinful past.

Pastor Don Patterson

To know Christ is to know freedom from shame.

John 4:19-24

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“Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” - John 4:19-24

Dear Jesus,

Sometimes I'm like that woman. I want to focus on outward forms instead of inner worship. I know you want me to really worship you out of a heart made grateful for the love and grace you brought to us. You want me to joyfully live, pray and work out of a deep held faith that you made me, saved me and walk beside me all of my life. You want me to go to church because I want to, to speak about you because I'm proud of you, to love even the unlovable because I truly love them. I cannot be that inside-out person unless you fill my insides with your Spirit. So, Jesus, crowd your Spirit into my heart so I live out of his spiritual fullness. Make me the person you always wanted me to be. Thank you for redeeming my life and creating something new out of what you first met by the wayside.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Jesus comes in from the outside to change us from the inside out.

John 4:15-18

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The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” - John 4:15-18

Dear Jesus,

Sometimes I picture myself sitting there by that well with you and no one is around. I wonder what question you would ask me to show me that you can see right through my soul with your holy eyes. The truth is, I have plenty of sins for you to choose from. I know that full well. But since you own me through your sacrifice, you have every right to ask me about them. I know you prod and pry in order to cleanse and purify. I know you come to rescue not condemn. So, take me just as I am. I trust your love enough to answer you. Yes, I'm the one in need of grace. Please be merciful to me and grant me grace to cover all my sins and then give me the humility and wisdom to share that same grace with those who have hurt me. Use your confronting love to cut away the chains of selfishness and sin from my life.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Jesus is the perfect soul doctor, first diagnosing, then explaining, then applying his remedy.

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭32:2‬ ‭

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Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land. -‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭32:2‬ ‭

Dear Jesus,

I love how You tell me that you will make me a shelter in the storm for other people. I am yours lord. Lead me to the people that you want me to show for it. And make me a stream of freshwater for their soul. I will not be such a blessing if you don’t do this through me. I need your words I need your wisdom manager strength. Are you my savior and their Savior at the same time. Make this day useful and a blessing.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God loves to help others through his own people.

Isaiah 30:15

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This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. - Isaiah 30:15

Dear Heavenly Father,

How much energy I can spend worrying and scheming on how to control my life and get what I want! But you give me clarity here in this verse about the path to a secure future. It's through repentance of what I am by nature and resting in your grace that erases all the guilt. It's about silencing my self defense and trusting that you have already fixed the problems. It's in letting go and letting forgiveness repair every relationship and all the fallout from my life. It's in letting myself be a child again while you do all the parenting. I want that life where I give the controls to you but I learn to be honest, humble and trusting. Give me this attitude by your Holy Spirit and make me a quiet but strong Christian.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Sometimes it's just best to sit quietly by, admit that you are powerless to fix the big problems and leave room for God to do what he does best.

1 Peter 1:18-19

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For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. - 1 Peter 1:18-19

Dear Heavenly Father, 

What am I worth to you?  What price would you pay to get me back after I had wondered away and enslaved myself to the devil?  I cannot fully fathom that you, as a Father, would give up your own perfect Son, for a broken and self defeated person like me.  But you did.  You redeemed me and now you call me your own.  Forgive me for not valuing myself at times as much as you do.  Forgive me for trashing and re-trashing my thoughts with negativity, criticism, envy and anger.  Forgive me for being selfish and petty.  Forgive me for thinking I am worthless when you say I am priceless.  And give me the power of your purifying grace to rise above my self centered feelings to make others know their worth in you by the way I handle them even when they are wandering and wayward.  Make me a life changer like you have been for me.  I ask this all for your glory and the glory of your Son who gave it all for me.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God thinks we are worth his greatest sacrifice. So, don't diminish the value of any human being including yourself. 

John 10:28-30

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I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one. - John 10:28-30

Dear Jesus,

I used to love feeling my father's big hand as we walked through the parking lot. He held on tightly so I wouldn't get hurt. He made me feel loved and safe by gripping my little paw. Now you tell me that no one will snatch me out of your hand. I can feel your grip on me. I feel loved and safe. Thank you that my eternal security depends on your grip. I want you to hold me close to you whenever you see me in spiritual or physical danger. I would rather wince from the jerk of your hand than fall prey to the ravages of the evil one. So, hold me tight dear Savior and never let me go.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

It's more fun being a child of God than an adult sinner.

John 19:1-3

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Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face. - John 19:1-3

Dear Jesus,

Sometimes I flagellate myself emotionally for my sins. I recount them over and over and get embarrassed even with no one else around. When I get in that vicious cycle there's no relief and seems to be no way out. But in this little account of how they beat you over and over, I see my relief. It brings me great pain to know that it was my sins for which your Father allowed you to be beaten. But along with my pain over yours, there's relief. I can let go of my sins now. Miraculously, that beating counts for all the punishment my sins deserve. I'm forgiven and there's no more need for anyone to punish me for those wrongs. I'm deeply sorry that on this day you went through that horrible suffering and death. But I also have joy. My sin and the death it causes me, is defeated. I can truly live in peace, joy and hope of an everlasting and happy life. This Friday is Good Friday because you entered the center of the storm for all of us and came out the victor!

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Good Friday is the most horrible wonderful day of the year.

Romans 8:1

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, - Romans 8:1

Dear Jesus,

How could there be sweeter words in a sinner's ear? I have self talk that often condemns and cajoles me. I think of all my failures and regrets and sometimes they overwhelm me. Only I know the load they create. But I am a yours by faith. I trust your work on the cross to wash away my guilt. I don't have to keep trying to defend myself to myself. I can let go and let grace cleanse my conscience. I live my life under your grace. No condemnation. Let me live out that fact all day today. And when I lay my head on my pillow tonight, help me to remember these words so when I start recounting my sins, they will be flushed down a spiritual toilet. Then send me off to peaceful dreams about the wonders of a grace filled heaven.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Grace is the one spiritual gift that perfectly restores the worst and best sinner alike.

1 Samuel 14:6

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Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few. - 1 Samuel 14:6

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for putting these faithful words in the mouth of Jonathon. He leads me to trust you rather than my senses. You are the loving Lord of my life and nothing can hinder you from saving me whether by many or by few.You still do miracles every day and send helpers my way to uphold my health and help provide for my needs. I have many worries but you don't worry one iota. You know exactly how and when you will release me from all anguish. So, since nothing can hinder you from saving me, I will boldly live my life through many trials. Help all my friends who are worrying today, to let go and trust you will be there for them in every circumstance. If you did not spare your own Son, but gave him up for me, you will guide and bless my life and ultimately rescue me from every evil.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God has angel rescue squads in every neighborhood.

Hebrews 12:1-3

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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. - Hebrews 12:1-3

Dear Jesus,

So many of my Christian family and friends have finished their race and rest with you at the end of the track. Their lives still inspire me. I'm humbled that you let me live with them and learn under their tutelage. In their lifetimes they found their rest in you and they served you mightily as they loved and led others. Some taught me with words, others with actions, still others with both. Some left a deep hole in my life as they stepped off the end of the track. It helps me keep running my own faith race when I know that they wait for me to join them. I'm even more encouraged to know you will be there at the end of my track to greet me with your grace filled smile. By your Holy Spirit help me to run today's leg of the race. Help me run it with the vigor that believing brings. I want to run my race today in a way that will bless others who still run beside me.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God gives us only one day at a time. So live the best day you can today. Yesterday can't affect you if you don't let it. Tomorrow isn't even yours yet. Today is the gift you share with God.

Romans 1:16

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For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. - Romans 1:16

Dear Jesus,

I heard it again yesterday. A saint told me that he was disappointed that he heard a sermon urging us to live a godly life and not once was your forgiveness and rescue mentioned. I'm glad that you have taught your church to long for the "Old, Old story of your love!" I'm not ashamed to tell the world that I was lost but now I am found, that my greatest hope is the hope of rescue and not of reformation, that I have a God who saves, not just helps. Give me the transparent boldness to mention your name and your great work to anyone and everyone at any moment of my days. Thank you for choosing me of all people to know, understand and embrace what it means to be forgiven of what I am so I can be rescued forever. I will live today in joy and peace.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God saved us all through the gift of his Son. How could we not have a good day.

Romans 5:6-8

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Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:6-8

Dear Jesus,

I know what Paul means.  He means that I am not the righteous person or the godly person for whom you died.  But am the failure you embraced, the loser you made a winner, the lost that you went and found, the guilty for whom you died.  I know you love me because you died for me.  Rescue me from the childish thinking that I can always find out if you love me by looking in my earthly experience, that is; in blessings less than the cross.  You love me not matter how it goes!  I will memorize this truth and cling to it as my faith charm in the pocket of my heart.  I am loved and I am watched over and my life makes sense in you. Give me this peace. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson 

Because of God, life is always good.