Ephesians 6:2-3

“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." - Ephesians 6:2-3

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for the parents you gave me who fought with their own human nature every day to rise above selfishness to give me their best and save the left overs for themselves. Thank you for how they tirelessly taught, corrected, supported and encouraged me. Thank you for how they forgave me for my sins and refused to remind me of how I embarrassed them with my mistakes. Thank you for the vacations, the family meals, the rides to church, the laughs, the visits and the words of blessing right before they departed. You have them safe with you now. Please tell them how much I appreciate their lives spent on my and my siblings. The gifts you gave me through them are still blessing me here. Help children every where to bless their parents with honor for the gift they receive through them.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Parental figures are a gift from the heavenly Father no matter how imperfect they may seem.

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 reveal knowledge. - Psalm 19:1-2

Dear Heavenly Father,

Every morning and evening I see your glory in the skies. You are the master artist of the universe. The colors and contrasts are breathtaking. They remind me of your majesty and your creativity. So many people are busy in their homes and businesses when your beautiful paintings appear in the heavens. But still you paint them, again and again. They show that you are the creative force behind everything in nature, including me. What I see each day is only a microscopic portion of all you produce that day. Oh Author of life, accept my puny praise for your powerful and masterful handiwork. And accept my thanks that you have grace for sinners like me who take up space in your masterpiece.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God paints a new work every day and we have the privilege of living inside it.

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 Jesus,

I know that you cherish our faith as we look back to your cross. But here, you remind me that you also love it when we trust your word over our experience, especially when your word promises a new day when your righteousness will reign. Noah had that faith. If you said it he believed it. He had never seen rain and yet he believed you were going to flood the world to keep evil from totally overcoming his family and all human kind. I trust your word that you will do it again in the final judgment. I have never seen you deluge the entire planet but you promise that with fire you will end all earthly everything and usher in your heaven for your children. I believe that! I wait for that. It both comforts and scares me at the same time. Keep me close to your word and never let me harden my heart. Help me stay ready for the beginning of eternity.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

The word of God and the eastern horizon reminds us that a new Day is just over the edge of creation.

Colossians 3:13

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. - Colossians 3:13

Dear Jesus,

It's easy for me to think that when someone hurts me, forgets me, rubs me the wrong way or simply annoys me that I have a right to be angry and sulk. I even feel tempted to get even. But you change everything. You say to spring into forgiveness and cover over their sin like you do mine. I sinned against you and you paid for it. I do all the sinning in our relationship and you do all the forgiving. Help me by your Holy Spirit to let go of anger, to let your blood wash away their sins and to forget what they did wrong so we can both live in peace. Make me an independent forgiveness operator. Then when I must try to resolve my differences with others give me the supernatural ability to approach them with peace and grace.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God loves it when we get forgiveness right. It makes his sacrifice all the more pleasing to him.

Psalm 90:2,4

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. -Psalm 90:2,4

Dear Jesus,

My short life is like a fading breath on a chilly morning compared to you. You are before all things, after all things and around all things. You see everything everywhere all the time. You know every detail and forget nothing. You never have a senior moment. I am a frail and insignificant being. And yet, you have chosen to love me by sacrificing your own dear Son for me. I wasn't just lost. I was an enemy of yours from birth. You redeemed me and welcomed me into your grace. Of all people, I don't deserve to be at your party. But I'm here! Lord of my soul, walk with me and hover over me this small day and make my life a blessing to you after all you have done to make it count.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

The spiritual medicine for depression is a return to your roots to be reminded how fortunate you are to be loved by God.

Ephesians 3:17-19

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. - Ephesians 3:17-19

Dear Jesus,

I join Paul in praying that your people, especially the ones I know, would set aside their busy activity and rest quietly contemplating your love for them. Help them to realize your complete and full forgiveness that was purchased with your very life. Give them the power to let go of every single bad decision and moral failure they have ever committed. Help them realize that their troubles do not mean you are indifferent or cold toward them. Let them see that in every blessing there is a hug from you, a confirmation that you love them. When they step out to face the world, make them confident because they know you have their back without condemnation. Make them secure and peace filled because they are wrapped in your love.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God's love empowers people to live life to the fullest.

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. - John 10:10

Dear Jesus,

How hard it must be for you to see us people tempted to think that our lives are full only when we have accumulated lots of things, accomplishments, memories and money. All these are like cotton candy. They satisfy for a moment and then we just want more. You give a fullness deep in our souls. It's free and it doesn't disappoint. It brings contentment, peace, self control, courage and adequacy. It's created by the grace that gives love undeserved and makes me feel at home being on a journey to my final destination. It speaks to me in my soul in every circumstance. "This is not your home. Your's is better." Protect me Lord Jesus from attractive, shiny worldly things that would steal peace, hope and contentment from my soul.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

When we are rich in heart, our outward wealth or poverty is irrelevant.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:18‬

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:18‬

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for giving me the freedom not to try to make sense out of my suffering but rather to carry my mind away with thoughts about heaven. Sometimes my problems seem so big that they fill every corner of my heart. Use my thoughts about heaven to crowd out my useless mulling over unresolved issues. Help me smile and be happy and content over what is going to be rather than sad over what is. And thank you for giving me the hope of going to heaven through grace without any merit of my own.

Amen

Pastor Don Has Patterson

Heaven gives us something to look forward to for our whole lives.

Colossians 3:10-11

You have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. - Colossians 3:10-11

Dear Jesus,

You have changed my identity. I don't have to look at myself based on my race, gender, accomplishments, failures or sins. I get to look at myself as a Christian washed clean and made acceptable in your sight. It gives me loving, confident independence from my own critique and the critique of others. Finally, I am free from performance based living. I'm also free to love people without measuring whether they pass or fail in my book. I can forgive, give, help and comfort even the most storied person. I am not defined by the tragedies, illness or problems that chase me either. I am defined by you. I have your righteousness and your destiny. In you I have a new start every morning. So, I will live this day in my new self, a blood bought, Christ empowered soul who has a life to give for this world.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Jesus reshapes every life he touches into a life giving stream.

Psalm 56:4

In God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?- Psalm 56:4

Dear Heavenly Father, 

So many things make me nervous. Because I hear on the news about home invasions and every now and then I catch a show about crime, I spend too much time thinking about what could happen if someone came to rob my house or harm my family and me. I know you put angels all around me and you are not fearful of anyone you have made. I choose to trust that you are protecting me in every circumstance. With that peace I will spend my energy loving people instead of pulling into my shell mike a frightened tortoise. 

AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

God wants us to spend energy on loving others not preserving ourselves. 

John‬ ‭15:5‬ ‭

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” -‭‭John‬ ‭15:5‬ ‭

Dear Jesus,

Apart from you I can’t be spiritual, I can’t do the right things for the right reasons, I can’t cope with the tragedies that strike me. But when I am with you, my attitude changes and I can do wonderful things for the right reasons. Then I can cope with tragedy because you promise to turn everything for my good. You and your word are the spiritual blood in my spiritual vascular system, giving strength, life and meaning to everything in my life. Help me stay connected to you today by reminding me of your words when I need them to bring spiritual sap to my heart. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson 

God designed us to run our lives using his power and not our own. 

Acts 20:24

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24

Lord Jesus,

I recently thought about your words, "Why do you worry about your life? You cannot make it one hour longer by worrying." These words from Paul are similar. It's misguided energy to worry about my life and illness and how long I have left before heaven. Our best way to spend our lives is to employ our hands, feet, tongue and teeth, money and time spreading the wonderful good news that you have saved sinners from the dead end they have created for themselves. Help me find new ways to teach people your spiritual word for their eternal benefit and help me order my life better around making disciples for you, even in my family relationships. 

Pastor Don Patterson

Our lives will be spent no matter what we choose to do with them. We have the choice to make them a waste or an investment for eternal rewards. 

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭

Dear Jesus,

Just this week a friend told me I was looking old. He's right. The bell tolls for me too. My body moves slower and creaks more every week. But my soul is as young as it became the day you saved me. I am renewed in eternal youth by the promise of restoration. I choose to think about this renewal more than about my aches and pains. I love you for releasing me of the spiritual aging affects of guilt and shame. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

A young soul is one made new by grace and forgiveness every morning, noon and night. 

Romans 15:2

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. - Romans 15:2

Dear Lord Jesus,

I will never know perfectly what it's like to live 100 % for others and their welfare. That's why this passage and its cousins in Scripture will always resonate with me. I naturally want to please myself and not people around me. By your Holy Spirit, cleanse out of my heart today the new selfish motives that have precipitated there. Give me a deep love for others and their welfare at every level so I do and say what is best for them. I want to spread the good news and be the good news for everyone I meet.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Make someone's day today and you will create a memory for them that keeps on giving long after today is forgotten.

Galatians 5:13

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. - Galatians 5:13

Dear Jesus,

I heard in the news last week about a man who had just been released from prison who went on a rampage and killed several people. I thought to myself, "How sad that he used his freedom to continue reeking havoc." Then I remembered how many times I had felt bold to sin because I knew you would forgive me. In my more quiet moments the guilt of such exploitative behavior haunts me. How could I do that to you? I'm begging you to build me up in your Spirit to use my freedom under grace to serve others freely from a loving heart. Take away the puny strength of the law and replace it with gospel appreciation. Make me a willing and faithful servant of all.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

There is nothing in all the universe more liberating than divine love.

1 Corinthians 1:10

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. - 1 Corinthians 1:10

Dear Jesus,

Unity is in the center of your will. You want to see people united in love, faith and holiness. The devil knows this and works hard to whisper doubt and distrust into each of our minds. He makes us foolishly scheme to fulfill our ambitions and to overcome our fears. He loves it when we isolate, hate and distrust. He wants us to be surly loners. He loves party spirits and negative press campaigns. Forgive me Lord Jesus for succumbing to all of these at one time or another. Wash away my guilt and restore me to being an honest, grace filled lover of souls. Make me a champion for unity and unconditional love even with people who have hurt me. use your word to bind us all together.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Any fool can separate from others. Wisdom and love unite people around God and his word.

‭‭James‬ ‭4:7

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” -‭‭James‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭

Dear Jesus,

My sinful nature does not want to submit to you because I love my autonomy. But that’s how I get myself in trouble. You created me to follow your leadership and trust your word. When I am tempted, help me to remember that you are there standing beside me with your Holy Spirit giving me the choice to choose the right and reject the wrong. Give me the wisdom and love for you to say “no” to sin and “yes” to righteousness. Help me to take the time to tame my tongue, harness my thoughts and guide my body. And when the temptation seems too strong for me, remind me that if I resist, the devil will relent and walk away for a time. Oh Jesus thank you for this passage that gives me the strength to carry-on.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God is always near to help when we are tempted.

Romans 11:33

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! - Romans 11:33

Dear Heavenly Father,

You have my life all planned out. I know you allow challenges and setbacks as well as send blessings and breakthroughs. You guide with clarity and protect me with grace. You are in every room, behind every conversation, underneath every situation. I cannot escape you nor can I understand all your ways. But I trust that my life is your hands and will end in your presence forever. It's going to be a thrill to let you be God today while I simply work diligently without fear to play my instrument well for you in your orchestra.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God is directing the plethora of lives that sing together to perform the symphony called your life.

John 13:35

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:35

Dear Jesus,

I can get so hung up in the history of a relationship that I forget your one simple command to love that other person. As sinners we will always let each other down, misunderstand and frustrate one another. We can get lost in remembering the negative tone or the hurtful remark too. And remembering makes it so hard to love. But when you ignore the history because of grace, that's when love is possible in all relationships. You have that love for me. Help me have it for the "others" in my life. And help them have this love for me. This forgiving and refreshing love, the kind that gives and forgives, is the physical evidence of our spiritual relationship with you. Give me that lave always for every person I meet.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Love doesn't need the other person to do or be anything special in order to respond well.

John 13:33

My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. - John 13:33

Dear Jesus,

I know how much I wish you were here with me in the flesh. I'd love to hear your voice, see your form, feel your touch on my shoulder. So, I can only imagine how your words struck a nervous cord in your disciples when you said you were going away and they couldn't come yet. The separation anxiety for them as men must have been hard to hide. But they and we had to learn to lead with your words possessing your Spirit to guide us. You had to first save us all and then let us loose with the message. As we stumble through life in our role as your leaders, give us clarity and boldness from your word and Holy Spirit to go where you want us to and to speak into the lives of others the word of life. Help us be the leaders you want while we await the Day we live with you in person forever.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

God creates vacuums to suck us into being the leaders he designed us to be.