Thursday, February 27th – Psalm 19:14 (NKJV)

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable in Your sight,

O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”

As humans we are created with a unique ability to control not only the words we speak, but we can actually CHOOSE what we allow our minds to think and dwell on. In our society we are all taught the concept that “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Unfortunately, although the intention of this concept is to not let negative words penetrate us and hurt us, it lessens the value and understanding that words DO have immense power. The power of the spoken word is an incredible thing. Taking that concept a step further, what we allow our minds to think and dwell on is just as important (if not more so) as controlling our tongues (“for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” – Luke 6:45)

Dear Lord, I ask you today to keep my eyes and thoughts on you in everything I do and encounter. I ask you to guard my heart and make me immediately aware if I am allowing the “words of my mouth” or “the meditation of my heart” to go anywhere that is displeasing to you Lord. Help me to grow where you are leading and mold me into the person you have called me to be. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness and grace. In Jesus name I pray, 

Amen.

Wednesday, February 26th – Hosea 10:12 (ESV)

“Sow for yourselves righteousness;

    reap steadfast love;

    break up your fallow ground,

for it is the time to seek the Lord,

    that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.”

As I sat pondering this verse, I was reminded of my mother-in-law, Beverly. When she lived in Portland, she dreamed of a huge garden on the side of their house. It had been lawn for many years, but she had a vision of the space filled with flowers, tomatoes and other veggies. She was so excited about everything she would plant. Finally, the day came when my father-in-law, Bruce, gave her the go ahead – she could have her garden! Beverly had been working in the local community garden, she had taken classes to learn about different techniques for planting and she talked with many individuals about her plans. The preparations ensued. The garden was to be right off the driveway. My father-in-law built a planter box around a row of hedges to clean up the edge of the driveway. A drystone patio was laid, and a crew arrived to remove the sod, rototill the clay soil and mix-in the freshly arrived topsoil. Finally, when all the preparations were finished, planting could begin. I don’t remember the name of the technique she was following, but it involved raised hills for

each plant: veggies, fruits and flowers all planted together. Nothing was in rows – it was just a massive, joyful cacophony of colors, scents and textures. It was beautiful and she loved every inch of it. The garden brought joy to everyone who saw it – neighbors, friends and family alike. As we move forward with the Capital Campaign, let us do so in the joyful anticipation of a hardworking gardener. Sowing righteousness as we follow hard after Jesus. Reaping his steadfast love as we draw closer to Him; letting his love break-up the tough, stuck places in our hearts so that the Holy Spirit can plant even more seeds of righteousness and joy.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank-you that you have invited us into this amazing opportunity to sow seeds of righteousness that can grow and flourish for years to come. Help us move in obedience to your call, trusting you with a child-like faith, joyfully anticipating the rich crop of blessings to come. 

Amen

Tuesday, February 25th – Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

This passage reminds me of how easy it is to become preoccupied by the materialistic measuring stick some call “the American way of life”. On bad days I catch myself thinking if I just have a better phone, fancier appliances, newer clothes, a hobby to indulge in, prioritize “me time” (because obviously, I deserve it), a better income to make my family “comfortable”, the ability to travel more, etc. etc. etc., THEN my life will be complete and THEN I can focus on serving God. This thought process is so backwards and is one of Satan’s favorite tools. He showcases this illusion, distracting believers from their true purpose of 1) sharing the gospel and love of Jesus that was freely given and 2) aligning our hearts to God’s desires and plans for our lives. I thank God for the promise that He will supply for ALL my needs, so I shouldn’t worry. He never wants me to miss out.  This verse reminds me that the more we shift our hearts to Him, the more Satan’s measuring stick is revealed to be the foolish and pathetic attempt it is at stealing the true blessings Jesus has for our lives.

Lord, thank you for the promise that when we obey your command to seek after you first you make sure all our needs are met. We are so blessed to have a Father who wants to see us prosper and thrive so much you give us the tools and the community in which to do so. Please help us not to worry about our earthly needs for you are in control. Help us shift our heart’s desires and goals to mirror your own and help us not be distracted by the illusion that storing up treasures here will make our lives better. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.