21 Days of Prayer…Day 19

First of all, if you haven’t already, please hit the “SUBSCRIBE” button below. I typically do 3 blogs a week, and will continue that pattern once our 21 Days of Prayer is over.

For today, I want to look at a verse that oozes with God’s goodness and power. This verse, which is part of a prayer in Ephesians 3, will guide our prayer today.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work with us, …”  (Ephesians 3:20 NIV)

Did you notice the last phrase? His power is at work WITHIN US! You and me

Prayer Prompt: Father, today I need to say thank you. Thank you for so much in my life. As I think through all the things I’m thankful for, I want to lean in even more to your purpose for my life. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of what you’re doing! Please Father, work through me!!

21 Days of Prayer…Day 18

Have you ever gotten some ice cream where they didn’t really give you enough? It’s happened to me. I love Rite Aid ice cream (back when they were open), but one day I was given a miserable, wimpy little scoop. Apparently it showed on my face when the girl at the register was ringing me up.

She quickly grabbed my cone, went over and jammed the mini scoop down into the cone, then piled on a huge scoop. I was now HAPPY! Forever now, when I read this verse, I think about ice cream.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  (Luke 6:38 NIV)

Pressed down, shaken together, running over… That’s how God works in our lives when we’re generous. I’ve seen it! I’ve seen God SHOW UP in ways that are only explained by His arrival on the scene.

As you consider the potential of God’s blessing in your life (and it comes in all sorts of ways), think of it like my grandpa expressed, “I shovel in and God shovels back…but His shovel is bigger!”

Prayer Prompt: Father, I do want to live with your blessing in my life. I do want to be a blessing to others and for the sake of your Kingdom. Help me be more generous than ever. There’s just so much at stake. Show me my next step of obedience and truly being ALL IN.

21 Days of Prayer…Day 17

I have many verses in mind that truly reflect an ALL IN attitude. We’ve been looking at many over the last 17 days. In Galatians 2, Paul gives a great visual of why ALL IN is the only logical way to live life.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  (Galatians 2:20 NIV)

Simply considering ALL that Jesus has done for me, how can I give anything but my ALL.

Prayer Prompt: Jesus, I want you to live through me fully. I want to fully surrender to your leadership…after all, you’ve earned it. You gave yourself for me, so now today I give all of myself to live for you!

21 Days of Prayer…Day 16

Like I said yesterday, Proverbs 3:5-6 is a favorite passage for many people. It is a great picture of being ALL IN, no doubt. Then, just a couple of verses later, He gets real practical with what it looks like to… “in all your ways submit to Him.”

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”   (Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV)

The wise, going from Good to Great, person gives to God first. When we go from Good to Great in our relationship with Christ, it doesn’t involve leftovers. This reflects our ultimate trust and faith in His wisdom.

Prayer Prompt: Father, forgive me when I give you less than my best in any area, but especially in my finances. I know you want to be first, and you need to be first if I’m truly ALL IN. As scary as it might be, I want to give to you first before I do anything else with the resources you’ve placed in my hands.

21 Days of Prayer…Day 15

Our daughter Megan is getting married today! Our family is in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico celebrating with them.

Speaking of marriage, I have used Proverbs 3:5-6 many times in a wedding ceremony. On my 60 Seconds with PJ video devotionals, from time to time I ask for people’s favorite verses. Proverbs 3:5-6 comes up every time. After all, it’s a great passage helping us grasp what ALL IN living really looks like at the core.

As we commit to be ALL IN, we are submitting ourselves to Him and His wisdom in ALL our ways. Think through your schedule today. Think of the people you’ll see and talk to, the projects you’ll be working on, the meal time conversations you’ll have. Think of it all.

Prayer Prompt: Father, with my whole day ahead of me, I want you to guide me through ALL of it. Even if I don’t understand your plan, I want to be obedient because I am ALL IN. Remind me of your truth and wisdom throughout my day…and help me to walk in obedience in every moment.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in ALL your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)