Sunday, June 29

Genesis 28:15 "I will be with you, and I will protect you wherever you go."

God has enough grace and mercy for us all. No matter who or where, no matter the size of your problems and concerns, God is your protector and guiding hand. Remember as you walk on your way today to not only offer up a prayer of petition to our Lord, but a prayer of thanks for never failing to love us and for always being by our side.

Monday, June 30

Proverbs 4:18 "But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day."

The summer theme at Fortune Lake for 2008 "JUST FOR LIFE!" revolves around 'justice through Christ' and focuses on Amos 5:24 "Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." Christ, as in Proverbs 4, is our light of dawn and gives us knowledge, understanding and demonstrates to us what the path of the righteous should be like. We should strive to make our faith-life brighter and brighter, and prayerfully consider our daily decisions so that the Word of truth may flow from us like an ever-flowing stream.

Dear Lord, help me to make right and just decisions. Guide me, so that my word and my hands are Yours. Amen.

Tuesday, July 1

Matthew 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy."

"Here I am a sinner, broken and in need of You, take my life and wash my fears away. For You are the great I AM, rest assured I feel Your hand, holding me until my dying day. Father to the Father-less, redeemer of my soul, my life is Yours forever, my heart will always know. Your mercy saved me, mercy made me whole. Your mercy found me, called me as Your own." These are lyrics from the song "MERCY" by The Parachute Band. A popular song being sung in Chapel services at Fortune Lake. Everyone is in need of mercy. In one way or another, we are all broken and need help. Yet, as we hurt and as we cry, we can also rest in knowing that Christ is there for us. He is everything to us that we cannot be. When we seek the Lord, we always find Him already waiting at our side with His merciful hands wide open to welcome and receive.

Wednesday, July 2

1 John 5:14 "Now this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us."

Every summer, I pray that the Lord will guide us in putting together an amazing Spirit-filled summer staff to lead and guide all who share with them at camp, or day camp, or through hearing of others experiences. God has never let me down. This summer is no exception. Our staff comes from as far as California this summer to share in our intentional Christian community, and to spread God’s love, teach God's peace and presence to all. They have been called together to share. For many, this may be the beginning of a much larger call in Christ Jesus. Today, I ask that you not only pray for your own personal Spiritual Direction, but also for those who are seeking, beginning and continuing their personal Spiritual Direction stories as well. God is there listening. God will surround us. Through God we can boldly move.

Thursday, July 3

In the New Testament, Paul told first century Christians that they are the letters and they will be read by everyone. Take some time today to reflect on how you can show Christ in all of your daily duties, emotions, and priorities. Approach someone in the store or at work or on the street today and say "I thank God for you" or "God is with you." You'll be amazed by the variety of reactions you may get from people. Short interactions with others seem to be a dying event. Keep it alive. Wait for that response when you ask someone how they are today. If there is a simple answer, seek our more discussion. "How ya doin'?" "Okay" "Have you really been okay today?", or "Have a great day! Remember God is with you!"

IF we are the letters to be read by others, how will your letter be read today? What will your letter say to those you interact with?

Dear Lord, be my actions, be my words. Amen.

Friday, July 4

God loves humor. In talking with others, I just heard a great humorous way to begin a conversation. It goes:
"How much does a polar bear weigh?
Enough to break the ice ... hi, I'm (name)."

Sharing Christ with others and leading in with some sort of "ice breaker" doesn't always have to be straight forward or staunch. God has a humor and would love you to share yours with others as well. Put a smile on someone's face today. Beginning a conversation or a friendly relationship with someone is a blessing. We are called to be in a relationship with others and share faith. It may not be in that initial greeting that someone warms up to share, but through conversations, keeping in touch and developing relations with others ... there will be a time where you will see God's call to you to share faith. As you walk with God, remember to smile, laugh, and rejoice in the Lord for all that is given.

Lord, you make me smile. Your laughter is infectious and amazing. Use me to share Your laughter and smiles with others and to celebrate life in You. Amen.

Saturday, July 5

Proverbs 23:18 "There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."

Relax today. Have some calming moments to relax your body, and lift your mind with hope in Christ Jesus. All too often we spend time worrying about what is to come, we rely on what the world tells us, instead of putting our trust in our Lord. Have we forgotten how BIG our God is? This is the God who created the universe in just 7 mere days, the God who "also made the stars" as it says in Genesis 1:16. Basically that scripture is telling us, "by the way, on a side note, God also made the stars." Living in the beautiful Upper Peninsula, the stars are one of our greatest sights. When the sky is clear we look and see many constellations, and even at times the Northern Lights. These beautiful sights were made "in His spare time" as someone once told me. If our Creator took the time to make the stars, why should we not trust Him with our future?

In one of my favorite worship songs it says, "God is bigger than, the air I breathe." I recall this verse daily as a reminder that my God is big enough, and faithful enough to pave a bright future for me and mine.

Lord, help us to see how BIG you are, and how little we are. Remind us daily that we are your children, and you would do nothing to harm us, but only to prosper us. Give us a glimpse of the future you have planned, and help us to lean on your promises each and every day. We love you Lord, and ask all these things in your Son's name. Amen.