Lord Jesus, some anniversaries we dare not forget, some we wish we could. One year ago today, evil’s hatred of beauty was on full display in Nashville. Shots were fired, shalom was shattered, sensibilities were desecrated, and little children and dear friends died. The terror and trauma still reverberate—sending different-sized and unpredictably-timed shock waves of grief, fear, and vulnerability.

Healing is underway, but until the Day of wiped tears and all things new, it will hurt. It’s supposed to hurt. Grieving is better than numbing, and deep lament honors you more than calloused hearts. Jesus, thank youy for the gift of mourning, even as we long for the morning of eternal dancing and garments of joy (Psalm 30:11-12).

Today we pray for those most deeply impacted—for children, families, the faculty, and our friends. There’s no scorecard or timetable for measuring “doing better.” There’s you, Jesus, a calendar of grace, and our calling to bear one another’s burdens. Grant all of us heaven-crafted grace for a day like this.

It’s not lost on us that this “anniversary” falls right in the middle of “Easter Week.” So along with our deep lament, ignite and fuel defiant hope, Jesus. Evil doesn’t get the last word, you do. Evil doesn’t win, you did. You have publicly shamed evil, and you will totally eradicate it. And on the Day you wipe our anguished tears, you will redeem the pain behind each tear. Thank you, Jesus, thank you… So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, we treasure your tears, even as we long for the Day you will wipe our’s away (Rev.21:4). The tears of love you wept for your close friend, Lazarus, endear you to us (Jn.11:35). And the tears of lament you wept over Jerusalem, just four days before you were crucified—we treasure those tears too, Jesus. They make us a bit uncomfortable, but thank you for your tenacious, disruptive tenderness.

Those tears lead us to ask, where do we ourselves, Jesus—your beloved Bride, still look for peace beyond you? You didn’t just come to give us peace as we face death, but also as we live life. You don’t always still the storm, but you will always join us there. We are foolish to ignore you.

You don’t always give us what we want, but you always supply what we need. We are deceived to think otherwise. You don’t always change our circumstances, but you will change us. We are to be pitied if we prefer an easy life over a changed heart. Jesus, reel our wandering hearts in. Gather and grace us. Be our peace, don’t just give us peace.

Paul called you his “boast”—and “the excellency of knowing you” as his supreme good (1Cor.1:31, Gal. 6:12, Phil. 3:8). Moses knew you as his “strength and song” (Ex.15:2). Jeremiah called you his “portion and inheritance” (Lam.3:24). Asaph treasured you as the One who makes heaven heavenly—more desirable than anything on earth (Ps. 73:25-26). Us too, Jesus. Be our everything. So Very Amen.

Dear Lord Jesus, may your Spirit work powerfully in our hearts this week, as we survey afresh the wonders of your cross and fullness of your grace. Surveying takes unrushed time, gives attention to details, and depending on where we are standing—often leads to breathtaking awe. So may it be with us, Jesus.

We are grateful to be standing in grace (Rom.5:1-2) as we ponder the unparalleled sacrifice you made for us. To see and savor your cross simultaneously positions us in front of the Swiss Alps of your love, and the Grand Canyon of our need.

There is no greater love than the love you demonstrated in dying for us, Jesus (Jn.15:13). Neither is there any more humbling diagnosis of our condition. That you had to die for us, Jesus, sobers and silences us. We didn’t need a second chance, but a second birth. We weren’t in dire straits, but in death’s grip—“dead in our sins and trespasses.” Boasting in our good works, obedience, religious zeal, and tears is empty puffery, groundless hope, salvation-less spirituality. Our condition was grave, but your grace is great.

That you were glad to die for us, Jesus, generates with in us a peace, freedom, and joy that cannot be found anywhere else. Our only boast, trust, and hope—our “redemptive-anti-brag” is the fullness and finality of your cross, Jesus. “It is finished!” was your last cry, and our first cry of true freedom. Jesus, in the coming days, free us more fully to boast in your cross—not just as our way into heaven, but as our way of life. So Very Amen.

Dear Jesus … step-stopping, heart-pumping, hope-igniting … that’s how Zechariah’s vision of Palm Sunday impacts us. This isn’t the first promise of your coming in the Old Testament, but it’s a unique and treasured one. For it envisions the last days of your incarnate life, and the “double-restoration” your sacrifice would secure.

As “holy week” began, shouts of “Hosanna!” filled the streets of Jerusalem. Within days, the angry cry, “Crucify him!” reverberated in the courtyard. But the final declaration, “He is risen!”, terrified terror, robbed the grave, and changed everything.

Jesus, as we set aside the next several days to “survey the cross” and savor the unparalleled hope of Easter, grant us freedom to lament and uncontainable joy to celebrate. There is no other king like you.

*  No other king could vanquish warhorses, warriors, and war by mounting the foal of a donkey and choosing death on a cross.

*  No other king could replace the dominion of darkness and the tyranny of evil, with an eternal reign of righteousness, peace, and joy.

*  No other king would live and give his perfect life on behalf of rebels, fools, and idolaters like us.

*  No other king has the power and grace to transform slaves of sin and death into prisoners of hope. None but you, King Jesus—only you. So Very Amen.

“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Father, by your grace, you have freed us from giving you bit parts in our story, and have written us into your big Story of every-nation redemption and cosmic renewal. We’re chosen, not choice; married to the King, not royal by nature In ourselves, we’re comprehensively broken; but in Christ, we’re perfectly righteous. We’re no longer our own (hallelujah!), but your beloved people. For the rest of our lives—and throughout eternity, we have the privilege of declaring the excellences of your grace and the wonders of your love. We have zero desire to default back to a life that neither needs nor glories in you.

We have Jesus’ perpetual presence, care, and kindness.

“Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Dear Jesus, thank you for the promise of your perpetual presence. When I’m afraid to be alone, you won’t let me be. When I want to be alone, you won’t let me be. When I need you to come through for me, you will. When it feels like you’re not coming through for me, you are. When I’m discouraged, you don’t chide, deride, or revile me. You always enter, engage, and encourage me. When I’m afraid you don’t say, “Buck up, be strong,” you say, “I understand, I’m here.” Thank you Jesus, so very much.

Better than being a new creature, we’re a part of the New Creation order.

“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Dear Jesus, hallelujah… our now and forever address is “in Christ.” In you we have more than we realize, and beyond all we could dream or imagine. Our “newness” isn’t just personal, it’s cosmic. We belong to your now and coming Kingdom. You are the “Yes” to every promise God has made—every hope of the Messianic age. You are the Lamb of God who took away our sin… the Lord of Lords, who is making all things new…  and the Lamp of the New City, whose glory will radiate the new heaven and new earth. Hallelujah, what a Savior you are. Hallelujah, what a salvation we have in you.

So Very Amen

“I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Dear Jesus, this well-known verse isn’t a private verse for me to claim, (hallelujah) it’s your mega-promise that claims me. Because of your finished work, I’m a part of your story of every-nation redemption and cosmic restoration. You are making all things new, not simply making life bearable. Our future is crammed full and bursting at the seams with hope. No eye has seen, ear heard, or mind imagined what you have prepared for those you love; and we love you because you first loved us, Jesus. To vex is human, but to rejoice and rest in your faithfulness is “gospelicious.”

We are co-heirs with Christ of the new heaven and new earth.

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.”  Romans 8:17

Heavenly Father, just being your beloved child is enough, but according to your Word, you have also given us an inheritance beyond anything we could hope or imagine. By the Gospel, you made us co-heirs with Jesus of the new heaven and new earth. Everything that’s coming to Jesus is coming to us. Astonishing, humbling, and liberating… Father, this overloads the “circuit board” of my heart. Your kindness and generosity are beyond measure and our ability to grasp. Forgive me for whining about what I don’t have, reaching for what I don’t need, and under-believing what is already mine.

There’s no chance we’ll be “un-born-again” of “dis-adopted” by Abba.

“I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6

Father, my salvation is a work I didn’t begin—a grace you alone can finish. I could never perform my way out of my sin or earn my way into your love. From beginning to end, our salvation is all by your grace. We contribute nothing but our sin, and you gave us everything in your Son. And wonder of wonders…  one Day, we will be as lovely as and as loving as Jesus, for you WILL complete this good work of grace in each of your children—including me. For so great a salvation we worship you. For so perfect a Savior as Jesus, we adore you. For so certain a hope, we bless you.

So Very Amen

“We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

Gracious and loving Father, it feels so good to be done with “doing more and trying harder.” It’s so liberating to know that, far from denying and despising my limitations, the gospel actually calls me to accept them. Take this “jar of clay” and release the aroma of grace through me today—in all of my relationships and everywhere you send me. I’m done with trusting in my “grit”; I will rely on your grace for the power I need to live and love to your glory.

We are never alone and will never be abandoned.

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Father, thank you, thank you, thank you for the promise of your perpetual presence. When I’m afraid to be alone, you won’t let me be. When I want to be alone, you won’t let me be. When I need you to come through for me, you will. When it feels like you’re not coming through for me, you are. When I’m discouraged, you don’t despise, chide me, or revile me; you enter, engage, and encourage me. When I’m afraid you don’t say, “Buck up, be strong,” you say, “I understand, I’m here.” I praise and adore you.

We have a Father who is sovereign over everything and who is working in all things for our good.

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Father, you are God and I am not. Whew, and hallelujah. You’ve numbered my hairs and determined my days. You appoint my joys and rule over my pain. You give and you take away—blessed be your name… because the main reality you’ve given us is Jesus, and the main thing you’ve taken away is our sin and judgment. Your sovereignty is our sanity and your reign is our peace. Even when I cringe, doubt, and struggle with your sense of timing—you are constantly at work for my good. You don’t promise me answers, but you will wipe my tears away. I am blessed beyond all sensibility and measure. Thank you.

So Very Amen

We’ve been sealed and are permanently indwelt by God’s Spirit

  “In Jesus you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Eph. 1:13-14

Gracious Father, thank you for enabling me to hear and believe the Gospel. My salvation is all of grace. You have sealed me with the promised Holy Spirit—who is an inviolate sign that I belong to you, now and forever. You began my salvation, and you will bring it to conclusion. By the Holy Spirit, you assure me that I belong to you and guarantee my final inheritance. Nothing can separate me from your love, or move you to disinherit me. “Signed, sealed, and delivered” … I’m yours.

We’ve been adopted by God, and given all the legal rights and personal delights of his firstborn Son.

“You haven’t received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15

Abba, Father… how I love to call you by that name. When you drew me to Christ, you forgave all my sins; declared me to be righteous in Christ; and then you adopted me as your very own and beloved child. Amazing, astonishing… I still have a hard time taking in all this goodness, Father. That’s why you have given me your Holy Spirit. He’s the only one who can powerfully combat the spirit of fear that is ever lurking—seeking to draw me back into the dungeon of guilt and shame. But, hallelujah, I’m no longer a slave. Jesus is my righteousness, the Spirit is my guarantee, and you are my Father. You cannot love me more, and you’ll never love me less.

We live confident in God’s full, robust acceptance and unwavering love.

“Since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” 2 Corinthians 3:12

Father, it feels so good to be set free from the old “He loves me; he loves me not” spirituality. Because the Gospel is true, I can be bold, assured, and at home in your presence. Hallelujah, there’s no more need to pose or pretend with you, Lord. I’ve traded in my “fig leaves” for the righteousness of Jesus. By your grace, I discovered my condition was far worse than I ever imagined; but I’ve also discovered you love me far more than I could have hoped or dreamed. I’m no longer afraid to die and face judgment; and I’m learning to be less fearful to face the challenges of life and opinions of men. Keep the freedom coming.

So Very Amen.

“I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me (Jesus) and that you (Father) love them as much as you love me.” John 17:23

Lord Jesus, this one verse exposes how little I “get” the Gospel, and what a neophyte I am in grasping the wonders and riches of grace. Let me get this right: you are telling me that God the Father loves me as much as he loves you? How can this be? You are the only answer to that question. Stunning, astonishing, overwhelming… Jesus, write this truth indelibly on my mind, take it deep into my heart, then make it real through me, as I seek to love as I am loved. “Arise my soul, arise, and shake off your guilt, shame, and unbelief”—the Gospel is true, good, and beautiful.

We are delighted in and enjoyed by God, and there’s nothing we can do about it.

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Abba, this portion of your Word contradicts my oldest thoughts of you and invites my heart to go to places your Spirit alone can take me. Because of Jesus’ finished work—right now (not just when I’m in heaven) you greatly delight in me. You are committed to quiet my restless, wandering, fearful heart with your love. You “exult” (what a powerful word) over me—not just with singing, but with loud singing. Free me from thinking this is true for others, not me.

God’s love for us never grows nor decreases. It is the greatest constant in our lives.

“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” Jeremiah 31:3

Father, supersize the chambers of my heart to take in more of this . You have drawn me to yourself with an unfailing, irresistible, powerful love—not because of anything in me, but because of everything in you. And now, because of what you have done for me in Jesus—you love me with an unwavering, everlasting love. I cannot add to your love for me, and I cannot take away from it; because it’s not about me, it’s all about Jesus. I’m undone with peace and gratitude.  So Very Amen.

This week I’m going to offer 3 short prayers each day—words shaped by the Word which help us remember and revel in the riches of God’s grace. Read them all at once, or spread them out through the day. Let’s marinate in the wonder.

We are image bearers of God—wonderfully made.

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” – Psalm 139:14

Dear Father, before I was broken, I was beautiful—loved before the world began, created by your hands,  given breath for your glory. Thank you for creating me in your image, and now, for renewing me to become like Jesus. Help me to reject all the old tapes, messages, and voices that convinced me I was worthless and useless. The Gospel has always been your Plan A for my life. By your grace, continue to heal, change, and free me.

We are completely and exhaustively forgiven.

“In Jesus we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Eph. 1:7

Heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving all of my sins, all of them. Sins I’ve committed in my thinking, with my words, and by my choices. Sins in the past, sins of today, and the sins I have yet to commit. Such forgiveness is almost too good to be true; and it would be, if you hadn’t sent Jesus to be our perfect Savior. The riches of your grace have proven to be more than sufficient for the bankruptcy of my sin. I praise and bless you.

God has declared us legally and completely righteous in Christ.

“God made Jesus, who knew no sin, to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Cor. 5:21

Most glorious and grace-full Jesus, what wondrous love is this, indeed. As my substitute in life, you lived a perfect life of obedience, fulfilling every demand of the law for me. And as my substitute in death on the cross, you completely exhausted God’s judgment against all my sin. I am totally forgiven, perfectly righteous, and eternally free in you. Hallelujah, many times over! Take me deeper and deeper into the reality of this good news.

Heavenly Father, after a special weekend in Rising Fawn, Georgia, I’m once again grateful for the tapestry of friends you’ve woven into heart and story. Though I’m more loner than life-of-the-party—an introvert with extroverted gifts, thank you for friends who look beyond my comfort zone, insecurities, and poor intermittent contact.

What a gift—to be encouraged by friends’ interest, eyes, and curiosity—inviting me to play, not just pray over meals, or in large gatherings. It’s great to have sisters and brothers who show me the Gospel I preach, and call me out from thinking all I have to offer others is words, theology, and what I know.

Make me that kind of friend, Father, all the way Home. I want to finish this part of my life as an encourager and comforter—seeing people for who they are, not in terms what they do or know. As I preach it, so may I live it: “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.”

Help me to be quicker and better at offering engaged presence and unrushed listening. I don’t need to accumulate more stuff, and I certainly don’t need to get busier. Free me to give more of my heart, not just helping hands. Father, I’m a fabulously wealthy man because of my “in-Christ-ness,” but you’ve also enriched my life with precious friends. Thank you, and So Very Amen.

“Hordes of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live.  Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea.” (Ezek. 47:9-10)

Dear Jesus, what a privilege, joy, hope you have given us—living and loving as friends and partners in the Gospel. Not the kind of partners who are owners-and-voters of a corporation. But partners in belonging to you, sharing the Gospel, and engaging in your commitment to “make all things new.” Why would we want to live any other way?

You’ve made us fishers of men, serving you with nets of grace, and have positioned us along the banks of the “river of life.” It’s the life-giving river that flows from Eden, through world history and our hearts, all the way into the new heaven and new earth (Ezek. 47:9-10; John 7:37-38; Rev. 22:1-3).

Jesus, thank you for writing us into your story of redeeming grace and transforming love. Thank you for “catching and releasing” us into the only life that is truly abundant. Thank you for freeing us from dreams that don’t include you and a vision that can’t see beyond a comfortable retirement.

   Thank you for friendships that are partnerships in the Gospel and your present-and-coming-Kingdom. It’s your work and you will complete it—in us and through us. Hallelujah, thank you, and So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, I am so glad fish and fishing were a regular part of your incarnate life, as it’s a sport and friendship-builder you greatly use in my life. When you called and commissioned your disciples (Lk.5:10-11), and tenderly cared for them, fishing played an important role (Jn.21:3-17).

This morning I’m greatly encouraged by the story of you feeding 5000 men and their families with a mere five loaves of bread and two fish—a miracle indeed. But more than a miracle, it was a mercy—a mercy because you performed this miracle through weak, dumbfounded, skeptical disciples. That’s “my people”—for I am just like them, Jesus.

As we take the Gospel to the nations, this same story plays out over and over and over. When you say to us, “You feed them,” it’s our opportunity to bring our “very-little-ness” to your “very-much-ness.” That’s always the way of the Gospel. All we contributed to our salvation was our need. All we bring to the salvation of the nations is your promise, faithfulness, and grace—and that is about 10,000 times enough.

Until you return, we will always be “5 loaves and 2 fish disciples”—utterly dependent on the God who raises the dead. One Day the earth will be filed with your glory. One Day your impossible-to-count, every-nation Bride will populate the new heaven and new earth. You are that mighty, and you are that merciful to use us. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, right out of the shoot, thank you. Thank you for who you are, for everything you’ve accomplished to redeem us, and for what you give us just too bless us. From you all blessings flow, all good gifts spring, and all grace cascades. As our Creator and Redeemer, you care about every sphere of life.

That’s why a recent conversation with a friend included four things we both love: Fly fishing, the Gospel, sourdough bread, and the “5 Solas”—five short phrases that summarize the heartbeat of the Bible, why we love you, and want to do everything to your glory.

  Only Scripture – Only the Bible is our errorless, trustworthy, God-breathed source for what we believe about salvation, God, the world, ourselves and everything in it. And you, Jesus, are the main and only Hero in the whole book.

To take the Scriptures seriously means we receive all things gratefully—things in heaven and things on earth. It’s why my friend and I could talk seamlessly about fly fishing, the Gospel, sourdough bread, and great theology.

  Only Christ – Only you, Jesus, can/do save us. Only you will usher in the new heaven and new earth. To add anything to you for our salvation takes away everything. All we bring to our salvation is our absolute need.

  Only Grace – Only your grace can “finance” our salvation and the redemption of the entire cosmos—for that is what you are “up to”… redeeming your every-nation bride and making all things new.

  Only Faith – Only faith is the “delivery system” for your grace. Even faith is a gift to us (Eph. 2:8-10). We are that needy, and you are that generous.

  Only God’s Glory – Jesus, everything exists by you, for your glory, and for our utter enjoyment. May we do everything with grateful hearts to your glory—praying, playing, planting churches, placing a fly in front of a hungry trout.. all things. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus… Oh that we would take our joy as seriously as you do. Some might ask the question “What’s happened to all your joy?” (Gal.4:15), with a smirk, some with shame, but not you. You ask about our “joy-loss” with compassion, and a commitment to renew us. So how do we leak, leave, or kill our joy?

Sometimes we STARVE our hearts of joy nutrients—almost as bad as “selective-spiritual-anorexia.” That is, we binge on all kinds of other stuff, but we no longer feast with you, Jesus, at the table of your grace.

Sometimes we STRANGLE our hearts with cords of unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment—choking the life out of our joy.

Sometimes we DECEIVE our hearts—looking to you plus something for our primary joy—romance, riches, reputation, religion… the list is as long as our imagination and foolishness.

Sometimes we UN-GUARD our hearts—throwing our spiritual life into cruise-control, forgetting we actually have an active adversary, and dangerously forgetting our sinful nature has been crucified, but not yet eradicated.

Sometimes we EXHAUST our hearts—the cost of loving others well, or even faithfully doing things for you without spending time with you.

Sometimes we do nothing wrong, we just have AGING hearts. Our capacity to remember the Gospel gets compromised—and other physiological, emotional, mental changes occur. Hallelujah, your joy in and over us never diminishes, Jesus; and you will hold us fast until the Day of total healing and consummate joy.

Jesus, whatever our scenario(s)—you will give us all the grace, kindness, repentance, and renewal we need. Thank you, and So Very Amen.

Oh Father, right out of the worship-gate, I love the “will-ness” of these promises. You’re not describing things that might happen, but will happen. Hallelujah, and thank you. Nothing and no one will keep us from arriving safely Home.

But right now, because you have hidden our lives in Jesus (Col.3:1-4), we live in the eternal year of your favor, in the rarified air of your delight, in the perpetual embrace of your grace. The saints in heaven are certainly more happy and whole than us, but they are not one bit more secure and loved.

Even we non-singers are destined to sing—“crowned with everlasting joy”—what’s that going to be like? We know what it feels like to be overtaken by guilt and shame, but we can hardly imagine being “chased down,” inundated, overtaken by “gladness and joy.” Right now, our feet are firmly standing in grace, but we will enjoy the unfettered freedom of “leaping, frolicking, well-fed calves” (Mal.4:2).

Abba, we crave that Day when all sorrow and sighing will flee and fly away—vanquished and vaporized by the arrival of our beloved King Jesus. Until that Day, thank you for being the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort (2Cor.1:3-4)—in the messes we’re in, and the messes we make. Forgive us for bypassing you and seeking our comfort elsewhere. So Very Amen.

Heavenly Father, this really is wonderful—you have 100% of us, and yet you still want more of us, and more for us. You couldn’t possibly delight in us any more than you already do (Zeph.3:14-17); but you crave pleasure, enjoyment, and delight for us. What a kind and generous Father you are.

This is actually quite stunning. You lack absolutely nothing, but you want us to experience such satisfaction and joy in you everything else will shrink to its proper size and value. 8’s will become 3’s, needs will become desires, idols will seem silly. The more fully we delight in you, the less we will over-need, over-obsess, over-love anything else. What a glorious paradox—the way to get the desires of our hearts is to make you our principle desire and delight. May it be so, Abba.

So what is your “competition?” What vies for my/our hearts? Who or what has become our movie or song cliché? To what mere human being are we tempted to say, “You complete me” (Tom Cruise) or “I don’t want to live without you, live without your love” (Foreigner), or “You’re my everything and everything is you” (The Stylistics)? What moral can “fill up my senses” (John Denver) or be “the wind beneath my wings” (Bette Midler)?

Abba, whose approval, how much money—what scenario, body type, job, story can possibly fill the Jesus-shaped place, vacuum, hole in our hearts? None, no not one… only Jesus. Bring us back to Gospel-sanity, Abba-delight, and Jesus-fullness. So Very Amen.

Dear Jesus, thank you for guaranteeing the Day of no more dying and death of anyone, anything, anywhere—grandparents or grandkids, a favorite tree or a beloved pet, old friendships or dreams that seemed too good not to happen. Though you have already removed death’s “sting” (1Cor.15:55-56), it still slaps us in the face, buckles our knees, and rocks our sensibilities… and that’s the way it should feel.

Thank you for validating our shock, encouraging our grief, and giving us tears. As a pastor, I’ve experienced more deaths and funerals than seminary prepared me for. As a human being, yesterday I felt the life leave the weary body of our 14-year-old Yorkie, Zuzu. It hurts more than I anticipated. Standing before your friend Lazarus’ grave, you revealed your anguish before you demonstrated your power. Thank you for that gift.

Death creates an instant void that is both numbing and disorienting. It’s not the way things are supposed to be, and (hallelujah) it’s not the way things will be forever. By your death and resurrection, you made clear that death isn’t sovereign, you are. Sin didn’t triumph, you did. Death doesn’t get the last word, you do. Jesus, you are the grace giver and grave robber. The keys of death are in your hands—not in the hands of evil, accidents, or “natural causes.”

With the same hands you grabbed nails that pretended to hold you, you hold us. And on the perfectly timed, deeply longed for Day, you will wipe every tear out of our eyes and all pain from our hearts. Questions remain, but we don’t question your goodness and faithfulness. Our mourning is for this brief, painful moment; but eternal joy will come one Morning soon. Thank you, and So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, I’m grateful for daily mercies. Yesterday I let myself get relationally “bugged,” and then settled into a few hours of “funk-n-fuming.” Instead of “faith expressing itself in love,” I settled for self-pity expressing itself in pouting. As I fellowship with you this morning, I’m grateful your love for us will never waver or end. Three words come to mind and heart as I lean into this Saturday.

   Perspective: Jesus, until you glorify us, we shouldn’t be shocked at what we’re capable of thinking, feeling, saying, and doing. As Jack Miller taught me, a life of walking with you isn’t about having less to repent of, but offering quicker repentances. I’m not shocked by my “funk-n-fuming” yesterday, just sad I chose to linger in it longer than was helpful to anyone. Jesus, grant me and my praying friends quicker repentances.

  “Prepent”: Better to start a day in humility than having to be humbled. To maintain a gentle and kind heart is to live repentant before we have to repent. It’s to “pre-pent”—to live convictable and teachable, and to be less judgmental of others.

   Prepare: All of this is possible because of your great love for us, Jesus. We are most like you when we love like you, and we will love like you as we spend more time with you. Not just time learning about you, but time invested adoring you, listening to you, lingering before you, Jesus. Thank you for craving this kind of time with us. Astonishing and true… So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, only once a year do Americans receive a “state of the union” address from their president, and that happened last night. But every time we hear, ponder, and marinate in the Gospel, we are actually getting a “state of our union with Christ” address from you, our loving King. It’s an “address” we need on a daily—sometimes hourly, basis.

You’re not “up there,” and we’re not “down here.” You live inside of us as our hope of glory (Col.1:27), and our lives are safely hidden in yours (Col.3:3). Through the Gospel, you have given us the most intimate, enriching, unbreakable relationship with yourself imaginable.

Husband to beloved wife (Eph.5:22-33), Vine to life-receiving branches (Jn.15:5), Cornerstone and Capstone to living stones becoming a sanctuary of grace (1Pet.2:5, Eph.2:19-22))—this is how you define your relationship with us, Jesus. We believe; free us from our unbelief. Help us see how our “in-Christ-ness” now defines us more than anything else.

In union with you, we are forgiven, righteous, and beloved—because you are our “righteousness, holiness, and redemption” (1Cor.1:30). Our days, hairs, and pains are numbered by you. You have called us, love us, and will keep us all the way Home (Jude 1:1). Oh, Jesus, free us. We want to be and live more fully alive to the implications of these peace-giving, fear-toppling, hope-fueling realities. So Very Amen.

“To all who received Jesus—who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (Jn.1:12).

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me” (Jn.10:14).

Lord Jesus, March 7^th is a big day on my “calendar of grace.” I was birthed into the world Feb. 1, 1950, but born again—born from above on Mar. 7, 1968. I was 100% dependent on you for both births. Thank you for your measureless generosity.

Fifty-six years ago today—as a senior in high school, you raised me from spiritual death, forgave all my sins, and hid my life in yours. You declared your righteousness to be mine, and placed your Spirit in my heart. Nothing can separate me from your love, snatch me from your hand, or keep me out of heaven.

Jesus, as much as I love being able to say that I know you, I am 10,000 times more overjoyed and overwhelmed to hear you say that you “know” me (Jn.10:14). Not as a friendly acquaintance, not merely by face and name, not “just” as my Lord and Savior. Jesus, you know me—and each of us who have received you (John 1:12)—with a depth of intimacy, a degree of delight, and a fullness of affection that is impossible for us to totally grasp this side of heaven—this side of us being glorified at your return.

We wouldn’t merely blush if you let us experience how fully you know and love us. We’d be undone. Jesus, one Day we will, but right now we don’t have the capacity to absorb your undistilled love and unfiltered glory. It would be like a huge waterfall of grace being poured into a 10 oz Styrofoam cup. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, one of my favorite hymns is “Jesus! I Am Resting, Resting.” But—and this isn’t news to you, often when my lips sing those words my heart is muttering, “Jesus, I am vexing, vexing.” To say I have “trust issues” is like saying I have “oxygen issues.” In other words, my need for trusting you is just as great as my need for oxygen.

It’s the difference between: (1) Resting in your grace and love, knowing you are at work as our sovereign, loving King. Or (2) Vexing in my fear and “what if’s,” anxious for you to do things my way on my schedule. Jesus, I really, really do want the first of these two options to be my “oxygen” and way of life.

Leaning on the flimsy, duct-taped, straw-scaffolding of my “understanding” never bodes well—for me, or those who experience my anxious, rigid, not-very-present spirit. Jesus, you know the beginning, middle, and end of all things. I don’t. My perspective and understanding may be 3% of yours. And my commitment to a pain-free heart, the double-astigmatism of my unglorified eyes, and residual unbelief only make matters worse.

Jesus, I’m not asking for—or expecting a “Zen-like” absence of concern and feeling. To trust you is to be fully human, not less. I want what you commend—a fixed, steadfast, trusting heart. Whether I’m waiting for news, get “bad news” (Ps.112:7), or receive shockingly good news… I want my lips and heart to sing, “Jesus! I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art; I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.” So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, another week, another opportunity to prove the wonders of your love—first to ourselves, then to others. The verses we just read are vertical before they are horizontal. You are the only perfect and persistent lover.

Thank you for never “flying off the handle” at us. We’re the ones with irritable heart-syndrome, not you. And far from keeping a score of our sins, you canceled all of them and filled the void with the gift of your perfect righteousness. You don’t “revel when we grovel”—because no one has ever gotten lower than you. Because you humbled yourself, we will never be humiliated. You took our shame and gave us your grace.

You “put up” with us, not with the rolling of your eyes and the shrugging of your shoulders, but with an empathy and compassion we can barely understand. You “look for the best” in us because you actually see it, and you’re never shocked by our worst.

You never “look back” because you’ve redeemed our past. You will keep loving us “to the end” because you are the Author and Perfecter of our faith—the Alpha and Omega of us becoming like you one Day. Jesus… thank you. May this be a week of us loving others… even a little more… like you love us so perfectly. So Very Amen.

Heavenly Father, if I only read the last 5 words of Luke 15:31, I’d be intrigued—“everything I have is yours” … E.I.H.I.Y. But considering to whom you spoke those words, I am convicted, leveled, and undone. I have much in common with the older brother. At times my arrogance, entitlement and ingratitude match his.

Father, we have no one like you, because no one is like you. Every day—no exceptions, you run to us in the Gospel—inviting, imploring, wooing us back to Gospel-sanity, freedom, and joy. Thank you, Abba, thank you.

As with the “older brother,” you ceaselessly confront our Gospel-amnesia, saying to us in the Scriptures: “My child, you are always with me because I am always with you. Nothing will separate you from my love, exhaust my grace, or deplete my mercies. I greatly delight in you, remain committed to quiet you with my love, and I never stop rejoicing over you with singing.” (Zeph.3:14-17)

“Everything I have is yours. I have made you equal-heirs with Jesus of the new heaven and new earth—an eternity of all things new, beautiful, and perfect (Rom. 8:17). But you already possess the fullness of my forgiveness, the righteousness of my Son, and a unique place in my family. Come, my child, let us rejoice and celebrate with your other beloved sisters and brothers.” (Sidebar: Oh, that this is what our corporate worship always felt like.)

Heavenly Father, I repent, yet again. Keep beating down my forgetfulness, ungratefulness, and graceless attitudes with regular, robust blasts of the Gospel—E.I.H.I.Y. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, until the Day of all things new and everything beautiful, we live in a world of all things broken and everything unstable. But you are the one glorious exception. You are eternally changeless and timelessly present. You are never in “discovery mode.” You have never said, “I didn’t see that one coming.” For you created the beginning, rule the present, and already fill the future. The implications of your “sameness” are liberating, peace-giving, and mission-fueling.

You are gloriously “same” in your love for us. Your love never peaks or dives, waxes or wanes. Jesus, this doesn’t mean you are passive or static. It means you are perfect and passionate. We never need fear disappointing you. We don’t have to doubt what you think about us. We can live free of the silly notion that we can put a bigger smile on your face. You already love us as much as our Father loves you. How can we add to that?

You are powerfully “same” in your sovereignty over all things. Nothing is random in this world, catches you off guard, or is “above your pay grade.” You reign over kings, keep gravity happening, and control the temperature of the earth’s core. You give babies and dolphin their smiles; gave Mozart and the Beatles melodies; and you will fill the earth with your grace and glory.

In time… we will experience our hardest stories, vexing loses, and deepest wounds as the theatre of your mercy, grace, and redemption. Thank you, Lord Jesus. May your “never-changing-ness” become the sheets between we sleep, our everyday-feast, and the soundtrack of our life on mission. So Very Amen.

Heavenly Father, perhaps the most recognizable “TGIF” is Thank God It’s Friday. And since today is Friday, we do give you thanks for it.  Whether it’s the beginning of an awesome, fun-packed weekend, or the end to a most frustrating work-week, or the day we’ll head out with a few dear friends on a road trip to catch up, catch fish, and catch a few extra “z’s”—no matter the scenario, we’re just grateful.  And since giving thanks is a discipline before it’s a delight, here’s a few more TGIF’s that voice our gratitude.

  The Gospel Is Final: Hallelujah… when Jesus cried out, “It is finished!”, he wasn’t speaking metaphorically, symbolically, or exaggerating. The biggest reason we rejoice on this Friday, or any day of the week, is that there’s nothing more than the Gospel, just more of it.

  True Greatness Includes Friendship: Having just spent a few days serving Jesus with dear brothers, I consider myself wealthy, blessed, and successful simply because of the friends you’ve woven into my heart and story.

  Treasuring Grace Ignites Faith: At 74, I kinda hoped I’d grow out of my need for your grace; but actually, I’m growing into my need for more of you grace, Father, and it’s quite freeing. My faith gets healthier and stronger as I boast in my weaknesses, collapse on Jesus, and rest in your love.

   Trust God In Frustrations:  Argh… this TGIF came into play last night as it felt like a little school of attitude-piranha swam into my heart stream and devoured my peace. Delayed flight, slow Wi-Fi, packed plane, annoying steward… and the only recording I could access on my iPad was a Sonship message on repentance by Jack Miller—just what I needed. Father, you are so present, caring, and “creative.”

 True Godliness Includes Fun: Father, thank you for giving us all things to “richly enjoy” (1Tim.6:17). Fun and enjoyment are a lot closer to godliness than austerity and uptightness. Here’s to a Friday and weekend of doing fun to your glory. So Very Amen.

“He (Jesus) who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” (Rev.21:5)

Lord Jesus, as someone who is “directionally impaired,” I’m grateful to live in the era of cars having digital-screen maps and calm voices to direct us to our desired destinations. But 10,000 times over, I’m grateful for the Scriptures and the Gospel today. The Scriptures clearly reveal where you are taking us as your beloved people, and the Gospel guarantees our safe, free, and joyful arrival. Hallelujah for both.

When you return, Jesus, you will usher in “the new heaven and new earth.” It will be the best of the Garden of Eden, but so very much more. If Eden was a “glory-bud,” the new heaven and new earth will be a worldwide “garden of grace.” This very earth—not a re-do or replacement, will be filled with your glory. Your impossible-to-count every-nation Bride will be gathered and glorified, loving perfectly as you love us.

Nothing in us or around us will less than perfect, beautiful, and the way it was meant to be. We ourselves will be made perfect in love (1Jon.3:1-3), and—best of all, we will finally know and love you with unfiltered passion and utter delight. Hasten the Day, Lord! Until then, Jesus, reel in our wandering forgetful hearts. Keep us from other narratives clamoring for our hearts, and from other stories that, at best, only give you a tiny bit part. So Very Amen.

Heavenly Father, it’s such a gift to live without the stress of not-knowing, fearing, or having to guess what you think about us. Because of the Gospel, we live in your 100% favor 100% of the time. No more “He loves me, He loves me not.” The burden of our guilt, shame, and failures have been lifted from our “heart-shoulders.” Posing and pretending have been crushed under the weight of your eternal welcome and lavish love. What relief… what freedom… what peace we have.

Your currency is grace, your “pockets” are as deep as your heart is big, Father. And you stay on a generous spending-spree on our behalf. Hallelujah… Jesus’ saving work is finished for us, and the Spirit’s transforming work continues in us until the Day of all things new and beautiful (Rev.21:5, Eccl.3:11).

On this February Wednesday, we affirm with King David, you will “fulfill your purpose for me,” and celebrate with Paul, “you are at work in us according to your good pleasure.” May the rest we have in the Gospel mark the rest of our days with…

Faith expressing itself in love.

Hope expressing itself in mission.

Grace expressing itself in generosity.

Peace expressing itself in less fear and worry.

Humility expressing itself in quick repentances and kindness.

We are so loved, so yours, and so grateful. SO Very Amen.

“Peace I leave with you; I give you my peace. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your hearts be troubled and don’t be afraid.” (Jn. 14:17).

Lord Jesus, we praise, bless, and adore you for many reasons. Today, in particular, we rejoice in your commitment to give us peace “at all times and in every situation.” Such a notion would be laughable—if not a cruel joke, if you weren’t the one making that promise, Jesus.

By your finished work, we already have peace with God. But you haven’t “just” reconciled us to our heavenly Father, he now loves us with the same love and delight he has in you (Jn.17:23). And now you promise us the peace of God—the very peace our Father enjoys as “the God of Peace” (1Thess.5:23)—a stunning thought to say the least. It’s the same peace, in quality and quantity, you spoke of when you promised us, “I give you my peace.” Hallelujah, and help us, Jesus.

How can this be? What is it supposed to look and feel like? Here’s where our hearts go, land, and rest: Because you are reigning at Abba’s right hand, and working in all things for our good (Rm.8:28), nothing is more ultimate than the all-glorious goodness you promise. You rule in, over, and beyond all the intents and events of evil in our lives (Gen.50:20).

This doesn’t make life easy, but it sure gives us a peace that passes all understanding, fear, and anxiety. ALL authority has been given to you, Jesus—in heaven and on earth. Nothing is outside your sovereignty. And you give ALL grace to us. Nothing is greater than your love, will, and plan for us. So Very Amen.

How then shall we live till then? We are to set our minds and hearts on things above, and “put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry (Col.3:5).

Today’s Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you… 10,000 thanks as we ponder what you have already done for us, fill our hearts with you and every good thing we have in you, and rest in knowing that one Day we will be completely like you. Because of all these wonderful grace-realities, teach us how to do Gospel-mortification—that is how to “put to death” things which contradict your beauty and goodness.

We won’t be sin-free until you return, but we can be more sin-serious before that glorious Day. Grant us quicker repentances, Jesus. About what have we become too accepting and lax? What Christless thoughts do we have, deadly words do we speak, and anti-grace habits do we practice too easily and too often?

If we discovered a scorpion in our workout bag, or a small fire in the back seat of our car, or a coiled snake in our workspace, we’d take quick and radical action. Jesus, may we be just as quick and radical about our sin. It’s not about getting you to love us more. It’s about revealing more of your goodness and beauty. Hallelujah, and help us. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, this week, like every week, our greatest privilege and main calling will be to love you. Not to be those who just admire, appreciate, or have a high regard for you. But to be undone with adoration like Asaph (Psalm 73:25-26), overwhelmed with affection like Paul (Philippians 3:7-11), and filled with awe like John (Revelation 1:12-18).

You don’t deserve first place in our lives—as though there’s a chart-able 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th. There is no “chart” when it comes to you. In Paul’s words, we want to love you with an “undying love,” Jesus. It was your grace that first enabled us to love you, and it will be more of your grace that will take us deeper and longer into loving you with everything we have and are.

When we don’t make spending time with you and abiding in your love our highest priority, everything goes downhill from there. Good things supplant the “main thing.” Then harmless-but-time-consuming things supplant good things. We get more susceptible to fear, more easily offended, and more likely to think, say, and do things we regret.

What is our peace-giving hope, Jesus? We aren’t saved to the degree we love you, but to the degree our lives are hidden in you—which has been100% the very nanosecond we became yours. Though our momentary affection for you waxes and wanes, your love for us is absolute, unwavering, and inexhaustible. We will love you with an undying love because you love us with a love that included your death and guarantees our forever. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.

Dear Jesus, we’re so glad the Holy Spirit authored this prayer, because it’s much bigger than our theological understanding and personal experience. It affirms and asks for more than we can wrap our feeble minds and hearts around.

For starters, thank you for already rooting and establishing us in your love. Only you could plant us, and only you can keep us in your love. Jesus, you will hold us fast because you have saved us fully. And now what is our greatest need and calling? To grow in our experience of your loveliness and love.

Jesus, some of us remember the love we first felt from you, and the love we had for you, when we first came to know you (Rev.2:2-4). Others of us have forgotten, now deny it, or even run from that memory. Such is our weakness, and such is the stratagem of the devil (2 Cor.11:2-3). Transcend all of that stuff and story, Jesus.

Recapture… Reclaim… Restore… Refresh… Renew our hearts and our love for you. That’s what we want, Jesus. We have no greater need. And this is our confidence … “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to God be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Indeed, So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, I love the wildflowers on the coast of Northern Ireland, sea oats on any beach, and honey suckle vines in full aromatic bloom. Today, however, I praise you for the grace-gift of “thornbushes.” They’re not pretty, but they are priceless.

When we’re in “prone to wander” mode, you shift into “committed to disrupt mode.” Thank you. Some of the “lovers” we chase are people, most aren’t. Anything that promises to fill our longings, satisfy our lusts, medicate our pain, or bloat our self-esteem can become a “lover.” Work, money, society’s smile, a bigger “ministry,” looking 40 at 60, children who don’t disappoint us… the list is endless. For good reason you call them “worthless idols” (Jer. 2:5) and “broken cisterns” (Jer. 2:13). They cannot, they will not satisfy.

Jesus, your love for us exposes then mocks the insanity of our sin. What is a “one night stand” compared to an “eternal standing in grace”? You died to make us your beloved Bride. To know you is to be more married than we’ll ever be to a human spouse. Today, in this very moment, you see, know, and love us with great tenacity, tenderness, and delight. You love us so much and so well, we’ve probably only experienced about 7% of it so far. Keep the thornbushes coming, Jesus. So Very Amen.

   Dear Jesus, our first daffodil bloomed Feb.14, just before the temperature dropped to 20 degrees. It’s still standing, beautiful, and reaching sunward. It’s making me yearn for a year-round, all-weather, bumper crop of Spirit-fruit.

Love – Jesus, we need your Spirit to enable us to believe you love us as much as you say you do. Then we need your Spirit for loving others as you love us. So we ask for a double portion of the Spirit’s work, knowing you to be as generous as you are beautiful.

Joy – Grant us a joy that transcends our circumstances, sabotages our unbelief, and inhabits our real sadness with supernatural hope.

Peace – We have peace as we think about death; but our anxieties about life, family, and the world get overwhelming at times, Jesus. Center and settle us. We’re not asking for nirvana, just more of you.

Patience – Jesus, free us from our controlling, rigid, grumpy ways. Period.

Kindness – There’s no justification for us being curt, rude, and harsh. We’d despair if we weren’t already justified by faith. We long to offer more of your kindness to those around us.

Goodness – We’re not saved by our goodness, but by your perfection, Jesus. Free us to walk in the good works you appointed for us (Eph.2:8-10).

Faithfulness – Great is your faithfulness… that’s not just a great hymn. it’s who you are, Jesus. Make us more like yourself. Help us keep our promises and follow through.

Gentleness – Gentle our rough edges, edgy words, and tart reactions. Jesus, grow a non-anxious spirit within us—one that embraces messes as a part of life.

Self-control – Jesus, forgive us for confusing laziness and a lack of discipline with grace. Empower us for the freedom of self-control. Jesus, hasten the Day we will be 100% conformed to your likeness (Rm.8:28-30). Yea verily and So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, I’m not a healed leper nor a Samaritan. But along with my sisters and brothers in grace, we have truckloads of reasons to praise you loudly, and throw ourselves at your feet today in gratitude, joy, and peace. Among the many reasons, here are a few we don’t want to forget or minimize.

Jesus, thank you for not only granting us full forgiveness, but also for being our perfect righteousness (1Cor.1:30). We are standing in your grace, rooted in your love, and kept for eternity. Thank you. We didn’t win the lottery—10,000 times better, you gave yourself to us and for us.

Thank you being at work in all things for our good, all the time, no exceptions (Rom.8:28). We don’t have to like our circumstances, sufferings, or your timing—but we have every reason to trust and love you.

Thank you for being the “King of the World” (Natalie Grant)—the song that filled the room and my heart, just as I began this prayer today. Indeed, Jesus, when we forget that you are already ruling and reigning over everything, our fears, anxieties, and anger get ramped up. That’s not helpful to us or anyone around us.

Thank you for loving our kids, grands, kids-in-law, spouses, and parents more than we do. We’d love to write everybody’s stories and control all their choices. Jesus, we acknowledge there’s both “heavenly” and extremely selfish reasons in wanting that much power over people we love. You didn’t make us anyone’s “potter,” but everyone’s servant. Help and

Jesus said to them, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own... A person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” (Luke 12:14,21)

Dear Jesus… what we value is an everchanging story. Beatle, John Lennon’s tooth was bought for $36,867.00. A grilled cheese sandwich which seemed to bear the image of the Virgin Mary, fetched 28 thousand dollars. A pair of Air Jordan 13 basketball shoes, Michael Jordan wore, sold for 2.2 million dollars.

I can shake my head and laugh at these things. But what’s not as laughable is the fickle value system of my own heart. In some seasons of life, what people think and say of me has mattered too much. Other times, what I see in a mirror has seized too much time and preoccupation. Having enough, being enough, having control over pain, not losing control over narratives… these things have no value at an auction, but they can control one’s life, schedule, and destiny.

Thank you Jesus. Really, thank you. In my most sane, free, favorites moments of life, I celebrate with the Apostle Paul. Everything is worthless compared to the infinite value of knowing you, and being known by you. Life isn’t measured by what I own, but by who owns me… and that is you, Jesus. Until the Day you return and glorify me, continue to grow as my singular heart treasure. Thank you for so many other gifts to enjoy in life, but, Jesus, I want to love you above and beyond everything else. So Very Amen.

   Lord Jesus, Paul was talking about you. Hallelujah, you are “the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords—”ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev.1:5) and “king of the nations” (Rev.15:3). Today we sing, even shout, “The world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever” (Rev.11:15). Indeed, “there will be no end to the increase of your government and peace” (Isa.9:7). This is the true news, the best news—the transcendent and eternal reality in which we rest and rejoice today, tomorrow, and forever.

In some parts of the world, today is “monarch for a moment”—for power changes hands as quickly as the weather. In other places it’s “tyrant by terror”—whoever can create more fear, trauma, and evil gets to call the shots and enrich themselves. Then there are countries with prime ministers, absolute monarchs, military juntas—premiers and presidents. But as those who belong to you—wherever we live, whatever passport(s) we carry, we declare that our most defining and delighting citizenship is in heaven (Phil.3:20). We don’t just bow our knees to you, we surrender our hearts to you over and over and over.

Jesus, we eagerly await your return, and the fullness of your reign that Day will bring. But you are no less King today than you will be then. Until every knee bows and every tongue confesses you as Lord (Phil.2:10-11), may we live and love to your glory. So Very Amen.

Dear Jesus, I did something yesterday for the first time in my life. I got a calcium heart scan. With good friends recently having heart issues, and me beginning my 75^th year on earth, I figured it was about time. Though I won’t know my score till Monday, I feel great—especially great because I belong to you.

Jesus, you convinced me decades ago that discipleship—a life of belonging to you, is wholistic. You care about mind, body, and spirit—and all three are destined for resurrection life in the new heaven and new earth. Thank you! Even though our “outer self is wasting away” (2Cor.4:16), we’re to take care of our body until it’s glorified at your return. And you give us much wisdom for doing so.

“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot” (Prov.14:30). Indeed, growing and walking in the peace of the Gospel is health-giving, even as envy can bring on disease in our bones.

“Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses” (1Tim.5:23). This doesn’t require those who abstain from all alcohol to start drinking, anymore that your promise to “feed us with the finest wheat” (Ps.81:16) requires those who are allergic to gluten to consume it anyway. Give us wisdom to apply all of your Word to every part of our lives.

 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come” (Tim.4:8). You commend exercising our bodies and our spirits—without obsessing more about our body image than craving hearts that beat for you.

“Live in awe—have affectionate reverence for the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones” (Prov.3:8). Jesus, that’s the perfect verse and place to finish this prayer, and to thank you for being such a wonderful, merciful Savior. May we praise and serve you with our whole being. So Very Amen.

“Jesus didn’t retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left himself in God’s hands who always judges fairly” (1Pet.2:24).

“Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul” (Prov.22:24-25).

Dear Jesus, how can we already be less than two weeks from March 2024? Time is racing, and the blood pressure of many is rising. Watching, listening, engaging in normal life—no matter the temperature of our zip codes, the “temper-temperature” of our culture is on the increase. I know I don’t see and speak for everyone, but anger fuses seem to be getting shorter, emotional “flair-ups” quicker, and relational “dust ups” are importing some radioactive dust.

Jesus, help us. The Scriptures above provide important warnings, and the Gospel gives us more than adequate provision. Anybody can get defensive, reactive, and combative. Our first instinct is often to repay in kind—zinger for zinger, copped attitude for copped attitude, snark for snark. But you don’t repay in kind, but in kindness. Do the same in and through us, Jesus.

“The 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse”—though it’s certainly not the original meaning of the Biblical image, I do find wisdom in John Gottman’s use of the metaphor helpful. He describes four “deadly riders” bent on pillaging our relationships as Criticism, Defensiveness, Contempt, and Stonewalling. Left un-checked, I personally know the destructive power of each. I’ve mounted those steeds, and I’ve got their hoof marks on me.

Better is the strategy my spiritual dad, Jack Miller, gave me years ago. Instead of “mounting” these angry horses, “mount a love offensive”—Jack would say. Prepent before you have to repent. Don’t be passive, but actively repay gracelessness with grace. Jesus, only you can do this in us and through us. We invite you—no, we implore you to do so. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, “Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus” … three brothers we’ll enjoy in the new heaven and new earth, but three names we usually “skim through” to get to the “meaty” parts of a chapter in the Bible.

But they themselves were “prime cuts”—the Kobe beef and “Wagyu Cowboy Steak” of friends. (For my vegetarian friends, insert your favorite fruits and veggies). The Apostle Paul said of them, “I am always glad to see these brothers come through the door, for they bring refreshment to my spirit. They have the “knack,” body-language, and heart for giving me encouragement when I need it the most.”

Jesus, thank you for our version of refreshing brothers like Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; and sisters of encouragement, such as Phoebe, Priscilla, Mary, and Junia (All in Rom.16). They bring no pressure, just your non-anxious presence. They’re the kinds of friends whose names we love to see come up on a text or call. They’re more likely to ask, “How can I help you?”, as opposed to “Aren’t you finished yet?” We don’t just treasure those kinds of friends; we want to be that friend to others as well. Work in us and love through us.

For you, Jesus, are the headwater, river, and fountain of the sweetest, most satisfying, perfectly timed refreshment. “Flickering wicks and crushed reeds” love it when you show up. When you “come through the door,” nobody feels they need to tidy the desk, feign okay-ness, or “present well.” You are near and dear to the brokenhearted, weary, and heavily burdened. Thank. You. Jesus. Be all of that to us, and through us, this very day. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, my suspicions of “liturgy” and “traditional worship” began in the late 60’s, when I came to faith through the Jesus Movement. My stereotypes were ill-informed and my theological understanding was infantile. Words like Advent and Lent—even the word “theology,” were “enemies of the state” of my new heart. I knew I loved you, and I didn’t want anything to rob me of my new-found life and freedom. I still don’t.

Hallelujah, your kindness, patience, and sense of humor are limitless, Jesus. On the church calendar, yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent—40 days set aside for “grace-ing” not groveling—an intentional season surveying the wonders of your cross, pondering the depth of our need, culminating in the explosive joy of Easter Sunday.

Whether we observe Lent or not—that is an awesome cycle to celebrate. It’s kind of like marriage—I may theoretically say I want to keep on dating Darlene, make our relationship a priority, fuel our intimacy and connection. But if I never plan anything—if I never set aside time, heart-energy, and physical presence…. well, theoretical intimacy is just that, theoretical. It’s just as true in our relationship—in our marriage to you, Jesus. Without intentional seasons of planned reflection and connection, we drift—you don’t drift, but we drift into coolness of heart towards you, emotional disconnect, and worse.

Jesus, you are the perfect Bridegroom who died to make us your cherished Bride. Through the Gospel, our Father has given us to you. The “dowry” is paid in full, our wedding dress is your righteousness, the wedding Day is set, and the eternal “venue” is the new heaven and new earth. Lent or no Lent, Jesus, we want to seek your face and heart afresh in the upcoming weeks. As many of us move from Winter to Spring, recapture, renew, and re-enflame our hearts.

Truly, Jesus, bring us into a season in which we lament our heart drift from you. Enable us to see and repent of how we have given our hearts to lesser loves, and a lifestyle and pace that marginalizes you. You remember the love we first had for you; help us remember. Between now and Easter Sunday (March 31), humble, gentle, and re-center us, Jesus. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, by the Gregorian Calendar, today is Valentine’s Day—a day set aside for celebrating the gift of romantic love. When it comes to romance, our stories are marked by the vulnerability of attraction and the naïveté of infatuation. Then throw in corresponding portions of wonder and disaster, make up and heartbreak, fun and fiasco, deep connecting and “it’s never enough.”

All love whispers, hints, and points to a greater love—the greatest love. On the Calendar of Grace, every day is the perfect day for remembering and reveling in the widest, highest, deepest and longest love imaginable—your great love for us, Jesus (Eph. 3:14-19). No human relationship or storybook romance, torrid love affair or the healthiest marriage imaginable, can give us what we only find in you.

You are the ultimate Spouse—the one we always dreamt about, longed for, and hoped we’d find (Eph. 5:25-32). Every human marriage is temporary; only marriage to you is forever. In fact, as believers, we are already more married to you, Jesus, than we will ever be to a human spouse (2 Cor.11:2-3). Make this real to us—deeply satisfying, wondrously freeing, utterly transforming.

Nothing compares with being able to say, “I am my beloved’s and his desire is for me”—with you as the “beloved,” Jesus, and us are the “desired” ones. Until we join you face to face at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb, may your love inhabit, shape, and fuel all other loves. So Very Amen.

Dear Jesus, relationships… Oh the rapture and the rupture, the highs and the lows, the glory of deep connecting and seasons of feeling like total strangers—if not enemies. Our relationships confirm that we have “eternity in our hearts” (Eccl.3:11), God’s image in our DNA (Gen.1:26-27), and a gigantic need for redemption only you can provide. Hallelujah… you freely and fully “oblige.”

You made us for yourself, Jesus, and our deepest, most powerful, and most insatiable longings for relationship can only be met by you. You are our Ultimate Spouse (2Cor.11:2) and friend (Jn.15:13-15). No other adoring mate, legion of “perfect” friends, boss, peers, or neck-hugging gaggle of kids and grands can take your place. They are gifts, but you are the Gift and giver of all good things.

When we are most alive to your beauty, grace, and goodness—to the reality of our being “chosen, set apart, and dearly loved” by you—that’s when we are our freest and fullest… most sane, most healthy, most at peace. Make it so Jesus. Make it so again and again and again.

Knowing you as you intend puts every other relationship into perspective. We can deeply enjoy and treasure others without making them our Treasure, idol, or reason for being. Jesus, in these upcoming weeks, please fill our hearts to overflowing with yourself. Then fill our thoughts, words, and hands with your “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” for others. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, since reverence means “to offer a fitting response to a greater,” then King David invites us to rethink our old notions of what it means to truly revere you. Your love “undid” David, then “re-did” him. Oh, to know you in such a heart-thrilling, soul-satisfying, life-liberating way. Praising lips, raised hands, satisfied soul… all in response to the way you love us.

By the work of the Spirit, take us on a fresh journey into the geography of your great love for us—it’s width, length, height, and depth (Eph. 3:17-19). Nothing is more compelling, transforming, and counterintuitive than your love. Your love isn’t “like” anything; it is the meaning, magnificence, and measure of our deepest craving for connection and affection. As Charles Wesley taught us to sing, your loves is “pure, unbounded, divine, and excels all other loves.” Jesus, make us blush with astonishment, for this is the way you love us.

During a week when human romance will be exalted (A heads-up: Valentine’s Day is Wednesday!), may your “better-than-life-love” shatter all comparisons, fuel our gratitude for the Gospel, and compel us to love others with great delight and kindness.

David danced with shame-free joy because the Ark of the Covenant was returned to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:1-23). How much more so should we live with shame-free joy before you? Your empty tomb is behind us. Your occupied throne is above us. Your righteousness is wrapped around us. Your Spirit’s presence is inside us. Your return is barreling towards us… Jesus, thank you for loving us as you do. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, there’s so much goodness in the “3’s” filling the Bible. First and foremost, there’s you, the Father, and the Holy Spirit—our glorious Triune God. Then there’s the three offices you perfectly fulfill—Prophet, Priest, and King. That’s just for starters.

For we also have Paul’s “faith, hope, and love” (I Cor. 13:13), Jude’s “called, loved, and kept” (Jude 1:1), and John’s “grace, mercy, and peace” 2 John 1:3). Today we want to pray yet another Gospel-saturated triad deep into our hearts and the rhythm of our lives. Free us, help us, grace us, Jesus.

    Joyful in Hope: Jesus, thank you for a future beyond our capacity to imagine or ask—”an inheritance kept for us that won’t perish spoil for fade” (1Pet.1:4). If we could smell the grass of the new heaven and new earth, and catch a glimpse of the “perfect everything” we’ll enjoy forever, our joy would be greater and our fear less, and we love towards the Day of all things new.

   Patient in Affliction: Since everything broken, sinful, and evil has an expiration date, patience isn’t a risk but our calling. Jesus, thank you. You’re working in all things for our good. Nothing can separate us from your love. And you’re coming back as our Bridegroom—to dazzle us with your beauty and make us like yourself. Hallelujah!

   Constant in Prayer: Jesus, we can pray without ceasing because you love us without wavering and rule over all things without exception. Prayer isn’t us finagling “Yes’s” from our Father, but discovering you are the “Yes!” to every promise he has made (2 Cor.1:20). We are blessed and loved beyond all calculation and capacity to absorb! So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, it’s not that you’re lonely and cold. And you don’t “knock” only when we’re spiritually cold, too busy to notice our heart-drift, or are in a season of prodigal foolishness. Here’s the glorious deal… you actually desire fellowship with us—not just in our “quiet times,” but all the time (1John1:3). When we’re well connected, you’ll take us into “deeper” communion. When we are out of fellowship with you, you remain tenacious in pursuing us.

You certainly don’t need our permission to enter any door. You could kick it down, climb through a window, or come in through the “crawl space”—but you knock on the portal of our heart each day—several times. Daily mercies, Gospel-manna, living water, your very self… that’s what you freely give us. Ignore your “knock”? That’s like lungs ignoring oxygen, a heart ignoring blood, and thirst ignoring water.

You know each of us, Jesus. You know how this prayer woos, rebukes, allures, and weeps over us individually. By your Spirit, make your desire for us impossible to ignore and unimaginable to resist. Restore, renew, refresh our fellowship with you.

If we’ve never been able to say, or if it’s been a long time since we truly meant it, bring us back to the place of declaring with joy and affection, “You’re all I want in heaven, Jesus. And being with you makes anything the earth can offer me seem empty and valueless. You are my heart’s portion and passion.” (paraphrase of Ps.73:25-26). So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, multiple times a day, something will capture our attention, ignite our senses, and elicit a response. It may be a memory-connecting favorite song, the aroma of bread, cookies, or pizza cooking, the eyes of a compassionate friend, or the feel of a tightline between our fly reel and a big trout. But there is one all-senses-seizing reality that we ask you to import into every day of our lives—John’s compelling vision recorded for us in our Scripture of the day.

Your impossible-to-count, every-nation Bride gathered in joyful worship before you. We will finally adore you as you deserve, and love each other as you love us. Jesus, this is the Day we crave more than any other. This is the true meaning and mercy-measure of all history. Saved by grace, healed 100%, and united for eternity.

Everything sad will become “untrue” and everything promised will be fulfilled. All things will be new and beautiful, and not one thing will be broken or breakable. Every evidence of evil, sin, and death will be gone. Laughter will never be louder and hurry will cease to exist. Relationships and everything will be perfect forever. Jesus, as surely as John heard, saw, and was “seized” by this coming Day, so do the same in us. Ignite, joy-fill, and liberate for mission even us septuagenarians (70+ year-olds). So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, I have no clue who Ethan the Ezrahite was—the author of the Psalm, but I love words, worship, and wonder-filled heart. Ethan loved your love, Jesus, and so do we. So, just “how wide and long and high and deep is your love” (Eph.3:19-19)?

It’s so wide it embraces everything about us. We’ll never shock you with anything we think, say, or do. It’s why you gave us your righteousness, Jesus—not a second chance, clean slate, and hug for encouragement.

And what tape measure can capture the length of your love for us? In one sense, it never had a beginning, because you loved us before the world began (Eph.1:4)—as mind-boggling as that is. And your love for us will never end, or even vacillate … hallelujah, about 1000 times over.

As to your love’s height—it’s source is in heaven itself, so exquisite and extravagant you tell us you love us as much as the Father loves you (Jn.17:23). Jesus, by your Holy Spirit, take that from our heads to our hearts into every sphere of our lives. Wow… just Wow.

And the depth of your love for us Jesus—a ocean is too mono-dimensional of an image. Because your love isn’t just bottomless, it has depths of texture, flavor, nuance, story, and thought beyond our imagining. Jesus, I usually have words for everything and when I don’t have one, I create one. But I am left nearly wordless this morning as I ponder your love. All I’ve got left is thank you, Jesus, thank you. So Very Amen.

  Lord Jesus, the story contained in these verses comes to us as a mercy-bomb, grace-lift, sanity-maker. You “leveled” a proud King Nebuchadnezzar, convincing him—and reminding us—that there’s  only one everlasting King (you) and one eternal Kingdom (yours). Since grace runs downhill, that’s always the best posture to take—not just for a pagan ruler, but also for us, your beloved people.

  Jesus, early in this US election year, we need to take these words to heart. You are already the ruler of the kings of the earth—seated and sovereign over heaven’s angels and earth’s everything, You turned Nebuchadnezzar’s lions into purring kitties. And his 7-fold hot flames became like 7 flickering battery-operated candles, to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

You do as you please—not as you hope with fingers crossed. In fact, you don’t “try” to do anything, Jesus. You just “do” whatever you’ve planned in eternity—whenever and wherever you desire. Nothing has been left to chance; everything has been left to you.

The main storyline in eternity, God’s heart, and the Bible celebrates (1), your commitment to fully save and deeply love your every-nation bride, and (2), to make all things new and fill the entire earth with your glory. Hallelujah, and thank you.

Jesus, turn our whimpering into worship, our fears into faith, and our sweaty palms into joyful hands lifted to you in praise and adoration. Stoke the flames of our heart-furnace to burn with 7-fold passion for you, and servant-love for our neighbors and the nations. So Very Amen.

Rest Well – “Rest in God alone, O my soul.” (Ps. 62:5). Lord Jesus, You know our restlessness better than anyone, because you often increase it to drive us to yourself. Thank you for holy disruption and Spirit-authored disquiet. Thank you for not letting anything or anyone satisfy us the way only you can. In you we have a redeemed past, present peace, and living hope. 7,000 Hallelujahs on this February Tuesday.

Savor Hope – “Hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts...” (Rom. 5:5). Jesus, this is so awesome—the hope you give us “does not” disappoint us. You didn’t say “will not” disappoint us. It’s a present reality with a fullness reserved for us. Our hope isn’t tied to being out of this broken world. It’s defined by Abba’s love already being poured into our hearts. Because of you, Jesus, God loves us as much as He loves you—no hyperbole, fine print, or strings attached.

Abide Forever – “Abide in me… As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love” (Jn.15:4, 9). Jesus, you are our permanent address and your love is the oxygen of our existence. We live from your love, not for it. Nothing, absolutely nothing is more important than living in rich fellowship with you, Jesus. Not occasional visits or sweet quiet times; not “summering” in you like in the Hamptons, Montana, or Vermont; not anticipating life with you in the new heaven and new earth… right now Jesus, we are to know, adore, and walk with you as our greatest good and deepest delight. Make it so Jesus. So Very Amen.

Dear Jesus, I’m almost two years into wearing “acoustic enhancers”—or as I love to call them, my “ear-candy.” When my tinnitus got louder and voices grew quieter and muffled, I knew it was time to get hearing aids. It’s great to hear birds singing once again.

Though I wish I could program my hearing aids to hear your voice more clearly and louder than any other voice—alas, that’s a work of your Spirit, not something I can setup in my iPhone “app.” We’re grateful that you’re always speaking to us Jesus—always. Through the Bible, in creation, by your Spirit within our spirits—through friends we can trust, and other means you appoint—you only speak grace and life to us, never shame, contempt, or harm.

Jesus, may this be a week in which our hearts are keenly tuned to the healing, freeing, hope-fueling frequency of your voice. We’re bombarded with the devil’s lies, the inanity of vanity fair telling us what to wear, buy, and be—sometimes our own grace-less monologue is the most destructive voice of all. Right now, on this February Monday, turn up the volume on these, your words to us…

“Who is it that condemns you? Neither do I” (Jn.8:10-11). Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away, for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come (Song of Songs 2:10-12). You are my “called, loved, and kept” ones (Jude 1:1). Your life is hidden in mine (Col.3:3) and I live in you by my Spirit (Col.1:27). I am your righteousness (1 Cor.1:30-31), and you belong to me (Rom.1:6). “Do not be afraid, I hold the keys” (Rev.1:18). Very Amen, dear friends, So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, hallelujah, the “keys” that matter most aren’t in the hand of chance, evil, accidents, the stars, or mere men. The keys to “death and the grave,” history and hope are securely in your hand—just like we are. And they are just as “un-snatchable” (John 10:28-30).

We don’t have to fear getting older, the next global anything, meteors crashing to earth, rain falling on our parades, personal catastrophes, or our families not making it on the cover of “Happy Families and Mature Children.” You have the keys, Jesus, because you are the key—the source, sum, substance, sustainer, “song,” and Savior of all. “All authority in heaven and on earth” belong to you (Matt. 28:18).

The implications of these affirmations are measureless, fear-sabotaging, and hope-fueling. History is your storyboard of redemption and restoration. You have the keys, Jesus… along with the steering wheel, GPS, chosen route, and perfectly timed arrival date. Hallelujah!

Forgive us for whining like 4-year-olds in the back seat… “Are we there yet?” Or an anxious backseat driver, “Weren’t we supposed to turn back there?” You are not slow to keep your promises, but are merciful—redeeming more and more, all the way into the new heaven and new earth. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, sometimes I read this passage and I’m tempted to think: This is impossible, except for people like Corrie ten Boom and Tim Keller. Or it’s an exaggeration just to make a point. You don’t really expect us to be this loving in this life. You’re just giving us a glimpse of heaven.

But that’s just my weakness, defensiveness, and unbelief speaking. This way of life isn’t tied to anything in us, but to everything in you, Jesus. You’re not calling us to love others as they deserve, but as you love us. No one is more patient, tenderhearted, and kind towards us than you. You’ve already forgiven 100% of our sins—past, present, and future sins. Hallelujah, thank you, but why do we take the riches of grace for granted?

Jesus, what’s really going on with us when we let angry thoughts linger in our minds, bitter roots grow in our hearts, and harmful words come through our lips? None of us are proud of this, and we don’t begin each day planning ways to be easily offended, defensive, suspicious, and snarky. Heal us, free us.

Certainly, “hurt people” hurt other people. But “hurt people” alive to your love have other options, Jesus. Until heaven, people will disappoint us, and we will disappoint them. Because this is true, your relationship with us, and our relationship with you, must take a higher priority in our lives. As winter 2024  will segue into spring 2024, start our heart thaw now, Jesus. Renew our love for you. Restore the joy of our salvation. “Re-Kind” our thoughts, attitudes, and words, Jesus. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, will Punxsutawney Phil get it right this year, Groundhog Day 2024? Will we have six more weeks of winter, or an early spring? Whatever he and the Weather Channel predict, the “spring” we crave the most is your return, Jesus—the eternal end of “winter,” and the perfect climate we’ll enjoy forever in the new heaven and new earth.

Until then, the one thing we can count on every year 24/7, irrespective of every meteorological possibility, is your grace. Whether we’re experiencing life as a gentle zephyr or roaring typhoon, freezing rain or “hellish” humidity, the bluest of skies or a total eclipse—your grace is the most certain, inexhaustible, necessary, and glorious reality we will ever experience. That’s true because grace isn’t a “something” but a “someone.” Jesus, you are the personification of God’s grace—the incarnation and essence of perfect love, sacrificial redemption, total restoration. When you were born, “grace appeared” (Tit.2:11). To be saved by grace is to be saved by you, Jesus (2 Cor.8:9).

The law came through Moses, but “grace and truth” came through you; and from your fullness, we continue to receive “grace upon grace” (Jn.1:16-17). You “giveth more grace” (James 4:11) because we “needeth” more grace”—more of you, Jesus.

To receive “sufficient grace” (2Cor.12:9) is to get all of you we need in any and every situation—your storm-calming presence (Mk.4:35-41), you as the complete armor of God (Eph.6:10-18), you as our very life and guarantee of glory (Col.3:1-4). Thank you, Jesus. Thank you. How fitting that the very last verse of the Bible is “the grace of the Lord Jesus be with all” (Rev.22:21). Until you return and usher in the “eternal-Spring,” you are all we truly need. Hallelujah! So Very Amen.

   Lord Jesus, I love these 4 affirmations… “You are mine.” “You are free.” “I love you.” “Don’t be afraid.”—especially since you are the one speaking to me—and each of us. They are heart-peace, heaven-chocolate, and all I need on this, my 74^th birthday. So thank you… big time.

As a kid, I remember thinking if I lived to be 70, I’d be bent over with aging bones, float my dentures in Polident at night, be a mall walker by day (well, that does happen)—with little energy, breath, while incessantly talking about the “good ole days.” I’m so glad that’s not true, Jesus, but would trust you for grace if that had been my story. The truth is, I feel better at 74 than I did at 54. Stress can rob us as surely as the lies of the devil.

Today I reaffirm that which is gladdening and humbling at the same time: “All the days ordained for me were written in your book...” (Ps.139:16). Jesus, I won’t die one minute before you will it. And yet I will die. I have no clue if I’m in my last decade, year, or month; but I do know the Gospel has never been more real, precious, and astonishing to me. And I’ve never had less fear of death, and more excitement about our coming life in the new heaven and new earth.

Jesus, until my last breath here and first one in heaven, I want to come more alive to your truth, goodness, and beauty. I want to love others as you love me. I want to invest my remaining days in your commitment to make all things new and beautiful. So Very Amen.

Heavenly Father, this is a stunning story with a shocking outcome. Thank you for authoring it. Joseph’s brothers trafficked him to pagan strangers. Then he lived 13 years in an Egyptian prison. And after all that, here Joseph stands, confronting his brothers with their evil and proclaiming your sovereignty over the same evil. Then he speaks kindly and provides generously for them. This triggers all kinds of feelings, raises all kinds of questions.

The good you brought out of this evil is profound—but the evil itself is disturbing. Joseph’s brothers didn’t get a pass; they were “heavenly-humbled” and experienced your radical grace. But Genesis 50:20 didn’t become a Biblical Band-Aid by which we are to heal anybody’s wounds lightly—like false prophets tried to do (Jer.6:14). Abba, you hate evil, and sent Jesus to defeat the devil and eradicate all evil one Day. Thank you. Hasten that Day.

So how do we relate to this story? Whether our deepest hurts and hardest stories come through weaponized cruelty, life in a fallen world, tragic accidents, or our own hands—the devil intends to use these things as evil for more evil. Will we let him? That’s such an important question. Father, we are desperate for your help with this.

We don’t understand the mystery of your sovereignty over all things, and your commitment to work in all things for our good (Rom.8:28). But we count on it, wrestle with it, rest in it, and cannot fathom life without it. Help us, Father. Keep revealing more of Jesus to us. So Very Amen.

Dear Jesus, this is a diverse tapestry of stories, maladies, cries for mercy, and gifts of healing. From tummy aches to apostasy, your sovereignty, love, and grace are the connecting realities.

Some of us have stress fractures in our bones, some carry stress no x-ray can reveal. Some of us have broken spirits, some need joint replacements. Some of us have cancer cells living inside us; some have the cancer of unbelief enslaving us. Whatever our condition, our greatest consolation is hearing you speak to us through Hosea, “My love knows no bounds.”

Jesus, until the Day of perfect health, we will seek to take care of these “tents” in which we live (2 Cor. 5:1-5). Less sugar and more worship, a “little wine” and consistent exercise, the good medicine of a “cheerful heart” and the prescribed meds of trustworthy doctors, elders who anoint and friends who pray—Jesus, however we can best honor you, that’s what we want more than we crave ten years of pain-free living.

Whether our healing is instant, progressive, off and on, or not till heaven—you have guaranteed it. We unabashedly ask for supernatural 100% instantaneous healing. But if you choose to give us “sufficient grace” instead (like Paul in 2 Cor. 12:7-12), we might whine at first, but we will be grateful forever. So Very Amen.

Dear Jesus, we say it way too glibly—”I’ve be saved by God’s grace through faith—from beginning to end.” But that’s the most revolutionary, liberating, peace-giving, hope-fueling affirmation we can make. Hallelujah!

Our works could have never saved us, but you did save us unto a life of good works—of grace-works (Eph.2:8-10). We know the Gospel put an end to all earning, but not to all effort. As you have “graced” us, so you call us to “grace” others. Here are 7 grace-works we ask you to help us with this week.

• Take care of yourself: Preach the Gospel to yourself daily, seeking to “dazzle” your heart with Jesus, by feasting at the buffet of his grace. That way we’ll have copious grace to share with others.
• Bring your friends, family, and co-workers to the throne of grace daily, or at least spontaneously. It’s hard to maintain “irritable heart syndrome” towards someone we’re consistently bringing to Jesus.
• Catch each other “doing it right”, not just “doing it wrong”. Encouragement is Miracle-Grow fertilizer yielding fruit today and for eternity. We’ll never over-encourage, but we over-criticize way too often.
• Proactively, invest emotional cash in relationships so when withdrawals are made, there’s actually a balance to draw on. Conflict is inevitable, but redemptive conflict requires “grace in the tank.”
• Overlook as much as you can, without falling into denial or reinforcing foolishness.
• Be the first person in your relationships to repent—that is, the first to get humble, own “stuff,” and “make it right.”
• Outdo one another in kindness, assuming the best of each other, and speaking “body-language-grace” better than most.

SO VERY AMEN

Dear Jesus, I’ll never forget the day when I uttered these words, “Don’t give me theology, just give me Jesus.” Insufferable with new-believer arrogance, I had no clue what I was saying. But then, as today, you were longsuffering with your mercy, grace, and kindness.

There’s always more to you, Lord Jesus… always. This one verse, alone, shows you to be more than I could have imagined or hoped. I would have settled for a “Jesus” that would get me to heaven when I die. But you are…

The only Prophet we need—the “faithful witness” to God’s glory and all things. God’s final word to us (Heb.1:1-3)—the meaning of the entire Bible (Luke 24:27) and the “Yes” to every promise God has made (2Cor.1:30). Everything you say can be trusted.

The perfect Priest for whom we are desperate. What a glorious title—“the firstborn from the dead.” By your death, Jesus, you offered the one sacrifice that has eternally reconciled us to our Father. By your resurrection, you ever live to serve us as our great and grace-full high priest. Thank you!

The unrivaled King in whom we trust—sovereign over all kings, every crisis, and each day in the history of the cosmos. Hallelujah! You “love us and have freed us from our sins by your blood. You have made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God and Father—to you be glory and power for ever and ever” (Rev.1:6).

Jesus, with you as our Prophet, Priest, and King, how can we keep from loving and serving you with everything we have and are? “Just give me Jesus,” indeed—the Jesus that you actually are. So Very Amen.

Dear Jesus, thank you for calling us into your story of redemption, renewal, and restoration. Your kingdom could advance in any number of ways, but you are pleased to use us as the pen through which you are writing stories of salvation, liberation, and healing. We’re not just biding our time till heaven. We’re not just enduring the crazy, evil, and decay until we can “get out of here.” We are a part of your eternal plan to make all things new.

Your kingdom has come in part with your resurrection, and it will come in fullness at your return. Hallelujah and thank you. There is plenty of heartache to go around, but there are 10,000 more reasons to live with hope. If we could only see, hear, smell, and heart-engage with John’s vision of our coming life in the new heaven and new earth (Rev.21:1-22:6), we too would fall down in face-plant worship, whole-being peace, and joy-filled anticipation (Rev.22:8).

But Jesus—today, Saturday, January 27, 2024 and every day, we want to “hitch our rejoicing wagon” to the right “stallion”—to the source of the deepest, greatest, most circumstance-transcending joy. Jesus, thank you for writing our names in heaven. We may stop breathing, but we will never die. We may have doubts about a lot of things, but we don’t have to live with doubt about the life to come. Never less, always more, we want to rejoice that our names are written with the permanent ink of your indelible grace in the only book that matters. Thank. You. Jesus. So Very Amen.

Heavenly Father, fear, unbelief, and blame—they are experts at peace-thievery and grace-larceny. We shake our heads in disbelief that the Israelites preferred slavery in Egypt over trusting you in the wilderness. But we have our own version of that same story. Hallelujah, you opened the Red Sea for them, but you opened Jesus’ tomb for us.

What is our version of “returning to Egypt”? We know the Gospel is true, but it’s not always “real” or enough for us. The most familiar and alluring form of “Egypt” is some form of performance-ism. Achieving is easier than receiving—or so we think, especially when we’re vulnerable.

Whether the GPS of our “promised land” is in the region of religion or romance, appearance or approval, success or security—“doing” comes more naturally to us than trusting. We’d rather make “straw-less bricks” with our own hands, while eating “onions and leeks,” than believe you will give us everything we truly need in and by Jesus.

Your grace is for the helpless and powerless, not the sanitized and clever. The Gospel put an end to earning, but not to effort. So help us get still, and stay still—which means to collapse on Jesus, feast on your grace, and “act in line with the truth of the Gospel” (Gal.2:14). You aren’t calling us to be passive and inert, but active and joyful in trusting you, Abba. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, if the question is, “What is it going to be like when Jesus returns?”, then this one verse highlights two realties I crave more than ever. First of all, as soon as we see you “breaking through the clouds,” we will be transformed to be completely like you. That’s the Day the Father will complete his good work in us (Phil.1:6).

You will be glorified in our midst—honored, regaled, worshipped as you deserve. And we will be glorified by you—made forever as Jesus-like as created beings can possibly be. It will be impossible for us to ever sin again—in any way, shape, or form. Every thought we think, word we speak, and action we take will be true, good, and beautiful. Please Jesus, the sooner the better.

That takes us to the second grand reality highlighted in this one verse. Finally and fully, we will marvel at you, Jesus. No more believing or seeing in part, no more mild mannered, polite, measured response to who you are, Jesus. Every wrong, incomplete, and unworthy way we’ve thought about you will be gone forever—purged, erased, vaporized once and for all by your glory and grace. Hallelujah!

We will stand in awe, fall on our faces in wonder, dance with unfettered joy… gaping, gawking, gazing at you, Jesus. And in that very moment, you will do what you have eternally promised. Bridegroom to his beloved, you will welcome us into the fullness of your joy, the fulfillment of our deepest longings, and we will live as your Bride forever in the new heaven and new earth. Jesus, I feel like I am able to grasp only about 3% of the wonder of it all. But, with my praying friends, I am so grateful the other 97% is guaranteed. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.

Dear Jesus, this passage reminds me that there’s “bragging rights” and there’s “bragging rightly.” There’s boasting to get attention, and there’s a form of boasting that gives all the attention and adoration to you. That’s the kind of “bragging” I want to specialize in, Lord. I want to delight, first and foremost, in you.

Thankfully—and at times painfully, you anticipate everywhere we’re tempted to turn when you don’t meet our “needs,” medicate our pain, satisfy our cravings. Certainly “smarts,” strength, and “stuff” (Jer.9:23) are three of the main things we can look to for our identity and security—but that list goes on and on.

You could have added, “The ‘beautiful people’ shouldn’t boast in their flawless skin and non-drinkable 6-packs, and romantics shouldn’t rely on their intimacy-chops and magnetism. The sports-adroit shouldn’t crow about their pickle-ball awesomeness and rappelling skills, and the religiously committed are nuts to count on their Biblical knowledge and theological correctness.” Jesus, You. Are. So. Patient. With. Us.

What does “bragging rightly” look like? It’s the humble, unspeakable joy of realizing you see, know, and love us as much as Abba loves you, Jesus (Jn.15:9). It’s meaning, not just singing, “My hope is built on nothing less, (or more or other) than Jesus’ blood and righteous.” It’s the freedom to say with Paul, “Christ is my life and death will be gain” (Phil.1:21). It’s the Gospel-sanity of Asaph’s song, “You make heaven “heavenly,” Jesus, and when I’m alive to you and your love, my desire and dependence for things on the earth goes from a raging-10 to a grateful-2” (Psalm 73:25). Make it so, Jesus. Make it increasingly so. So Very Amen.

Heavenly Father, thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU! Because of what you’ve done for us in Jesus…

We will never be rejected. “Those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.” John 6:37

We will never walk in the darkness of a grace-less world and life. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12

We will never be hungry again for the only bread that truly satisfies. – Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again.” John 6:35

We will never die, even when we stop breathing. “Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.” John 8:51

We will never be put to shame. “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him (Jesus) will never be put to shame.” 1 Pet.2:6

We will never be forgotten. “Can a mother forget the infant at her breast, walk away from the baby she bore? But even if mothers forget, I’ll never forget you—never.” Isa. 49:15

We will never be erased from the pages of the only Book that matters. “I will never erase their names from the Book of Life” Rev. 3:5

HALLELUJAH… and So Very Amen.

Heavenly Father, this is one of many verses in your Word that begs for clarification, but I’m going to start my day with what is unmistakably clear, not what is perplexing—even offensive. You have been and are astonishingly generous with me in the Gospel. “All” that’s true of me this morning is that I’m 100% forgiven of all my sins—not just the many of which I’m aware. Jesus’ cross was my Judgment Day, and his righteousness is now counted as mine. You love me as much as you love Jesus—just as you do each of your children.

According to your Word, the affection you have for us is described as you greatly delighting in us and rejoicing over us with loud singing—even as you are committed to quiet us with your love (Zeph.3:17). This is stunning, astounding, and more wonderful than all the stuff I don’t like about the universe is bad, broken, and evil.

So here’s the deal, Abba. I’m not going to get “bent out of shape” about what you mean by telling me to love my enemies. I’m not going to spin my wheels qualifying to death what loving wicked people cannot possibly mean.

Instead, I am going to spend more time lamenting my ingratitude towards you, and taking to heart what John Owen, the English Puritan said: “The greatest sorrow and burden you can lay on the Father, the greatest unkindness you can do to him is not to believe that he loves you”.

Maybe that’s my wickedness, Father—disbelieving, under-believing, forgetting, marginalizing the riches of your grace. I really do want to be kinder towards others—all kinds of “others.” But above everything, I want to love you as you love me. I want to worship you with unfettered, unfiltered adoration. Thank you for being relentlessly kind to me, your under-grateful son. So Very Amen.

Heavenly Father, thank you for including the record of faith-struggles in your Word. Where did we ever get the notion that the “blessed” life was an easy, predictable, pain-void life? Between Jesus’ resurrection and return, we should expect moments, days, and seasons when we say both, “I am loving my life right now!”, as well as “How long, O Lord?”

We didn’t pick them up as hitchhikers—the mystery of your ways and your peace that defies understanding, were both in the Gospel-van before we took our seat. We don’t know, “get,” like everything; but we do rest in this, Sovereign Abba: You began a “good work” in us, and all creation, that you will complete. You promised Jesus and he came. After living and dying for us, you raised Jesus, enthroned him, and will send him back. Hallelujah, and thank you.

Until then, nothing will separate us from your love, alter your eternal plans, or be outside the “all things” in which you’re at work for our good (Rm.8:28). So here’s our Habakkuk-like prayer, Father:

When grace doesn’t feel sufficient and life is harder than the Gospel is sweet, we will worship you. Though people fail us, evil abounds, and your timetable makes no sense to us—even then, we will love and trust you. And when “mystery” is riding shotgun with us, while “peace” is in the trunk somewhere—especially then, we will collapse on Jesus. Your joy is our strength, Father, even as Jesus is our righteousness. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, when it comes to math, terms like “differential equations, normalizing vectors, or transposing matrices” make me break out into a cold sweat. I can’t imagine having to take the math portion of the ACT, SAT, or anything remotely close. But there’s one form of math your Spirit teaches us, the Gospel makes easy, and we’re called to practice every day—the heart-math of determining true and lasting value.

When it comes to assessing the worth, desirability, essentialness of anything—all kinds of voices, brokers, bankers, and opinions come into play. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. One woman’s “must-have” is another’s doorway to destruction. One generation’s “pearl of great value” is the next’s passing fancy and yawn. One couple’s “We will have made it if X, Y, and Z” … ten years later will be their “What. Were. We. Thinking?”

But Lord Jesus—in our most Gospel-sane, eternity-thinking, heart-centered moments, we know that you alone are worthy of everything we have and are. Nothing can compare with the “excellency of knowing you,” being known and loved by you, belonging to you, Jesus—now and forever. You’re not just the pearl maker, you are the Pearl. On this very cold (for many of us!) Saturday, we affirm this to be true… hands down, microphone dropped, end of conversation. Jesus, for the rest of 2024—reconvince, reconvict, re-establish this as our strongest passion and deepest delight. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, Oh, how we’d love to be saturated with the declaration, vision, and promises contained in these two verses. It’s one thing for us to have hope, but quite another for hope to have us—to live as those who are “taken over” and abounding in hope. Grant it Lord, for your glory.

By your first coming, you set us free from captivity to sin, death, and condemnation (Lk.4:18-19, Gal.5:1, Rom. 8:1, Jn.8:36). The chains of paralyzing fear, anxious uncertainty, fruitless wandering, lifeless idols, and the devil’s lies have been broken. Hallelujah, and thank you.

The next time you appear on earth, it will be as King of the cosmos, returning to eradicate evil and finish making all things new—Lord of the nations, coming as Bridegroom for his beloved bride (Rev.19,11,16). Jesus, we will see you as you are and we will be made like you (1Jn.3:1-3). What profound and transforming hope you have secured for us, and sealed us in.

But even now—the very day and hour we are reading, pondering, and praying these words, Jesus, you are Abba’s installed King (Ps.2:6), the “ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev.1:4-5), “our righteousness, holiness, and redemption” (1Cor.1:30), our ever-active intercessor, Advocate, and high priest (Heb.4:14-5:10). Jesus, make these true things real to us. May your goodness and beauty overtake us. So Very Amen.

Gracious Father, thank you… let’s start there today. by the Gospel you have enriched us beyond measure with the currency of your mercy, grace, love, and kindness. We can go on a spending spree with your grace because you continue to give us “grace upon grace” (Jn.1:16).

Give us courage, freedom, and wisdom as we seek to be generous with your grace in a wide range of circumstances. To be honest, in some of the places, stories, and relationships you’ve placed us, it’s easier to withhold your grace than to think about investing it. So we abandon ourselves to you for help, Father.

To “forgive as you have forgiven us” in Jesus (Eph. 4:32) is basic, daily, and not too difficult most of the time. But some situations require wisdom from above and a willingness only your Spirit can give us. For starters, make the truth of how you have forgiven us real, precious, and current. Without fresh humility and gratitude, we’ll continue to “call down fire” on certain people, rather than having any desire to spend your grace on them.

To “accept others as you have accepted us” (Rom.15:7) can also be “tricky.” Father, how do we accept others with whom we disagree on important matters? Show us how to be caring without compromising truth. Help us build bridges of grace, curiosity, and kindness… as opposed to walls of fear, self-protection, and self-righteousness. Help us choose the risks of a gentle heart over the certain dangers of a hard heart. Help us and grace us, Father. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, when Martha called your empathy and compassion into question, thank you for giving her grace and not taking offense. Though she “only” felt under-appreciated, there are times when we experience crises, stories, and heartaches that seem to contradict your compassion, care, and control.

When “darkness hides your lovely face” we become vulnerable to all kinds of graceless voices:

• The devil’s toxic whisperings … “Where IS your Jesus now?.
• Karma replacing the Gospel, telling us, “You’re sick because of hidden, unconfessed sin”.
• The narration of a cynical friend or weary family member, or nosy neighbor. Like Job’s wife telling Job, “Curse God and die” Job 2:9.
• Our own emotionally exhausted, pain-fueled monologue … “Maybe there is no Jesus. Maybe I’d be better off dead.”

Lord Jesus, though you don’t always explain yourself or fix things on our timetable, you will never “crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle” (Matt.12:20). The Scriptures are very honest about life between your resurrection and return: We will have days when mystery is more real than mercy, heartache is more tangible than hope, and pain is more convincing than providence. But, we will never have a Jesus-absent day.

When we’re angry like Jonah (Jonah 4:9), disillusioned like Job (Job.10:15), fearful like Elijah (1 Kings 19:3), doubt you like John the Baptist (Matt. 11:3), “beastly” like Asaph (Psalm 73:21-22), despairing of life like Paul (2 Cor. 1:8)… you welcome us, and meet us right there… taking no offense, only giving us grace.

Jesus, no one cares like you. No one understandings suffering like you. No one has done more to eradicate all “death, mourning, crying and pain” (Rev.21:4). Thank you. Meet us today, and meet our most weary friends through us. So Very Amen.

Heavenly Father, we carry many kinds of “cares” in life—small, mid-size, and large. Because you are the Father of compassion and God of all comfort (2Cor.1:3), we come and camp out at your throne of grace today. Thank you for your constant welcome and steadfast love.

When King David affirmed, “your consolations cheer my soul,” your kind of “cheering” is much more than a pep-talk with pom-poms. Your “consolations” are oxygen for our respiratory system, water when we we’re barely thirsty or dangerously dehydrated, and hope when we’re facing known weaknesses and an unknown future.

On this January Tuesday, we cast every heart-care we possibly can on you. And for the ones we simply don’t seem to be able to let go of, Abba, loosen our grip and take them from us. Bring supernatural deliverance for entangled people we love, your healing presence for friends overwhelmed with anxiety or grief, and circumstance-shaped grace for all of us.

As 2024 unfolds, remind us that it’s your year, not ours. You aren’t nervously watching from afar, you are peacefully working all things together in keeping with the perfection of your will and timetable (Eph.1:11-12). And you are working in all things for our good (Rom.8:28). You are so loving, faithful, sovereign, and kind. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, pondering John’s vision of your gathered, beloved, loud-praising every-nation Bride, ignites our longings for the Day of your return. It’s also a great way to remember the work of two Martin Luther’s—one from Germany and one from Alabama.

What’s the basis upon which this imperfect countless multitude will enjoy all the perfections of eternity? Only by the Gospel of grace that Martin Luther rediscovered in his 16^th century day. And how will it be possible for the most diverse gathering of humanity ever to live forever in perfect relationships, perfect harmony, and perfect everything? It’s the same answer and same Gospel.

Martin Luther King, Jr. helped us understand that the purpose and power of your grace isn’t just to get us into heaven, but also get “heaven into us.” Jesus, you have saved us to become like you, and to love one another as you love us. Hallelujah, thank you, and help us.

A Day is coming when all racism, trafficking, prejudice and tribalism will be eradicated—replaced with kindness, honor, and the richest community imaginable. There won’t be any insiders or outsiders—no “pecking order” or ordering one another around.

Jesus, at your second coming, all bombast, bravado, and braggadocio will be crushed under the weight of your sheer beauty. We’ll never disrespect or hurt one another again. No more wars, or even temper tantrums. No more harm or harming, in any form. Jesus, hasten the Day, and refuel our love for you and one another all the way Home. So Very Amen.

Heavenly Father, the Gospel is a waterfall of everlasting grace, an artesian spring of life in the valley of death, a lush garden of eternal nutrients for a starving world—and for our own hungry hearts.

Before the creation of time, you loved us and choose us for yourself. In the fullness of time, you sent Jesus to be our Redeemer and righteousness. At just the right time, you revealed the depth of our need and raised us to newness of life. Abba, we praise and adore you, for so great a salvation and so glorious a Savior.

We humble ourselves before you today in fresh gratitude, and a deep longing to become more like Jesus. Forgive us for being quicker to worry than to worship, better at remembering people’s failures than giving them your grace, and more likely to talk about how bad the world is than how sovereign and faithful you are.

Enable us to see Jesus’ beauty more clearly than anything else our eyes might land on. Free us to be spontaneously kind and fun, and less rigid and controlling. Change our default mode of taking things too personally to taking the Gospel more seriously. We want to laugh louder and seethe less, serve joyfully and encourage excessively … all the way Home. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, in our bouts with doubt, fear, sin, and shame, we are way too slow to seek you. For we fear being seen—we dread being found out, frowned upon, and forsaken. Such is the depth of our unbelief, and a sign of how little we actually “get” the Gospel. For you always greet us with compassion, mercy, and grace upon grace—always.

You know everything we know about ourselves and the other 98% as well. You know every way and every time we think, speak, and act in ways that contradict the Gospel and hide your beauty. It’s not that you’ve grown indifferent; it’s that you’re never less than perfect as our Savior. Hallelujah.

Because we are yours, we have no unforgiven sins. We no longer wear the burden of our guilt, but the robe of your righteousness. In reality, the better we know you—the more of your beauty we behold, your goodness we savor, and your truth we ponder—we will have more to confess and repent of, not less.

Oh for the Day when we will never again doubt your love or get disconnected from the power of the Gospel. Hasten the Day when we’ll never again get sucker-punched by sin, hide in the dark shadow of shame, or be less than radiant with joy. That eternal Day cannot get here too soon, Jesus. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, by your reckoning, there are two things we can’t get too much of all the way Home—encouragement and hope. And the best new is, you and Abba are tenaciously committed to building a foundation of good hope in our hearts, and giving us eternal encouragement each and every day. Hallelujah, and thank you!

How do you do it? First and foremost, through your Word. While hype, fear, fantasy, spin, and lies abound—real, trustworthy hope can only be found in the Scriptures—the Bible. And it’s all about you, Jesus. From Genesis through Revelation, you are the point, hero, focus of the entire Bible. You are the “Yes” to every promise our Father has made (2Cor.1:20). Hallelujah, we have true hope.

How does true hope become experiential, heart-comforting, life-empowering encouragement? By the Holy Spirit. Jesus, thank you for the promise and provision of the Spirit’s work in our lives. Though we can never lose him, we can surely forget and ignore him. It’s why you command us to seek and surrender to the Spirit’s fulness on a daily basis (Eph.5:18).

Jesus, wonder of wonders, you also use us as conduits of your hope and encouragement. Not flattery, which is self-serving fawning and manipulation. Not denial, which is conflict avoidant, peace-fakery. Not calling down fire and shaming, which both contradict the way of the Gospel. Not becoming doormats, but foot washers—loving as you love us Jesus, building each other up, speaking words of help, healing, and wisdom all the way Home. Jesus, may our necessary conflicts even smell like hope and encouragement.

Lord Jesus, no one knows our weariness, “overwhelm-ment,” blank stare, and empty tank better than you. And you love us better than anyone when that’s our state of heart, mind, and body. Thank you.

You know we often choose remaining in denial over coming into the light, bucking up over getting low, “putting on lipstick” rather than being vulnerable, quoting verses rather than getting honest. You know the different ways we “should-on-ourselves.” “I shouldn’t feel this way.” “I should be better by now.” “I should give up and run away.”

To all of us—to each of us you say right now, “Come to me. I will give you rest. Come to me with your burdens—your backpacks filled with the shame of bad choices and haunting regrets… the heavy bricks of your self-righteousness and do-more-try-harder… the weight and wait of your children’s survival and salvation… the combined “tonnage” of your disillusionment with me, loneliness in life, and chronic pain(s). Bring it all, but come to me.”

Jesus, whether coming to you is collapsing on you right now where we are, without moving an inch; or calling friends to carry us to you (which is one of your favorite ways of welcoming us and our friends); or whether it’s us calling a friend for whom we sense this prayer captures their story… in any and every case, the rest you promise cannot be found anywhere else. Time alone won’t fix anything. Time plus your grace is the way forward. Jesus we come. So Very Amen.

Heavenly Father, we come boldly to your throne of grace today—thankful it is a throne, not a hammock. We never have to wake you from a nap, for you remain in labor-of-love mode 24/7 on behalf of your people. We’re also grateful it’s a throne of grace—not a judge’s chamber, Olympics score table, or room full of hyper-critical Pharisees. Hallelujah!

We come boldly, not sheepishly, into your presence because Jesus went humbly to the cross on our behalf. He took our judgment and gave us his righteousness. Our guilt is gone, and along with it, all condemnation. The power of sin has been broken in our lives, and one Day it’s very presence will be gone. The war for our hearts is over, and Jesus won. But the “clean-up operation” continues. Thus we need your mercy and grace on a daily basis. For example, Father…

We confess nursing grudges as though we were giving a warm bottle of Miracle-Grow-formula to a baby. We confess lying when we tell people we are praying for them, but aren’t. We confess remembering sports, music, culinary, fashion trivia better than Scripture.

Though you told us to diligently guard our hearts, we’re pretty casual about it. Instead of feasting on Jesus’ beauty, goodness, and truth, we snack away on fast-food gossip, garden-fresh fears, moldy political silage, and all kinds “Honey Nut Cheerios.”

It’s not that HNC’s are bad, but if that’s our main diet, our teeth, gut, blood, and brains will, in time, mock us and pay us back. Father, forgive, free, and transform us. What will collapsing on Jesus, and getting up and honoring you look like today? So Very Amen.

Heavenly Father, for your steadfast love, we bless you. For your patience and kindness, we praise you. For your daily mercies, we trust you. Hallelujah… you’ve already declared us righteous in Christ, and now you’re at work to make us as beautiful as Jesus. Here are some of the areas of heart and life for which we need grace and the Spirit’s work—clear manifestations we’re not as Christ-like as you intend.

• We confess thinking of ourselves too much and marveling at Jesus too little.
• We confess it’s easier for us to rush to judgment than linger in your presence.
• We confess over-believing our fears and under-resting in the Gospel.
• We confess scheduling ourselves into bad attitudes and diminishing health.
• We confess indulging a critical spirit more than we seek your Spirit’s filling.
• We confess being more upset by the news than at peace through your Word.
• We confess making more of other’s sins and weaknesses than our own.

Father, thank you for the full forgiveness we already have in Christ, and the sure hope of being like Jesus one Day. We look to you for strength to repent quicker when you convict us of these and other sins. Humble us. Change us. Heal us. Free us. Thank you… and So Very Amen.

Heavenly Father, thank you for being incomparably, relentlessly, extravagantly kind to us. Through our union with Jesus, we live in a perpetual state of your welcome, compassion, gentleness and affection. “Hallelujah!”

And your kindness isn’t the “sweet” that you have to balance out with some of your “sour.” You’re not kind until it “no longer works,” and you have to be a bit harsh with us. Your kindness leads us to repentance; our repentance doesn’t lead you to be kind. Another, “Hallelujah!” comes easy this Monday morning.

We repent, Father. First and foremost, we repent of not believing you love us as much as you say you do (Eph.3:18-19). We repent of under-believing the Gospel, and everything you say is now true about us. We repent of assuming you just have to be like us—that is moody, subject to irritation, triggerable, radioactive-reactive when we “behave badly.” You canceled our sin, not us. You don’t “put up with us,” you put us “in Christ” (Col. 3:1-4). Even today you will use your kindness to lead us to repentance. Thank you.

We don’t need an election year to reveal how easy it is for us—even as believers, to “show contempt for the riches of your kindness” (Rom.2:4). We do so by justifying our contemptuous thoughts, words, and actions towards others.

Father, by the power that raised Jesus from the dead, enable us to believe and obey this one verse today, then tomorrow: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32). So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, on the “church calendar,” today is “Epiphany” Sunday—the day set aside to commemorate the inextinguishable light of the Gospel breaking into the pervasive darkness of our world. Bethlehem’s star led the Maji to Mary’s son—to you, the Creator of the stars and sun, Savior of “Gentiles and Jews, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarians, Scythians, slaves and non-slaves” (Col.3:11). None of us is beyond the reach, need, and riches of your grace.

Though most of us have never tasted an “Epiphany cake,” we feast every day on the eternal manna of the Gospel. And we, figuratively and literally, join the Maji in falling down with exceeding joy in deep worship. For, Jesus, you are the Light of the World, the King of all Kings, the Lamb of God who has taken away our sin. Of the increase of your government and peace, there will be no end. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah!

  By your life, death, resurrection, and ascension… ‘The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever’” (Rev. 11:15). Jesus, what a perfect way to begin what we call in America an “election year.” But really, it’s the perfect way to live every day, with any passport, nationality, GPS location or color of skin.

All history is yours. The entire earth will be filled with your glory. You are making all things new, beautiful, and right. You are redeeming your every-nation Bride. Jesus, as anxious as we are about our current world, we have reasons galore to be 100 times more euphoric about your now-and-coming Kingdom. So Very Amen.

Gracious Father, our salvation is a work we didn’t begin and you alone can finish. We never could have morally reformed our way out of sin, or religiously earned our way into your love. From beginning to end, our salvation is completely by your grace. We contributed nothing but our spiritual deadness and sin, and you provided everything through Jesus’ finished work and the power of your Spirit.

The “legal” status, peace, and freedom that are ours as your children have no parallels, and they cannot be measured. Father, I stress “legal,” because they are actual—not based on anything in us, but everything you declare to be true about us. Until the Day you finish making us like Jesus (which, hallelujah, this verse affirms is gonna happen), we look to you to make all these “legal rights” our personal delights. Humbly and boldly, we ask you to connect our heads and hearts in 2024. Along with Gospel informed minds, grant us Spirit inflamed hearts.

Make the truth of the Gospel intellectually clear, intriguing, and compelling to us. Make the goodness of the Gospel experientially more real and satisfying than anything else in the entire cosmos. Make the beauty of the Gospel—(which is Jesus, himself)—breath-taking, overwhelming, and whole-heart capturing. So much so, that repeating Paul’s words, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil1:21), won’t be quoting a great verse, but declaring our greatest joy. Make it so, Father. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, no matter what our weekend agenda already looks like—“chill,” scary, or happy medium, there is one thread we intend to weave through the next several dozen hours: Giving thanks to you.

Jesus thank you for…

• Being our “righteousness, holiness, and redemption” (1Cor.1:30). We are as “saved” as you are perfect. For everything you are and have done has been gifted to us in the Gospel (Rom.4:22-25).
• “Working in all things for our good”—no exceptions (Rom.8:28). Sometimes that’s really hard to see, believe, or understand. Even though your timetable and ways are different than ours—nothing has been left to chance. All things have been left to you, Jesus, (John 3:35) and you are making all things new (Rev.21:5).
• “Reigning over the kings of the earth” (Rev.1:4; 17:14; 19:16). We really don’t have to live afraid. We really don’t. You have “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matt.28:18)—not partial, contingent, or merely “spiritual” authority—but ALL authority—over our sunsets and sunrises, weal and woe, rapture and rupture, bounty and brokenness. That’s not fatalism; it’s awesomeness on Gospel steroids. You not only know who will “win” the American presidential election in 2024, but also who you’ll “sit down and set up” as mayor in Winter Garden, Florida, as monarch in Tonga, and as Prime Minister in Denmark… and the list goes on. Jesus, though I could extend this Giving Thanks list ad infinitum, I’ll stop with these three today. Make all three more precious and real to us than ever before. So Very

Heavenly Father, as your diverse and impossible to count children, you love all of us equally. But a gazillion times better than saying, “you love each of us as though there was only one of us”—you actually love each of us as much as you love Jesus. How is this possible? Because you have placed our lives in Christ (2Cor.5:17), put his life in us (Col.1:27), and count Jesus’ righteousness as our very own (1Cor.1:39). This is stunning, still hard to believe, and counterintuitive to the max.

Father, make this glorious, good news more real and precious to us than ever—especially when, like Paul, we experience hardships and heartaches that make us vulnerable to the quiet whispering and loud mockery of the devil. There’s still a part of us that believes a performance-based relationship with you is more true than the Gospel.

We hear graceless Pharisees in our lives (or the one who lives inside us) say, “This hard thing happened to you because you didn’t pray enough, wait long enough to marry the right person, please God enough, repent enough, read your Bible enough”… the “not-enough’s” go on and on. Father, thank you for making Jesus our “more-than-enough.”

Taking responsibility for our choices is one thing, but a big percentage of the hardest things aren’t to be blamed on anybody. But even when others are responsible for our pain (as was Paul’s experience), every hardship is to be stewarded as an opportunity to follow Paul in turning from self-reliance to Abba-reliance. HELP us, Father.

Can we trust you? Are you willing to meet us and bring your mercy and grace to bear—even when we have “blown it”? Father, you are “the God who raises the dead”—beginning with Jesus. Yes you can be trusted—no matter what our “this” is. Your name is Redeemer, not Re-Do. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.

Heavenly Father, I’m not sure if there’s one verse that does a job of defining the dynamics and delights of the Christian life. Who are we as believers? We are your beloved children—those upon whom you have had great mercy, and to whom you have given the incalculable riches of your grace (Romans 1-8). Hallelujah, and thank you.

How then shall we live? By keeping your mercy in clear view—that is, by starting every day remembering whose we are, and who we are by your kindness and power. This means we’ll never be too preoccupied, astonished, or “smitten” with Jesus. His once and for all sacrifice for us has totally saved us (Heb.9:23-10:18). We can (and will) become more like Jesus; but we’ll never be more saved than we are as 2024 begins.

The sacrifice we now offer you—the kind of worship of which you are worthy, isn’t a sacrifice that gets us more, but one that praises you more. It’s as shocking as it is liberating—we can’t be more pleasing to you than we already are in Christ; for Jesus is “our righteous, holiness, and redemption” (1Cor.1:30). But we can honor you a whole lot more.

We honor you by living a “set apart” life—not giving Jesus a part, even the most important part in our lives. We honor you by living as those who joyfully belong to Jesus—body, soul, and spirit—mind, emotions, and will. Father, until you finish making us like Jesus (Phil.1:6), intensify our passion and delight to honor Jesus with everything we have and are. We’re married to him; Jesus isn’t on our “side.” So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, yesterday afternoon, while the college football team I wanted to win was losing, I came across this quote by Henri Nouwen, “Forgiveness is the name of love practiced among people who love poorly. The hard truth is that ALL people love poorly. We need to forgive and be forgiven every day. That is the great work of love among the fellowship of the weak—that is, the human family.”

It had nothing to do with the football game I was watching, but it does have everything to do with the rest of my life—starting with my heart-orientation for 2024. We are to forgive others as you’ve forgiven us, Jesus—period (.), end of sentence. It’s that simple, messy, daily, and as costly.

The Gospel doesn’t call us to be floor mats others get to wipe their feet on, as they proceed to walk all over us. No… our calling is more costly than that. We are to be grace-portals through which repeat offenders (family members, friends, strangers—even enemies) are invited into a realm, a dominion, a province most of us know little about.

Abba calls it “the kingdom of His beloved Son”—which is now our permanent address (Col.1:13). The only way we got citizenship there was because Abba rescued us from “the dominion of darkness” and hid our lives in you, Jesus. The oxygen we now breath is a rich mixture of total forgiveness, unwavering belovedness, and inexhaustible kindness. Thank you, and help us, Jesus. We despair of giving 7-times-70 forgiveness, or 7-fold-forgiveness—or in some situations, even one-off-forgiveness if you didn’t promise to finance this costly way of life. The only thing that will cost us more is unforgiveness, resentment, and revenge—whose price tag is incalculable. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, what do we need on the first day of a new year? We don’t need anything new or novel. We need something really old—“old” as in eternal, with no beginning and no end. “Old,” but more present than our next breath, more fresh than the Spring 2024, more loving than we ever dreamed—and powerful enough to create, sustain, and renew the entire cosmos. Hallelujah, that narrows the field to you, Jesus.

As 2024 begins, our world feels scary, sick—meaner than ever and teetering on self-destruction. Kind of like the world in Martin Luther’s day (1517-ish) when he penned the sentiment we sing, “though this world with devils filled, should threaten to undo us…” (from, A “Mighty Fortress Is Our God”). But it’s the same world, demons, and threat the apostle John experienced when you spoke these everything-changing four words to him, “Fear not, I am!”

Jesus, in 2024, we don’t need to fear, we need to sing. We need to believe, trust, and sing with Luther “Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing—were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing: Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth His Name, from age to age the same, and He must (will) win the battle.”

Jesus, all we will need in 2024 is you and whatever you will and provide. You speak to us exactly what you declared to John and Luther—not “I was” or “I will be”—but “I am!” And what is your “I am”-ness” full of?

“I am the bread of life” (Jn.6:35). “I am the light of the world” (Jn.8:12). “I am the door of the sheep” (Jn.10:7). “I am the resurrection and the life” (Jn.11:25). “I am the good shepherd” (Jn.10:11). “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (Jn.14:6). “I am the true vine” (Jn.15:1). “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!” (Rev.1:18). “I am making all things new!” (Rev.21:5). “I am coming soon” (Rev.22:12). Hallelujah, Jesus, many times over. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, on this last day of 2023, meditating on this one verse, three distinct images come to mind:

  Sitting in my optometrist’s chair, as he dials in an updated vision correction. I’m not just prone to wander, I’m prone to astigmatism, cataracts, and “floaters”—physically and spiritually. Jesus, in a world filled with so many distractions, disheartening stories, and distressing scenarios, grant us 20-15 vision of you sitting sovereignly, actively, and joyfully on the only throne that matters. More than anything in 2024, we will need to see you, Jesus—more of your truth, goodness, and beauty.

   Absorbing the wonder of the Lake of Brienz, in Iseltwald, Switzerland for the first time… I’ll never forget the sensory overload of that day. I remember thinking, “If the coming world of “all things new” isn’t one bit more beautiful, “right,” and stunning, I will be satisfied.” But Jesus, it will be 10,000 times more perfect. Along with creation itself, we groan inwardly and wait eagerly for everything you have won and secured for us.

   Walking with friends through Auschwitz-Birkenau camp in Poland. But the hope of “all things new” isn’t given to us as a personal panacea or anesthetic to our fears and pain generated in this world. It’s meant to fuel our hope, engage us in your story, and free us to live and love on mission. Evil doesn’t get the last word; you do, Jesus.

I remember commenting to friends in Birkenau, “Even here, Jesus will make all things new. Tears will be wiped, and pain will be redeemed. Right here in this place where so much evil took place, God will fill it with his glory as the waters cover the sea.”

Jesus, thank you, thank you, thank you. Our labors in you will never be in vain because your labors for us are perfect and complete. For the year we now leave, and the one we now greet, we hear you say afresh, “These words are trustworthy and true.” Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, “finishing strong”—a phrase applied to all kinds of sports teams, but one that is also perfect for ending a year, and beginning a new one. For some of us, 2023 can’t be over too soon; for others, it may have been the best year ever. For all of us, finishing strong in your grace is appropriate—maybe even heart-resuscitating and life-saving.

What are other options? Well, we could finish 2023 paralyzed by fear, but who, given the option, would joyfully chose that? Or we could finish the year filled with resentment—which might feel good in the moment, but as 2024 emerges, it will prove to be the thief that robbed our hearts, health, and homes. Another option to finishing strong in grace is ending the year with ramped-up cravings.

Craving intimacy, longing for approval, the hunger to matter, filling the vacuum, medicating the pain, silencing guilt and shame, finding peace—somehow, somewhere… Jesus, all 7 of these—each one of them is good, and each needs to be honored. To say your grace alone is sufficient for each is simply to say only you, Jesus, are the resolution to each.

You made us for yourself, Jesus, and we will remain restless until we rest in you—for the first or “umpteenth” time. To finish 2023 strong in grace won’t be to finish strong is something, but Someone—in you, Lord Jesus, in you. It is you that we earnestly crave, and it is us that you intensely love, Jesus. Bring these two realities together in a fresh and profoundly freeing way. Thank you, and So Very Amen.

Jesus to Martha: “Only one thing is necessary” Luke 10:42.

King David: “One thing I desire of the LORD…” Ps. 27:4.

The Apostle Paul: “One thing I do…” Phil. 3:13.

Lord Jesus, we are so grateful you don’t “mince words,” “pull punches,” “beat around bushes,” or “hem and haw.” You never intended our lives to become fragmented and frazzled; but freed, focused, and filled with you. You don’t get your feelings hurt when you’re not “first in our lives,” because you didn’t come to be first, but our everything—life itself (Phil.1:21; Col.3:4).

Though, by your generosity, we get to do all kinds of wonderful things in life, you never hope to hear any of us say: “Here are the eleven things I dabble in.” Rather, “Here is the one thing that is my main thing: Knowing, loving, and serving Jesus.”

The Rich Young Ruler had many things—really, everything but the essential thing—you, Jesus, you. You had Martha, but many other things “had” Martha. King David’s unharnessed desires took him to destructive choices and outcomes, until you, Jesus, became his “one thing.” The Apostle Paul was capable of out multi-tasking any of us, but his “one thing” was “the excellency of knowing you” (Phil.3:8-9). Jesus, if this has never been true of us, make it so. If “it’s been a while,” we’re ready for that “while” to be over. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, of the many gifts you give us in this life, our friendships will keep on giving forever. For everything you’ll already shown us about our coming life in the new heaven and new earth reveals it to be highly relational, and a redeeming, not replacing, of the life we enjoy in this world. Though our relationship with you will fulfill everything marriage is meant to signify in this brief life (Matt.22:30; Eph.5:21-32), we will actually know our spouse better in eternity than we could ever know them in this life, and that’s really awesome.

So, Jesus, as “the friend who sticks closer than a brother,” help us relish, nourish, and flourish our friendships. A sure “recipe for ruin” is having a multitude of acquaintances, but nothing resembling real friendship (Prov.18:24). Make this a big deal for us in 2024. If we’re too busy for Gospel-shaped friendship, we’re not simply too busy. We’re “accidents waiting to happen,” under the spell of the master isolationist (the devil), and more vulnerable than an open jar of honey placed in front of Winnie the Pooh.

Teach us how to “love at all times,” the way you love us (Prov.17:17). We’re not always easy, pleasant, or fun to be with (kindly understated); so thank you for being a friend of “sinners” (Matt.11:19). Show us how to work and fight for each other’s joy, and not just work to make more money and fight to be right (2Cor.1:24).

Teach us the difference between flattery (conflict-avoidant, manipulative, kissing-up), and life-giving encouragement (Heb.3:13). An enemy “multiplies kisses.” But good friends receive and give the kind of heart-wounding that leads to freedom and healing (Prov.27:6).

Jesus, thank you for calling us, and making us your friends (Jn.15:15). We have some friends that don’t know you yet. May 2024 be the year they come to eternal friendship with you. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, Christmas closed the gap between your far-away-ness in eternity and the nearness of your incarnation. But it took the Gospel to close the gap between our far-away-ness from grace and intimacy with you. Hallelujah, you didn’t just close the gap, you obliterated it forever.

We now live in the grand reality of full justification from our Father, belovedness in you, zero condemnation for our sin, citizenship in heaven, and a future beyond all imagining. We are deeply loved. And we are also clearly called.

Our never-ending mandate is to love others as you love us, Jesus—not as they love us. That would simply be a “tit-for-tat,” quid pro quo (something for something), or an “even-Steven” transactional relational style. Instead, you relate to us with mercy for our messes, grace for our failures, and love in our unloveliness. Thank you. Really, thank you.

So help us love others as you love us, Jesus. Nobody can make us happy or holy, and we can’t do that for anyone either. But we can love anybody “as unto you”—as an act of worship, trust, and faith (Col. 3:23-24).

This side of the new heaven and new earth, we won’t have brokenness-absent, conflict-free relationships. But we will have Christ-present, Gospel-financed days. Will we choose to spend the currency of your grace? That’s the big, daily question. “Love never fails” isn’t a tattoo, cliché, or myth. It’s the most revolutionary way of life we can choose. It’s the way you love us, Jesus. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, many of us will merge into this day over-stuffed, under-slept, quite-spent, but mostly grateful. Whether our Christmas gatherings have been sweet and easy, or twinged with a bit of sadness and tension, we acknowledge you to be the “God from whom all blessings flow.”

And when it comes to doling out blessings, Jesus you do so perfectly. For you know the difference between our needs and pleas—between our short-sighted druthers and your “long-game” wisdom. You didn’t come because we needed a personal valet, party concierge, or on-call masseur. Our greatest need is for a Savior, overflowing with grace and truth. And, hallelujah, that is you, Jesus.

You understand messiness and brokenness—even your birthing experience underscores this. When you were one day-old, a “5-star” inn didn’t open up for your family—with hot tubs, great post-natal care, and a round-the-clock chef. Before long, your family would have to leave town for Egypt, because evil (Herod) was determined to eliminate you early—a chapter in your story the prophets saw from afar (Matt.2:13-18).

But with your arrival into our world, everything changed. The promised Messianic reversal and reign showed up right on time (Gal.4:4-7)—but in swaddling clothes needing to be nursed. Death began working backwards. Demons realized their days were numbered. The status quo would soon get the ole “heave-ho”—for yours is the only unshakable kingdom. Storms, disease, oppression, captivities, war, enmity, harming, meanness all got a “pre-pink” notice.

When you enter our “storms” now, we have peace even before the storm is over, because the hurricane will soon be a gentle zephyr. Even in the places where “death” visits things and people we love, the aroma of resurrection is growing stronger than the smell of death. Jesus, give us patience, perspective, and hope as we wait, and a lot of neighbor love. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, when you took your first breath—Mary marveled, a heavenly host appeared, and shepherds scurried. Herod plotted, Maji traveled, and history was divided between BC and AD. As for us, we are filled with wonder, love, and praise—for as the angel declared, you are our perfect Savior, the promised Messiah, and Lord of all lords.

As our Savior—you are “our righteousness, holiness, and redemption” (1 Cor.1:30). God’s favor now permanently rests upon us, we are his beloved children, and nothing can separate us from his love.

As the Messiah—you are the guarantee that every promise God made will be fulfilled (2Cor.1:20) Even we Presbyterians, Anglicans, and non-emotive types shout, “Amen and Hallelujah!” Everything evil, sinful, and broken has an expiration date. Everything beautiful, good, and true has an arrival date. “Beyond all we can ask or imagine” will arrive in full at your return.

As Lord of lords—right now, December 25, 2023, Jesus you are sovereign over history, hardships, and heartaches—all of them. You are “ruler of the kings of the earth” and of everything else. Demons tremble (James 2:19), creation is groaning (Rom.8:22), death is defeated (Heb.2:14), heaven is in awe (Rev.4-5), and we are yours (Col.3:3) We offer up another robust, “Amen and Hallelujah!”

We may not be in the “merriest” season of life, story, or circumstances, but with “in Christ” as our permanent address and “Christ in us” as our present reality, Jesus, our joy is great, our peace is deep, and our hope is overflowing. Thank you for coming to us, and for us. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, we are so grateful for the gift of another Christmas Eve. The next 24 hours invite us to fresh wonder, love, and praise as we reflect on the breathtaking, eternal-life-giving reality of your incarnation.

Every other king was first a baby, then a king. But you were first “the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God” before you became a baby in Mary’s womb and a Savior in our world. Indeed, other kings enter with fanfare and flash to impress. But you “came into the world to save sinners.” That’s what we need more than anything else—salvation as you define it, and alone are able to give it.

More than ever I treasure the Apostle Paul’s self-description as “the worst of sinners”—for I finally understand what he meant. What a healthy, free, “emotionally intelligent,” spiritually mature thing to be able to say. Paul didn’t waste time comparing his “badness” to everybody else’s.

On the contrary, he became more preoccupied with your beauty, goodness, and truth. As he did, Paul concluded that nobody needed your “immense patience,” daily mercies, and grace-upon-grace more than him; and therefore, no one was more grateful for it.

Me too, Jesus, me too. The more I see your loveliness, and the more I experience your lovingkindness… the more I see the greatness of my need and celebrate the much-greater-greatness of your provision. Jesus, hallelujah for the Gospel! Hallelujah for the riches of your grace. That’s all I need/want this or any Christmas. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, I was thinking yesterday, if a hundred people overheard the angel’s assuring words to Joseph about your birth—how many of them would have been disappointed, indifferent, or even angry? The coming of a Messiah who saves people from their sins is only good news to those who crave salvation. If I think my biggest need in life is to be appreciated, celebrated, and esteemed, I’ll seek a fanbase who “get” me, not a Savior who’ll forgive me.

Lord have mercy on us all—Lord have mercy on me. Jesus, thank you, thank you, thank you for coming to save us from the ugly reality, death-dolling disease, self-exalting rebellion, and deserved penalty of our sin. We are helpless and powerless, but you are mighty to save and generous with your grace. Hallelujah!

As we gather with our families this weekend, we want to do so in the Spirit of the one about whom you said, “she loves much because she has been forgiven much” (Lk.7:47). Jesus, how is it possible for us to forget the 100% forgiveness you’ve already forgiven us? When did we lose our awe, astonishment, and gratitude for so great a salvation, and so loving a Savior as you?

Give us Gospel eyes and hearts, humility and kindness for everyone we’re with this weekend—those who annoy us, offend us, miss our hearts, and act like sinners needing grace. We want to “wash your feet with our tears” (Lk.7:38) more than we keep score of our disappointments. Jesus, you are SO loving, patient, and kind, and we are SO thankful. So Very Amen.

Lord Jesus, no detail of your incarnation was left to chance, including the precise location of your entrance into the world. So “no room” isn’t commentary on inhospitable innkeepers. But whether because of an unguarded heart (King David), a busy, distracted spirit (Martha), a season of angry running (Jonah), or valuing human relationships above intimacy with you (Matt.10:37; Ps.73:25-26), it’s worth considering how the phrase “no room” describes us at the end of 2023. Show us, Lord.

Maybe the best way to recognize how you’ve become less central in our hearts (Matt.24:12; Rev.2:4), is to marvel afresh at how you have made room for us in your heart. When it comes to repentance, your grace is always more effective than our shame. Indeed, Jesus, we didn’t invite you into our hearts; you gave us new hearts. Only your love for us is better than life (Ps.63:3). Only your love can heal, fill, and transform us (Eph.3:18-20). In our most Gospel-sane moments, we know this to be true. The Gospel is the greatest welcome and intimacy we will ever know.

Jesus, whatever “making room” for the One who fills all things (Eph.1:23) is supposed to look like, we welcome you afresh. We welcome you into the place of our deepest longings… stubborn unbelief… undealt with wounds… “broken cisterns” (Jer.2:13), and complex web of relationships. We don’t want you to be first in our lives, Jesus. We want you as our everything. So Very Amen.

Heavenly Father, memory is such a “tricky” thing. Some things we remember with photographic precision—like how people hurt and the mistakes they make. Other things we forget way too easily—like the Gospel, who we are in Jesus, and how much you love us. Today we’ll try to remember where we put our keys, if we took our meds, and fed our pets. Our memory isn’t perfect, but hallelujah, yours is.

Mary sang about Jesus’ birth as the day you “remembered to be merciful.” Indeed it is, for Jesus is the emphatic “Yes!” to every promise you’ve made (2Cor.1:20). You made promises to Abraham you alone could keep. One of those promises was to create a nation (Israel) from Abraham that would be the “national womb” for the Messiah—your own Son. Faithful to your Word, in the fullness of time and grace, your sent Jesus to us, for us. And, hallelujah, you’re going to do that again.

This means providence—your Fatherly sovereignty—gets the first, middle, and last word in everything. There’s no panic in heaven, only peace—no lapse in your memory, just the perfection of your timing. The stars don’t have to “line up.” Nobody has to “play their cards right.” You’ve left nothing to chance, but all things to Jesus.

Abba, thank you for working in all things for our good all the time. Help us remember this, no matter what our Christmas is like this year. Until the Day you finish making us like Jesus and fill the earth with your glory, thank you for daily mercies, sufficient grace, and your non-stop care. So Very Amen.

   Lord Jesus, there are many things we love about this time of year: Gathering with friends to worship you during Advent and the 12 Days of Christmas. The awesome music that fills our hearts, cars, and malls. Things we get to eat (gluten-laden and gluten free) and sip (peppermint mocha coffee). Few things, however, are more pregnant with our “hopes and fears” than our family gatherings.

Our families tend to resemble the wide diversity of life impacted by your arrival in Bethlehem. There is beauty and brokenness, “angels” and animals (4 and 2-legged), tender hugs and awkward moments, empty chairs and new faces. For some families, there’s no dress code other than, “Please, just be there.” For others, there’s ugly Christmas sweater competition, “sit-down-dressy,” PJ’s, or jeans, or “whatever.”

Jesus, whatever the storylines and relational temperature at the end of 2023, we thank you for the garments of grace you have given us—the “heart-wear” of your loving kindness. As your seen, known, set apart, and dearly loved people, you promise to give us all the compassion… kindness… humility… gentleness…  patience… forbearance… forgiveness… and love we will need. Thank you.

But these aren’t “things” for us to do. It’s how you relate to us every moment of every day—when we’re “easy” to love and when we are a complete mess. Thank you, Jesus. As you love us, so love others through us this Christmas. So Very Amen.

   Lord Jesus, you are truly “ponder-worthy.” There so much more of your beauty, goodness, and truth for us to behold and savor. Not after our holiday preparations are over, but right now as our primary preparation. Choosing between “worried and upset over details,” and being smitten and grateful for who you are, shouldn’t be that difficult. But it often is.

We don’t know if our family gathering will feel more like a Hallmark Christmas movie, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” or “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” But with our gaze set on you (Heb.12:2), our hearts filled with “things above” (Col.3:1), and our thoughts in joyful-captivity to you (2Cor.5:10), we’ll see your hand and heart at work.

Grant us hope for our prodigals, mercy in the messes, and kindness for everybody. From eternity, through your incarnation, and now from the throne of grace—you are near the brokenhearted and patient with the “pig-headed.” Good Samaritans and bad characters, lepers and liars, tax collectors up a tree (Zacchaeus) and Pharisees in the dark (Nicodemus), “bruised reeds” (Isa.42:3) and “sons of thunder” (Mk.3:17)—you welcome us all.

Jesus, we want to rest and rejoice in you, period. Then, help us find great joy in loving and serving whoever’s in front of us. Free us from “needing” anybody or anything to be different. You are Immanuel—with us and for us, and that’s all that matters. So Very Amen.