Letters to My Lord

January 1

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

—2 Corinthians 5:17

Dear God:

Happy New Year…that is what is ringing in the air…and we are all wishing each other that it comes true. The Bible tells us that if we are in Christ, we are a new creation…and now we can say 2017 has gone, and 2018, the New Year, has come. What will we do with it? What do you have in store for us, for our families and friends…for our churches and our nation? Whatever your plan is, we need help in listening and following your instructions. So, to have a happy new year, please help us be with you, be in Christ, and be what you have designed us to be. Show us each day of this year what it means to be a new creation, learning from the old and looking forward to the new. Thank you for every day and what it holds for us and help all of us have a Happy New Year! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 2

Dear God:

Back into a routine today…after many days of anticipation, celebration, and joy. Beginning another year is often inspiring and challenging at the same time. Some are going back to the routine of last year and will continue on happily and successfully. Others may be looking forward to changing jobs or retiring this year, where there is excitement and also anxiety. I look at the New Year as a new potential, a time of renewal. There will be new opportunities for all of us…as long as we open our eyes, ears, and hearts to accept them. There will be time for growth…help us use it and learn the new that you will present to us. And there will be challenges for us to overcome with your help. I am looking forward to what this year will hold, for the things that you will share with us, and for the blessings that I will count every day. Thank you, Father, for life with you and for the times that we will be able to serve you by serving others! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 3

Dear God:

We are looking at a new day…one that may have questions, or maybe some questions will be answered! Please help us look toward these with open minds. Help us look to the answers that you will send. There are several who need your attention today…with medical issues, with employment issues, with financial or relationship issues. Please show us how to overcome each of them. Show us a way to guide us and keep our faith, trusting you will be there and provide what is needed. And give us opportunities to help those who need the assistance that we can give. We can count our blessings in the midst of the questions and be thankful for who we are and what you have given us. Thank you for this day and for the answers it will bring. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 4

Dear God:

Is it true? I read this morning that you want us to be just like Jesus…and you won’t leave us alone until you are finished! Wow, what a thought. You are remodeling us every day, adding a new shelf, taking away an old closet, rearranging the walls in our heart. You are a true carpenter restoring our foundations and decorating our lives with blessings. When our frames are crushed, you may even have to gut the whole room so that you can rebuild. All of this because you want us to be the best, to be all we can be, and to aspire and be just like Jesus. Thank you for all the work you do in our lives, the rearranging and the replacing with grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 5

In the beginning, God created.

—Genesis 1:1

Dear God:

In the beginning, you created the heavens and the earth…and you have not stopped creating ever since. Every day you create a sunrise and a sunset that are different from the day and night before. You continue to create the seasons, the colors change, the temperature changes, and the days vary in length. So amazing. You have created every single thing since the beginning of time. And better yet, you created us, each unique and special. You created our eyes in different colors and each individual hair on our head. But most of all, you created our hearts, and you put in them feelings, including compassion, concern, heartache, even envy and jealousy…and love. Please help us experience these feelings that you have created in us. Help us share them and talk to you about them. Show us how we, being created uniquely, can welcome others who are different from us and uniquely created as well. You are creating in us new life every day with the experiences and feelings that we encounter. Please help us see every day, every creation as an opportunity to grow and add more to our lives. Thank you for the blessing of creation that adds to our lives every day. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 6

Dear God:

Why is it there are so many who don’t forget to go to church and celebrate praises to you on Sundays but then forget about you the rest of the week. I was reminded this morning that you have made a home for us, we are to dwell in you and you in us. That, I think, means every day, 24/7, not just on your day…the Sabbath. Don’t let us be weekend warriors, visiting you as if you are at our cabin in the woods. Help us look to you and be with you every day. You are willing, you are ready, you are there just waiting for us to call…your number should be on speed dial! Please help us, nudge us, and remind us to let you lead us through the week as well as on Sunday. We are here to share your love and lead others to you, and we can’t do all of that in just one day. Help us stay living in you 24/7 as you desire! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 7

So, what do you think is God’s reason for putting you on this earth?

—Right from the Heart

Dear God:

So, why have you put me here? It’s a question that many of us have asked you…some of us more than once. At different times in our lives, maybe we hear different responses, also. As I look at my life, I have been blessed by you with so many experiences, so many opportunities, and so much love! I have lived in many places and seen many of your creations and the creations of talented people you have put on this earth. You have introduced me to many who have taught me, who have influenced me, who have shared their love for you with me…and I am grateful. Have I lived in a way that reflects who I belong to? What do you have in store for me next? What can I do to continue to respond to your call? I know there is more…please show me and help me fulfill whatever it is that you want me to do…the reason I am here. And I pray that those who read this can put their own twist on the question and realize there has been and still is a unique reason for them to be here too! Thank you for always giving me opportunities where I can share your love with others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 8

Oh Lord, give us grace not only to be hearers of the word, but also be doers of the same.

—Thomas Bacon

Dear God:

We read and we study, and we listen for your instructions and often hear your call. Today, help us be doers by taking action on the things that we read and hear. Help us do what needs to be done to make a difference in someone’s life. Show us where we need to go, and give us the tools we need to do so. Take away our fear of failure, anxiety about the unknown, and questions as to how to…and lead us to where you want us to be. We are your servants, and we are able because you have prepared us and talked to us and shown us your word. So, now, give us a nudge and send us out to do what we know we should and what you have designed us to do. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 9

Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you greater than any obstacle.

—Christian D. Larson

Dear God:

We run into obstacles, little ones and big ones, and sometimes we don’t know how to deal with them. Oh, some are easily taken care of; when we run into red lights all the way to work, we can say a prayer at every one. Others may involve another person, and we don’t want to impact them as we go through what seems to be an obstacle in our path. But if we remember that you are inside of us, you are with us, you are over us…protecting us and leading us…then no obstacle will be too big for us. We are your children, we are who you made us, and we have you to show us how to deal with every obstacle. Please help us today to be all that we can be. Help us look at the obstacles as opportunities…to learn, to share, to love, and to live. We can turn them around, with your help, and become stronger and live wholly. We can! Thank you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 10

We grow old as soon as we cease to love and trust.

—Madame de Choiseul

Dear God:

We have birthdays every year and add to our chronological age and sometimes think we are getting old. But not so. Oh, maybe our bodies ache a little, and aren’t quite as flexible as they once were, but our hearts are still young with the love that is in them. When we are able to serve others and be your hands and feet, we are kept young. When we take the time to share our dreams, our goals, and our testimonies with those around us, we stay young. When we trust that you will keep us on the right path, which you will guide us and we will learn from you…our youthfulness will continue. It is fun to watch the little children and know they love you unconditionally and excitedly. It is a joy to know that you can trust someone with your life and know that it is safe. And all of this keeps us from growing old, even though the years fly by. We are as young as we feel and stay young by loving you and trusting that you will take care of us. Thank you, Father, for every year that we stay young. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 11

Our God is the God who follows.

—Max Lucado

Dear God:

You lead and you follow us every day. You are the one who picks up the pieces when we fall down and are lost. You follow us when we stray from your path, and you guide us back onto it. You follow our hearts and talk to us when we are tempted. And you consistently follow us and woo us so that we will decide to follow you! Thank you for leading us and guiding us and saying just the right thing to keep us going. Thank you for this day and for what it will bring! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 12

Dear God:

Today I read about Martha…who worked very hard to please Jesus…and became frustrated because she wanted everything to be perfect for him. Sometimes we work hard to serve someone, but find that we are really only serving ourselves, our egos. Today a team will gather to serve several teenage boys. I pray that they all remember who and why they are serving. Help us choose to serve…with anonymity, not looking for anything in return. Help us serve with Jesus in our hearts, and remember that he served and gave you the glory. Help us look at his example when we accept the call to serve and know that we will be blessed when we do…because that’s what you do for us. Lead us to serve and give what we have to others…so that we can praise you and give you the glory in all we do. Thank you for opportunities to serve you by serving others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 13

Suffering may be someone’s fault or it may not be anyone’s fault. But if given to God, our suffering becomes an opportunity to experience the power of God at work in our lives and to give glory to Him.

—Anne Graham Lotz

Dear God:

There are many who are suffering…from cancer and the treatments, from unknown diseases, from anxiety and fear, from loneliness, and from loss due to death or mudslides. Whatever it is that we are suffering from, it may not be anyone’s fault, it may just be. Please help us talk to you about it. Help us turn to you to realize that you have the power to heal, to send opportunities our way to turn things around. You have the power to comfort us through this time, and the understanding that will give us hope. Please remind us that you are working in our lives and it is through your grace and love that our suffering will be overcome. Help us to always give you the glory for our healing and our perseverance through all things. Thank you for walking with us, for supporting us, and for comforting us and helping us love you through our suffering. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 14

God loves you just the way you are, but he refuses to leave you there.

—Max Lucado, Just Like Jesus

Dear God:

We are unique; each being is a separate entity that you created. We are who we are, and our experiences, both good and bad, help shape us into who we are. You love us and provide for us and care for us every day. And you keep showing us and leading us and giving us opportunities to bring us to where you want us to be because you want each of us to be closer to Jesus. I know you will never stop loving us, and there is nothing we will ever do to make you love us less or more. Please do keep on teaching us and helping us be a better us. We love you, and the only difference that can happen is that we will continue to grow and love you more. Thank you for loving us as we are, and for not wanting to leave us here but help us grow and be more. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 15

Dear God:

Good morning. I woke up this morning wondering about you and what you might be doing. You talk with people all over the world, at all times of the day. Are you talking to someone in Africa, or Italy, or maybe Japan or Ethiopia? Did I interrupt an important conversation? I hope not. But then I know you are capable of listening to more than one person at a time too. I hope you are talking to someone in each part of the world who will help spread your love to those who don’t know you. I hope that you will guide your disciples to serve and bring someone to believe and have the faith we need to become all we can be. We are thankful for our conversations with you. We ask, and you respond. We are comforted and encouraged by the time we spend with you. It is with great joy that I wake up in the morning and know that you are there, just waiting to hear from me. Thank you for this day and for what you have in store for us. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 16

Dear God:

Snoopy sets a good example for us, he’s a very peaceful dog. We can take a cue from him. When things get rough, he goes for a walk, and dances in the flowers. He enjoys nature and doesn’t allow others to stress him out. Please help us look at the peaceful nature of your creations. Help us chill out and be comforted by the quiet of the day. Help us take the time we need to put on some shades and a sweater so we can seize the day. You will hold us and comfort us and love on us when we take the time to relax and look around. Today might just be a day that we go for that walk and really look at all the wonders that surround us. Help us take the time to enjoy and chill out and let the stress be silent. Thank you for always walking through our day with us and pointing out what we need to see. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 17

Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

—Colossians 3:12

For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.

—1 Corinthians 15:53

Dear God:

Usually, when we hear the word clothe, we think of pants and shirts and dresses and shoes and socks…and yet you tell us to clothe ourselves with all sorts of other things. You want our spirit to be clothed in Christ, and our attitude to be clothed in kindness. Our days need to include humility and patience when we get up in the morning and get dressed. Help us remember to clothe ourselves with these things that really make a difference and affect others. Show us how to clothe others with our compassion and gentleness.

Today it is really cold outside, and some may not have the right clothing to stay warm, but when we put on what you have for us, we will surely be warmed from the inside out. Thank you for all the clothe/ing that you give us to wear. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 18

In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.

—Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Dear God:

Thank you! Thank you for all the blessings and gifts you give us. We don’t realize how much you really do for us. We are so wrapped up in our lives, in our jobs, families, and dreams that we don’t often stop to say thank-you! We have a routine, and we get up and get into it and just keep moving along, day in and day out. Sometimes we turn a corner and get lost…but you are always there to show us the way and turn us back around. Thank you! When we fight a battle within ourselves, you somehow figure out a way to comfort us and bring us peace. Thank you! And when we are ill, you teach the doctors to take care of us. Thank you! You are always giving us something, protecting us and guiding us through life. Thank you! Today, help us be grateful and count the blessings that you pour on us…we receive so much more than we give. We are rich! Thank you! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 19

I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

—Psalm 23:6

Dear God:

David writes about living in your house…not a physical one, but an internal one. Please show us how to live with you, to live in you, to be in your presence every day. Help us understand and be guided by the words that you have saved for us and shared with us. Help us look to you for the strength we need in times of struggle, and count the blessings that you send our way every day. And most of all, show us the way to living with you in us for all to see. It is with your love that we can serve and make a difference. It is with your instruction that we can be all you have designed us to be. And it is with your presence, your spirit in us, that we will be disciples in our daily lives. Thank you for this day and for the opportunities it will bring. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 20

Dear God:

Good morning! I am thinking today of friends and acquaintances who need you. They need a healing touch, or a compassionate listener, or a warm lap to rest in. Some are facing surgeries, some are going through painful treatments, and others are struggling with addictions or depression. And a few are facing the unknown…having lost their job. Others have lost loved ones and are alone. As I think about them, I pray that you will reach out to them and let them know that you are there with them. Help them feel your presence…and be