Today’s reading is Hebrews 6. 
“For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭6:13-15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/heb.6.13-15.esv
All,
This stands out because the writer of Hebrews says, “Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise.” Was Abraham patient? Didn’t he have a son w Hagar because of His impatience? Did God still fulfill His promise? Yes. However, Abraham’s moment of impatience resulted in major turmoil. Many leaders in the Bible had difficulty with patience. Patience is very difficult for me. However, it is a fruit of the Spirit and as we dwell in the Spirit, we get the fruit of Him. Please pray that we and our friends live in the Spirit today as opposed to the flesh. Please pray for Carla Miles to get reliable transportation. 

Today’s reading is Hebrews 5. 
“About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭5:11-14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/heb.5.11-14.esv
All,
This stands out because the writer of Hebrews says, “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” Do you see discernment as something that needs constant practice? The Word of God is so piercing. Well meaning Christians will take polar opposite views on very meaningful issues and yet both feel they have discernment. Please pray that we and our friends seek the Word of God today and obey Him in all our decisions. Please pray for Carla Miles to find and buy reliable transportation. 

Today’s reading is Hebrews 2
“Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭2:17-18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/heb.2.17-18.esv
All,
This stands out because the writer of Hebrews says, “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Do you go to Jesus when you are being tempted? Do you rationalize the temptation and convince yourself it’s actually a good thing or God will wink at it because of your makeup? It’s very powerful to pray to Jesus in the moment of temptation. Something happens that makes it easier to walk away or just not as desirable anymore. Please pray that we and our friends see the temptations for what they are and not be deceived into hurting ourselves. Please pray for Carla Miles and her need of reliable transportation. 

Today’s reading is Hebrews 1
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭1:1-3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/heb.1.1-3.esv
All,
This stands out because the writer of Hebrews says, “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” How does Jesus uphold the universe by the Word? In the beginning, God “spoke” and it happened. I often discount pray because I’m just speaking instead of doing something. Since we have the power of the Spirit dwelling in us, words have great power. Have you earnestly prayed to God your deepest concerns? Please pray that we and our friends take time to talk to God today about our main concerns. Please pray for Archie and Hollis’s group. 

Today’s reading is Philemon 1
“For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.”

‭‭Philemon‬ ‭1:15-20‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/phm.1.15-20.esv
All,
This stands out because Paul says, “If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.” How easy is it to forgive others when we realize how much we have been given. It’s tempting to keep track of what we are “owed” until we realize what someone else has done for us freely. How our perspective changes away from self. Please pray that we and our friends remember how much grace Christ has extended to us today and to be constantly thankful for His Spirit dwelling in us that we can rely upon. Please pray for the women enslaved to the sex trade today. 

Today’s reading is Titus 3. 
“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

‭‭Titus‬ ‭3:4-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/tit.3.4-7.esv
All,
This stands out because Paul says, “by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit”. I used to harbor a vast amount of unforgiveness toward someone that controlled my mind throughout the day. I knew I needed to forgive in my head, but I didn’t want to in my heart. I finally sincerely asked the Holy Spirit to take it away from me and eventually I never thought about the situation again. I can only think that the Holy Spirit was “washing of regeneration and renewal” over my heart. Please pray that we and our friends ask the Holy Spirit to do the “impossible” today and watch how He renews you. Please pray for Tyson’s group. 

Today’s reading is Titus 2. 
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”

‭‭Titus‬ ‭2:11-14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/tit.2.11-14.esv
All,
This stands out because Paul says, “Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession”. Jesus purifies us! How do we square the difference between Jesus purifying us and our responsibility in the process? Every moment today we will have a choice to rely on the Spirit or rely on ourselves. If we rely on the Spirit, does that mean to just pray and do nothing? No. God has given us many talents and gifts for us to put to excellent use all the while relying on God. Please pray that we and our friends do our best today while choosing to rely on the Spirit. Please pray for my children as my wife is on business travel for two weeks. 

Today’s reading is 2 Timothy 3
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3:1-5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/2ti.3.1-5.esv
All,
This stands out because Paul says, “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.” Do we deny God’s power? Or do we doubt God’s power. I deal with worry more than most and I can’t understand why I would ever worry if I truly understood the power of God. I have to remind myself all the grace God has already given me and His power has been evident countless times, but yet worry will still creep in. Please pray that we and our friends go to God when worry starts to creep in and ask Him to remind you of His power. Please pray for Tyson’s group as they are forming. 

Today’s reading is 2 Timothy 2
“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:1-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/2ti.2.1-7.esv
All,
This stands out because Paul says, “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus”. Where do you get your strength throughout the day? Do you have moments where you need to solve the impossible? Do you go to God before or after you can’t solve it? Why not give it ALL to God and let Him strengthen you? I don’t mean to just pray all day and not do, but to do both while solving the issue. Please pray that we and our friends seek God’s purpose today. Please pray for Bob Yarbrough as he recovers from surgery. 

Today’s reading is 2 Timothy 1
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:5-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/2ti.1.5-7.esv
All,
This stands out because Paul says, “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” How do we “fan into flame the gift of God”? Why are you grateful to God? Do your closest friends know the answer? How about a person you know well, but with whom you do not discuss God? Have you told God why you are thankful today? It seems we can live in gratefulness to God and give Him our best OR we can think we do our best in our OWN power. Which seems more productive and peaceful? Please pray for we and our friends to thank God for His blessings today. Please pray for Craig’s meeting with Mike Glenn today.