July 18, 2026
Lean on the Father
Once we begin to see ourselves as God sees us, our walk becomes a bit easier. We are often too critical of ourselves AND we accept (or imagine!) other’s opinions of us more readily than God’s opinion. His love is safe. He wants us to feel we are as precious as He sees us.
God says, “Never give up! Have I ever failed you?” And He hasn’t. Not ever. So why would He now? He wouldn’t. Our job is faith. His job is miracles. And love. So much love.
It is a blessing to listen to the Lord. He puts people on our hearts. He lets us see those who need a kind word or a spoken acknowledgment. I have often asked God to show me someone who needs a smile, extra groceries or a word of encouragement. For me it seems the most faithful way to listen is to send cards, make a phone call or just invite someone to go to lunch. The more we listen and obey, the clearer His voice becomes.
I often review the order in which I start my day. It includes texts, emails, and then my devotional reading. I listen to the news which is often unsettling and meant to trigger anxiety. We're blessed these days to have Christian music right on our televisions. I am reversing my order, to listen to music and do my devotional reading first. No unsettling news before I center myself in God and before I remind myself, He is in control of my life and my day! Selah!
Dear Lord, I pray I will follow through on all my plans and vows. It is good to review my habits and listen for Your input during prayer time. Help me focus on the hurting people in this world. God, please protect the martyrs around the globe, who suffer terrible things as they stand up for You. Bless America. We have this amazing religious freedom to line our bookshelves with Bibles in every translation and to freely attend any church we choose. Help me, Father, to not waste my prayer time asking for a parking space, tee-off times, or favor in traffic. In this large hurting world, Lord God, I ask for the character to pray beyond my personal comfort. God, bless this hurting world.
‘…casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ..’ 2 Corinthians 10:5