Friday, September 30, 2016

Pray, period. September 30, 2016

Boaz Ministries
Lord, as I spend more and more time with You, I can hear Your voice more clearly. Please open my mind and heart to Your will, and let me not be distracted by false teachings. Make me an instrument of Your truth, peace and love. Draw me closer to You so I will not be misled by traditions and doctrines that do not lead to You.

Bible reference: John 10:1-30

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Pray, period. September 29, 2016

Help me, Lord, to honor others with my speech. I want my words to lift people up, and not bring them down. I desire to bring joy to the hearts of others, not sorrow I desire words guided by the mind of Christ. Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness.

Bible reference: Romans 15:2; Ephesians 4:29

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Pray, period. September 28, 2016

Boaz Ministries
I know what You want me to do, Lord. I hear Your voice telling me how You want me to serve. Help me to put aside my doubts, misgivings, and fears. I want to go where You command. I know You will be by my side through it all.

Bible reference: Jeremiah 1:7-8

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Pray, period. September 27, 2016

Boaz Ministries
Lord, I don't understand what is happening in my life. I don't know what the future holds. I don't know where my path lies, what my next step should be. But I trust in You, Lord. In all my ways and days I acknowledge Your working in my life. I am confident that You will make my path straight.

Bible reference: Proverbs 3:5-6

Monday, September 26, 2016

Pray, period. September 26, 2016

Boaz Ministries
Lord as I go through this day, may Your hand be upon me so that whatever I do will prosper. I lift my concerns up to You, confident that You have my best interests in mind. Thank You for hearing my prayers and strengthening me for the work ahead.

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Pray, period. September 25, 2016

Boaz Ministries
Lord, help us be still and know who You are. With all of the world's demands pressing in around us, let us find rest and power in You. When everything going on gives us reasons to be angry or afraid, bring us to Your holy place.

Bible reference: Psalm 46:1-11

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Pray, period. September 24, 2016

Boaz Ministries
I look around me this morning, Lord, and I see everything Your hands have made! The trees, shrubs, grass, flowers, sky, birds, people - everywhere I look, Your hand is there. Help me to not only see all that You have made, but to feel Your closeness at all times in all that I do. I magnify Your name and thank You for all that You are - Creator of the universe!

Bible reference: Acts 17:24-28

Friday, September 23, 2016

Pray, period. September 23, 2016

Shine through me, Lord. Make me a light unto all with whom I come in contact today. Help them to see You through me.

Bible reference: Matthew 5:13-16

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Pray, period. September 22, 2016

Boaz Ministries
Help me, Lord, to focus on You in all I say and do; in every decision I make, and in every direction I take. Help me to make the most of each opportunity. My life's aim is to serve, obey and seek You. I do not know what to do, but my eyes, Lord, are upon You, and in this I rejoice.

Bible reference: 2 Chronicles 20:12 (AMP)

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

1 Corinthians 15 - The Message Bible (What I Firmly Believe, from the Word of God, by the power of His Holy Spirit)

1-2 Friends, let me go over the Message with you one final time— this Message that I proclaimed and that you made your own; this Message on which you took your stand and by which your life has been saved. (I’m assuming, now, that your belief was the real thing and not a passing fancy, that you’re in this for good and holding fast.)
3-9 The first thing I did was place before you what was placed so emphatically before me: that the Messiah died for our sins, exactly as Scripture tells it; that he was buried; that he was raised from death on the third day, again exactly as Scripture says; that he presented himself alive to Peter, then to his closest followers, and later to more than five hundred of his followers all at the same time, most of them still around (although a few have since died); that he then spent time with James and the rest of those he commissioned to represent him; and that he finally presented himself alive to me. It was fitting that I bring up the rear. I don’t deserve to be included in that inner circle, as you well know, having spent all those early years trying my best to stamp God’s church right out of existence.
10-11 But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am. And I’m not about to let his grace go to waste. Haven’t I worked hard trying to do more than any of the others? Even then, my work didn’t amount to all that much. It was God giving me the work to do, God giving me the energy to do it. So whether you heard it from me or from those others, it’s all the same: We spoke God’s truth and you entrusted your lives.
12-15 Now, let me ask you something profound yet troubling. If you became believers because you trusted the proclamation that Christ is alive, risen from the dead, how can you let people say that there is no such thing as a resurrection? If there’s no resurrection, there’s no living Christ. And face it—if there’s no resurrection for Christ, everything we’ve told you is smoke and mirrors, and everything you’ve staked your life on is smoke and mirrors. Not only that, but we would be guilty of telling a string of barefaced lies about God, all these affidavits we passed on to you verifying that God raised up Christ—sheer fabrications, if there’s no resurrection.
16-20 If corpses can’t be raised, then Christ wasn’t, because he was indeed dead. And if Christ weren’t raised, then all you’re doing is wandering about in the dark, as lost as ever. It’s even worse for those who died hoping in Christ and resurrection, because they’re already in their graves. If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we’re a pretty sorry lot. But the truth is that Christ has been raised up, the first in a long legacy of those who are going to leave the cemeteries.
21-28 There is a nice symmetry in this: Death initially came by a man, and resurrection from death came by a man. Everybody dies in Adam; everybody comes alive in Christ. But we have to wait our turn: Christ is first, then those with him at his Coming, the grand consummation when, after crushing the opposition, he hands over his kingdom to God the Father. He won’t let up until the last enemy is down—and the very last enemy is death! As the psalmist said, “He laid them low, one and all; he walked all over them.” When Scripture says that “he walked all over them,” it’s obvious that he couldn’t at the same time be walked on. When everything and everyone is finally under God’s rule, the Son will step down, taking his place with everyone else, showing that God’s rule is absolutely comprehensive—a perfect ending!
29 Why do you think people offer themselves to be baptized for those already in the grave? If there’s no chance of resurrection for a corpse, if God’s power stops at the cemetery gates, why do we keep doing things that suggest he’s going to clean the place out someday, pulling everyone up on their feet alive?
30-33 And why do you think I keep risking my neck in this dangerous work? I look death in the face practically every day I live. Do you think I’d do this if I wasn’t convinced of your resurrection and mine as guaranteed by the resurrected Messiah Jesus? Do you think I was just trying to act heroic when I fought the wild beasts at Ephesus, hoping it wouldn’t be the end of me? Not on your life! It’s resurrection, resurrection, always resurrection, that undergirds what I do and say, the way I live. If there’s no resurrection, “We eat, we drink, the next day we die,” and that’s all there is to it. But don’t fool yourselves. Don’t let yourselves be poisoned by this anti-resurrection loose talk. “Bad company ruins good manners.”
34 Think straight. Awaken to the holiness of life. No more playing fast and loose with resurrection facts. Ignorance of God is a luxury you can’t afford in times like these. Aren’t you embarrassed that you’ve let this kind of thing go on as long as you have?
35-38 Some skeptic is sure to ask, “Show me how resurrection works. Give me a diagram; draw me a picture. What does this ‘resurrection body’ look like?” If you look at this question closely, you realize how absurd it is. There are no diagrams for this kind of thing. We do have a parallel experience in gardening. You plant a “dead” seed; soon there is a flourishing plant. There is no visual likeness between seed and plant. You could never guess what a tomato would look like by looking at a tomato seed. What we plant in the soil and what grows out of it don’t look anything alike. The dead body that we bury in the ground and the resurrection body that comes from it will be dramatically different.
39-41 You will notice that the variety of bodies is stunning. Just as there are different kinds of seeds, there are different kinds of bodies—humans, animals, birds, fish—each unprecedented in its form. You get a hint at the diversity of resurrection glory by looking at the diversity of bodies not only on earth but in the skies—sun, moon, stars—all these varieties of beauty and brightness. And we’re only looking at pre-resurrection “seeds”—who can imagine what the resurrection “plants” will be like!
42-44 This image of planting a dead seed and raising a live plant is a mere sketch at best, but perhaps it will help in approaching the mystery of the resurrection body—but only if you keep in mind that when we’re raised, we’re raised for good, alive forever! The corpse that’s planted is no beauty, but when it’s raised, it’s glorious. Put in the ground weak, it comes up powerful. The seed sown is natural; the seed grown is supernatural—same seed, same body, but what a difference from when it goes down in physical mortality to when it is raised up in spiritual immortality!
45-49 We follow this sequence in Scripture: The First Adam received life, the Last Adam is a life-giving Spirit. Physical life comes first, then spiritual—a firm base shaped from the earth, a final completion coming out of heaven. The First Man was made out of earth, and people since then are earthy; the Second Man was made out of heaven, and people now can be heavenly. In the same way that we’ve worked from our earthy origins, let’s embrace our heavenly ends.
50 I need to emphasize, friends, that our natural, earthy lives don’t in themselves lead us by their very nature into the kingdom of God. Their very “nature” is to die, so how could they “naturally” end up in the Life kingdom?
51-57 But let me tell you something wonderful, a mystery I’ll probably never fully understand. We’re not all going to die—but we are all going to be changed. You hear a blast to end all blasts from a trumpet, and in the time that you look up and blink your eyes—it’s over. On signal from that trumpet from heaven, the dead will be up and out of their graves, beyond the reach of death, never to die again. At the same moment and in the same way, we’ll all be changed. In the resurrection scheme of things, this has to happen: everything perishable taken off the shelves and replaced by the imperishable, this mortal replaced by the immortal. Then the saying will come true:
Death swallowed by triumphant Life!
Who got the last word, oh, Death?
Oh, Death, who’s afraid of you now?
It was sin that made death so frightening and law-code guilt that gave sin its leverage, its destructive power. But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three—sin, guilt, death—are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God!
58 With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.

Pray, period. September 21, 2016

Boaz Miinistries
Lord, show me the strength that comes in silence. Show me how to be calm and peaceful when surrounded by chaos. Lord, I know, but help me to feel the strength of Your love, even when my heart is broken, even in my time of grief. Hold me, Lord.

Bible reference: Lamentations 3:25-33

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Pray, period. September 20, 2016

O Lord, I know I have been in seasons where spiritually my heart is hardened and far away from You. I've blamed You for not answering my prayers. But I know I need to draw closer, and stay close to You through study of Your Word and prayer. Soften my heart so that the seeds You are planting within me can grow and bless others.

Bible reference: Luke 8:4-8

Monday, September 19, 2016

Pray, period. September 19, 2016

Boaz Ministries
Lord, here I am trying to take on this work and others are trying to intimidate me, telling me there is no way I can meet the challenge. But I have faith in You. I know that with You in my life, I can do whatever You call me to do. Help me not let others dissuade me from my goal. Give me the faith that David sought from You, the kind that does not waver but goes boldly forward.

Bible reference: Nehemiah 6:9; Philippians 4:13

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Pray, period. September 18, 2016

Boaz Ministries
Lord, this morning I feel bitterness. I have anger in my heart, and words I want to say that I know I shouldn't. Help me not to avenge my honor with evil words. Give me Your tender heart. Help me to forgive the one who has hurt me, just as You forgave me. Make this a new morning. Wipe the slate clean. I want to live as You did, Lord, with gentle words, a peaceful spirit, and a loving heart.

Bible reference: Ephesians 4:31-32

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Pray, period. September 17, 2016

Boaz Ministries
You have filled my mouth with laughter! My tongue is singing Your praises, Lord! Others see me and say, "Wow! Look what the Lord has done for her!" I am so alive in You this morning.Thank You, Jesus, for making me whole and happy in You!





Psalm: 126:2-3; Psalm 96; Psalm 100

Friday, September 16, 2016

Pray, period. September 16, 2016

Boaz Ministries
Thank You, Lord, that Your Word is true. Sometimes it's hard to discern truth from a lie or from the half-truths that bombard me daily. I want to know the truth and live it. Help me to look to Your Word, not this world, as my instruction manual.





Bible reference: John 17:17; Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 2:15

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Pray, period. September 15, 2016

Boaz Ministries
Each morning I ask myself where my heart is, Lord. Because I'm listening to You more and more, I am more aware of my 'heartset'. Help me to keep You first in everything.  I have a tendency to chase after material things that will fade. I pray that my heart will always be set on the things You value. Mold me, and transform me to Your glory.



Bible reference: Matthew 6:33; Job 31:24-25,28 (The Message)

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Pray, period. September 14, 2016

Lord, I want to be like You. Your Word says I am to serve others with compassion, understanding, patience and kindness, as You did. Give me that power, that longing to love those who love me, those who hate me, and those who are indifferent toward me. To Your good and great glory, Lord!

Bible reference: Proverbs 25:21-22; Matthew 5:44-45; Luke 6:27-28; John 13:34-35; Romans 12:14-21; Galatians 5:22-25

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Pray, period. September 13, 2016

Boaz Ministries
Thank You, Lord, for this new day! Thank You for another opportunity to make a difference in this world. I want to show others how awesome You are. What a feeling to know that by Your power, I am able to help expand Your kingdom! For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen!



Bible reference: Matthew 6:9-13; Matthew 28:18-20

Monday, September 12, 2016

Pray, period. September 12, 2016

Boaz Ministries
It just keeps getting better and better, Lord! What an awesome love I share with my spouse. As the years go by, we grow deeper and deeper in love - and it's because of You! Thank You for binding our hearts together. We recognize our need for You in all that we do. Thank You for keeping us one in You, our strength, joy and peace.

Bible reference: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12;
1 Corinthians 13

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Pray, period. September 11, 2016

Boaz Ministries
Each and every day, just like today, I arise in the morning, worried about what the day may bring. But then I remember You, and I come to You in quiet conversation. Your Word brings me light. Your presence brings me comfort. I breathe in Your strength and exhale my fears. Strength in. . . fears out. I have courage of spirit and strength of heart for all my hope - today and every day - is in You and You alone.
Bible reference: Psalm 31:24

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Pray, period. September 10, 2016

Lord, as You look for those whose hearts are completely Yours, here I am. Look at me, be with me. Support me in this time of need. You know my situation. As I sit silently before You, help me to be still and know that You are God. You are my peace.

Bible reference: 2 Chronicles 16:9


Friday, September 9, 2016

Pray, period. September 9, 2016

Boaz Ministries
Lord, my friend is in distress. He has lost something dear to him and has sunk down into the abyss. Give me the power of encouragement so that I can help bear his burden. He has been there for me so many times. Now I'd like to repay that kindness.


Bible reference: Galatians: 6:2; Matthew 11:28-30

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Pray, period. September 8, 2016

Boaz Ministries
You are the Healer of our wounds, the One who restores spirit, soul, and body. Thank You for blessing my life. As I spend this time with You, I feel Your touch upon me. You are my gentle Shepherd, keeping me from harm. Thank You, Jesus, for coming into my life, for making me complete, for restoring me to God! All praise and glory to my Jehova-rapha, the Lord who heals!

Bible reference: Jeremiah 30:17

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Pray, period. September 7, 2016

Boaz Ministries
When I look at my past, I feel so unworthy of Your forgiveness, Lord. I can't even believe some of things I've done! Please take pity on me. Forgive me of all my past misdeeds. Give me a clean slate, beginning with this morning. Plant Your Word in my heart.

Bible reference: Psalm 51:1-12; 2 Corinthians:5:17

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS TO MY FIRSTBORN SWEETHEART! 9/6/86



Ashley J. Wynn Urias, aka, "Mrs. Cakes" 2016
Birthday blessings to my firstborn sweetheart who ushered me tenderly into motherhood and made the tasks of mothering a joy. She. Spoiled. Me!! I'm so thankful to the Lord for her life, and she continues to bless and teach me! May God continue to make His face to shine upon her, and give her the peace that passes all human understanding!

She makes 30 look GOOD!!!!!


Pray, period. September 6, 2016

Boaz Ministries
Dear Lord, please soften the calloused hearts of those who deem themselves terrorists. Exchange their hearts of stone for ones tender with love. Protect the innocent here and abroad, and missionaries who risk their lives to spread Your light. Comfort those who have lost loved ones through the violence around the world.

Bible reference: 1 Peter 3:8NIV

Monday, September 5, 2016

Pray, period. September 5, 2016

Boaz Ministries
Lord, I come to You this morning, meditating on Your law, Your Word. That is my living water. You are the quencher of my thirst. You provide everything for me. Because of Your presence in my life, I can bring forth the fruit You want me to bear. As I go through the activities of this day, may Your hand be upon me so that whatever I do will be a blessing to someone. To Your good and great glory, Lord, amen!

Bible reference: Psalm 1:2-3NKJV

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Pray, period. September 4, 2016

Lord, I don't want to be like the people of this world, running around at breakneck speed, trying to multitask until I'm so deep in the darkness I can no longer see the light of Your face. It's not all about doing; it's about being. Change my way of thinking to Your way of thinking. Take my to-do list. Help me to see it through Your eyes. Show me clearly the steps I am to take today.

Bible reference: Romans 12:2

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Pray, period. September 3, 2016

Boaz Ministries
Take away my seemingly insatiable desire for more gain and replace it with contentment. Free me from the snare of greed and lead me to greater faith in You. Tell me, Lord, what You would have me give away, and I will do it. For in giving, I am blessed so much more. My desire is to serve You.

Bible reference: Luke 6:38

Friday, September 2, 2016

Pray, period. September 2, 2016

Boaz Ministries
Lord, I am so mad at myself. I have been doing wrong and hiding it from everyone. I even imagined I could hide it from You, but You know all. Forgive me for not admitting my sins to You. Help me to turn from this behavior. I know You are faithful to perform Your promises.

Bible reference: 1 John 1:9; Luke 5:31-32

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Pray, period. September 1, 2016

Lord, what You do for me each and every day is amazing. What You have done for me in the past is incomprehensible. Thank You for Your Word that shows me how great a friend You are, and how I can be a good friend to others. There is nothing as powerful as Your Word for direction and encouragement. Plant Your Word in my heart today, Lord. Mold it into my spirit and help me to share it with others!

Bible reference: John 15:15KJV

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