Psalm 25:4 (NIV)
Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
Show me, teach me. I can’t figure it out on my own.
Good morning, Lord. Without You, I would be lost … lost in wrong thoughts, lost in my daily journey, lost for eternity. Show me Your ways, O God, today, tomorrow and forever, amen.
Psalm 1:6 (AMP)
For the Lord knows and fully approves
the way of the righteous,
But the way of the wicked shall perish.
Good advice from the psalmist: stay on the approved path. The other way is a dead end.
Good morning, Lord. Driving, I sometimes take a sideroad just to see where it goes. Likewise, I sometimes follow a side thought, just to see where it goes. All too often, those thoughts lead me astray. Keep my thoughts (and my actions) on God-approved pathways. Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil (Matthew 6:13). Set my feet and thoughts on the path of righteousness.
Proverbs 4:11-12 (ESV)
I have taught you the way of wisdom;
I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
When you walk,
your step will not be hampered,
and if you run,
you will not stumble.
God’s wisdom moves me forward.
Good morning, Lord. Your way — the way of wisdom — isn’t always smooth and straight, but You’re with me every step. You guide me, You detour me around temptation, You keep me out of the potholes and pits. When I wander away from Your side, I trip, stumble and fall. Thank You for picking me up, brushing me off and putting me back on the right path.
I like to think I do the right things, the right way. But all too often, I am wrong. There’s only one right way.
John 14:6 (NIV)
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Jesus is our way to better (and eternal) life.
Good morning, Lord. Thank You for being “The Way,” my way to forgiveness of sin, to eternal life, to peace in my heart, to wisdom, to friendship with Almighty God, to guidance for my life journey. Without You, I am on the path to nowhere. With You, I walk in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake (Psalm 23:3).
We’ve seen the photos — the flames, the destruction. The consuming wildfires.
Exodus 24:15-17 (NIV)
When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai … To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.
The glory of the Lord is like a consuming fire.
Good morning, Lord. Sometimes I focus so much on Your love that I forget about Your holiness and power — forgive me. You are the God of wildfires and candlelight, of raging torrents and gentle rain, of justice and mercy, of glory and grace. You are perfectly holy and perfectly loving. You alone are worthy of all my love and praise.
“Praise to the Lord, who, when
tempests their warfare are waging,
Who, when the elements madly
around thee are raging,
Biddeth them cease,
turneth their fury to peace,
Whirlwinds and waters assuaging.”
Joachim Neander, 1680
Trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1863
17th-century thoughts, applicable to 21st century wildfires.
Good morning, Lord. Still the raging wildfires, still the raging tempests in our souls. Breathe on us, Spirit of God. Fill us with Your peace and protection. Let not our hearts be troubled (John 14:27), in Jesus’ name.
A California reader reminded me that a torrential downfall could create dangerous mudslides and add to the damage. I don’t want to pray for greater destruction. Our God is the strong power behind both wind and water.
Mark 4:39 (NIV)
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
Let us pray for still winds.
Good morning, Lord. Still the raging winds that spread the wildfires. Send a gentle drizzle and dampen the embers. Bring an end to the destruction.
Likewise, O God, send the quiet breath of Your Spirit across our nation, turning hearts to You. Sprinkle Your grace over sinful souls, setting their feet on the straight and narrow path of faith.
Psalm 46:4 (MEV)
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling place of the Most High.
Imagine a steady rain falling on Los Angeles — soaking the dry timber, putting an end to the fires. The city would be filled with joy.
So shall it be when we leave this dry land behind and step into the heavenly realm.
Good morning, Lord. Send streams of water on the earthly wildfires. Pour living water on our thirsty souls. Fill us with joy, now and throughout eternity, in Jesus’ name.
News of the California fires catches my attention. My first thought: Lord, send rain.
Good start.
1 Timothy 2:1 (AMP)
First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people.
First of all … pray.
Good morning, Lord. Send soaking rains and bring an end to the wildfires’ destruction.
Wrap the firefighters in the safety of Your protection. Grant wisdom to those deciding where and how to use the resources available. Fill the people dwelling in safety with compassion, the willingness to share what they have. Hedge in evil, disrupt any plans to loot or mislead. Pour out humility and integrity, ending the blame game. Give comfort to those who have suffered great loss. Pave the way to restore and rebuild better than ever. As only You can, O God, bring good out of this disaster.
“Heart of my heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.”
Irish Hymn, Bí Thusa ‘mo Shúile
Trans. Mary E. Byrne, 1905
Good morning, Lord. Keep my eyes focused on You … ever and always. May nothing or no one be more important in my sight than You.
And thank You for keeping an eye on me … ever and always.
