Solomon McCrary jr's Comments

                                      TO BE HUMAN

Jerusalem, Jerusalem,,, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. Matthew 23:37

In what situations in your life might you be avoiding grief? How can your faith in a Savior who cries (John 11:35) help you expres your grief in a healthy way?

 Father, please replace any cold illusions of strength I cling to with a growing understanding of the cares and concerns that break Your heart for children like me. 

                                            NEVER ALONE

Two are better than one... if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

How might you reach out to someone who's lonely? How have you experienced the blessing of God's Spirit with you when you've felt alone?

Heavenly Father, when I feel lonely, give me courage to reach out to others with an offer of friendship. 

                                   TURN ON THE LIGHT

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

How can you be a light for Crist, intentionally expressing His love to those in your sphere of influence this week? How can you shine a light on God's love as you serve people who don't know Him?

Loving Father, please fuel me with Your perfect truth and love so I can shine a spotlight on You by loving You and others wherever I go.

                                          LIKE JESUS

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son. Romans 8:29

What attribute of the fruit of the Spirit would you like to live out to a greater degree? [ see Galatians 5:22-23] what will help you do so?

Father, I long to be more like Your Son but so often fall short in word, thought, or deed. Forgive me, and help me to yield to the work of Your Spirit so that Jesus might be formed in me. 

                                   UNIMAGINABLE PROMISES

He has given us his very great and precious promises. 2 peter 1:4

Why can it be difficult for us to accept" unearned" grace and love? How does it touch your heart to consider that in God's eyes you have a future filled with unimaginable beauty?

Jesus, some days all I can see is the ways I've disappointed myself and others, the ways I've broken the future I've dreamed of. Help me to see the unchanging beauty of the future I find in You.

                                 STRENGTHENED BY GRACE

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1

 How can the grace of Christ become a source of strength for you to serve Him? What does it mean for you to suffer for Jesus?

Dear God, please strengthen me in the grace of Christ that I may serve Him faithfully. 

                                         WE'RE NOT GOD

In the pride of your heart you say, "I am a god" Ezekiel 28:2

Almighty God, help me to revel in my identity as one You created, knowing You are great and mighty and yet You love me.

                                    REMEMBER TO SING

How good it is to sing praises to our God. Psalm 147:1

 What role does singing play in your life? How can you make more time for singing songs of praise with those who are experiencing memory problems?

May I sing praises to You, God. Thank You for so often unlocking the minds of those with memory problems through the beauty and power of song.

You did not ..  have regard for the One who planned it long ago. Isaiah 22:11

What ordinary threats do you face today? What do you need to face them?

 Today, loving God, I turn to You first with all my challenges, large and small.

                                  THINKING DIFFERENTLY

Do not conform to the pattern of this World. Romans 12:2

How would you describe the values and assumptions that surround you? What would it look like for you to not conform to the world's ways and to instead follow Jesus' ways?

God. I don't even recognize my assumptions and values most of the time. Help me to live out Your trust and Your mind in it all.