For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. 2 Corinthians 4: 6, 7, NRSV. Gracious God, we thank You for choosing us, "clay jars," to show forth Your praise.  Please teach us how we can best reflect Your glory.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen....

Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them.  But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."  And He laid His hands on them and departed from there. Matthew 19: 13-15, NKJV. Dear God, my heart rejoices as I contemplate Your love for little children.  As we sit at Your feet and listen, may we learn to love them the way You did while You were here on earth; and the way...

When Israel set out on his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.  God spoke to Israel in visions of the night, and said, "Jacob, Jacob."  And he said, "Here I am."  Then e said, "I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there.  I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again; and Joseph's own hand shall close your eyes."...

Who may worship in Your sanctuary, LORD?  Who may enter Your presence on our holy hill?  Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.  Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.  Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the LORD, and keep their promises even when it hurts.  Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.  Such people will stand firm forever. Psalm 15, NLT.  Holy Father, we bow in awe at...

You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.  Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5: 14, 15, NLT. Dear God, I give You thanks for another opportunity to come into Your holy presence and worship You, according to Your righteousness.  May our study today be met...

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who was demon possessed begged to go with im.  But Jesus said, "No, go home to your family and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful e has been."  So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what He told them. Mark 5: 18-20, NLT.  Father in heaven, we wait on You today, to hear You speak Words of wisdom in the deep places...

After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree.  Then I saw another angel coming up from the east having the seal of the living God.  He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea.  "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the...

After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree.  Then I saw another angel coming up from the east having the seal of the living God.  He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea.  "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the...

After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree.  Then I saw another angel coming up from the east having the seal of the living God.  He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea.  "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the...

After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree.  Then I saw another angel coming up from the east having the seal of the living God.  He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea.  "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the...