“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds  for mankind,
for he breaks down gates of bronze
and cuts through bars of iron.” – Psalm 107:15-16 (NIV)

As a writer, there are days when the story gets stuck, when finding words is like fishing in oatmeal, when our own doubts become a bully holding us under the water as we choke and gasp for air. What a gift it is to run to Jesus, to know that He has the power to free us and give us the breakthroughs we need.

Lord, we need Your breakthroughs. Break down the bars of iron that hold us captive, whether in relationships with You, others, our work, or ourselves. Free us by Your love. Amen.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” John 15:16 (NIV)

I think it’s a longing in every heart to make a difference, to accomplish something each day, to allow God to create something of worth from our lives. We can distract ourselves with chasing activities that feel important in the moment, but Jesus has appointed us for more. He invites us to bear fruit that will last.

Lord, show us where You want us to serve today. Direct us, so that we use our time in ways that will enable You to grow fruit that will last into eternity. When we can’t yet see the fruit that You are creating through our lives, help us walk in faith. Amen

Sharon Hinck

“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. ‘Why this waste?’ they asked. ‘This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.’” Matthew 26:6-9 (NIV)

In a world full of real human need, art is sometimes seen as an extravagant gesture. Artists spend hours, years, decades, honing their craft and producing their work. Time that could be spent in more “practical” pursuits. Yet when we see our life purpose as worship – as a pouring out of praise at the feet of Jesus – we know that bringing Him our best is never a waste.

Lord, let our creative efforts be our lavish gift to You – but also to the needs of the world. Help us bring out our very best treasures, break them open, and pour them freely, and trust that You are pleased. Amen

“And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground–trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.” Genesis 2:9a (NIV1984)

Reading this verse, I realized God could have created a food source that was a little gray box that popped out fruit as needed. Instead He made a lush variety of shapes, colors, and types of trees–trees that stir as the wind tickles them, trees that change color. In short, He designed trees that are not only utilitarian, but beautiful.

Lord, thank You for creating beauty. Help us go beyond utilitarian uses of art and enjoy the beauty You’ve invited us to celebrate. Amen.