On this chilly Monday morning, “I wait eagerly for the Lord’s help, and in his word I trust. I wait for the Lord more eagerly than watchmen wait for the dawn— than watchmen wait for the dawn.” (Psalm 130:5–6, GN)

After last night’s second presidential debate, I went to sleep with a prayer, “Father, tonight’s our nation’s presumptive leaders, make me glad that your church’s faith and confidence is in You. If I thought either of these two people were really in control, despair would overwhelm me.” Dawn will come! The knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth as the water covers the sea.

“The people of one city will say to the people of another, ‘Come with us to Jerusalem to ask the Lord to bless us. Let’s worship the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I’m determined to go.’ Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord of Heaven’s Armies and to ask for his blessing.” (Zechariah 8:21–22, NLT)

A day will come when people will invite one another to come pray with them and ask for God’s blessings.

“My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”” (Psalm 27:8, NLT)

God calls to us, “Come and talk with me.” I am grateful for these quiet moments to enjoy a cup of coffee while reading my Bible and talking with my Lord! When I think of His great love for us, my heart is overwhelmed. Joy and power flow into my soul. I know His presence and I’m so ready to start this day. My family is sleeping and I call their names out to Him in faith believing that God is working out His plan in us and through us. I pray for my church family for God’s presence and peace to be upon them. I listen to the Word of God, “Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. … I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:11, 13–14, NLT)

Reading the Scriptures this morning, I am so thankful for my mother and grandmother who instilled in me a love for reading, for teachers who taught me how to read and reflect, and for a mentor who showed me how to sit with my Bible and think and pray. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’” (Mark 12:30, GN) How would we know this unless we could read? I’m so grateful for the gift of the Bible and good books. Think of how many times Jesus referenced reading. “Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry?” (Matthew 12:3, NLT)

Just some of my thoughts this morning! I pray that your day is blessed and that you will accomplish great good for God’s glory today.

Peace!