Bryan Shoemaker

Day 6: Honest Prayer | In Jesus’ Name

Honest Prayer | In Jesus’ Name. My Notes: God is never offended at my honest communication… (duh… he already knows anyway!) I think I often attribute too many human characteristics to God – especially in times of frustration.  I forget that He is perfect and I (and all humanity) are broken and imperfect. Humanity doesn’t react the way God reacts… in fact, God...

Bryan Shoemaker

Day 5: Not My Will | In Jesus’ Name

Not My Will | In Jesus’ Name. My Notes: The one thing that really struck me in this devotional today was the quote of John 5:30 - Jesus said, “I can of Myself do nothing… I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent me” It’s really hard to comprehend that Jesus – God Incarnate – by a choice of his will – he did not seek his will – and...

Bryan Shoemaker

Day 4: For the Sake of Our Country | In Jesus’ Name

For the Sake of Our Country | In Jesus’ Name. Haha… 2 days ago, I posted exactly what this devotional was about.  See ‘Pray for all people’… even politicians? to see.  There’s really nothing more to say based on today’s devo… Interesting… why did it hit me two days ago? Running After...

Bryan Shoemaker

Day 3: Where Prayer Begins | In Jesus’ Name

Where Prayer Begins | In Jesus’ Name. My notes: Prayer is wrapped in praise – should be bookend-ed in praise. How do I answer the opening question?  “What do I think God is like?” I have all the right answers – but if my prayers – the way I pray – is an indicator of how I view God, then I really wonder I honestly view Him. I find that many of my prayers are very...

Bryan Shoemaker

“Pray for all people”… even politicians?

I’m doing a devotional produced by our church and for the first four days, our memory verse has been 1 Timothy 2:1-2 from the New Living Translation: I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.  Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.  Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and...

Bryan Shoemaker

Day 2: “Our Prayer” | In Jesus’ Name

“Our Prayer” | In Jesus’ Name. My notes: The prayer Jesus modeled for the disciples (and us – including me).  I should consciously follow the model here. “It is a powerful truth that should define how we (I) live in the present.” All too often, my prayers start off with “Dear God, please …” and immediately go in request mode – usually for me and...

Bryan Shoemaker

Day 1: First Things First | In Jesus’ Name

First Things First | In Jesus’ Name. I’ve started the new Gateway Devotional (a little later than most…) but thought I’d share the resource and walk through it with any of you who are looking for a great way to start the year.  It’s 28 days and includes original worship songs, content, and memory verses. A few points that really hit home from today’s devo: Before I do...