Destruction, devastation, scattering. There is war, and there is loss, and there is mourning. Wasting, withering, and the curse consumes. These are Thursday morning words in Isaiah. My battles look a little different.
Internet and inboxes are minefields wired with sarcasm and innuendo. I look across the room at my husband and ask, “What do you make of this?” And I wonder how it is we land at these places relationally.
Lord, I’m trying to honor this person … or that one, I want to speak truth in love. Brothers in arms, a common goal–to grow closer to God and be shaped into his likeness. Why do we start to look like enemies instead of family?
Destruction, devastation, scattering.
God, I give these over to you.
You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Trust in the Lord always,
for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4, NLT
Father, you make paths straight, and I stumble when I spend too much time looking behind. You have called me, and Paul begs: lead a life worthy of it!
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. Ephesians 4:1-4, NLT.
On, on.
Lord, you will grant us peace;
all we have accomplished is really from you.
13 O Lord our God, others have ruled us,
but you alone are the one we worship. Isaiah 26:12-13, NLT.
Lord, I’m going to trust in you that you work all things together for the good of those who believe in you. The words and wounding from others only reinforce my determination to hold tighter to you. You alone are the one I worship. I will not waste your gift.
Courtney (66books365)
15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:15-16, NLT.
21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:21-24, NLT.
Sixty-six books in a year 
Paul spends a good deal of effort in defending his ministry and his love for the brethren. Count it all joy, and keep spreading the gospel!