Hebrews 12:28
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
Holy and Awesome God-
Your beauty and majesty are astonishing! You are seated on a radiant throne high above the earth. Your glory twinkles brilliantly like the bright Morning Star. I am in awe of You!
The city of the Living God is my heavenly home and highest hope. Arriving at this promised destination, I anticipate the jubilant celebration as thousands and thousands of adoring angels surround You in wonderful worship. Overwhelming joy will fill my heart as my name is read from the Lamb’s Book of Life. With holy fear, I’ll approach the throne of grace hand-in-hand with my Best Friend, Jesus who will present me to You as pure and innocent. Compassionately, You’ll welcome me with arms wide open because of my relationship with Your Son. The keys to heaven will be given to me! It’s a gift too great to grasp!
Thank You for the privilege and honor of knowing You deeply, intimately, and personally. Your unshakable kingdom is accessible to me. When the world around me is shaken by increased violence, great earthquakes, widespread starvation, and deadly diseases, I will stand firm in Your mighty power. Believing the Truth, tragedy will not terrorize me. Instead, with my gaze on Glory Land, I’ll have unbelievable confidence to confess with my mouth the wonders of Your love, giving thanks to You - the Living God whose kingdom is mine forever and ever because of Jesus. Hallelujah! Amen.
If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, the unshakable kingdom of the Living God is yours. The Bible clearly warns that as we get closer to His Kingdom and Christ’s return, there will be an increase in tragedy and trouble in the world. However, because we are receiving a glorious everlasting kingdom that can never be shaken, we should be thankful, and not terrorized. Instead we should look forward with hope. Keeping a positive attitude in the face of danger and disaster will be an awesome act of worship acceptable to the King.
As I recently read Luke 21:5-18 I found myself wondering how many in the church are ready for the calamities and catastrophic events that are about to happen? They are coming, and I believe they are coming fast. Are we ready to defend our faith and give thanks to God in the midst of adversity as a reverent act of worship? He is not the director of the horror show, Satan is. Will I stand firm when my faith is tested by frightening events? Will you?
Monday, March 03, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
Intimately Known
Psalm 139:1-6
O LORD, you have searched me
O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
You hem me in—behind and before;
You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Omniscient, Omnipresent, Almighty God,
You know me and are with me all the time, no matter where I go. You promise to never leave or abandon me. You are my constant companion. You don’t live with me, You live in me. That’s intimacy!
You know when I wake up in the morning miserable. You know when I go to bed at night mad. You know when I leave the house with attitude and return home with gratitude. You are familiar with all my ways.
I can play hide and seek with my friends, but not with You. There’s no place I can hide from You. My friends will believe my made up stories with make believe characters, but not You. You are the Author of my story and the illustrator of the characters. You know the whole story because it’s Yours.
I can pack my bags and run away from home to escape hurt, humiliation and hatred, but I can’t run away from You. You know where I am every second. I can’t get getaway from Your strong grip of grace. You promise to bless, protect and keep me.
These thoughts are too overwhelming for me to understand. Please just give me faith to know You more and believe! In response I will worship You, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Almighty God. Amen.
Are you trying to play hide & seek with God? Do you make up stories and pretend to be someone you’re not? Do you want to run away? God knows what’s on your heart and mind. Ask Him to point you to the Truth and to give you courage to follow Him.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
For Goodness and Glory
2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Good and Glorious God,
Thank You for ideally forming me in Your image, and personally calling and equipping me to live a godly life. As I spend time getting to know You, teach me Your rich and wonderful truths. By Your divine power, I will follow them to escape the decadent evil desires of the world and live humbly and honestly before You and mankind.
It is not enough to believe IN You. I must KNOW You intimately and BELIEVE You. I need to urgently begin applying Your principles to my heart and mind so that I’ll be morally excellent. The more familiar I am with You, the easier it will be to stay alert and self-controlled in strenuous situations. I’ll be pleasantly surprised by the persistent patience You give me to persevere through painful problems. Your radical love, will inspire me to be genuinely warm and welcoming to both desirable and despicable people. Exhibiting these fine qualities in my life, I’ll be more productive and useful in Your royal service.
I promise to work hard to learn everything I can about You. Please continue to tenderly teach me until I unmistakably understand. I want my lifestyle to prove to the watching world that I am the child You called and equipped in glory, goodness and grace.
With great anticipation and heavenly hope, I look forward to the rich reception I’ll receive when I walk through the pearly gates of Your everlasting Kingdom to live happily ever after with You because of Jesus. Amen.
Do you have a burning desire to know God? How much time will you spend with Him today? You can’t imitate His glory and goodness, if you don’t know Him intimately.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Good and Glorious God,
Thank You for ideally forming me in Your image, and personally calling and equipping me to live a godly life. As I spend time getting to know You, teach me Your rich and wonderful truths. By Your divine power, I will follow them to escape the decadent evil desires of the world and live humbly and honestly before You and mankind.
It is not enough to believe IN You. I must KNOW You intimately and BELIEVE You. I need to urgently begin applying Your principles to my heart and mind so that I’ll be morally excellent. The more familiar I am with You, the easier it will be to stay alert and self-controlled in strenuous situations. I’ll be pleasantly surprised by the persistent patience You give me to persevere through painful problems. Your radical love, will inspire me to be genuinely warm and welcoming to both desirable and despicable people. Exhibiting these fine qualities in my life, I’ll be more productive and useful in Your royal service.
I promise to work hard to learn everything I can about You. Please continue to tenderly teach me until I unmistakably understand. I want my lifestyle to prove to the watching world that I am the child You called and equipped in glory, goodness and grace.
With great anticipation and heavenly hope, I look forward to the rich reception I’ll receive when I walk through the pearly gates of Your everlasting Kingdom to live happily ever after with You because of Jesus. Amen.
Do you have a burning desire to know God? How much time will you spend with Him today? You can’t imitate His glory and goodness, if you don’t know Him intimately.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My Creator King,
Absolutely everything in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible has been deliberately created by You for Your delight.
Thank You for distinctively designing and developing me in the safe and solitary confines of my mother’s womb. The pattern for my life is held in Your huge holy hands. You know me intimately and intricately; inside out and backwards. The characteristics that I see as flaws were intentionally built into me. You are inerrant and love me just the way I am. I am precious in Your sight. Created for Your personal pleasure, You think about me constantly. Such knowledge is too complex and beyond my comprehension. I adore You for mysteriously and miraculously making me.
O Searcher of Souls look deep within my heart and head. See for Yourself how I’ve interfered and incapacitated the grand scheme You had for my life. Correct me and conform me according to Your divine dream. When people peer at me may they only see Your immense love, infinite mercy, and immeasurable goodness.
Marvelous Maker, help me to know You more. With Your assistance, I’ll learn to appreciate and celebrate the unique individual You’ve made me to be for Your splendor and satisfaction both now and forever more. Amen.
God made you just the way you are for His splendor and satisfaction! Celebrate your uniqueness, including the flaws, and He will be glorified.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My Creator King,
Absolutely everything in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible has been deliberately created by You for Your delight.
Thank You for distinctively designing and developing me in the safe and solitary confines of my mother’s womb. The pattern for my life is held in Your huge holy hands. You know me intimately and intricately; inside out and backwards. The characteristics that I see as flaws were intentionally built into me. You are inerrant and love me just the way I am. I am precious in Your sight. Created for Your personal pleasure, You think about me constantly. Such knowledge is too complex and beyond my comprehension. I adore You for mysteriously and miraculously making me.
O Searcher of Souls look deep within my heart and head. See for Yourself how I’ve interfered and incapacitated the grand scheme You had for my life. Correct me and conform me according to Your divine dream. When people peer at me may they only see Your immense love, infinite mercy, and immeasurable goodness.
Marvelous Maker, help me to know You more. With Your assistance, I’ll learn to appreciate and celebrate the unique individual You’ve made me to be for Your splendor and satisfaction both now and forever more. Amen.
God made you just the way you are for His splendor and satisfaction! Celebrate your uniqueness, including the flaws, and He will be glorified.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Chosen to Know and Believe God
Isaiah 43:10
"You are my witnesses," declares the LORD,
"and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.”
Immortal, Invincible, Incorruptible Almighty King,
Yours is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor. Everything in heaven and earth belongs to You. You are exalted as head over all. You answer to no one. When You rise from Your throne, Your enemies scatter. The keys to Heaven and Hell are in Your holy hands. There never was or ever will be anyone like You. You are perfect, pure and pristine.
Yet, in love, You chose to reveal Yourself to a rebel like me. And, in love, You decided to rescue, revive, and restore me. No one can ever reverse the renovation You’ve done to my heart, mind and soul. I am Your witness. You are God and there is no other! Apart from You there is no Savior. Because of what I have seen with my own two eyes, I am required to tell others Who You are.
Out of all the billions of people on the face of the earth, it is an honor to be close to You. The more intimately I know You, the more assuredly I believe and understand You. Your praise is always on my lips.
O Lord, how can I ever thank You for selecting me to be Your witness in the world? I long to know You more dearly, believe You wholeheartedly, and understand how to live a life of love that glorifies Your name. Amen.
You are God’s witness in the world. A witness is one who has a story to tell. As His servant it is your duty to tell others about God’s revolutionizing love. He has uniquely chosen You in love to know, believe, and understand Him. What are you doing to foster your relationship with Him? You can only tell what you know.
"You are my witnesses," declares the LORD,
"and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.”
Immortal, Invincible, Incorruptible Almighty King,
Yours is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor. Everything in heaven and earth belongs to You. You are exalted as head over all. You answer to no one. When You rise from Your throne, Your enemies scatter. The keys to Heaven and Hell are in Your holy hands. There never was or ever will be anyone like You. You are perfect, pure and pristine.
Yet, in love, You chose to reveal Yourself to a rebel like me. And, in love, You decided to rescue, revive, and restore me. No one can ever reverse the renovation You’ve done to my heart, mind and soul. I am Your witness. You are God and there is no other! Apart from You there is no Savior. Because of what I have seen with my own two eyes, I am required to tell others Who You are.
Out of all the billions of people on the face of the earth, it is an honor to be close to You. The more intimately I know You, the more assuredly I believe and understand You. Your praise is always on my lips.
O Lord, how can I ever thank You for selecting me to be Your witness in the world? I long to know You more dearly, believe You wholeheartedly, and understand how to live a life of love that glorifies Your name. Amen.
You are God’s witness in the world. A witness is one who has a story to tell. As His servant it is your duty to tell others about God’s revolutionizing love. He has uniquely chosen You in love to know, believe, and understand Him. What are you doing to foster your relationship with Him? You can only tell what you know.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Knowing Jesus
Philippians 3:8
I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.
Dear Jesus,
You are the deepest desire of my heart. The power and possessions I once persistently pursued are worthless. The accolades and accomplishments I aggressively accumulated are insignificant. The pleasures and treasures of the world can’t come close to knowing You, Jesus. Please show me all the clutter in my life that needs discarded to make room for more of You.
I want to know You more and more each day. My greatest aspiration is to be more like You in every way. I’m inferior and inadequate. My trinkets and trophies can’t save me. They’re meaningless to You. All You want is all of me. Knowing You personally and passionately is the only thing that matters. My relationship with You is the most important thing in all of my life.
Clear the clutter from the home of my heart to make room for Your all-consuming power. Using that mighty power, I’ll overcome evil and temptation. In Your strength, I’ll die to my past addictions and attractions. Sharing in Your suffering, I’ll lay down my former lifestyle to follow You, Jesus.
Thank You for preserving History so that I can have heavenly hope. After the excruciating pain of death, joy comes in the “mourning” - beautiful life that never ends.
There is no greater thing than knowing You, Jesus. You mean the world to me. The most valuable treasure of all time is found in You – sweet salvation. With a spring in my step, a song in my heart and a smile on my face I will praise You for Your magnificent greatness in Jesus name. Amen.
If you were standing before the throne of God and He asked you, "Do you love me with all your heart, mind, soul and strength?" could you honestly answer, "Yes, Lord, You are my most important relationship." How will you prove it?
What are you willing to give up to know Christ better? Time each day for Bible study and prayer? Approval from friends and family? Your personal plans, ambitions, and dreams? Knowing Christ is worth the sacrifice.
I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.
Dear Jesus,
You are the deepest desire of my heart. The power and possessions I once persistently pursued are worthless. The accolades and accomplishments I aggressively accumulated are insignificant. The pleasures and treasures of the world can’t come close to knowing You, Jesus. Please show me all the clutter in my life that needs discarded to make room for more of You.
I want to know You more and more each day. My greatest aspiration is to be more like You in every way. I’m inferior and inadequate. My trinkets and trophies can’t save me. They’re meaningless to You. All You want is all of me. Knowing You personally and passionately is the only thing that matters. My relationship with You is the most important thing in all of my life.
Clear the clutter from the home of my heart to make room for Your all-consuming power. Using that mighty power, I’ll overcome evil and temptation. In Your strength, I’ll die to my past addictions and attractions. Sharing in Your suffering, I’ll lay down my former lifestyle to follow You, Jesus.
Thank You for preserving History so that I can have heavenly hope. After the excruciating pain of death, joy comes in the “mourning” - beautiful life that never ends.
There is no greater thing than knowing You, Jesus. You mean the world to me. The most valuable treasure of all time is found in You – sweet salvation. With a spring in my step, a song in my heart and a smile on my face I will praise You for Your magnificent greatness in Jesus name. Amen.
If you were standing before the throne of God and He asked you, "Do you love me with all your heart, mind, soul and strength?" could you honestly answer, "Yes, Lord, You are my most important relationship." How will you prove it?
What are you willing to give up to know Christ better? Time each day for Bible study and prayer? Approval from friends and family? Your personal plans, ambitions, and dreams? Knowing Christ is worth the sacrifice.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Acceptable Gifts for a King
Psalm 40: 6-8
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.
Then I said, "Here I am, I have come—
Then I said, "Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.
I desire to do your will, O my God;
I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart."
Holy Love,
Thank You for piercing my ears with the bold truth. Finally, I’m beginning to understand how to live a life of love. Offering You my time without heartfelt devotion is inadequate. Presenting You my talent without wholehearted dedication is insufficient. Halfheartedly giving You my treasure out of obligation is inappropriate. You don’t want religious ceremonies and showy performances. All that You desire is my wholehearted devotion.
It will please You when, by faith, I humbly come to the foot of the cross admitting my faults and failures allowing the bond of Your blood to fix and fortify me. Realizing the high price you paid to correct my defects will give me a deeper desire to walk and work with You. I’ll willingly give up family, friends and freedom in order to spend time getting to know You. The more I know You, the more readily I’ll give up my possessions and plans in order to experience Your almighty power. Forfeiting my comfortable lifestyle and important position to endure pain and hardship will perfect my faith, make me shine purer and brighter, and draw others to You.
Please dear Lord, write Your commands on my heart so that I’ll remember to obey them. I desire nothing more than to walk and work with You so that my gifts will be adequate, sufficient, and appropriate for the King of my heart. Amen.
God doesn’t want your rituals and routines. He wants your whole heart devoted to Him. What are you willing to give up in order to please Him? Will you give up hobbies, television or work in order to spend time with Him? Will you give up shopping and sports in order give more of your money to Him? Would you be willing to give up your home and career in order to go where He sends You?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Set Your Heart on Him
Job 11:13-19
If you devote your heart to him
If you devote your heart to him
and stretch out your hands to him,
if you put away the sin that is in your hand
if you put away the sin that is in your hand
and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,
then you will lift up your face without shame;
then you will lift up your face without shame;
you will stand firm and without fear.
You will surely forget your trouble,
You will surely forget your trouble,
recalling it only as waters gone by.
Life will be brighter than noonday,
Life will be brighter than noonday,
and darkness will become like morning.
You will be secure, because there is hope;
you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid,
You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid,
and many will court your favor.
O Loving and Kind Father,
Have mercy on me! I know I’ve messed up, made wrong choices, and blatantly disobeyed You. You’ve seen it all and are fully aware of my unruly conduct. There’s no hiding from Your omnipotent holy eyes, and no one to blame but myself. You know the truth. I cannot lie. Like a mischievous child caught in action, I’m humiliated and dreading discipline. I’d rather hide the evidence and pretend like nothing happened, but that will get me in bigger trouble. Instead, I need to reach out my hands and run into Your open arms, honestly admitting my mistakes with a broken heart. Then, You’ll pity me and be generous in love.
Tenderly, You’ll scrub away my guilt so that I’ll have a snow-white heart filled with clean thoughts and right desires. Because of Your openhanded kindness, I’ll be motivated to behave like the beloved child of the King.
With my eyes adoringly set on You, I’ll face the world unashamed. Clean and confident, I’ll stand up straight and tall, unafraid of ridicule or rejection. Only then will I forget my misery, leaving the past behind me. The brightness of Your Son will light up my life, chasing away any clouds of fear and doubt. In Your peaceful presence, I’ll rest and relax because there is hope. Without a care in the world, I’ll supernaturally live a life of love. My exuberant joy and inexplicable calmness will cause others to come to me for help in their time of need.
Please dear Father, search my heart and show me anything I’m doing wrong. Give me judgment day honesty to agree with You, and humility to obey. More than anything in the world, I want to be wholeheartedly devoted to You because of Jesus who died for me. Amen.
Study the above Scripture. What is God promising you if you devote your heart to Him, stretch out your hands and get rid of your sins?
For additional reading open your Bible to Psalm 139 and make it your heartfelt prayer. Issue God a search warrant to examine your heart, and agree with Him on any and all evidence He finds against you, no matter how hard. Reach out your hands like a contemptible child crying for pity. (Psalm 51:17) Today could be judgment day and on that day you will give an account to Him for everything (Matthew 12:36). Ask Him to give you judgment day honesty to admit your mistakes, so that you can begin enjoying His promises in Job 11.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
His Heart is Set on You
Job 7:17
What is man, that You should exalt him,
That You should set Your heart on him.
My Sweet Heart,
Your Word is too wonderful for me. I could and should live in complete condemnation but You did the unthinkable when You set Your tender heart on mine determined to show me the depth of Your compassion. Miraculously, You gave me a new life full of love and power, making me a witness to Your abundant grace. My ugliness is forever gone and I’m altogether lovely to You. Who am I to deserve such royal treatment?
It’s sheer joy to freely rise up each morning and move on despite my problems. Because of Your great love, I can fearlessly face afflictions realizing that You, the High and Lofty One whose name is Holy, agonized every minute of Your ministry and died suffering. Why should I, the lowly tainted one whose name is sinner, deserve better than You? Difficulties prove that Your caring heart is set on mine. Full of Your tender loving kindness I’ll live a life of love even when problems and pressures plague me. My lips will exalt You, while my soul experiences absolute peace and rest because You’ve graciously chosen to lay Your heart on mine in the name of Jesus. Hallelujah! Amen.
How are you handling your troubles? Do you think you deserve better than Jesus? Consider Him. He was holy, perfect, and pure. He willingly left His home in heaven to come to earth where He was immensely tormented and died an excruciating death for you. He did it all without complaining in order to exalt you to a privileged position in His royal family. He intentionally set His heart on you! His eyes adore you! Praise Him and thank Him for your difficulties because they prove that He cares for you enormously.
What is man, that You should exalt him,
That You should set Your heart on him.
My Sweet Heart,
Your Word is too wonderful for me. I could and should live in complete condemnation but You did the unthinkable when You set Your tender heart on mine determined to show me the depth of Your compassion. Miraculously, You gave me a new life full of love and power, making me a witness to Your abundant grace. My ugliness is forever gone and I’m altogether lovely to You. Who am I to deserve such royal treatment?
It’s sheer joy to freely rise up each morning and move on despite my problems. Because of Your great love, I can fearlessly face afflictions realizing that You, the High and Lofty One whose name is Holy, agonized every minute of Your ministry and died suffering. Why should I, the lowly tainted one whose name is sinner, deserve better than You? Difficulties prove that Your caring heart is set on mine. Full of Your tender loving kindness I’ll live a life of love even when problems and pressures plague me. My lips will exalt You, while my soul experiences absolute peace and rest because You’ve graciously chosen to lay Your heart on mine in the name of Jesus. Hallelujah! Amen.
How are you handling your troubles? Do you think you deserve better than Jesus? Consider Him. He was holy, perfect, and pure. He willingly left His home in heaven to come to earth where He was immensely tormented and died an excruciating death for you. He did it all without complaining in order to exalt you to a privileged position in His royal family. He intentionally set His heart on you! His eyes adore you! Praise Him and thank Him for your difficulties because they prove that He cares for you enormously.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
A Devoted Heart
1 Chronicles 22:19
Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the LORD.
Father in Heaven,
Thank You for Your inexhaustible love and enduring faithfulness. Because You love me beyond the limits of my imagination, I’m compelled to live a life of love, personally and passionately devoted to You.
Please help me develop a vibrant, intimate relationship with You through continual Bible study and persistent prayer. Inspire me to build a sacred place in my heart to hide Your valuable commands and priceless promises. In this sanctuary, store the treasures of Your heart so that I’ll instinctively know what’s most important to You.
Full of Your riches, I’ll worship You with adoring faith by pouring out my life completely for You. With one heart, we’ll dance together harmoniously. Motivated by overpowering love, I’ll follow Your lead, deliberately laying down my life for others. The closer I get to You, the easier it will be to identify the people and purposes that matter to You. Living in pure, uninterrupted devotion to You, my spontaneous actions and positive attitudes will be a pleasant love offering attracting others to Your divine goodness.
Please search the temple of my heart and show me anything that I love more than You. By Your power and grace, I’ll deliberately remove those obstacles from my life in order to be entirely dedicated to You. More than anything else in the world, I desire to worship You ceaselessly in the temple of my heart where Your precious treasure abounds because of my unwavering commitment to Jesus, Your Son. Amen.
A lofty life-long goal is to devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord. As you do, He will hide His treasure in your heart, and you’ll naturally live a life of love, attracting others to His divine goodness.
Because of His inexhaustible love and enduring faithfulness are you willing to pour out your life for Him? Identify those things in your life that prevent you from just being with Him. Then, determine to give Him the first fruit of Your time each time for Bible study and prayer.
What matters to Jesus? Read Matthew 25:34-40
Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the LORD.
Father in Heaven,
Thank You for Your inexhaustible love and enduring faithfulness. Because You love me beyond the limits of my imagination, I’m compelled to live a life of love, personally and passionately devoted to You.
Please help me develop a vibrant, intimate relationship with You through continual Bible study and persistent prayer. Inspire me to build a sacred place in my heart to hide Your valuable commands and priceless promises. In this sanctuary, store the treasures of Your heart so that I’ll instinctively know what’s most important to You.
Full of Your riches, I’ll worship You with adoring faith by pouring out my life completely for You. With one heart, we’ll dance together harmoniously. Motivated by overpowering love, I’ll follow Your lead, deliberately laying down my life for others. The closer I get to You, the easier it will be to identify the people and purposes that matter to You. Living in pure, uninterrupted devotion to You, my spontaneous actions and positive attitudes will be a pleasant love offering attracting others to Your divine goodness.
Please search the temple of my heart and show me anything that I love more than You. By Your power and grace, I’ll deliberately remove those obstacles from my life in order to be entirely dedicated to You. More than anything else in the world, I desire to worship You ceaselessly in the temple of my heart where Your precious treasure abounds because of my unwavering commitment to Jesus, Your Son. Amen.
A lofty life-long goal is to devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord. As you do, He will hide His treasure in your heart, and you’ll naturally live a life of love, attracting others to His divine goodness.
Because of His inexhaustible love and enduring faithfulness are you willing to pour out your life for Him? Identify those things in your life that prevent you from just being with Him. Then, determine to give Him the first fruit of Your time each time for Bible study and prayer.
What matters to Jesus? Read Matthew 25:34-40
Monday, February 18, 2008
Accepted in Love
Ephesians 1:6
To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. NKJV
O Gracious Father!
Your Words are a love sonnet to my soul! I just want to sit in the warmth of Your presence, listening to them until they penetrate the deepest part of me. Why in the world would You – Holy and Perfect Father – choose, adopt and accept a scruffy child like me?
Because I can’t grasp the depth of Your love, I try to earn Your acceptance by doing good things, not realizing that I’ll never measure up to Your holy standard. Only when I work in relation to Your Son are the things I do acceptable and pleasing to You.
Shamefully, I try to hide my faults from You. Unfortunately, I can’t conceal anything from Your holy gaze. If I’d only humble myself and admit what I’ve done wrong, You’d lovingly cover up my mistakes, accepting my inadequacies.
As though Your acceptance is non-existent, I often run off looking for approval of important people. Deceived, demoralized, and disappointed, I hesitate to return to You. Too proud to admit my poor judgment, I fear You’ll reject me. In reality, You’re eagerly waiting for me to come back.
Please give me a fuller understanding of Your glorious grace so that I’ll quit seeking approval and begin seeking Your face. When I stop running away from You and start running into Your open arms, I’ll realize that I’m totally accepted in Love. In Your strong grip of grace, I’ll show my heartfelt gratitude by living a life of love when I accept others despite their idiosyncrasies for the praise Your Beloved Name. Amen.
Are you trying to earn God’s acceptance by works? Are you avoiding Him because of something You’ve done? Are you afraid He’ll reject you, if you go back to Him?
Listen to His promise. He has accepted you in Love. Stop seeking His approval; you’re already approved by Him.
If you’ve done something awful, stop avoiding Him and go tell Him about it. His Word says if we confess our sins, He’s faithful and just and will forgive our sins. (1 John 1:9)
If you’ve wandered off looking for approval from man, go back to Him, He’s waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)
His Word says, “Nothing can separate you from His love.” (Romans 8:35-39)
For another look at the Father’s glorious gift of acceptance read Luke 15:11-32.
To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. NKJV
O Gracious Father!
Your Words are a love sonnet to my soul! I just want to sit in the warmth of Your presence, listening to them until they penetrate the deepest part of me. Why in the world would You – Holy and Perfect Father – choose, adopt and accept a scruffy child like me?
Because I can’t grasp the depth of Your love, I try to earn Your acceptance by doing good things, not realizing that I’ll never measure up to Your holy standard. Only when I work in relation to Your Son are the things I do acceptable and pleasing to You.
Shamefully, I try to hide my faults from You. Unfortunately, I can’t conceal anything from Your holy gaze. If I’d only humble myself and admit what I’ve done wrong, You’d lovingly cover up my mistakes, accepting my inadequacies.
As though Your acceptance is non-existent, I often run off looking for approval of important people. Deceived, demoralized, and disappointed, I hesitate to return to You. Too proud to admit my poor judgment, I fear You’ll reject me. In reality, You’re eagerly waiting for me to come back.
Please give me a fuller understanding of Your glorious grace so that I’ll quit seeking approval and begin seeking Your face. When I stop running away from You and start running into Your open arms, I’ll realize that I’m totally accepted in Love. In Your strong grip of grace, I’ll show my heartfelt gratitude by living a life of love when I accept others despite their idiosyncrasies for the praise Your Beloved Name. Amen.
Are you trying to earn God’s acceptance by works? Are you avoiding Him because of something You’ve done? Are you afraid He’ll reject you, if you go back to Him?
Listen to His promise. He has accepted you in Love. Stop seeking His approval; you’re already approved by Him.
If you’ve done something awful, stop avoiding Him and go tell Him about it. His Word says if we confess our sins, He’s faithful and just and will forgive our sins. (1 John 1:9)
If you’ve wandered off looking for approval from man, go back to Him, He’s waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)
His Word says, “Nothing can separate you from His love.” (Romans 8:35-39)
For another look at the Father’s glorious gift of acceptance read Luke 15:11-32.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Taste and See
Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Sweet Jesus,
O how I love the sweetness of Your Words. They are sweeter to my taste than the finest chocolate in the world. Your delicious concoction of promises and commands is irresistible. They satisfy my most intense craving, evoking pleasure in the deepest part of my soul.
Hidden in my Bible are surprising nuggets of truth. As I taste each one, I discover Your mouthwatering goodness that melts my heart. Your opulent promises are my source of hope. Sinking my teeth into Your sumptuous loving kindness comforts my troubled spirit. Indulging, in Your luxurious mercies, refreshes my distressed mind. Treating myself to Your bittersweet commands makes my salvation thick, rich and smooth.
Your Words, O Lord, are an attractive treat! They are my heart’s delight and joy! I have tasted and experienced Your goodness. With all my heart I want to savor the magnificent flavor every day of my life, and share the sweetness with others to glorify and bless Your sweet name. Amen.
Your Bible is a delectable box of chocolates waiting to be devoured. Open it, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Sweet Jesus,
O how I love the sweetness of Your Words. They are sweeter to my taste than the finest chocolate in the world. Your delicious concoction of promises and commands is irresistible. They satisfy my most intense craving, evoking pleasure in the deepest part of my soul.
Hidden in my Bible are surprising nuggets of truth. As I taste each one, I discover Your mouthwatering goodness that melts my heart. Your opulent promises are my source of hope. Sinking my teeth into Your sumptuous loving kindness comforts my troubled spirit. Indulging, in Your luxurious mercies, refreshes my distressed mind. Treating myself to Your bittersweet commands makes my salvation thick, rich and smooth.
Your Words, O Lord, are an attractive treat! They are my heart’s delight and joy! I have tasted and experienced Your goodness. With all my heart I want to savor the magnificent flavor every day of my life, and share the sweetness with others to glorify and bless Your sweet name. Amen.
Your Bible is a delectable box of chocolates waiting to be devoured. Open it, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Valentine from God
I have loved you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 3:31
Dear Child of God,
You are precious and honored in My sight.
I created you for My glory and I love you.
Your heart belongs to me.
In love, I chose and adopted you.
My loving kindness never ends.
I don’t easily get angry and
I won’t nag or scold you.
My arms are wide open; come to me.
In love, I’ll accept and redeem you.
I will love your forever.
I will not ever abandon you.
No matter what you’ve done in the past,
I’ve completely forgotten about it.
In love, I’ve forgive you.
I will strengthen you and increase your power.
You will soar like an eagle through the storms.
You will run and not grow weary.
You will walk and not be faint.
In love, I’ll lead and guide you.
I will be with you forever.
There’s no need to be afraid or distraught.
I will always help you.
I will hold on to you tightly.
In love, I’ll bless you and make you happy again.
My beloved, you are my eternal valentine!
Love, Your Father in Heaven
You are special and you are loved. Do you believe God? He wants you to be His valentine, not just today, but always and forever.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Adopted in Love
Ephesians 1:5-6
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. NLT
Abba, Father,
I’m thankful and joyful that You decided to adopt me into Your royal family, reserving a room for me in Your mansion in the sky. You will be my Father and I will be Your dearly loved child forever because of my relationship with Your Son. O how I love to tell of the marvelous grace You’ve poured out on me. Your loving kindness makes me feel like dancing.
Upon arriving in the hallowed halls of Your heaven, You’ll wipe every tear from my eye. You’ll crown me with compassion and clothe me with fine linen, white and clean purchased with the blood of Jesus. I’ll be made new. My heart leaps for joy at the very thought of the rich inheritance for those whom You adopted in love.
Until I get there, I’ll be seized by shame, suffering and sorrow. In the midst of misery, I’ll live a life of love by rejoicing and giving thanks to You for bringing me into Your family. Singing sweet songs in my sadness, and powerfully pleading for patience during pain, I’ll smile when I feel like crying. When others around me hear my heavenly hope they’ll join in the celebration when they choose to believe the blessed and beautiful words from my lips.
Thank You, Father for my identity and inheritance. They are my joy, delight and strength. No one can ever take this treasured heritage from me. Please put a smile on my face today that reflects the love and joy in my heart because of who I am in Jesus! Amen.
Knowing that God adopted you in love, what should your response be in the midst of suffering? How will you live a life of love in order to share in Christ’s glory?
Read how Paul & Silas live out their love in prison in Acts 16:16-40. What can you learn about their example?
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. NLT
Abba, Father,
I’m thankful and joyful that You decided to adopt me into Your royal family, reserving a room for me in Your mansion in the sky. You will be my Father and I will be Your dearly loved child forever because of my relationship with Your Son. O how I love to tell of the marvelous grace You’ve poured out on me. Your loving kindness makes me feel like dancing.
Upon arriving in the hallowed halls of Your heaven, You’ll wipe every tear from my eye. You’ll crown me with compassion and clothe me with fine linen, white and clean purchased with the blood of Jesus. I’ll be made new. My heart leaps for joy at the very thought of the rich inheritance for those whom You adopted in love.
Until I get there, I’ll be seized by shame, suffering and sorrow. In the midst of misery, I’ll live a life of love by rejoicing and giving thanks to You for bringing me into Your family. Singing sweet songs in my sadness, and powerfully pleading for patience during pain, I’ll smile when I feel like crying. When others around me hear my heavenly hope they’ll join in the celebration when they choose to believe the blessed and beautiful words from my lips.
Thank You, Father for my identity and inheritance. They are my joy, delight and strength. No one can ever take this treasured heritage from me. Please put a smile on my face today that reflects the love and joy in my heart because of who I am in Jesus! Amen.
Knowing that God adopted you in love, what should your response be in the midst of suffering? How will you live a life of love in order to share in Christ’s glory?
Read how Paul & Silas live out their love in prison in Acts 16:16-40. What can you learn about their example?
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Chosen in Love
Deuteronomy 7:6
You are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.
My Knight in Shining Armor,
Hearing Your Holy Word thrills my heart! It stirs my soul to think that, in love; You chose me out of all the people on the face of the earth to be royal, holy, and redeemed. Who am I to deserve this kind of love?
Even though I was hiding in the dark behind a thick wall of shame, You found me, and gave Your life to rescue me. Bringing me into the wonderful light of Your love, You traded my ripped rags for a royal robe of righteousness. Miraculously Your Words changed my rough callused heart to a soft, holy one. I’m utterly ecstatic that an unbecoming person like me is no longer abandoned, but belongs to You, the High King of Heaven! Not only that, I’m Your treasured possession! Valuable! Priceless! Precious! O how thankful I am that You rescued me from the dark dungeon of my past, brought me into the wonderful light, and called me to be Yours!
I can’t keep quiet about my miracle makeover! As a member of Your royal family, I’m obligated to live a life of love by publicly telling others the difference You’ve made in my life. Now to You who chose me, out of all the people on the face of the earth, to be Your treasured possession be the glory, honor and praise forever and ever. Amen.
God chose you in love to be His treasured possession, not because you deserve it, but because of His loving kindness. You are valuable, priceless, and precious to Him.
In the light of His love, will you fully surrender your life to be the royal priest He’s called you to be? A royal priest devoted to his life to serving God and speaking out for Him.
You are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.
My Knight in Shining Armor,
Hearing Your Holy Word thrills my heart! It stirs my soul to think that, in love; You chose me out of all the people on the face of the earth to be royal, holy, and redeemed. Who am I to deserve this kind of love?
Even though I was hiding in the dark behind a thick wall of shame, You found me, and gave Your life to rescue me. Bringing me into the wonderful light of Your love, You traded my ripped rags for a royal robe of righteousness. Miraculously Your Words changed my rough callused heart to a soft, holy one. I’m utterly ecstatic that an unbecoming person like me is no longer abandoned, but belongs to You, the High King of Heaven! Not only that, I’m Your treasured possession! Valuable! Priceless! Precious! O how thankful I am that You rescued me from the dark dungeon of my past, brought me into the wonderful light, and called me to be Yours!
I can’t keep quiet about my miracle makeover! As a member of Your royal family, I’m obligated to live a life of love by publicly telling others the difference You’ve made in my life. Now to You who chose me, out of all the people on the face of the earth, to be Your treasured possession be the glory, honor and praise forever and ever. Amen.
God chose you in love to be His treasured possession, not because you deserve it, but because of His loving kindness. You are valuable, priceless, and precious to Him.
In the light of His love, will you fully surrender your life to be the royal priest He’s called you to be? A royal priest devoted to his life to serving God and speaking out for Him.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Blessed in Love
Ephesians 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
O God My Father,
What a blessing You are! Because of my friendship with Your dear Son, You’ve lovingly lavished me with all the riches of heaven. Pouring out Your glorious grace on me, You exchanged the ashes of my broken heart for a crown of beauty turning my sad days to glad days. My heart leaps for joy because of Your great love!
Pitying me, You looked beyond my imperfections. It delighted You to trade my tattered clothes of despair for a garment of praise. Handing me the Book of Love, a Holy Bible, You gave me wisdom and knowledge to understand the mysteries of Your Word. In the blessing of Your love, humiliation turned to honor enabling me to proudly display Your majestic splendor.
A changed person, full of glory and grace, I’ll begin rebuilding ruined relationships. From the wreckage and rubble, I’ll build lasting friendships that bridge others to Your heavenly kingdom. Because You’ve doubly blessed me with a beautiful new beginning, I’ll live a life of love. Blessing others, I’ll celebrate the everlasting legacy available to me because my relationship with Your own dear Son. Amen.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Read Ephesians 1:3-14. Make a list of all the spiritual blessings God gives you because of your friendship with His Son. How will they help you live a life of love?
Dig deeper by reading Isaiah 61.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
O God My Father,
What a blessing You are! Because of my friendship with Your dear Son, You’ve lovingly lavished me with all the riches of heaven. Pouring out Your glorious grace on me, You exchanged the ashes of my broken heart for a crown of beauty turning my sad days to glad days. My heart leaps for joy because of Your great love!
Pitying me, You looked beyond my imperfections. It delighted You to trade my tattered clothes of despair for a garment of praise. Handing me the Book of Love, a Holy Bible, You gave me wisdom and knowledge to understand the mysteries of Your Word. In the blessing of Your love, humiliation turned to honor enabling me to proudly display Your majestic splendor.
A changed person, full of glory and grace, I’ll begin rebuilding ruined relationships. From the wreckage and rubble, I’ll build lasting friendships that bridge others to Your heavenly kingdom. Because You’ve doubly blessed me with a beautiful new beginning, I’ll live a life of love. Blessing others, I’ll celebrate the everlasting legacy available to me because my relationship with Your own dear Son. Amen.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Read Ephesians 1:3-14. Make a list of all the spiritual blessings God gives you because of your friendship with His Son. How will they help you live a life of love?
Dig deeper by reading Isaiah 61.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Thinking About the Lord
Psalm 16:8-11
I am always thinking of the Lord;
And because he is so near, I never need to stumble or fall.
Heart, body, and soul are filled with joy.
For you will not leave me among the dead,
You will not allow your beloved one to rot in the grave
You have let me experience the joys of life
And the exquisite pleasures of your own eternal presence. The Book
My Dear Friend,
You are my Lord! You light up my life, making my heart happy. O how I need you every minute of every day! You are absolutely precious to me! I’m constantly thinking of You. It keeps me out of trouble and away from temptation.
My problems and pressures turn to joy when I think about Your deep love for me. You love me so much that You died saving me from destruction and death while I was Your hard-hearted enemy. Not only that, but You came back to life and chose to live in my heart! Since You’ve moved in, my life hasn’t been the same. The crud and cob webs are gone. You polished me with loving kindness and now I sparkle. I’m no longer lonely, hungry or thirsty. You’re my Provider and Best Friend! Your powerful presence is my protection. I’ve finally found peace and contentment – the exquisite pleasures of Your eternal presence living in me.
You fill my heart, body and soul with pure joy! I smile just thinking about the future You promise me! All around me are beautiful mansions. When I wish I could live in one of them, You remind me that they pale in comparison to the palace You promise me in Paradise. I look forward with hope to the day when my sorrows and pain will cease and I’ll live happily ever with You in the beauty of heavenly holiness.
Please dear Lord, let me glow with delight from the joy of Your presence living in me because of Jesus. Amen.
Who are you thinking about today? If you think about the Lord, He promises:
You will never stumble and fall
You will be filled with joy
He won’t leave you among the dead, rotting in a grave
You’re His beloved one
You will experience the exquisite pleasure of His eternal presence
Just thinking about my friendship with God excites me! Why He would befriend a sinner like me, is beyond my understanding. I’m choosing to believe Him and accept the cherished gift of His friendship because of Jesus! May the smile on my face reflect the joy in my heart, O Lord, because I am Your beloved friend!
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
I am always thinking of the Lord;
And because he is so near, I never need to stumble or fall.
Heart, body, and soul are filled with joy.
For you will not leave me among the dead,
You will not allow your beloved one to rot in the grave
You have let me experience the joys of life
And the exquisite pleasures of your own eternal presence. The Book
My Dear Friend,
You are my Lord! You light up my life, making my heart happy. O how I need you every minute of every day! You are absolutely precious to me! I’m constantly thinking of You. It keeps me out of trouble and away from temptation.
My problems and pressures turn to joy when I think about Your deep love for me. You love me so much that You died saving me from destruction and death while I was Your hard-hearted enemy. Not only that, but You came back to life and chose to live in my heart! Since You’ve moved in, my life hasn’t been the same. The crud and cob webs are gone. You polished me with loving kindness and now I sparkle. I’m no longer lonely, hungry or thirsty. You’re my Provider and Best Friend! Your powerful presence is my protection. I’ve finally found peace and contentment – the exquisite pleasures of Your eternal presence living in me.
You fill my heart, body and soul with pure joy! I smile just thinking about the future You promise me! All around me are beautiful mansions. When I wish I could live in one of them, You remind me that they pale in comparison to the palace You promise me in Paradise. I look forward with hope to the day when my sorrows and pain will cease and I’ll live happily ever with You in the beauty of heavenly holiness.
Please dear Lord, let me glow with delight from the joy of Your presence living in me because of Jesus. Amen.
Who are you thinking about today? If you think about the Lord, He promises:
You will never stumble and fall
You will be filled with joy
He won’t leave you among the dead, rotting in a grave
You’re His beloved one
You will experience the exquisite pleasure of His eternal presence
Just thinking about my friendship with God excites me! Why He would befriend a sinner like me, is beyond my understanding. I’m choosing to believe Him and accept the cherished gift of His friendship because of Jesus! May the smile on my face reflect the joy in my heart, O Lord, because I am Your beloved friend!
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Blessings From the King
Psalm 103:1-5
Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
Who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
Who satisfies your desires with good things.
Our Loving King~
We bow before Your heavenly throne in awe of Your Majesty. You are Lord Most High. Your name is Holy! Thank You for all the gifts You generously give to Your beloved children.
You forgive ALL our mistakes – past, present and future; BIG, Middle-sized, and small. The next time we choose to wallow in a sea of self-pity remind us that You don’t harbor a grudge. In love, all our errors were erased at the Cross with the precious blood of Your Only Son. Thank You, Jesus!
You are the Great Physician who touches and heals our heart disease. Gently, You mend the deep gashes, scrape away the calluses, and bandage our injured souls by Your stripes. Compassionately, the capillaries preventing Your love from steadily flowing through us are unclogged. Thank You for providing unending heavenly healing.
Reaching Your long fingers into the messy muck and mire of our lives, You pull us out of the polluted pit and redeem us. With the sludge of sin washed away by the blood of the Lamb, we sparkle and shine like never before. We are free to live above shame and reproach. Thank You for changing us.
Because you are a doting and loving Father, You crown us with love and kindness. We don’t deserve to be forgiven, healed, or redeemed, but it delights You to give us these treasures. You are pleased to embrace us and teach us to walk Your way. Thank You, Father, that Your hands are wide enough to hold the whole world.
In Your presence the desires of our hearts are satisfied. You give us a never-ending supply of Bread from Heaven, Your Holy Word. Our thirsty souls are continuously quenched with fresh water from the River of Life. There is nothing more rewarding or tranquil than communing with You. Thank You for Your plentiful provision.
Recognizing the incredibly good gifts You’ve given us in the name of Jesus, we stand up and sing to You, our Father and King! Make us a blessing today! Amen.
If You are a child of God, You are a child of the King and the heir of these incredibly good and generous gifts. Have you claimed the benefits of His royal family? They are yours and they are free! Please take them and be satisfied.
Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
Who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
Who satisfies your desires with good things.
Our Loving King~
We bow before Your heavenly throne in awe of Your Majesty. You are Lord Most High. Your name is Holy! Thank You for all the gifts You generously give to Your beloved children.
You forgive ALL our mistakes – past, present and future; BIG, Middle-sized, and small. The next time we choose to wallow in a sea of self-pity remind us that You don’t harbor a grudge. In love, all our errors were erased at the Cross with the precious blood of Your Only Son. Thank You, Jesus!
You are the Great Physician who touches and heals our heart disease. Gently, You mend the deep gashes, scrape away the calluses, and bandage our injured souls by Your stripes. Compassionately, the capillaries preventing Your love from steadily flowing through us are unclogged. Thank You for providing unending heavenly healing.
Reaching Your long fingers into the messy muck and mire of our lives, You pull us out of the polluted pit and redeem us. With the sludge of sin washed away by the blood of the Lamb, we sparkle and shine like never before. We are free to live above shame and reproach. Thank You for changing us.
Because you are a doting and loving Father, You crown us with love and kindness. We don’t deserve to be forgiven, healed, or redeemed, but it delights You to give us these treasures. You are pleased to embrace us and teach us to walk Your way. Thank You, Father, that Your hands are wide enough to hold the whole world.
In Your presence the desires of our hearts are satisfied. You give us a never-ending supply of Bread from Heaven, Your Holy Word. Our thirsty souls are continuously quenched with fresh water from the River of Life. There is nothing more rewarding or tranquil than communing with You. Thank You for Your plentiful provision.
Recognizing the incredibly good gifts You’ve given us in the name of Jesus, we stand up and sing to You, our Father and King! Make us a blessing today! Amen.
If You are a child of God, You are a child of the King and the heir of these incredibly good and generous gifts. Have you claimed the benefits of His royal family? They are yours and they are free! Please take them and be satisfied.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
God Speaks
Exodus 33:11
The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.
Faithful Friend,
I’m astonished that You have chosen to speak friend to friend with a rebel like me. You’re prominent, perfect, and pure. I’m insignificant, imperfect and impure. My life is in shambles! I’ve made bad choices and I’m incredibly needy! Of all the beautiful and gifted people in the world who seem to have so much to offer, You’ve chosen to chat with me. I have no beauty, no gift, and no clout to offer. While some people wouldn’t be caught dead associating with me, You, Most High, are delighted to call me “friend”. How can this be?
It is a mystery I will never understand. My heart dances within to hear You calling and inviting me to hang out with You - the Immortal, Invincible, Incorruptible King. It’s not the rich and famous You desire to be with, but lowly people with humble hearts. Thank You for stooping down to speak to me face to face when I come to You with an open heart, mind and Bible. I yearn to hear Your Voice.
O how I desire to know You deeply, personally, and intimately. Keep the fire burning in my heart and consume me with passion. I never want to break away from this sweet fellowship we enjoy. I’m tickled that You’d speak to me friend to friend! Hallelujah! Amen.
Friendship with God is attainable. Moses was far from prominent, perfect and pure. He wasn’t great or glamorous either. In fact, after committing murder he was wandering in the wilderness when God chose to befriend him.
No matter who you are, what you’ve done, or where you’ve been the Immortal, Invincible, Incorruptible King is calling you into uninterrupted intimacy with Him. Respond to Him with an open heart, mind and Bible, and He will speak to you face to face as a man speaks to a friend.
The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.
Faithful Friend,
I’m astonished that You have chosen to speak friend to friend with a rebel like me. You’re prominent, perfect, and pure. I’m insignificant, imperfect and impure. My life is in shambles! I’ve made bad choices and I’m incredibly needy! Of all the beautiful and gifted people in the world who seem to have so much to offer, You’ve chosen to chat with me. I have no beauty, no gift, and no clout to offer. While some people wouldn’t be caught dead associating with me, You, Most High, are delighted to call me “friend”. How can this be?
It is a mystery I will never understand. My heart dances within to hear You calling and inviting me to hang out with You - the Immortal, Invincible, Incorruptible King. It’s not the rich and famous You desire to be with, but lowly people with humble hearts. Thank You for stooping down to speak to me face to face when I come to You with an open heart, mind and Bible. I yearn to hear Your Voice.
O how I desire to know You deeply, personally, and intimately. Keep the fire burning in my heart and consume me with passion. I never want to break away from this sweet fellowship we enjoy. I’m tickled that You’d speak to me friend to friend! Hallelujah! Amen.
Friendship with God is attainable. Moses was far from prominent, perfect and pure. He wasn’t great or glamorous either. In fact, after committing murder he was wandering in the wilderness when God chose to befriend him.
No matter who you are, what you’ve done, or where you’ve been the Immortal, Invincible, Incorruptible King is calling you into uninterrupted intimacy with Him. Respond to Him with an open heart, mind and Bible, and He will speak to you face to face as a man speaks to a friend.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Dwell in His Presence
Psalm 27:4-5
One thing I ask of the LORD,
One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble
For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
O Mighty King of Heaven,
There is one thing I ask: that I may live in Your holy house all the days of my life and gaze upon Your beauty. I will seek You in the temple of my heart. In Your glorious presence, I will be safe from trials, tragedy and trouble. Your power and promises will divinely protect me. Securely positioned in Your presence, I will offer You a sacrifice of praise.
When I look for You at the throne of grace, I will find You. Gazing into the warmth of Your fiery eyes, I can expect You to mercifully hear my voice and gently answer me. You are tenderhearted. When my earthly friends and family cannot comfort me, You will coddle me in Your strong arms. It’s Your divine guidance I’m desperately seeking. With my Bible wide open, my eyes will be fixed on You. Reveling in Your goodness and generosity, I won’t be crushed by my circumstances. In the splendor of Your holiness I’ll be still and wait with a calm and quiet heart while You work out the details for Your glory.
Living happily ever after with You is my only hope, peace and joy in this sad, sad world. You keep me from fainting under pain and pressure. O Lover of My Soul, I want nothing more than to live in uninterrupted intimacy with You all the days of my life. You are my Strong Man, and I simply want to stay in Your blessing where You will lift me up and be magnified. Lord, please show me what I must do to attain this desire of my heart. Amen.
If you are facing trial, tragedy or trouble, seek Him. To seek is an action that means to search for, strive for, ask for, or head for something. Open Your Bible and begin looking for Him. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you. He is unchanging. He was the same yesterday as He is today. He will be there in all His glory if you take the time to search for Him. When You find Him, gaze upon His beautiful character. Write down His noticeable attributes so that you won’t forget them in the midst of your crushing circumstances. In His presence You will be blessed with hope, peace and joy.
There is one thing I ask: that I may live in Your holy house all the days of my life and gaze upon Your beauty. I will seek You in the temple of my heart. In Your glorious presence, I will be safe from trials, tragedy and trouble. Your power and promises will divinely protect me. Securely positioned in Your presence, I will offer You a sacrifice of praise.
When I look for You at the throne of grace, I will find You. Gazing into the warmth of Your fiery eyes, I can expect You to mercifully hear my voice and gently answer me. You are tenderhearted. When my earthly friends and family cannot comfort me, You will coddle me in Your strong arms. It’s Your divine guidance I’m desperately seeking. With my Bible wide open, my eyes will be fixed on You. Reveling in Your goodness and generosity, I won’t be crushed by my circumstances. In the splendor of Your holiness I’ll be still and wait with a calm and quiet heart while You work out the details for Your glory.
Living happily ever after with You is my only hope, peace and joy in this sad, sad world. You keep me from fainting under pain and pressure. O Lover of My Soul, I want nothing more than to live in uninterrupted intimacy with You all the days of my life. You are my Strong Man, and I simply want to stay in Your blessing where You will lift me up and be magnified. Lord, please show me what I must do to attain this desire of my heart. Amen.
If you are facing trial, tragedy or trouble, seek Him. To seek is an action that means to search for, strive for, ask for, or head for something. Open Your Bible and begin looking for Him. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you. He is unchanging. He was the same yesterday as He is today. He will be there in all His glory if you take the time to search for Him. When You find Him, gaze upon His beautiful character. Write down His noticeable attributes so that you won’t forget them in the midst of your crushing circumstances. In His presence You will be blessed with hope, peace and joy.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Seek His Face
Psalm 27:8
When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.” NKJV
O King of Glory!
Thank You for calling me to come look for You. My heart readily leaps at the chance to seek Your face, Lord! I want to see Your Majesty. Heartily, I’ll search my Bible until I find You. Hear my voice when I persistently call to You through prayer. Be merciful and answer me. Don’t hide Your face from me for long.
Help me to remove the shroud that’s obstructing my view of You. When I can’t see through the pain of my problems, wipe the tears from my eyes. If busyness is blocking me, slow me down. As difficult decisions distort my sight increase my dependence on Your divinity. While criticism causes me to lose concentration, give me confidence and courage to keep looking. Blinded by thick darkness, shine forth the bright light of Your love. I desire to discover You in the daily grind. In all circumstances, I long to commune with You. Against all odds, Lord, I will forsake everything for the sole purpose of seeing Your Majesty. Please show me Your glory through Jesus my King. Amen.
The King of Glory invites you to seek His face. Without delay the Psalmist spoke from His heart, accepting the divine invitation. What about you? Will you heartily accept His invitation without hesitating? Open your Bible, search the Scriptures, consistently call out to Him in prayer, and You will see Him for Who He really is.
When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.” NKJV
O King of Glory!
Thank You for calling me to come look for You. My heart readily leaps at the chance to seek Your face, Lord! I want to see Your Majesty. Heartily, I’ll search my Bible until I find You. Hear my voice when I persistently call to You through prayer. Be merciful and answer me. Don’t hide Your face from me for long.
Help me to remove the shroud that’s obstructing my view of You. When I can’t see through the pain of my problems, wipe the tears from my eyes. If busyness is blocking me, slow me down. As difficult decisions distort my sight increase my dependence on Your divinity. While criticism causes me to lose concentration, give me confidence and courage to keep looking. Blinded by thick darkness, shine forth the bright light of Your love. I desire to discover You in the daily grind. In all circumstances, I long to commune with You. Against all odds, Lord, I will forsake everything for the sole purpose of seeing Your Majesty. Please show me Your glory through Jesus my King. Amen.
The King of Glory invites you to seek His face. Without delay the Psalmist spoke from His heart, accepting the divine invitation. What about you? Will you heartily accept His invitation without hesitating? Open your Bible, search the Scriptures, consistently call out to Him in prayer, and You will see Him for Who He really is.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Resolve to Excercise
1 Timothy 4:8
Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. NLT
My Divine Coach and Trainer,
Here I am – weak, out of shape and ready to get rid of the unnecessary stress and strain in my life. This year I resolve to get firm and fit with You. I know this fitness program will be extremely challenging, excruciatingly painful and very expensive, but the end result will be well worth it. Willingly, I’m surrendering my entire life to You, absolutely determined to improve my image from the inside out.
Giving You my best effort will be easiest if I have a few spiritual friends to train with me. Together, we’ll encourage each other to persevere through the pain and doggedly practice the difficult maneuvers You teach us. Shutting out every other thought, we’ll keep our eyes on You, and do exactly what we see You doing. As our hearts beat in rapid unison with Yours, we’ll breathe in Your sensational power and blow out Your extraordinary strength.
Frequently refreshing with Living Water from the deep well of our Bibles will make us excitingly different. As we monitor our hearts and measure our progress, the noticeable change will motivate us to keep working out our faith with fear and trembling. Under Your rigorous daily discipline, we’ll become firm and fit forever, taking on the strong physique of Your Son.
Going to the gymnasium is useful, but exercising a disciplined life with You daily is far more beneficial. When You are magnified in our bodies, we won’t be ashamed and will have the stamina to endure all kinds of problems and pressures. Others will instantly recognize the drastic improvement in us and naturally be attracted to Your fitness program too. Amen.
Have you resolved to get more physical exercise this year? God’s Word says that training for godliness is even more beneficial. What will you do to get firm and fit with Jesus?
Even if it’s as little as 10 minutes a day, you can’t afford to not train with Him. Find a study buddy and commit to working out together by doing a daily devotion. Share with each other what the Lord’s teaching you. Together, you’ll improve your image as you grow in His strength.
Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. NLT
My Divine Coach and Trainer,
Here I am – weak, out of shape and ready to get rid of the unnecessary stress and strain in my life. This year I resolve to get firm and fit with You. I know this fitness program will be extremely challenging, excruciatingly painful and very expensive, but the end result will be well worth it. Willingly, I’m surrendering my entire life to You, absolutely determined to improve my image from the inside out.
Giving You my best effort will be easiest if I have a few spiritual friends to train with me. Together, we’ll encourage each other to persevere through the pain and doggedly practice the difficult maneuvers You teach us. Shutting out every other thought, we’ll keep our eyes on You, and do exactly what we see You doing. As our hearts beat in rapid unison with Yours, we’ll breathe in Your sensational power and blow out Your extraordinary strength.
Frequently refreshing with Living Water from the deep well of our Bibles will make us excitingly different. As we monitor our hearts and measure our progress, the noticeable change will motivate us to keep working out our faith with fear and trembling. Under Your rigorous daily discipline, we’ll become firm and fit forever, taking on the strong physique of Your Son.
Going to the gymnasium is useful, but exercising a disciplined life with You daily is far more beneficial. When You are magnified in our bodies, we won’t be ashamed and will have the stamina to endure all kinds of problems and pressures. Others will instantly recognize the drastic improvement in us and naturally be attracted to Your fitness program too. Amen.
Have you resolved to get more physical exercise this year? God’s Word says that training for godliness is even more beneficial. What will you do to get firm and fit with Jesus?
Even if it’s as little as 10 minutes a day, you can’t afford to not train with Him. Find a study buddy and commit to working out together by doing a daily devotion. Share with each other what the Lord’s teaching you. Together, you’ll improve your image as you grow in His strength.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Galatians 5:25
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Father in Heaven,
Thank You for compassionately choosing me to be Your beloved child and adopting me into Your great big diverse family when I was an utterly rebellious brat. When you found me I was absolutely loveless, kicking, screaming and demanding my own way. Fiercely in pursuit of fame and fortune, I was rudely pushing and shoving anyone in my path. My all-consuming desires were never satisfied! A mountain of putrid garbage had accumulated in my mind and soul. Amazingly, You picked me anyway, and sent Your infinitely powerful Spirit to tame me from my wild and wicked ways.
Vitally dependent on Your divine discipline to break my bad habits, I resolve to relinquish control of my life to Your Spirit this year. Fully submitted to Your authority, I’ll recognize Your commanding voice when I purposely read my Bible. Resolutely, I’ll follow Your step-by-step instructions for functioning Your way. With Your Words embedded in my mind, Your love will be behind my actions and Your power will control my egocentric desires.
Under Your wise counsel and watchful eye, I’ll learn to imitate Your unrestricted love. My heart will joyfully dance and my mind will peacefully sing as I tag along with You through all kinds of stress and strain. Firmly in Your grip of grace, I’ll persistently endure difficult people and situations by repeatedly demonstrating Your undeniable loving kindness. Making the most of every opportunity, I’ll welcome interruptions to help carry the burdens of others I encounter along the way. Trusting You to gently lead and guide me by Your Spirit, I’ll live a drastically different life that magnetically draws others to the life changing power of Your Almighty Spirit. Amen.
Will you resolve to live by the Spirit this year by fully submitting to His authority and respectfully following Him step-by-step every day?
Can people recognize you as a child of God by your attitudes and actions? If not, humbly admit that you’re a spoiled rebellious brat who needs tamed by His almighty power. Ask Him to teach you in the way you should go. Listen carefully to His instructions and willingly follow them no matter how difficult.
When you keep in step with the Spirit, the outgrowth of the Spirit will be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Father in Heaven,
Thank You for compassionately choosing me to be Your beloved child and adopting me into Your great big diverse family when I was an utterly rebellious brat. When you found me I was absolutely loveless, kicking, screaming and demanding my own way. Fiercely in pursuit of fame and fortune, I was rudely pushing and shoving anyone in my path. My all-consuming desires were never satisfied! A mountain of putrid garbage had accumulated in my mind and soul. Amazingly, You picked me anyway, and sent Your infinitely powerful Spirit to tame me from my wild and wicked ways.
Vitally dependent on Your divine discipline to break my bad habits, I resolve to relinquish control of my life to Your Spirit this year. Fully submitted to Your authority, I’ll recognize Your commanding voice when I purposely read my Bible. Resolutely, I’ll follow Your step-by-step instructions for functioning Your way. With Your Words embedded in my mind, Your love will be behind my actions and Your power will control my egocentric desires.
Under Your wise counsel and watchful eye, I’ll learn to imitate Your unrestricted love. My heart will joyfully dance and my mind will peacefully sing as I tag along with You through all kinds of stress and strain. Firmly in Your grip of grace, I’ll persistently endure difficult people and situations by repeatedly demonstrating Your undeniable loving kindness. Making the most of every opportunity, I’ll welcome interruptions to help carry the burdens of others I encounter along the way. Trusting You to gently lead and guide me by Your Spirit, I’ll live a drastically different life that magnetically draws others to the life changing power of Your Almighty Spirit. Amen.
Will you resolve to live by the Spirit this year by fully submitting to His authority and respectfully following Him step-by-step every day?
Can people recognize you as a child of God by your attitudes and actions? If not, humbly admit that you’re a spoiled rebellious brat who needs tamed by His almighty power. Ask Him to teach you in the way you should go. Listen carefully to His instructions and willingly follow them no matter how difficult.
When you keep in step with the Spirit, the outgrowth of the Spirit will be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Resolve to Live Differently
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Dearest Father in Heaven,
I’m eternally grateful that You’ve saved my life by deliberately removing my dysfunctional, diseased heart and intentionally replacing it with the strong, healthy heart of Your dear Son. My heart now beats in vital unison with Yours. Since You munificently recreated my miserable old life into a magnificent new one full of love and power, I resolve to live a drastically different life this year by being:
Receptive of people who are fundamentally different from me
Empathetic, polite and kind rather than rude, arrogant and obnoxious
Content with the things You’ve given me instead of envying what others have
Recognizant of the good in bad circumstances
Ecstatic with the truth instead of misled by deception
Accepting of people’s faults as opposed to being critical and judgmental
Tolerant of abrasive people and harsh conditions
Even-tempered and calm even when I’m angry, resentful and mistreated
Devoted, protective, persistent, hopeful and trusting to the end
Thank You, Father, for opening my heart and implanting Your Son. Radically changed, I’ll graciously look beyond the diseased, dysfunctional lives of others. Generously, I’ll pour out Your infinite mercy and amazing love on hurting, helpless, and hopeless people bringing glory to You through the new life You’ve magnanimously given me through Jesus, Your Son. Amen.
O. Chambers writes in My Utmost For His Highest, “If you are born again, the Spirit of God makes the change very evident in your real life and thought.”
What radical difference has Christ made in your life? The above resolutions are from 1 Corinthians 13. Can you boldly stand in the light of God’s truths without squirming and evading them? If not, continue surrendering yourself daily to the Great Physician until His heart is fully implanted in yours.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Dearest Father in Heaven,
I’m eternally grateful that You’ve saved my life by deliberately removing my dysfunctional, diseased heart and intentionally replacing it with the strong, healthy heart of Your dear Son. My heart now beats in vital unison with Yours. Since You munificently recreated my miserable old life into a magnificent new one full of love and power, I resolve to live a drastically different life this year by being:
Receptive of people who are fundamentally different from me
Empathetic, polite and kind rather than rude, arrogant and obnoxious
Content with the things You’ve given me instead of envying what others have
Recognizant of the good in bad circumstances
Ecstatic with the truth instead of misled by deception
Accepting of people’s faults as opposed to being critical and judgmental
Tolerant of abrasive people and harsh conditions
Even-tempered and calm even when I’m angry, resentful and mistreated
Devoted, protective, persistent, hopeful and trusting to the end
Thank You, Father, for opening my heart and implanting Your Son. Radically changed, I’ll graciously look beyond the diseased, dysfunctional lives of others. Generously, I’ll pour out Your infinite mercy and amazing love on hurting, helpless, and hopeless people bringing glory to You through the new life You’ve magnanimously given me through Jesus, Your Son. Amen.
O. Chambers writes in My Utmost For His Highest, “If you are born again, the Spirit of God makes the change very evident in your real life and thought.”
What radical difference has Christ made in your life? The above resolutions are from 1 Corinthians 13. Can you boldly stand in the light of God’s truths without squirming and evading them? If not, continue surrendering yourself daily to the Great Physician until His heart is fully implanted in yours.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Come Worship the King
Matthew 2:2, 11
Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
Holy Child of God-
I have seen Your splendor and beauty brilliantly beaming down from heaven on high. Under the glowing streams of glory is the wonderful gift of worship. In awe of Your radiant reflection, I joyfully come, falling on my knees in adoration to worship Your Majesty! You are the:
Ardent Angler
Word of the Father
Son of God
Abba Daddy
Blessed Word of God
Truthful Teacher
Lamb of God
Bread of Heaven
Glorious River of Life
Healer of Hearts
Breakfast Server
Lover of My Soul
Lord of the Dance
The Way, the Truth and the Life
My Beloved King
You are the worthy of the best I have to offer.
Generously, I give you the tarnished gold of my life. Remove my impurities so that I will glitter and glimmer and become increasingly more pure and valuable to You. Selflessly surrendered to You, I will sparkle when I worship You, my Master, with a life of sincere service.
Freely, I offer You the fragrant frankincense of my faithful prayers flowing heavenward. The sweet sound of the song in my heart will be a pleasant perfume of praise to You, O Holy King.
Boldly, I bring to You the bitter myrrh of my brokenness. In the stunning splendor of Your sanctuary, You graciously accept the sacrifice of my suffering and shame, and restore me with heavenly healing.
I have come to worship You with all my soul and strength like the star-guided sojourners. After a long strenuous journey through darkness, I have found You in the home of my heart. Now I gladly open the glowing streams of glory, take out the wonderful gift of worship, and triumphantly sing in exultation, “Gloria, In Excelsius Deo.” Hallelujah! Amen.
If You have found the gift of the Christ Child in your heart, will you bow down and worship Him? Give Him the tarnished gold of your life, allowing Him to remove the impurities. He can make you beautiful no matter how much tarnish you’ve accumulated. Present him the sweet scent of your prayers and praise. Offer him the bitterness of your suffering and sorrow. Then find someone who needs the heart of Christmas and offer them the Holy Child of Christmas.
Have a God Blessed and Merry Christmas!
Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
Holy Child of God-
I have seen Your splendor and beauty brilliantly beaming down from heaven on high. Under the glowing streams of glory is the wonderful gift of worship. In awe of Your radiant reflection, I joyfully come, falling on my knees in adoration to worship Your Majesty! You are the:
Ardent Angler
Word of the Father
Son of God
Abba Daddy
Blessed Word of God
Truthful Teacher
Lamb of God
Bread of Heaven
Glorious River of Life
Healer of Hearts
Breakfast Server
Lover of My Soul
Lord of the Dance
The Way, the Truth and the Life
My Beloved King
You are the worthy of the best I have to offer.
Generously, I give you the tarnished gold of my life. Remove my impurities so that I will glitter and glimmer and become increasingly more pure and valuable to You. Selflessly surrendered to You, I will sparkle when I worship You, my Master, with a life of sincere service.
Freely, I offer You the fragrant frankincense of my faithful prayers flowing heavenward. The sweet sound of the song in my heart will be a pleasant perfume of praise to You, O Holy King.
Boldly, I bring to You the bitter myrrh of my brokenness. In the stunning splendor of Your sanctuary, You graciously accept the sacrifice of my suffering and shame, and restore me with heavenly healing.
I have come to worship You with all my soul and strength like the star-guided sojourners. After a long strenuous journey through darkness, I have found You in the home of my heart. Now I gladly open the glowing streams of glory, take out the wonderful gift of worship, and triumphantly sing in exultation, “Gloria, In Excelsius Deo.” Hallelujah! Amen.
If You have found the gift of the Christ Child in your heart, will you bow down and worship Him? Give Him the tarnished gold of your life, allowing Him to remove the impurities. He can make you beautiful no matter how much tarnish you’ve accumulated. Present him the sweet scent of your prayers and praise. Offer him the bitterness of your suffering and sorrow. Then find someone who needs the heart of Christmas and offer them the Holy Child of Christmas.
Have a God Blessed and Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Take Your Inheritance
Matthew 25:34
Jesus said, "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”
Jesus, You are my Beloved King and Heavenly Father,
This sacred invitation makes me giddy with excitement! I can’t wait for the Day when You open the Lamb’s Book of Life, recognize me as Your blessed Bride and call me to come. Joyfully, I’ll come to You, triumphantly claiming the vast inheritance promised me before the creation of the world – the kingdom of heaven!
I long for the Day when You will carry me away in the Spirit to a high and mighty mountain and show me the spectacular view of the Holy City coming down from heaven. Your glory shining more brilliantly than a very precious jewel will surely take my breath away. I’ll marvel at the high jasper walls around the Golden City. The gates made of a single shimmering pearl will be stunning. The foundations of the City walls will be decorated with more priceless gems than I could ever dream of. The pure gold streets, translucent as glass, will lead right to Your magnificent throne at the City Center where people from every nation, tribe and tongue will be worshipping You with one heart. The very thought of the splendid scene captivates me!
From Your high and holy throne You’ll make everything new. All of my defects and deformities will be made perfect. All my sin-seared scars will be removed. All my problems and pain will be gone. You will wipe every tear from my eyes. There will be no more death. No more crying. Never again will there be any darkness. Nothing dirty, defiled or deceitful will get into the City. Things will never be the same! In purity, splendor and safety, I will live and rule with You forever and ever.
I don’t want to miss this promised place because I’m unprepared. Help me by Your Holy Spirit to pray, praise and persevere until I reach Paradise, the Promised Land. Hallelujah! Amen!
We ought to be eagerly preparing for this glorious Day when we will meet the Lover we’ve always longed for by purifying ourselves daily through prayer, praise and perseverance. He’s going to come in a flash, at the twinkling of an eye, when we least expect it. The time to prepare for Paradise is now!
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you prepare. This is one invitation you don’t want to miss!
Jesus promises, “He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” Revelation 21:17
Jesus said, "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”
Jesus, You are my Beloved King and Heavenly Father,
This sacred invitation makes me giddy with excitement! I can’t wait for the Day when You open the Lamb’s Book of Life, recognize me as Your blessed Bride and call me to come. Joyfully, I’ll come to You, triumphantly claiming the vast inheritance promised me before the creation of the world – the kingdom of heaven!
I long for the Day when You will carry me away in the Spirit to a high and mighty mountain and show me the spectacular view of the Holy City coming down from heaven. Your glory shining more brilliantly than a very precious jewel will surely take my breath away. I’ll marvel at the high jasper walls around the Golden City. The gates made of a single shimmering pearl will be stunning. The foundations of the City walls will be decorated with more priceless gems than I could ever dream of. The pure gold streets, translucent as glass, will lead right to Your magnificent throne at the City Center where people from every nation, tribe and tongue will be worshipping You with one heart. The very thought of the splendid scene captivates me!
From Your high and holy throne You’ll make everything new. All of my defects and deformities will be made perfect. All my sin-seared scars will be removed. All my problems and pain will be gone. You will wipe every tear from my eyes. There will be no more death. No more crying. Never again will there be any darkness. Nothing dirty, defiled or deceitful will get into the City. Things will never be the same! In purity, splendor and safety, I will live and rule with You forever and ever.
I don’t want to miss this promised place because I’m unprepared. Help me by Your Holy Spirit to pray, praise and persevere until I reach Paradise, the Promised Land. Hallelujah! Amen!
We ought to be eagerly preparing for this glorious Day when we will meet the Lover we’ve always longed for by purifying ourselves daily through prayer, praise and perseverance. He’s going to come in a flash, at the twinkling of an eye, when we least expect it. The time to prepare for Paradise is now!
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you prepare. This is one invitation you don’t want to miss!
Jesus promises, “He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” Revelation 21:17
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Way to the Dance
John 14:6
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Jesus,
You are the Narrow Way into the Divine Dance! Without You no one can come into Your Father’s house. Thank You for revealing the Truth to me. By Your grace I will enter. Taking Your strong arm, I believe You will triumphantly escort me to the throne room of heaven where I will see the long awaited King of Glory surrounded by an exulted choir of angels singing: Glory to God, all glory in the highest. O come let us adore Him. O come let us adore Him. O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
From there, I believe You will show me to all the treasures of heaven. Arm in arm, You will joyfully usher me to the room You promised, prepared and paid for in advance. This is the blessed life I’ve always longed for! Glory, hallelujah!
Multitudes will try to work their way into the wedding feast of the Lamb, but that won’t gain them access. Important people will seek to use their influence for acceptance; while, that may have been effective here on earth, for this gig, they’ll have to know You intimately. Powerful people will be promptly stopped when they make every effort to push their way through. The rich will attempt to buy their entry, but tickets for the Main Event aren’t for sale. They’re free, bought by the blood of the Lamb, and readily given to all those who humbly acknowledge You as Sovereign Lord of the Dance.
Thank you for inviting me to Heaven, Your Father’s House. United with You, I will gladly come and live with You forever there. Alleluia. Amen.
Dear one, make heaven your earnest desire this Christmas! Jesus is coming for those who long to be with Him there!
People today want to believe that all paths, all roads, and all faiths lead to God; they want to believe that all religions are equal. They want to believe that all people will be saved. Jesus cuts through all this nonsense about other paths, other faiths, and other ways into Heaven, His Father’s House: He is the Way we go. He is the Truth we know. He is the Life we live. Apart from Him, there’s no Way in! Believe!
Jesus said to crowd, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” Luke 13:24
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Jesus,
You are the Narrow Way into the Divine Dance! Without You no one can come into Your Father’s house. Thank You for revealing the Truth to me. By Your grace I will enter. Taking Your strong arm, I believe You will triumphantly escort me to the throne room of heaven where I will see the long awaited King of Glory surrounded by an exulted choir of angels singing: Glory to God, all glory in the highest. O come let us adore Him. O come let us adore Him. O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
From there, I believe You will show me to all the treasures of heaven. Arm in arm, You will joyfully usher me to the room You promised, prepared and paid for in advance. This is the blessed life I’ve always longed for! Glory, hallelujah!
Multitudes will try to work their way into the wedding feast of the Lamb, but that won’t gain them access. Important people will seek to use their influence for acceptance; while, that may have been effective here on earth, for this gig, they’ll have to know You intimately. Powerful people will be promptly stopped when they make every effort to push their way through. The rich will attempt to buy their entry, but tickets for the Main Event aren’t for sale. They’re free, bought by the blood of the Lamb, and readily given to all those who humbly acknowledge You as Sovereign Lord of the Dance.
Thank you for inviting me to Heaven, Your Father’s House. United with You, I will gladly come and live with You forever there. Alleluia. Amen.
Dear one, make heaven your earnest desire this Christmas! Jesus is coming for those who long to be with Him there!
People today want to believe that all paths, all roads, and all faiths lead to God; they want to believe that all religions are equal. They want to believe that all people will be saved. Jesus cuts through all this nonsense about other paths, other faiths, and other ways into Heaven, His Father’s House: He is the Way we go. He is the Truth we know. He is the Life we live. Apart from Him, there’s no Way in! Believe!
Jesus said to crowd, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” Luke 13:24
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Divine Dance
Luke 14: 16-23
Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'
"But they all alike began to make excuses.”
Lord of the Dance,
You are the Blessed Owner of the House and have invited us to the greatest event of our lives: The wedding feast of the Lamb! What an honor it is to be invited to the grandest gala in the kingdom of heaven! We don’t deserve to come taste Your delicious delicacies. Only by grace can we enter! Sadly, many of us will miss the Divine Dance because we’re too wrapped up in our personal plans. Accepting the invitation at this time would be an inconvenience.
O My Adoring King, YES! I’ll gladly come to glorify Your Majesty! Wearing the shining robe of righteousness, I’ll joyfully take my place at the table. Tasting the sweetness of Your Holy Word, I’ll savor the rich flavor of Your forgiveness. Every morsel from Your mouth will satisfy me. I’ve waited all my life to dance with You in the kingdom of heaven, and I wouldn’t miss this celestial celebration for anything in the world. Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus for inviting me to the wedding feast of the Lamb!
Some of my cherished friends will miss the grandest gala of their lives because they are too busy with other activities. Please slow them down long enough to receive the invitation, recognize the significance of it, and respond accordingly. I don’t want any of them to miss the Divine Dance glorifying the Christmas Lamb. Amen!
God’s Word says, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” Revelation 19:9.
You’ve been invited to the grandest gala in the kingdom of heaven: the wedding feast of the Lamb. Have you received the invitation, recognized the significance of it, and responded accordingly? Or, are you simply too busy to be inconvenienced?
Another magnificent event in History missed by the multitudes was the King’s birth 2000 years ago. The city of Bethlehem was bustling with commerce. Merchants were consumed with making money. The innkeeper had no idea that He sent the High King of Heaven into the cold, stinky stable. Ordinary people were going about their everyday routines without ever considering that the King lay in the arms of a teenage girl on the outskirts of town. They simply were too busy doing the mundane to notice.
Don’t miss the next big event: the wedding feast of the Lamb that will be held when Christ returns. Just because it hasn’t happened in almost 2000 years, doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen today. All prophesies will be fulfilled. Are you prepared to dance with the King if He comes today?
If not I encourage you to admit that you’re a sinner in need of grace – the ticket to get into the ball. Believe in your heart that Jesus is the Lamb of God who died for your sins, and rose to glorious life. Confess with your mouth that He is Lord of the Dance.
Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'
"But they all alike began to make excuses.”
Lord of the Dance,
You are the Blessed Owner of the House and have invited us to the greatest event of our lives: The wedding feast of the Lamb! What an honor it is to be invited to the grandest gala in the kingdom of heaven! We don’t deserve to come taste Your delicious delicacies. Only by grace can we enter! Sadly, many of us will miss the Divine Dance because we’re too wrapped up in our personal plans. Accepting the invitation at this time would be an inconvenience.
O My Adoring King, YES! I’ll gladly come to glorify Your Majesty! Wearing the shining robe of righteousness, I’ll joyfully take my place at the table. Tasting the sweetness of Your Holy Word, I’ll savor the rich flavor of Your forgiveness. Every morsel from Your mouth will satisfy me. I’ve waited all my life to dance with You in the kingdom of heaven, and I wouldn’t miss this celestial celebration for anything in the world. Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus for inviting me to the wedding feast of the Lamb!
Some of my cherished friends will miss the grandest gala of their lives because they are too busy with other activities. Please slow them down long enough to receive the invitation, recognize the significance of it, and respond accordingly. I don’t want any of them to miss the Divine Dance glorifying the Christmas Lamb. Amen!
God’s Word says, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” Revelation 19:9.
You’ve been invited to the grandest gala in the kingdom of heaven: the wedding feast of the Lamb. Have you received the invitation, recognized the significance of it, and responded accordingly? Or, are you simply too busy to be inconvenienced?
Another magnificent event in History missed by the multitudes was the King’s birth 2000 years ago. The city of Bethlehem was bustling with commerce. Merchants were consumed with making money. The innkeeper had no idea that He sent the High King of Heaven into the cold, stinky stable. Ordinary people were going about their everyday routines without ever considering that the King lay in the arms of a teenage girl on the outskirts of town. They simply were too busy doing the mundane to notice.
Don’t miss the next big event: the wedding feast of the Lamb that will be held when Christ returns. Just because it hasn’t happened in almost 2000 years, doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen today. All prophesies will be fulfilled. Are you prepared to dance with the King if He comes today?
If not I encourage you to admit that you’re a sinner in need of grace – the ticket to get into the ball. Believe in your heart that Jesus is the Lamb of God who died for your sins, and rose to glorious life. Confess with your mouth that He is Lord of the Dance.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Romantic Invitation
Mark 6:31
Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Jesus, Lover of My Soul,
Truly I am Your Beloved, the Bride You are preparing to reveal in all her beauty before the courts of heaven. Thank You for this intimate invitation for a romantic rendezvous.
The holiday hustle and bustle is overwhelming! Captivated in a commercialistic culture, it’s easy to be unconsciously caught up in the commotion of Christmas! There are treasures to buy, treats to bake and trees to trim; parties to attend, packages to wrap, and parcels to send. In the furious frenzy I neglect my finances, mistreat my family, and ignore my friends. Frantically going here, there and everywhere, I scarcely have time to eat or sleep! Help me, Jesus! I need relief!
That’s when I heard You gently whisper to my heart, “Come, my lover, let’s go away to a quiet place and spend some time alone together. You need to rest.” Going on this romantic escapade will cost my valuable time, but my bag is packed and I’m ready to go.
In stillness, silence and solitude, You’ll hold me in Your embrace, touch me with Your love, and kiss me with compassion. Away from the chaos and commotion, You’ll give me a reflective Christmas Heart. Proudly wearing it, I’ll return home relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated. My family will marvel at my miraculously cool, calm and quiet demeanor.
Instead of travailing over the treasures, treats and trimmings, I’ll tenderly touch them with the Love of Christmas. Passing over the pressure to participate in parties and presents, I’ll be a more patient and pleasant person. Wearing Your Christmas Heart, I’ll embrace the multitude of needs in my own home. Doing Christmas Your way, my credit cards won’t be maxed out. Instead of spending money, I’ll credit family and friends with kindness that will be remembered for years to come. Together we will have the happiest holiday ever because of You, the One who romantically called me away and gave me a reflective Christmas Heart. Alleluia! Amen.
Can you hear the Lover of your soul gently whispering to your heart, “Come, my lover, let’s go away to a quiet place and spend some time together?” Are you willing to put aside your agenda and activities in order to go away with Him? If you do, He will bless you a reflective Christmas Heart that other’s will notice.
Ask Him to help you create the time and space you need to draw close to Him. Then, take your Bible, and go! Find a quiet place and just BE with Him. He doesn’t want you to do anything. Just be still and silent. In solitude, He will share His secrets with You, giving you the rest you long for in the midst of the holiday rush.
Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Jesus, Lover of My Soul,
Truly I am Your Beloved, the Bride You are preparing to reveal in all her beauty before the courts of heaven. Thank You for this intimate invitation for a romantic rendezvous.
The holiday hustle and bustle is overwhelming! Captivated in a commercialistic culture, it’s easy to be unconsciously caught up in the commotion of Christmas! There are treasures to buy, treats to bake and trees to trim; parties to attend, packages to wrap, and parcels to send. In the furious frenzy I neglect my finances, mistreat my family, and ignore my friends. Frantically going here, there and everywhere, I scarcely have time to eat or sleep! Help me, Jesus! I need relief!
That’s when I heard You gently whisper to my heart, “Come, my lover, let’s go away to a quiet place and spend some time alone together. You need to rest.” Going on this romantic escapade will cost my valuable time, but my bag is packed and I’m ready to go.
In stillness, silence and solitude, You’ll hold me in Your embrace, touch me with Your love, and kiss me with compassion. Away from the chaos and commotion, You’ll give me a reflective Christmas Heart. Proudly wearing it, I’ll return home relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated. My family will marvel at my miraculously cool, calm and quiet demeanor.
Instead of travailing over the treasures, treats and trimmings, I’ll tenderly touch them with the Love of Christmas. Passing over the pressure to participate in parties and presents, I’ll be a more patient and pleasant person. Wearing Your Christmas Heart, I’ll embrace the multitude of needs in my own home. Doing Christmas Your way, my credit cards won’t be maxed out. Instead of spending money, I’ll credit family and friends with kindness that will be remembered for years to come. Together we will have the happiest holiday ever because of You, the One who romantically called me away and gave me a reflective Christmas Heart. Alleluia! Amen.
Can you hear the Lover of your soul gently whispering to your heart, “Come, my lover, let’s go away to a quiet place and spend some time together?” Are you willing to put aside your agenda and activities in order to go away with Him? If you do, He will bless you a reflective Christmas Heart that other’s will notice.
Ask Him to help you create the time and space you need to draw close to Him. Then, take your Bible, and go! Find a quiet place and just BE with Him. He doesn’t want you to do anything. Just be still and silent. In solitude, He will share His secrets with You, giving you the rest you long for in the midst of the holiday rush.
Romantic Invitation
Mark 6:31
Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Jesus, Lover of My Soul,
Truly I am Your Beloved, the Bride You are preparing to reveal in all her beauty before the courts of heaven. Thank You for this intimate invitation for a romantic rendezvous.
The holiday hustle and bustle is overwhelming! Captivated in a commercialistic culture, it’s easy to be unconsciously caught up in the commotion of Christmas! There are treasures to buy, treats to bake and trees to trim; parties to attend, packages to wrap, and parcels to send. In the furious frenzy I neglect my finances, mistreat my family, and ignore my friends. Frantically going here, there and everywhere, I scarcely have time to eat or sleep! Help me, Jesus! I need relief!
That’s when I heard You gently whisper to my heart, “Come, my lover, let’s go away to a quiet place and spend some time alone together. You need to rest.” Going on this romantic escapade will cost my valuable time, but my bag is packed and I’m ready to go.
In stillness, silence and solitude, You’ll hold me in Your embrace, touch me with Your love, and kiss me with compassion. Away from the chaos and commotion, You’ll give me a reflective Christmas Heart. Proudly wearing it, I’ll return home relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated. My family will marvel at my miraculously cool, calm and quiet demeanor.
Instead of travailing over the treasures, treats and trimmings, I’ll tenderly touch them with the Love of Christmas. Passing over the pressure to participate in parties and presents, I’ll be a more patient and pleasant person. Wearing Your Christmas Heart, I’ll embrace the multitude of needs in my own home. Doing Christmas Your way, my credit cards won’t be maxed out. Instead of spending money, I’ll credit family and friends with kindness that will be remembered for years to come. Together we will have the happiest holiday ever because of You, the One who romantically called me away and gave me a reflective Christmas Heart. Alleluia! Amen.
Can you hear the Lover of your soul gently whispering to your heart, “Come, my lover, let’s go away to a quiet place and spend some time together?” Are you willing to put aside your agenda and activities in order to go away with Him? If you do, He will bless you a reflective Christmas Heart that other’s will notice.
Ask Him to help you create the time and space you need to draw close to Him. Then, take your Bible, and go! Find a quiet place and just BE with Him. He doesn’t want you to do anything. Just be still and silent. In solitude, He will share His secrets with You, giving you the rest you long for in the midst of the holiday rush.
Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Jesus, Lover of My Soul,
Truly I am Your Beloved, the Bride You are preparing to reveal in all her beauty before the courts of heaven. Thank You for this intimate invitation for a romantic rendezvous.
The holiday hustle and bustle is overwhelming! Captivated in a commercialistic culture, it’s easy to be unconsciously caught up in the commotion of Christmas! There are treasures to buy, treats to bake and trees to trim; parties to attend, packages to wrap, and parcels to send. In the furious frenzy I neglect my finances, mistreat my family, and ignore my friends. Frantically going here, there and everywhere, I scarcely have time to eat or sleep! Help me, Jesus! I need relief!
That’s when I heard You gently whisper to my heart, “Come, my lover, let’s go away to a quiet place and spend some time alone together. You need to rest.” Going on this romantic escapade will cost my valuable time, but my bag is packed and I’m ready to go.
In stillness, silence and solitude, You’ll hold me in Your embrace, touch me with Your love, and kiss me with compassion. Away from the chaos and commotion, You’ll give me a reflective Christmas Heart. Proudly wearing it, I’ll return home relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated. My family will marvel at my miraculously cool, calm and quiet demeanor.
Instead of travailing over the treasures, treats and trimmings, I’ll tenderly touch them with the Love of Christmas. Passing over the pressure to participate in parties and presents, I’ll be a more patient and pleasant person. Wearing Your Christmas Heart, I’ll embrace the multitude of needs in my own home. Doing Christmas Your way, my credit cards won’t be maxed out. Instead of spending money, I’ll credit family and friends with kindness that will be remembered for years to come. Together we will have the happiest holiday ever because of You, the One who romantically called me away and gave me a reflective Christmas Heart. Alleluia! Amen.
Can you hear the Lover of your soul gently whispering to your heart, “Come, my lover, let’s go away to a quiet place and spend some time together?” Are you willing to put aside your agenda and activities in order to go away with Him? If you do, He will bless you a reflective Christmas Heart that other’s will notice.
Ask Him to help you create the time and space you need to draw close to Him. Then, take your Bible, and go! Find a quiet place and just BE with Him. He doesn’t want you to do anything. Just be still and silent. In solitude, He will share His secrets with You, giving you the rest you long for in the midst of the holiday rush.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Breakfast with the King
John 21:12
Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast."
Chief Cook and Breakfast Server,
Your faithful and divine provision bewilders me! When all hope is gone, the net of my heart is empty, and my vision is distorted by tear soaked eyes, in the distant darkness You affectionately call me to come have breakfast.
When You unexpectedly show up to serve breakfast in the dawn of despair, many will watch with wonder, but I want faith to see, hear, and believe. Please give me crystal clear vision to recognize You. I long to know You more dearly so that I can see You more clearly. Familiar with Your voice, I’ll respond without hesitating.
After a long and difficult night, following Your simple command, I’ll toss the empty net of my heart into the sea of blessings. You will fill it beyond my wildest imagination, exceeding my immediate need. Surprised by Your divine provision, I’ll triumphantly shout, “It is the Lord!” and joyfully come have breakfast with the King.
Please help me to spend concentrated time with You in my Bible so that when You come unexpectedly I’ll see while others just stand still staring. In the midst of my desperate dilemma, I don’t want to miss the boatload of blessings or breakfast with the King. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and faith to believe. Amen.
What is your hopeless situation? Do you hear the King calling you to come have breakfast? He’s there waiting to serve you a surprise if you look beyond the tears. Tell Him today that you want to know Him, see Him, hear Him, and believe Him when your heart is empty and He shows up unexpectedly.
John who loved Jesus the most and stayed closest to Him in His suffering was the first to recognize Him. Peter was the most zealous, and reached Jesus first. Others stayed in the boat, drug the net, and brought the boatload of blessings to shore. Each served the Lord in his own way and was uniquely blessed by the King’s provision of breakfast.
Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast."
Chief Cook and Breakfast Server,
Your faithful and divine provision bewilders me! When all hope is gone, the net of my heart is empty, and my vision is distorted by tear soaked eyes, in the distant darkness You affectionately call me to come have breakfast.
When You unexpectedly show up to serve breakfast in the dawn of despair, many will watch with wonder, but I want faith to see, hear, and believe. Please give me crystal clear vision to recognize You. I long to know You more dearly so that I can see You more clearly. Familiar with Your voice, I’ll respond without hesitating.
After a long and difficult night, following Your simple command, I’ll toss the empty net of my heart into the sea of blessings. You will fill it beyond my wildest imagination, exceeding my immediate need. Surprised by Your divine provision, I’ll triumphantly shout, “It is the Lord!” and joyfully come have breakfast with the King.
Please help me to spend concentrated time with You in my Bible so that when You come unexpectedly I’ll see while others just stand still staring. In the midst of my desperate dilemma, I don’t want to miss the boatload of blessings or breakfast with the King. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and faith to believe. Amen.
What is your hopeless situation? Do you hear the King calling you to come have breakfast? He’s there waiting to serve you a surprise if you look beyond the tears. Tell Him today that you want to know Him, see Him, hear Him, and believe Him when your heart is empty and He shows up unexpectedly.
John who loved Jesus the most and stayed closest to Him in His suffering was the first to recognize Him. Peter was the most zealous, and reached Jesus first. Others stayed in the boat, drug the net, and brought the boatload of blessings to shore. Each served the Lord in his own way and was uniquely blessed by the King’s provision of breakfast.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Healer of Hearts
Luke 9:11
He welcomed them and healed those who needed healing.
Healer of Hearts,
How great You are! There is no Doctor like You in heaven or on earth! You compassionately and lovingly welcome the patients who persistently pursue You.
Thank You for my miraculous heart transplant. Through intricate surgery, You made a Most Holy Place in my heart for Your Name. When my heart was open, You placed Your tender heart in me. I rejoice that You will dwell with me forever.
Divine Doctor, as I spend time with You, examine my heart. Find the diseases that are devouring me. Make a diagnosis. Open my mind to receive it with acceptance. Then, let the medication of Your glory fill my sick soul. Breathe new life into me. Resuscitated, I’ll follow Your prescription for healing:
Humbly admitting that I’m ill and in need of Your care
Prayerfully asking You to wash my wounds and heal my hurts
Continually seeking Your advice by spending time in Your Word, the Holy Bible
Daily bringing my afflictions to You.
Then, You will faithfully hear my cries from heaven and cure my condition. Warmly welcoming me, You will heal me because of Your wonderful name, Jehovah-rapha, Lord Who Heals.
Thank You for the blessing of healing grace given to all those who joyfully, expectantly come! I am eternally grateful because of Jesus. Amen.
Jesus compassionately welcomes all those who persistently pursue Him for healing. Open your heart for examination, listen and accept the diagnosis, no matter how painful, and you will receive the healing balm from heaven.
Deadly Diseases from A-Z
Abscess of Anger, Arrogance, Adultery, Alcoholism
Blisters of Bitterness, Boasting
Cut of Criticism, Complaining, Complacency
Disease of Death, Deceit, Divorce, Disrespect
Epidemic of Envy, Evil Tongue
Fever of Fear, Fornication
Gash of Gossip, Greed, Gluttony, Gambling
Hemorrhage of Hate, Hypocrisy, Homosexuality
Irritation of Immorality, Impatience, Idolatry, Impurity, Irreverence
Joints that ache from Jealousy, Judging
Kink of Killjoy, Knavery
Lesion of Lying, Laziness, Lack of Love, Lust
Malignancy of Murder
Nausea of Nagging, Nastiness
Oppression of Oblivion, Obnoxiousness, Obstinacy
Pain of Praylessness, Procrastination, Pride, Pornography
Queasiness of a Quick Temper
Rash of Rebellion, Retaliation
Sting of Sorrow, Selfishness
Toxin of Temptation
Ulcer of Unforgiveness, Ungratefulness, Unbelief
Virus of Vanity, Vengeance
Wounds of Worry, Wrong Friends, Worldly Entertainment
Yaws of Yelling
Zits of Zero Time With You
He welcomed them and healed those who needed healing.
Healer of Hearts,
How great You are! There is no Doctor like You in heaven or on earth! You compassionately and lovingly welcome the patients who persistently pursue You.
Thank You for my miraculous heart transplant. Through intricate surgery, You made a Most Holy Place in my heart for Your Name. When my heart was open, You placed Your tender heart in me. I rejoice that You will dwell with me forever.
Divine Doctor, as I spend time with You, examine my heart. Find the diseases that are devouring me. Make a diagnosis. Open my mind to receive it with acceptance. Then, let the medication of Your glory fill my sick soul. Breathe new life into me. Resuscitated, I’ll follow Your prescription for healing:
Humbly admitting that I’m ill and in need of Your care
Prayerfully asking You to wash my wounds and heal my hurts
Continually seeking Your advice by spending time in Your Word, the Holy Bible
Daily bringing my afflictions to You.
Then, You will faithfully hear my cries from heaven and cure my condition. Warmly welcoming me, You will heal me because of Your wonderful name, Jehovah-rapha, Lord Who Heals.
Thank You for the blessing of healing grace given to all those who joyfully, expectantly come! I am eternally grateful because of Jesus. Amen.
Jesus compassionately welcomes all those who persistently pursue Him for healing. Open your heart for examination, listen and accept the diagnosis, no matter how painful, and you will receive the healing balm from heaven.
Deadly Diseases from A-Z
Abscess of Anger, Arrogance, Adultery, Alcoholism
Blisters of Bitterness, Boasting
Cut of Criticism, Complaining, Complacency
Disease of Death, Deceit, Divorce, Disrespect
Epidemic of Envy, Evil Tongue
Fever of Fear, Fornication
Gash of Gossip, Greed, Gluttony, Gambling
Hemorrhage of Hate, Hypocrisy, Homosexuality
Irritation of Immorality, Impatience, Idolatry, Impurity, Irreverence
Joints that ache from Jealousy, Judging
Kink of Killjoy, Knavery
Lesion of Lying, Laziness, Lack of Love, Lust
Malignancy of Murder
Nausea of Nagging, Nastiness
Oppression of Oblivion, Obnoxiousness, Obstinacy
Pain of Praylessness, Procrastination, Pride, Pornography
Queasiness of a Quick Temper
Rash of Rebellion, Retaliation
Sting of Sorrow, Selfishness
Toxin of Temptation
Ulcer of Unforgiveness, Ungratefulness, Unbelief
Virus of Vanity, Vengeance
Wounds of Worry, Wrong Friends, Worldly Entertainment
Yaws of Yelling
Zits of Zero Time With You
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
River of Life
Revelations 22:1, 17
The angel showed me a pure river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let each one who hears them say, “Come.” Let the thirsty ones come—anyone who wants to. Let them come and drink the water of life without charge. NLT
Holy, Holy is my God Almighty
Holy is His Name Alone
Glorious River of Life,
There’s perfect peace in Your pristine presence. You are a steady stream of Living Water, gaily flowing down from above into my heart. You meander through the fearfully dark valleys of despair and blistering deserts of discouragement. Sometimes You’re a rushing torrent, other times a quiet trickle.
Thank You for the life saving invitation to come, drink and live. Seared by sin and suffering, parched by problems and pressure, and dehydrated by difficult dilemmas, I’m dying of thirst. Graciously, I come. Freely, I drink from the endless Glorious River of Life, Your Word, the Bible. As I spend time reading, reflecting and responding to it, let the Spirit of Truth fill me. With each sip of sacred Scripture, strengthen, sustain, and satisfy me. Open my eyes to see people who are dying of thirst, desperate for drink. Saturated with Your love and joy, I’ll eagerly invite them to come, drink and live at the Glorious River of Life. Amen.
Did you hear the Spirit of God say, “Come and drink the water of life?” He is expecting you! Go sip the sweetness of His Word. After you’ve been strengthened, sustained, and satisfied, go invite another sin scorched soul to come, drink and live. It’s an open invitation!
The angel showed me a pure river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let each one who hears them say, “Come.” Let the thirsty ones come—anyone who wants to. Let them come and drink the water of life without charge. NLT
Holy, Holy is my God Almighty
Holy is His Name Alone
Glorious River of Life,
There’s perfect peace in Your pristine presence. You are a steady stream of Living Water, gaily flowing down from above into my heart. You meander through the fearfully dark valleys of despair and blistering deserts of discouragement. Sometimes You’re a rushing torrent, other times a quiet trickle.
Thank You for the life saving invitation to come, drink and live. Seared by sin and suffering, parched by problems and pressure, and dehydrated by difficult dilemmas, I’m dying of thirst. Graciously, I come. Freely, I drink from the endless Glorious River of Life, Your Word, the Bible. As I spend time reading, reflecting and responding to it, let the Spirit of Truth fill me. With each sip of sacred Scripture, strengthen, sustain, and satisfy me. Open my eyes to see people who are dying of thirst, desperate for drink. Saturated with Your love and joy, I’ll eagerly invite them to come, drink and live at the Glorious River of Life. Amen.
Did you hear the Spirit of God say, “Come and drink the water of life?” He is expecting you! Go sip the sweetness of His Word. After you’ve been strengthened, sustained, and satisfied, go invite another sin scorched soul to come, drink and live. It’s an open invitation!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Bread of Heaven
John 6: 35, 51
Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
Bread of Heaven sent down from Glory,
I bless Your sacred name! Coming to You, I fall on my knees in absolute adoration of Who You are. Hungry and humbly, I seek nourishment for my starving soul. Empty, I cry out to You: Feed me! Fill me! Sustain me! There’s nothing I crave more than tasting the richness of Your Holy Word. Eating to my heart’s content, the deepest longings of my soul will be forever satisfied. Sufficiently full of the Bread of Life, I’ll desire nothing more than to live a life of love.
Savoring the divine flavor of Your goodness in my heart, I’ll have ample resources to feed the hungry hearts surrounding me this Christmas. With Your blessing I’ll share the Bread of Life with those who are:
Ravished for redemption, riches and relationships
Famished for forgiveness, friends and fellowship
Starved for salvation, security and sympathy
Hungry for healing, honor, and a hero
Longing for love, life and laughter
Lord, here I am. Take me, bless me, break me, and use me to joyfully feed the multitudes from the overflow of my heart. Thank You for faithfully providing my daily Bread. I love You! Amen.
Is your heart hungry? Discouraged? Disillusioned? Disappointed? Jesus warmly welcomes you to come and eat the Bread of Life sent down from Glory – His Word. In it You will find redemption, riches, and relationships; forgiveness, friends, and fellowship; salvation, security, and sympathy; healing, honor, and a Hero; love, life and laughter – all the things you need to live abundantly. Come, eat and live!
Ask the Holy Spirit to make you desperately hungry for the Bread of Life.
Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
Bread of Heaven sent down from Glory,
I bless Your sacred name! Coming to You, I fall on my knees in absolute adoration of Who You are. Hungry and humbly, I seek nourishment for my starving soul. Empty, I cry out to You: Feed me! Fill me! Sustain me! There’s nothing I crave more than tasting the richness of Your Holy Word. Eating to my heart’s content, the deepest longings of my soul will be forever satisfied. Sufficiently full of the Bread of Life, I’ll desire nothing more than to live a life of love.
Savoring the divine flavor of Your goodness in my heart, I’ll have ample resources to feed the hungry hearts surrounding me this Christmas. With Your blessing I’ll share the Bread of Life with those who are:
Ravished for redemption, riches and relationships
Famished for forgiveness, friends and fellowship
Starved for salvation, security and sympathy
Hungry for healing, honor, and a hero
Longing for love, life and laughter
Lord, here I am. Take me, bless me, break me, and use me to joyfully feed the multitudes from the overflow of my heart. Thank You for faithfully providing my daily Bread. I love You! Amen.
Is your heart hungry? Discouraged? Disillusioned? Disappointed? Jesus warmly welcomes you to come and eat the Bread of Life sent down from Glory – His Word. In it You will find redemption, riches, and relationships; forgiveness, friends, and fellowship; salvation, security, and sympathy; healing, honor, and a Hero; love, life and laughter – all the things you need to live abundantly. Come, eat and live!
Ask the Holy Spirit to make you desperately hungry for the Bread of Life.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Come and See, Go and Tell
John 1:35-40
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"
When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?"
They said, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?"
"Come," he replied, "and you will see."
So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him.
Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah."
Lamb of God,
Like the disciples, I heard someone talking about You too. Curiously, I pursued You until You turned around and spoke to me. Unreservedly, I asked where You were staying, and you invited me to come and see. Eagerly, I went with You.
To my surprise You went to the door of my heart. There in the cold, dirty stable of my soul is where You were staying. When we stepped in together, You lit a fire in the hearth and brushed away the cob webs in my mind. After talking with You for a while, my heart became warm and my mind clear. Soon I realized that You were the Messiah who came to live with me. Overwhelmed with the joy of Your presence, I hurriedly ran and invited others to come and see!
Thank You, Jesus, for coming to the home of my heart and taking up residency there. Bursting with blessing, like John the Baptist, I will excitedly point others to the Lamb of God. Intrigued, they too will follow You, ask where You’re staying, and unexpectedly find You in the manger of their heart.
Holy Spirit, please bless me with courage and enthusiasm to go and tell others about You this Christmas. I love You and want nothing more than to glorify Your long expected, holy name. Hallelujah! Amen.
Don’t miss the Messiah! He’s right there at the door of your heart waiting to come in, light the fire, clear away the cob webs and live with you. Don’t let him standing out in the cold, invite Him in. Then, enthusiastically go and tell others to come and see Him.
If you’ve never invited Him in, please do! Pray: Lord Jesus, I know that You are the Messiah. Please come in and live with me. Light the fire in my heart. Clear the cob webs from my mind, and teach me Who you really are. I want to know you and live with you forever. Amen.
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"
When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?"
They said, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?"
"Come," he replied, "and you will see."
So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him.
Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah."
Lamb of God,
Like the disciples, I heard someone talking about You too. Curiously, I pursued You until You turned around and spoke to me. Unreservedly, I asked where You were staying, and you invited me to come and see. Eagerly, I went with You.
To my surprise You went to the door of my heart. There in the cold, dirty stable of my soul is where You were staying. When we stepped in together, You lit a fire in the hearth and brushed away the cob webs in my mind. After talking with You for a while, my heart became warm and my mind clear. Soon I realized that You were the Messiah who came to live with me. Overwhelmed with the joy of Your presence, I hurriedly ran and invited others to come and see!
Thank You, Jesus, for coming to the home of my heart and taking up residency there. Bursting with blessing, like John the Baptist, I will excitedly point others to the Lamb of God. Intrigued, they too will follow You, ask where You’re staying, and unexpectedly find You in the manger of their heart.
Holy Spirit, please bless me with courage and enthusiasm to go and tell others about You this Christmas. I love You and want nothing more than to glorify Your long expected, holy name. Hallelujah! Amen.
Don’t miss the Messiah! He’s right there at the door of your heart waiting to come in, light the fire, clear away the cob webs and live with you. Don’t let him standing out in the cold, invite Him in. Then, enthusiastically go and tell others to come and see Him.
If you’ve never invited Him in, please do! Pray: Lord Jesus, I know that You are the Messiah. Please come in and live with me. Light the fire in my heart. Clear the cob webs from my mind, and teach me Who you really are. I want to know you and live with you forever. Amen.
Friday, December 07, 2007
High Priced Investment
Luke 18:18-23
A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'"
"All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.
Truthful Teacher,
O how honest You are! Your Word is sharper than the sharpest dagger, cutting swift and deep into my innermost thoughts and desires, exposing them for what they really are. Everything about us is bare and wide open; seen by Your ever-living eyes; nothing can be hidden from You to whom we must explain all that we have done.
Like the rich religious leader, we often come to You with zeal and determination to purchase our ticket to heaven. Recognizing that You are the Grand Ticketmaster, we politely approach You and smoothly ask, “Good Master, what will a ticket to heaven cost me?” Unimpressed with our performance, You slash right through the thick flattery and cut to the heart of the matter.
Rather than accepting our personal affluence and influence, You painstakingly point out the one thing we lack, demanding the high price of our personal security and identity. Freely, we can join You on the journey to heaven, but first we’ll need to sell our creature comforts, investing the cash in the coffers of heaven – society’s rejects – the undeserving, unattractive, and undesirables. Sadly, like the rich religious leader, we turn and walk away without a word. The price is more than we’re willing to pay.
Forgive me O Lord for being so short-changed and short-sighted. Please touch my lifestyle with Your love. Show me the possessions that possess me. Willingly and wisely, I’ll sell them or give them away, to make a safe investment in Your heavenly kingdom. In return, You’ll bless me with Your identity and the eternal security of living with You in heaven forever and ever. Amen.
This invitation to come is extended to anyone willing to get rid of anything that has become more important than God in their life. Few are willing to invest the high price.
What possesses you? Anything that preoccupies your time or thoughts will prevent you from accepting this gracious offer. With a joyful and triumphant heart throw off the things that are hindering you from faithfully coming to follow Him. He will show you where to invest the proceeds.
A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'"
"All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.
Truthful Teacher,
O how honest You are! Your Word is sharper than the sharpest dagger, cutting swift and deep into my innermost thoughts and desires, exposing them for what they really are. Everything about us is bare and wide open; seen by Your ever-living eyes; nothing can be hidden from You to whom we must explain all that we have done.
Like the rich religious leader, we often come to You with zeal and determination to purchase our ticket to heaven. Recognizing that You are the Grand Ticketmaster, we politely approach You and smoothly ask, “Good Master, what will a ticket to heaven cost me?” Unimpressed with our performance, You slash right through the thick flattery and cut to the heart of the matter.
Rather than accepting our personal affluence and influence, You painstakingly point out the one thing we lack, demanding the high price of our personal security and identity. Freely, we can join You on the journey to heaven, but first we’ll need to sell our creature comforts, investing the cash in the coffers of heaven – society’s rejects – the undeserving, unattractive, and undesirables. Sadly, like the rich religious leader, we turn and walk away without a word. The price is more than we’re willing to pay.
Forgive me O Lord for being so short-changed and short-sighted. Please touch my lifestyle with Your love. Show me the possessions that possess me. Willingly and wisely, I’ll sell them or give them away, to make a safe investment in Your heavenly kingdom. In return, You’ll bless me with Your identity and the eternal security of living with You in heaven forever and ever. Amen.
This invitation to come is extended to anyone willing to get rid of anything that has become more important than God in their life. Few are willing to invest the high price.
What possesses you? Anything that preoccupies your time or thoughts will prevent you from accepting this gracious offer. With a joyful and triumphant heart throw off the things that are hindering you from faithfully coming to follow Him. He will show you where to invest the proceeds.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Perfectly Yoked
Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Blessed Word of God,
You are my Heavenly Haven of Rest. Yes, I gratefully accept Your heartfelt invitation to come! You know I’m worn out and weary from warring with the world! The battle is fierce. Afflictions assail me. Problems pursue me. Temptation torments me. Religious leaders impose their self-righteous rituals and routines on me. People press me to perform for a temporary prize. The weight of it all is crushing me! Thank You for giving me access to Your heavenly home, a haven of rest.
There in Your workshop, You’ll design and make a yoke to perfectly fit me. Having never worn such an awkward apparatus, when I initially take it and put it on, it will be incredibly uncomfortable. Struggling and crying, I’ll relentlessly try to get out from under it. However, if I stop kicking and screaming and submit to it, putting my shoulders to the task of pulling the burden, I’ll quickly find that the yoke You’ve made for me makes my life easier.
You are a Gentleman; a humble Master. Never cruel, mean-spirited or harsh, You genuinely care for Your children. Take my stubborn and obstinate heart, and teach me to surrender to Your will, assuredly knowing that nothing will harm me, but that every burden I’ve been called to pull has been placed there by You for my good. Show me how to triumphantly work through tough and troubling times Your Way. With my life deliberately devoted to Your service, I’ll joyfully be Your hands and feet whenever and wherever I go.
No matter the cost, I faithfully accept Your generous invitation to be at one with You. In perfect relationship with You, I’ll be satisfied and others will seek the Heavenly Haven of Rest, Jesus in me. Alleluia! Amen.
Jesus is calling anyone, anywhere who hears the invitation from the Blessed Word of God to come and find rest for their weary souls. The price is high – it will cost you your life - but the dividends are out of this world! Will you come, take and learn?
Jesus was a trained carpenter. In those days, carpenters didn’t build houses and furniture. Carpenters usually spent their time building farm implements. Jesus must have carved out a lot of ox yoke as He was growing up in Nazareth. Now, as our Savior, He is still carving out individualized, perfectly fitting yokes for each of His children. It would do us good to learn to surrender to the yoke, because nothing fits our lives so well as the plan which Jesus designed for it. When we are surrendered to His will, we can be absolutely sure that He will allow nothing to harm us, but that every burden we are called upon to pull has been placed there for our good, Romans 8:28. We can also know that when we get back to the barn, we will see that all our labor has not been in vain, Romans 8:18.
Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Blessed Word of God,
You are my Heavenly Haven of Rest. Yes, I gratefully accept Your heartfelt invitation to come! You know I’m worn out and weary from warring with the world! The battle is fierce. Afflictions assail me. Problems pursue me. Temptation torments me. Religious leaders impose their self-righteous rituals and routines on me. People press me to perform for a temporary prize. The weight of it all is crushing me! Thank You for giving me access to Your heavenly home, a haven of rest.
There in Your workshop, You’ll design and make a yoke to perfectly fit me. Having never worn such an awkward apparatus, when I initially take it and put it on, it will be incredibly uncomfortable. Struggling and crying, I’ll relentlessly try to get out from under it. However, if I stop kicking and screaming and submit to it, putting my shoulders to the task of pulling the burden, I’ll quickly find that the yoke You’ve made for me makes my life easier.
You are a Gentleman; a humble Master. Never cruel, mean-spirited or harsh, You genuinely care for Your children. Take my stubborn and obstinate heart, and teach me to surrender to Your will, assuredly knowing that nothing will harm me, but that every burden I’ve been called to pull has been placed there by You for my good. Show me how to triumphantly work through tough and troubling times Your Way. With my life deliberately devoted to Your service, I’ll joyfully be Your hands and feet whenever and wherever I go.
No matter the cost, I faithfully accept Your generous invitation to be at one with You. In perfect relationship with You, I’ll be satisfied and others will seek the Heavenly Haven of Rest, Jesus in me. Alleluia! Amen.
Jesus is calling anyone, anywhere who hears the invitation from the Blessed Word of God to come and find rest for their weary souls. The price is high – it will cost you your life - but the dividends are out of this world! Will you come, take and learn?
Jesus was a trained carpenter. In those days, carpenters didn’t build houses and furniture. Carpenters usually spent their time building farm implements. Jesus must have carved out a lot of ox yoke as He was growing up in Nazareth. Now, as our Savior, He is still carving out individualized, perfectly fitting yokes for each of His children. It would do us good to learn to surrender to the yoke, because nothing fits our lives so well as the plan which Jesus designed for it. When we are surrendered to His will, we can be absolutely sure that He will allow nothing to harm us, but that every burden we are called upon to pull has been placed there for our good, Romans 8:28. We can also know that when we get back to the barn, we will see that all our labor has not been in vain, Romans 8:18.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Child Like Faith
Mark 10:13-16
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
Abba Daddy,
Thank You for giving me ears to hear Your soft, tender voice calling me to come into Your Kingdom. You didn’t invite me because of my impeccable appearance or my impressive knowledge. Quite the contrary! With dirty, scuffed up knees, torn and tattered clothes, a runny nose, sticky fingers and a smeared up face, I humbly crawl up on Your great big lap full of wonder and gratitude. Though I am very small, You lovingly welcome me without any education or intellectual understanding.
As a dearly loved child, You gently immerse me in the sparkling Living Water of Your Word, scrubbing away the scum from my past until I glitter and glisten with Your glory. Touching my hurts with Your redeeming blood, You miraculously heal them. Fitted with the priceless robe of purity my indignity is completely covered. With a twinkle in Your eye, You hand me the keys to Your heavenly home where I am free to live happily ever after in Your adoring presence.
Graciously wearing Your crown of compassion, I simplistically and unreservedly, accept Your generous gifts of love. Because of Your openhanded kindness, I will stand up straight and tall, unafraid and unintimidated by big people. Clean, clothed, and confident, the world that rebuked me will witness with childlike wonder the Holy Child of Christmas in me. Hallelujah! Thank You, Daddy for taking me in Your strong arms, touching, and blessing me. Amen!
Do you hear the soft tender voice of Jesus calling you to come? He’s not calling those who are impeccable and impressive. He’s not calling the big, important and intellectual people. Rather, the invitation to come is extended to those who are full of the wonder and gratitude of a child. Do you hear Him? He’s waiting with arms wide open to bless you! He’s reaching out with His amazing grace and wants to touch you with His forgiveness, hope and a brand new life so that He can claim you as His own. Let nothing hinder you from going to Him.
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
Abba Daddy,
Thank You for giving me ears to hear Your soft, tender voice calling me to come into Your Kingdom. You didn’t invite me because of my impeccable appearance or my impressive knowledge. Quite the contrary! With dirty, scuffed up knees, torn and tattered clothes, a runny nose, sticky fingers and a smeared up face, I humbly crawl up on Your great big lap full of wonder and gratitude. Though I am very small, You lovingly welcome me without any education or intellectual understanding.
As a dearly loved child, You gently immerse me in the sparkling Living Water of Your Word, scrubbing away the scum from my past until I glitter and glisten with Your glory. Touching my hurts with Your redeeming blood, You miraculously heal them. Fitted with the priceless robe of purity my indignity is completely covered. With a twinkle in Your eye, You hand me the keys to Your heavenly home where I am free to live happily ever after in Your adoring presence.
Graciously wearing Your crown of compassion, I simplistically and unreservedly, accept Your generous gifts of love. Because of Your openhanded kindness, I will stand up straight and tall, unafraid and unintimidated by big people. Clean, clothed, and confident, the world that rebuked me will witness with childlike wonder the Holy Child of Christmas in me. Hallelujah! Thank You, Daddy for taking me in Your strong arms, touching, and blessing me. Amen!
Do you hear the soft tender voice of Jesus calling you to come? He’s not calling those who are impeccable and impressive. He’s not calling the big, important and intellectual people. Rather, the invitation to come is extended to those who are full of the wonder and gratitude of a child. Do you hear Him? He’s waiting with arms wide open to bless you! He’s reaching out with His amazing grace and wants to touch you with His forgiveness, hope and a brand new life so that He can claim you as His own. Let nothing hinder you from going to Him.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Walk By Faith
Matthew 14:28-33
“Lord, if it's you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing,
Truly You are the Son of God. Joyfully I adore You for revealing Your glory to me during the storms of my soul. Gigantic waves of sin and suffering have buffeted me. Howling gusts of doubt and distress have disturbed my peace. My distorted night vision is terrifying. Fear of the unknown and unseen has crippled me.
Through the dismal darkness of a restless night, I long to hear Your voice calling me to “Come.” I want boldness and courage to be like Peter. While the other eleven sat in the boat paralyzed, he recognized Your voice and took a walk of faith. With my eyes fixed on You, I too will step out of my comfort zone to accomplish the impossible.
Please give me faith to focus on You, forgetting the fierce waves and ferocious wind. Forgive me for all the times I’ve fearfully stayed in the boat and missed divine endeavors. I’m sorry for the times I was skeptical of Your power, presence and provision. Even in my faithlessness, please graciously reach out and pick me up!
Lord, I just want to know Your voice, obey Your call, and behold Your glory. In difficult situations and challenging circumstances, please keep Your mighty hand on me. Gazing on the glow of Your face, I’ll triumphantly walk by faith and experience the joy of Your power. Those who sit worried and watching will wonder at what they’ve witnessed. Mesmerized by the miracle, they, too, will believe that You truly are the Son of God. Together, we’ll worship You for the great things You have done. Hallelujah! Amen.
Do you hear the Voice in the night calling you to “Come?” Will you risk stepping out of the boat or remain in the boat gripped with fear? I encourage you to behold His glory and step out in faith. With your eyes fixed on Him, He will give you the power to walk triumphantly on water too.
“Lord, if it's you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing,
Truly You are the Son of God. Joyfully I adore You for revealing Your glory to me during the storms of my soul. Gigantic waves of sin and suffering have buffeted me. Howling gusts of doubt and distress have disturbed my peace. My distorted night vision is terrifying. Fear of the unknown and unseen has crippled me.
Through the dismal darkness of a restless night, I long to hear Your voice calling me to “Come.” I want boldness and courage to be like Peter. While the other eleven sat in the boat paralyzed, he recognized Your voice and took a walk of faith. With my eyes fixed on You, I too will step out of my comfort zone to accomplish the impossible.
Please give me faith to focus on You, forgetting the fierce waves and ferocious wind. Forgive me for all the times I’ve fearfully stayed in the boat and missed divine endeavors. I’m sorry for the times I was skeptical of Your power, presence and provision. Even in my faithlessness, please graciously reach out and pick me up!
Lord, I just want to know Your voice, obey Your call, and behold Your glory. In difficult situations and challenging circumstances, please keep Your mighty hand on me. Gazing on the glow of Your face, I’ll triumphantly walk by faith and experience the joy of Your power. Those who sit worried and watching will wonder at what they’ve witnessed. Mesmerized by the miracle, they, too, will believe that You truly are the Son of God. Together, we’ll worship You for the great things You have done. Hallelujah! Amen.
Do you hear the Voice in the night calling you to “Come?” Will you risk stepping out of the boat or remain in the boat gripped with fear? I encourage you to behold His glory and step out in faith. With your eyes fixed on Him, He will give you the power to walk triumphantly on water too.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Fishers of Men
Matthew 4:18-20
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers; Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.
Ardent Angler,
You’ve called me to come with You on the fishing expedition of a lifetime! It won’t be easy and it won’t be cheap; but it will be well worth the investment. When I’m willing to leave my past, live with You, and learn from You, You’ll teach me the best kept secrets of the trade.
To join You on this wild and dangerous mission, I may have to forfeit my family, friends and freedom in order to spend concentrated time learning the most effective way to fish for men. I’ll surely have to give up my comfortable lifestyle and social status. The lifelong journey will require a commitment to grueling hardships, irregular hours and arduous challenges.
My deficiencies and inadequacies are unimportant because You will make me a fisher of men. The Bible will train me to see and save lost souls. Like the rough and rugged fishermen on the open sea, I’ll discover that my safety and success are fully dependent on You. Going where the prospects are could require much effort, sacrifice, and risk. Patience and perseverance will be necessary as I continually cast out the net without a catch. Since fishing is a practical skill, I can only learn by doing it.
My ample compensation for persistence will be the satisfaction of the catch – Jesus hooked in the Bethlehem of a human heart. These are the fish that will be my joyful and triumphant trophy when I bow in adoration before You, the Ardent Angler, on Judgment Day. Yes, I will drop everything and come fishing with You to glorify Your name! Amen.
Jesus is calling faithful people to come on the fishing expedition of a lifetime. It won’t be easy and it won’t be cheap. It will cost you everything. Are you willing, like Peter and Andrew, to leave your former life behind in order to follow Him on the most exhilarating eternal adventure? You don’t need any special skills; only an open mind and willing spirit. If you leave your past and live with Him, He will make you a fisher of men.
He promises the crown of rejoicing to those who fish with Him for men: “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20.
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers; Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.
Ardent Angler,
You’ve called me to come with You on the fishing expedition of a lifetime! It won’t be easy and it won’t be cheap; but it will be well worth the investment. When I’m willing to leave my past, live with You, and learn from You, You’ll teach me the best kept secrets of the trade.
To join You on this wild and dangerous mission, I may have to forfeit my family, friends and freedom in order to spend concentrated time learning the most effective way to fish for men. I’ll surely have to give up my comfortable lifestyle and social status. The lifelong journey will require a commitment to grueling hardships, irregular hours and arduous challenges.
My deficiencies and inadequacies are unimportant because You will make me a fisher of men. The Bible will train me to see and save lost souls. Like the rough and rugged fishermen on the open sea, I’ll discover that my safety and success are fully dependent on You. Going where the prospects are could require much effort, sacrifice, and risk. Patience and perseverance will be necessary as I continually cast out the net without a catch. Since fishing is a practical skill, I can only learn by doing it.
My ample compensation for persistence will be the satisfaction of the catch – Jesus hooked in the Bethlehem of a human heart. These are the fish that will be my joyful and triumphant trophy when I bow in adoration before You, the Ardent Angler, on Judgment Day. Yes, I will drop everything and come fishing with You to glorify Your name! Amen.
Jesus is calling faithful people to come on the fishing expedition of a lifetime. It won’t be easy and it won’t be cheap. It will cost you everything. Are you willing, like Peter and Andrew, to leave your former life behind in order to follow Him on the most exhilarating eternal adventure? You don’t need any special skills; only an open mind and willing spirit. If you leave your past and live with Him, He will make you a fisher of men.
He promises the crown of rejoicing to those who fish with Him for men: “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Praise Him For Who He Is
Psalm 34:1-3
I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
O Loving Lord,
My heart throbs every time I bless Your beautiful name! In awe of Your splendor and majesty, I deeply inhale joyful praise and slowly puff out sweet, long-lasting adoration. You are the pure air I breathe, O God.
My soul yearns to brag about Your greatness:
Your holy love is deeper than the massive oceans.
Your divine wisdom is higher than majestic mountains.
Your mighty power is stronger than the thrashing waves of the sea.
Your unending mercy expands to the ends of the earth.
Your perfect peace is quieter than a whispering summer breeze.
Your exuberant joy twinkles brighter than the brightest star.
Your incomparable goodness is exceedingly greater than the fruitful farmlands.
Your infinite faithfulness is more trustworthy than the dawning of the day.
Your continuous forgiveness flows like a cool refreshing mountain stream.
Your wondrous grace is more awesome than the spacious skies.
There is none like You, O Lord. Thank You for giving me a vision of Your holiness. In the light of Your radiant glory, sorrow and suffering diminish, fear and shame disappear, and turmoil and restlessness dissipate, lost in the magnificent celebration of Your beautiful name. With thanksgiving, we bow down and worship You for Who You are. O how we exalt and glorify You because of Your Almighty, All-Powerful, Everlasting name! Amen.
Spend the day gazing of God’s beauty. What do you see? Make a list of His admirable characteristics. With a thankful heart, praise Him for Who He is all day long. Watch your heart lighten beneath praise and adoration.
I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
O Loving Lord,
My heart throbs every time I bless Your beautiful name! In awe of Your splendor and majesty, I deeply inhale joyful praise and slowly puff out sweet, long-lasting adoration. You are the pure air I breathe, O God.
My soul yearns to brag about Your greatness:
Your holy love is deeper than the massive oceans.
Your divine wisdom is higher than majestic mountains.
Your mighty power is stronger than the thrashing waves of the sea.
Your unending mercy expands to the ends of the earth.
Your perfect peace is quieter than a whispering summer breeze.
Your exuberant joy twinkles brighter than the brightest star.
Your incomparable goodness is exceedingly greater than the fruitful farmlands.
Your infinite faithfulness is more trustworthy than the dawning of the day.
Your continuous forgiveness flows like a cool refreshing mountain stream.
Your wondrous grace is more awesome than the spacious skies.
There is none like You, O Lord. Thank You for giving me a vision of Your holiness. In the light of Your radiant glory, sorrow and suffering diminish, fear and shame disappear, and turmoil and restlessness dissipate, lost in the magnificent celebration of Your beautiful name. With thanksgiving, we bow down and worship You for Who You are. O how we exalt and glorify You because of Your Almighty, All-Powerful, Everlasting name! Amen.
Spend the day gazing of God’s beauty. What do you see? Make a list of His admirable characteristics. With a thankful heart, praise Him for Who He is all day long. Watch your heart lighten beneath praise and adoration.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Blessed Persecution
Matthew 5:10-12
Jesus said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven." Jesus, Generous Giver of Great Gifts,Thank You for the promise of bountiful blessing when I choose to do what is right to follow You.
The kingdom of heaven is mine! A great reward awaits me in heaven! Hallelujah!
I admit that I am fearful of harassment, criticism, and rejection. It frightens me to be tested, ridiculed and mocked. It scares me to be scorned, criticized, and misunderstood. I’m afraid of being spat upon and beaten. Fear of man is the obstacle that hinders me from making right choices.
I want to live a life pleasing to You. I desire the rich, abundant treasure You promise in heaven. It’s mine to keep forever! Breathe fresh power on me. I want to serve You, my Master, with wholehearted devotion. I want to diligently work the fields, plant the seeds, water the crop, weed the thorns, and reap the harvest for You. I want to conscientiously serve You even when the scorching summer sun is searing my soul, and the wicked winter winds are wildly whistling, "worry". I want to have the heart and resilience of beautiful Queen Esther who in the midst of her difficult circumstances said, "If I perish, I perish."
I know how the story ends! If I thoroughly do my job, I will receive a fortune beyond my imagination when I arrive at my destination in the kingdom of heaven. People may think they’ve killed me, but when You call my name and I arise to claim my priceless prize, they will watch in bewildered wonder. Please give me a resilient Spirit so that I can focus on the end of the story and the riches of Your glory. Amen.
Claim the two promises: the kingdom of heaven, and a great reward. They are yours when you set aside your fears and courageously labor for the Lord. What is He asking you to do? It may involve a whole lot of effort, sacrifice and risk. He gave His life for you. Are you willing to give your life for Him? The rich rewards are only for those who obey and endure hardships.
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
Jesus said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven." Jesus, Generous Giver of Great Gifts,Thank You for the promise of bountiful blessing when I choose to do what is right to follow You.
The kingdom of heaven is mine! A great reward awaits me in heaven! Hallelujah!
I admit that I am fearful of harassment, criticism, and rejection. It frightens me to be tested, ridiculed and mocked. It scares me to be scorned, criticized, and misunderstood. I’m afraid of being spat upon and beaten. Fear of man is the obstacle that hinders me from making right choices.
I want to live a life pleasing to You. I desire the rich, abundant treasure You promise in heaven. It’s mine to keep forever! Breathe fresh power on me. I want to serve You, my Master, with wholehearted devotion. I want to diligently work the fields, plant the seeds, water the crop, weed the thorns, and reap the harvest for You. I want to conscientiously serve You even when the scorching summer sun is searing my soul, and the wicked winter winds are wildly whistling, "worry". I want to have the heart and resilience of beautiful Queen Esther who in the midst of her difficult circumstances said, "If I perish, I perish."
I know how the story ends! If I thoroughly do my job, I will receive a fortune beyond my imagination when I arrive at my destination in the kingdom of heaven. People may think they’ve killed me, but when You call my name and I arise to claim my priceless prize, they will watch in bewildered wonder. Please give me a resilient Spirit so that I can focus on the end of the story and the riches of Your glory. Amen.
Claim the two promises: the kingdom of heaven, and a great reward. They are yours when you set aside your fears and courageously labor for the Lord. What is He asking you to do? It may involve a whole lot of effort, sacrifice and risk. He gave His life for you. Are you willing to give your life for Him? The rich rewards are only for those who obey and endure hardships.
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Blessed Forgiveness
Romans 4:7-8
Blessed are they
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man
whose sin the Lord will never count against him.
Blessed Redeemer,
I believe You are the Most High and Holy Judge. Thank You for accepting my pitiful plea and declaring me “not guilty.” I’m so blessed! Humbly, I’m brought to my knees because of Your incredibly merciful verdict.
Overwhelming joy pours from my heart because Jesus, my Perfect Defender has served my death sentence for me. I believe my rebellious, deliberate, stubborn sins are forgiven and forgotten forever. I’m confident my daily unintentional, accidental sins will never be counted against me. Blessed assurance! Thankfully, I trust You to make me right in Your sight.
Breathe on me, Holy Spirit. Guide me with love and wisdom. Subdue my stubborn will. Tame my temptations. Control my conduct. Heal my hurts. Right my wrongs. And, put a smile on my face today that reflects the joy in my heart because my defiant disobedience has been redeemed by One blessed deal for the praise of Your glorious name. Amen.
If you have nothing else to smile about today, be happy that your sins are forgiven and forgotten forever. That’s worth celebrating!
Blessed are they
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man
whose sin the Lord will never count against him.
Blessed Redeemer,
I believe You are the Most High and Holy Judge. Thank You for accepting my pitiful plea and declaring me “not guilty.” I’m so blessed! Humbly, I’m brought to my knees because of Your incredibly merciful verdict.
Overwhelming joy pours from my heart because Jesus, my Perfect Defender has served my death sentence for me. I believe my rebellious, deliberate, stubborn sins are forgiven and forgotten forever. I’m confident my daily unintentional, accidental sins will never be counted against me. Blessed assurance! Thankfully, I trust You to make me right in Your sight.
Breathe on me, Holy Spirit. Guide me with love and wisdom. Subdue my stubborn will. Tame my temptations. Control my conduct. Heal my hurts. Right my wrongs. And, put a smile on my face today that reflects the joy in my heart because my defiant disobedience has been redeemed by One blessed deal for the praise of Your glorious name. Amen.
If you have nothing else to smile about today, be happy that your sins are forgiven and forgotten forever. That’s worth celebrating!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Continuous Praise
Hebrews 13:15
Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.
Blessed Lord Jesus,
O how I love the sweet sound of Your beautiful name! I’m utterly devoted to You because You saved me from hell and total annihilation. Not only that, but You presented me flawless before the glorious throne of my Most High God. You’ve made me indescribably pure, completely blameless, absolutely acceptable and extremely wise. I ought to be struck dead at Your feet, but You’ve put a spring in my step, a song in my heart, a smile on my face and given me a zest for living. The least I can do is continually praise You, even when it’s excruciatingly difficult.
It ought to be a joy and delight to praise Your glorious name forever and ever! Not only when all is well. Not just when I’m perfectly healthy and sound. Not only when my bills are paid and there’s food on the table. But, it is an incredible honor to stand by faith worshipping You during pain and poverty, crisis and confusion, desperation and disaster. In tough times when my heart can sing of Your great love, there is increased peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as my sorrow turns to sheer joy in Your presence.
Help me to continually focus and determinedly place my faith in You and You alone. I want to give you my unlimited, unrestrained affection! I want to build my faith on strong determined confidence in You, my Blessed Lord Jesus. Focused on You, I won’t be able to fear or doubt. My life will be a lovely hymn of adoration resulting from my perfect, irrepressible, triumphant belief in You, my Blessed Lord Jesus whom I love with all my heart. Amen.
Think of the despicable shortfall of faith we exhibit during difficult times. Then, think of what Jesus has done for you. You deserve to die. You deserve eternal suffering. But, He has given you life abundantly. If you’re alive because of Him, ask Him put a spring in your step, a song in your heart, a smile on your face, and give you a zest for glorious living. Then, you will be a living sacrifice of constant praise.
Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.
Blessed Lord Jesus,
O how I love the sweet sound of Your beautiful name! I’m utterly devoted to You because You saved me from hell and total annihilation. Not only that, but You presented me flawless before the glorious throne of my Most High God. You’ve made me indescribably pure, completely blameless, absolutely acceptable and extremely wise. I ought to be struck dead at Your feet, but You’ve put a spring in my step, a song in my heart, a smile on my face and given me a zest for living. The least I can do is continually praise You, even when it’s excruciatingly difficult.
It ought to be a joy and delight to praise Your glorious name forever and ever! Not only when all is well. Not just when I’m perfectly healthy and sound. Not only when my bills are paid and there’s food on the table. But, it is an incredible honor to stand by faith worshipping You during pain and poverty, crisis and confusion, desperation and disaster. In tough times when my heart can sing of Your great love, there is increased peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as my sorrow turns to sheer joy in Your presence.
Help me to continually focus and determinedly place my faith in You and You alone. I want to give you my unlimited, unrestrained affection! I want to build my faith on strong determined confidence in You, my Blessed Lord Jesus. Focused on You, I won’t be able to fear or doubt. My life will be a lovely hymn of adoration resulting from my perfect, irrepressible, triumphant belief in You, my Blessed Lord Jesus whom I love with all my heart. Amen.
Think of the despicable shortfall of faith we exhibit during difficult times. Then, think of what Jesus has done for you. You deserve to die. You deserve eternal suffering. But, He has given you life abundantly. If you’re alive because of Him, ask Him put a spring in your step, a song in your heart, a smile on your face, and give you a zest for glorious living. Then, you will be a living sacrifice of constant praise.
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