“If any person be in Christ, they are a new creature: old things have passed away.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Today, this day, I give over my life to God
My right, to myself, I freely give to You, for I am not my own
You formed me from this earth, and breathed life into these lungs. You placed Your Spirit into this body, and set me here, to walk amidst this place
There is nothing I have that was not given to me by You
Why am I here, at this place, in this time? Is it not to praise You, and to lift Your name up above all names; to bring honor and glory to You, oh Lord, for You are holy, above all things
I am nothing, filled with sin, but You filled me with Your Spirit, and placed a joy within my heart
Your presence amazes me. That you, who are above all, and who dwells, even beyond all creation, would spend time with one so lowly
My spirit sings praises to You. I lift up my hands to honor Your Name. For you are my God, you have blessed my life to overflowing
I cry out Your name and feel the presence of Your Son. His love and righteousness hold me. They keep me safe from harm, and give me hope within eternities span
How glorious is our God! I am amazed at the depth of His goodness
Today in humility, I give myself to God. I let His perfect will be the light that guides me, and His love, the strength that moves my feet
May every particle of my being be given over to Him, so that I may glorify my God and my Maker. 4/9/2006
Thorncrown Chapel, Eureka Springs AR For this is what the high and lofty One says- He who lives forever, whose name is holy; “I live in a high and holy place, but also with those who are contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite”.
My life is continually before You, Oh Lord. Every particle of my being is known to Your Eye; and yet I don’t always see the face that so loves me, and my thoughts are often on earthly things
How far, oh Lord, am I from You; yet Your thoughts are always upon me
Even though I seek You diligently, my mind is apt to wander; and though I often spend time in prayer, I can lose sight of You
As I make my way through life, I realize more each day just how weak I am, and how dependent I am upon You. For my life is held in Your hand. You could crush it out, but all I have ever felt is Your love and Your power
If You were to judge righteously, my life, and how I have managed it, You would not be found too harsh if You were to give me the stiffest of penalties
But, in all that You have done, I have found only gifts of forgiveness, second chances, and the chance to live the fullest life imaginable
Where do I go from here Lord?
It’s hard to believe that You have not grown tired of me asking that question. But I am reminded, that You have a plan for me, as You do for everyone
Help me to have the courage to follow Your ways, and not my own. Remind me of how futile it is to strike off in my own way, and strengthen me to know that Your way is always the best path I can take
You hold my life in a vise grip. I cannot wander far before Your Word reminds me of the route I should take
I praise You that You care enough lay hold of my life, and I thank You that You have never let me go, even when I have struggled with all my might against Your grip
I do not know what the future holds, only that someday You are going to send Your Son back to us. Someday, I am going to stand in front of You, Jesus; and I don’t know if I am going to be able to look You in the eye. For I would be undone by You. There is nothing worthy enough within me to stand in Your presence
But, You have placed Your Spirit within me, and it is preparing me for that day.
The very Spirit of Your being dwelling inside of me, attesting day by day of the incomprehensible goodness that is in You, that leads me to live out that goodness in my life
Lord, You have formed me from the dust of this incredible universe, breathed life into my body, and placed me here in this time and place
No doubt, You have a purpose for my life. I know now that it is not always to achieve the success of mankind, but to live out Your loving ways day by day throughout my life; and to continually seek to glorify Your most Holy Name. 1997
And we, who with unveiled faces reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18
Arise, all you who trust and believe in the Lord God Almighty. Stir yourself and awaken to this new year. For there is hope for our future, and brighter days ahead
The wisdom and goodness of our God will lead us; He will show us a way, for He loves those who trust in Him and cares for every believer
He calls out to us so that we might follow His ways; and encourages us to pray and study His Word, so that we might be instruments of peace and goodness
His Spirit is with us, to lead us on pathways of healing that fosters renewal and mends divisions between us
Praise our God and seek Him, for He is just and will guide us in the best course
Arouse your heart and your mind to create a spirit of forgiveness. First, towards others, and then to mend a wrong spirit within you.
Confess these to our God, and seek His forgiveness. Repent of anything that does not side with His nature. Align yourself with the perfect power of His love, for it will be as healing you, and to those around you
Become a living blessing upon this earth, so that God’s will could be made real through your life, and so that its goodness might ripple out across our land
Arise, awaken His life within you. Lift up your spirit to meet His. Praise Him, and thank Him, for allowing you access to His heart
Cast off the Spirit of blame, and seek a way to mend divisions and distrust
Denounce any scourge of hatred of others that resides within you. Replace it with understanding, for we all share the same needs; we all require love and care to survive in this world
The Lord, our God, calls out to every one of His believers; He speaks to those who call upon His name
He whispers to us in gentle words that pack infinite power; they are strong enough to break down the walls between us, and convey truths that can melt away our fears and anger
God brings us to the realization that His Wisdom is greater than ours; that we are weak and easily misguided
Arise, all you believers, go before your God; seek peace and harmony, for our God is a God who values peace far above conflict
He is a God of love, not hatred. He wants to draw all people towards His truth, so that His love would be all in all throughout the world. 1/19/2021
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Do you sense God at work in your life today? Does His still calm voice call out to you when you pray?
Love
Love, the single most important quality that God has imparted to the universe. Love, do you hear His whisper in your ears? Does the song of His love play on your internal soundtrack?
Love; it’s what makes us Christians. It is the difference between good and evil. Has it seeped into your pores and changed you from within? Will you give it a chance this day to work wonders within your heart?
Love is patient, it endures and is willing to wait for what it hopes for. It bears only good intentions in all that it inspires within us
Love is not envious of others, because it seeks the best for everyone. Love does not exist in those when they boast, or in those, when they let their pride rule their behavior; for those actions only manifest self-seeking for personal benefit
Love transcends all selfish action. It remains apart from evil, because love exists as God’s most basic principal
It overcomes all doubt and fear. It believes in the truth behind all things, because that is where God is at work in the most fundamental ways
Love gives us hope to overcome all things that come against it. It empowers us to endure and persevere, even when things are most difficult
Love overcomes all things, because of its perfect goodness. It upholds us, even though we may suffer. It convinces us to act out in kindness, though we may have been provoked
Love is a miracle
It is the essential nature of our God, and His Son, Jesus Christ. It is the common thread found throughout His Word, and the intent of every message He gives to us by His Holy Spirit
Love is a resounding note that sounds and echoes throughout all the creation. Because of love, we were made and have our being and through the outworking of its power in creation, this place was made to be our home
We were made to know and deeply understand what love is. It is our purpose to live a life that abounds in love, so that we might rightfully rejoice in our life and all the goodness that love brings
Our God is a God of love. He is the one true God, and He loves without measure. By His love, He forgives us. Through His love, He offers us a more perfect way
In His love, we can rejoice in living our lives no matter what may happen. For by God’s love, and through God’s love, we become connected to the greatest and most powerful force there is. 11/21/2020
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
Last month I replaced the flowers growing in some large planters at the entrance of a commercial office. It was time to pull out the summer Zinnias that were still blooming in order to plant flowers that would do well in the coming winter. A receptionist came out and was upset with me for tearing out ‘those perfectly beautiful flowers’. What she did not understand was that it was getting into late in fall and I needed to have the winter flowers established before the cold weather set in. If I waited any longer, they would be limited in producing beautiful flowers during the next five months. As it turned out, we had a hard frost two days later and those Zinnias would have died anyway.
There are times and seasons that come and go throughout everything in life. It is God’s will for us that we be prepared to react appropriately to everything that lies ahead. We must respond by using every bit of knowledge we have gained through living, with the perfect wisdom of God’s Word, and through the careful leading of His Spirit.
When we stay rightly related to God, and found our choices upon His Word and principals, we will keep to the best path for our lives. Seasons will come and go, some good and others not, but He will always keep our souls safe and secure. Therefore, continue to be a person of prayer; spend time with Him daily, in solitude, where He can instruct you in the preparations for the upcoming season. Ask for His advice, and God will by no means keep it from you. Be a student of His Word. Don’t give up.
There are times when God will show you something difficult. A way that we should go, a person we need to talk to, a relationship we must cut off, or, to make a change in our life that is easier said than done. We may balk and say to ourselves, “how can we ever do that”? The Lord won’t demand that we do so, but He may bring it up time and time again until we either obey, or its season passes and the opportunity that it held is lost forever. “Oh ye of little faith”; It must grieve the Spirit of God every time we step back and make the safe and easy choice, at the expense of our growth and life in Him.
God knows what is best for our lives. He sees the frosts that are coming in a few days. He can sense when we are protecting a weakness in our lives or when we’re putting up a front that only serves to keep us longer in chains. He knows that other people may not always approve of the way He has laid out for us, but His Spirit continues, nonetheless, to remind us and coax us towards His perfect way. How great is the love and direction of God. He works so that we may grow in our faith and realize that His way is really the best and most joyous road we could have ever taken.
Then Jesus told His disciples parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1
May you pray each day to your Father in Heaven, and speak to your God, so that He may begin to be known to you; as you are completely known by Him
May you pray, not as one who wants to be seen, or someone who is interested only in what others think, but, as one who seeks after God alone
So that the life of Christ, and His will might overtake your own life, so that you would be changed and made complete in Him
May you find a quiet place where you might close off the noise, and disable every distraction of this earth; so that you might be alone with God and clearly hear His will
May Jesus Christ reward you with His presence, as He sees your faithfulness and genuine honesty
May He listen intently, as you speak to Him in truth with an open and honest heart
For our God will not turn anyone away, who genuinely seeks Him in faithful prayer
He will not ignore their cries, or turn away from their voice, as they go before Him. But, He will draw near and be present with them in the fullness of His life
His truth and wisdom, He will not withhold from this who seek it. His love and comfort, will be a His gift to all those who trust in Him
May you pray from a right motive of heart. Not with vain and repetitious words, or through some formula, for God easily sees through our motives. He knows the condition of our heart and the nature of our prayers, immediately, as we go before Him
Therefore, become completely transparent before Him, so that your prayers may not be hindered, and so that His life can flow freely into yours
Prayer is a quietly powerful means of communication with God. It is uplifting and strength giving and one of the the best ways to experience His presence in your life. 2/9/2007
Cathedral Peak, Yosemite CA Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thessalonians 5:18
Thank You
Two Simple words that reveal so much about our heart
Thank you is an attitude. A disposition of knowing what we have been given, and understanding where it came from
Each day strive to cultivate a thankful spirit, remember what you have been given. Seek to give thanks, for it will be as healing to your heart and a remedy for all that troubles your mind
Give thanks with your words and with your deeds. Create in your heart a continual thanksgiving, because you have been given much
Give thanks for all that you have and for the friends that stand by you. Be thankful for your family and for those who have helped you along the way
Above all, give thanks to God, your maker, who has given you it all; even your life. Give thanks for His blessings and for the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ
Remember!
Open up the shades that cover the eyes of your memory, for you have been given much
Don’t become lost in your sufferings, or in the things that trouble you this day. Remember, and give thanks. Overcome selfish pity and look past the things that drag upon you. Focus instead on those things that have helped you
There is a God, and He is good beyond all comprehension. He blesses us each day. Yet, we have little ability to see just how great His gifts are. We can do better. We can learn to have a thankful spirit towards Him
Consider what you have been given. Meditate on the incredible bounty of gifts you have received. Be thankful, don’t squander away the opportunity because you have been too busy to see all the little miracles interacting with your life
Give thanks. Each day remember and be thankful. Treasure what is good, and honorable, and healthy
For all of it comes from our God; He acts through those who love us, our friends, and sometimes even through strangers
Give thanks, don’t forget, because it is your part of the equation of blessing. 11/25/2009
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.” John 14:1
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart
Fear not the trials and troubles in life; Always rely on His steadfast love, and you will have peace
There are seasons for rest and healing, and there are times when we must grow; Times when we must become more in our life than what we are today
Do not despair, God will always be with you; He will not leave your side, unless, you first leave His
There will come times when it seems like He is absent; when trials and storms seem to gather darkly around, but they might just be for our own good
Bonds of ease and comfort sometimes need to be broken. Hard choices must be made in order for God’s work to continue on
So take heart and move forward towards the direction of His will. Pray and listed for His counsel; continue to study His word so that will gain understanding
Don’t neglect to stay connected with your church, even though it may be hard during these times. Be safe and creative, for in times of testing, this will help us remain strong
Stay close to God and to the flowing power of His Spirit, which keeps us ready for all things, and able to do things which require strength that is greater than ours alone
Times of trial and testing, are times of spiritual growth. If we don’t fall back and retreat, we will certainly gain valuable experience and abilities that make us stronger and more able to carry His message
After all, what is our life for? Who gave us our breath, and has stirred the hope that lives inside us?
Did not Jesus tell us that we would have troubles in this world? That trials and troubles would mark a life lived in obedience to Him?
So, strengthen yourself, knowing that these times surely must come into our life; and that they will continue to come as the years pass by. But also, be assured that He is keeping our souls and will uphold us aways with His own strength
God will give us the power to endure when you need it, as we faithfully remain in His presence
Take heart my friend, when the clouds begin to gather and you know you’re heading into a rough time. Be brave and and faithful to your God, in all ways; and though you may stumble along your path, He will be there to help you to your feet.
His love will see us through, even to the very doors of death and beyond
For our God is stronger that any power on earth. He can break through any obstacle that lies upon our path, and make a way for us long and straight
For we are His children, the sons and daughters of the King; and our lives are very precious to Him, who rules both the heavens and the earth. 1/16/2001
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
Lord Jesus Christ, You are the author of my salvation. Mold me unto Your will, so that I might be made more complete in You each day
Break the bonds of my rigidity, where I am unwilling to bend, so that I would be more willing to give in every area of my life
Convince me, Lord, to hand over my life as an offering to You each day, so that Your life would be in mine
Make me more flexible my Savior, so that the hardness of my pride and the sharp edge of my disposition, would be softened; so that the essential nature of Your love, and charity, grace, and goodness, would flow freely from me
Mold me Lord. Change the way I am. Destroy everything in me that does not agree with You
Free me from the old nature that governed me and fill me with your life. Bend me, so that I might be humble. Take from me, so that I might know real value
Give me all good things, so that I might know the blessings of thanksgiving
Do freely unto me, My Lord and God, in the perfect expression of Your will, so that I might learn a deeper faith, and so that I may depend upon You still more
Give to me Your strength and wisdom, so that I might stand and not falter
Make me able to defend against the temptations that so easily entangle my life, and threaten to ruin my relationship with You
Develop me each day, help me learn Your ways and be able to discern the path You have laid out before me, so that my life would be filled with Your presence
Enthrall me, with Your infinite goodness, oh Lord, so that I may rejoice each day and lift praises unto You. That I might lift You up from the dawning of each day through the darkest of nights
For in You alone, I am made whole and complete. 2/11/2007
If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Oh Lord, my God, I seek You. I long to know You more and more, for You are the light of all mankind; the source of life, and the truth and substance that makes life real
Our days are energized by Your presence, you bring meaning to our hours, and joy, that makes each day worth living
Lord, I want to strive to lay hold of You and live my life so that I could draw close to You; to make my life a home for Your life-giving Spirit
I know You are near at hand; Your presence fills the heavens and all the earth. Certainly, You are near to me now
At this moment, You’re in contact with my being. I sense You, but long to know You more each day
For, I too often stray and become distracted. I become lost in life’s struggles, worries, and pains, and I begin to sink beneath the waves; Or, lose sight of the horizon
Faith takes effort. Belief needs care and watering. To see God, we must continue looking
Lord, I am a student in your school called life, I read Your textbooks each day and recite Your Words until I know their meaning
I am amazed by what they speak unto me, and how they correct me when I am wrong. They comfort me when the hard days come calling
Lord God, You are there; You reach out to me with an outstretched arm to lift me up; Or, place a gentle hand on my shoulder to let me know I shall never go alone
Even when there seems no way out of the pit of despair, or when dangers lurk around me and they threaten and cast their menacing looks, Lord You are with me
My God I strive to lay hold of you this night. I seek You each morning when I rise and look for you as I make my way through each day
For you are the God who acts on our behalf. You come to those who wait patiently and bring help to those who gladly do right; Who remember Your ways all the days of their life 1/24/2020
