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Today, This Day!

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24

At the dawning of this day, I seek You, Lord. For only You have given it unto me. Who am I, that I should ever complain at such a gift?

For in the context of these twenty four hours, You have given me opportunity and a million reasons to praise You

Your light shines upon me, it awakens my soul. It stirs my cold heart to give thanks to You.

How great is our God, and endless, the multitudes of His blessings. I am filled with thanksgiving for all that He has done

For He has blessed me with a family, and given me work for my hands. His goodness has overflowed upon me, so that I am rich in many things

I rejoice in God. In Him, also, I place my trust, for He has been bountiful unto me and poured into my life, mercy and joy

How great is He who loves me; and though I am small upon this earth, He considers me, and has filled my life with sweet blessing

The Lord is as good as He is great, and He blesses those who love Him, each day. Because of His goodness, mercy, and love, I will praise Him, and seek to glorify His name in all that I do

The God of all there is, purifies us; and He corrects us when we stray by addressing that which is wrong within us. For He greatly values our lives, considering us as precious. He gives, even though we fall short

By His Word and through His Spirit, He makes our paths straight and leads us towards a maturity in Him. He loves the faithful in heart, and comes and dwells with those who love Him in faith

He takes each day and gives them as gifts, and walks beside us, so that we might be strengthened in every way

Greatness and honor and glory are the Lord’s, for He is more worthy than all of our praise. Oh, that He would be glorified in all the earth

He will lift us up. Yes, He will fill our lives to overflowing

Today, this day, is yours to do with it as you like. Yet, the Lord, our God, owns every minute. Consider what a gift this life is that He has given to you. Then bless His holy name with each breath that you take. 7/31/2006

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Our Awesome Creator

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is filled with His glory.” Isaiah 6:3

The Lord, our God, makes glorious days. He crafts each one in splendor

Within each hour, He imparts endless opportunities to rejoice in the beauty He has formed all around us

May we praise Him in quiet thanksgiving for all that He has done

Our God, the maker of all things, crafts each night to reflect His wisdom. He moves the stars silently across the sky in shining testimony to His power

How great is He who made each day and each night. What He reveals to us through what He has done, increases our faith as we revel in the glory of His works

When we gaze out in wonder at the vastness of the night sky, and when we view the beauty of all He has created that lies before us, we speak out to Him… and He listens

How great then, must be the love of God for us, that He formed this incredible earth that rests within the endless reaches of His universe

And we, who have been made in His image, yet fallen, filled with sin, but continually uplifted through His Spirit, are blessed with all good things to overflowing

By His grace and through His mercy, we are filled with an abiding sense of peace and understanding

How great is the Lord, who crafts each day that we live and gives them as gifts, filled with both joy and eternal promise

What love He blesses us with, that we who come before Him in faith, stand forgiven, and obtain the sure promise of everlasting life

In light of this, no day should ever be filled with dread and no night so filled with darkness that we cry our in fear. For the maker of both the heavens and the earth has come to us

In Jesus Christ, we rejoice, because the God of all is trustworthy. Our hearts are filled with joy, because of the glorious magnitude of His promises

For the maker of each day and every night, from the beginning of time, until forever, has come to us

It is God’s invitation to each of us who call upon His name, to go forth and fulfill what we were created for, and to come live within His awesome presence

How great is the splendor of all creation. But, how much more awesome is He who made all there is. Could anything be more wonderful than knowing Him?   11/12/2006

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Love

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

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God is Our Treasure

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

How Precious is our God, my life is sustained through Him. He is my treasure, the one of unsurpassed value

My life is fed by His Spirit, it takes nourishment from His Word and draws from the deep well of His goodness

For I am without any real strength, my life hangs by a thread; even when I was in the fullness of youth, I had very little power, the control I thought I had was mistaken

But our God has always sustained me. He has blessed my life in the multitude of His mercies and given to me richly, things of real value

Truly, He is the one my heart treasures. He fills me to overflowing, and gives to each of my days blessed purpose

What could be greater than our God? Is there anything in all of creation superior to Him?

Indeed, there is nothing that could ever compare, nor, anything that could even come close. The sum of all riches and pleasure combined, have no value in comparison to Him

Therefore, I will open my heart wide and deep, and clear a place for Him throughout my entire life, so that He may fill me and live through me, activating my life for the purposes of His perfect will

Apart from God, I can do nothing

If I seek my own glory, I will fail

When I strike off in my own direction, I stray into dry and desolate places, where my soul starves and withers, bringing me to desperation

But with God, I am only filled with good things

He quenches my thirst and dispels every hunger. My life is made strong in Him; His love and Spirit bring abundant peace and joy

God is my treasure, the One whom my soul longs for each day. His presence is greater than all earthly blessing and His Words of truth, more valued than diamonds or gold

For He has given my life blessings of eternal abundance and a richness that will last well beyond the end of time.  4/26/2006

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A Flower For Each Season

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.

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A Benediction For Prayer

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

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Give Thanks!

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

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Encouragement For the Trials Ahead

“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

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Give Praise to the God of All Creation

Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens. Psalm 148:13

Shout praises to the Lord of all creation. Give glory to Him who reigns. Sing songs of gratitude for His love and mercy. Give thanks for all those He has saved

Sing forth all you mountains, bend low every hillside; tremble at the power of His footsteps

Raise your branches every tree. Reach high towards the heavens and dance as the winds rustles through your leaves that catch His glowing light

Give honor to Him all you vineyards, and blessing you fertile fields. For He has given richness in great abundance, so that you might bless all those He loves

Call forth you songbirds, cry out every eagle on high; give honor to him, you brightly colored hummingbirds, for He has given each of you the wind beneath your wings

In thanksgiving, bow before Him; with gratitude, give Him praise; for He has fed you from His abundance and place each feather upon your frame

Call out, you azure heavens; raise up, mighty thunder clouds; give glory to Him who stands above you, and stirs you like the dust beneath His feet

Shine forth, every golden sunbeam; illuminate God’s good earth, which He alone has made. Give light to all His children, so that they might glory at the beauty of His creation

Whisper soft hymns, you quiet waters; reflect forth images of His goodness and mercy. Give drink to all those who thirst and life to all who live and breathe

Give honor to the God of the heavens; sing praises to Him who made this earth

Offer, each day, a sacrifice of grateful thanksgiving for all the good things that He has done

Our God is higher than all of His creation; He is greater than anything known. His glory fills up each space within the universe, and His power steers the stars

Sing!, for He is awesome. Raise your voices, because of the magnitude of His glory

Lift up His name, for He is more than worthy of all our praise.  11/5/2006

 

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A Prayer For Renewal

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