January 31, 2008
“Crucified, laid behind a stone. You lived to die, rejected and alone.
Like a rose, trampled on the ground, You took the cross and thought of me – above all.”
Dear Lord, Much like the passage in Joni’s book several years ago, these words created an ‘Aha!’ moment: I truly and deeply understood that when You sacrificed Yourself, You did it …. for me. Before I was born, You knew me, You knew I would lead a sinful life, You knew I would make mistakes, but You knew that I had promise, and that I am one of Your children, so You gave Your life that I might live. Lord, I am so deeply humbled and grateful. Thank You for touching my heart this morning, for putting those words to music, for the meaning behind them, and for You, the inspiration behind the music. Thank You for all You continue to give. Amen.
January 30, 2008
“Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing – power and majesty, praise to the King!
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the works of Your hands; forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand.
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.”
Dear Lord, these words are tremendous, because they illustrate Your power and reign on a worldwide scale and a very personal one. As I look around and see all that You have created, Your presence is evident and obvious – and when I think of all that You have given me, Your presence is just as obvious. The works You created – mountains, seas, flowers, birds, lions, people, and everything else – that is as great a gift as I could ask for. But You gave even more – You gave me life, and You gave me a life to live. Lord, I am in awe, and I thank You. I pray that I will always look to You and for You for Your gracious gifts of love and mercy, and will always praise You for all You have given me. Amen.
January 29, 2008
“I’m waiting here for my life to change; when the waters stir, You can rearrange me.
Just one touch is all I need; I’ve nothing much but the wounds I feel.
I’m looking for the hand of the miracle man.”
Dear Lord, I found the miracle man – You. Your touch has healed me, and when I truly felt it three years ago, my life really began. My awareness of You and those around me changed, and I started to appreciate all You have done for me. I know that You continue to change and rearrange me, and that’s a good thing! I don’t want to stay where I am; I am listening for Your call, watching for Your presence, and eagerly anticipating Your word for me. Heavenly Father, work in me, with me, and through me so that I can do Your will. Let me follow in Your steps to be a true and faithful disciple, and let me always look for You in everything I do. Amen.
January 28, 2008
“You have loved me with such perfect love, fathered me with such a tender touch,
Your faithfulness surrounds my soul.
Your mercy lifts my head – how could I repay all that You have done?”
Dear Lord, I know how I can repay You. By living the life You want me to live, not the life I want to live; by being a faithful and worshipful disciple; by sharing the good news of Your life and works to others; and by remaining true to Your word. I could do all of those every hour of every day for the rest of my life and I know that it would never be enough, but I pray that I will have the courage to do right by You, for You, and with You. Lord, help me to find the desire and fire within to do all of these things, and to serve You in ways that are pleasing to You. Let me give my heavenly Father all the love and devotion He deserves. Amen.
January 25, 2008
“God is here, let the broken-hearted rejoice; God is here, let the sick say ‘I am well.’
God is here, let the weak say ‘I am strong,’ God is here – His wonders to perform.”
Dear Lord, if only people would realize Your power and all that You can do! Of course, I am guilty of not always believing that, but I do pray for those who never have taken the time to learn about You, pray to You, and give thanks for all You have given. As I read these words, I am comforted that You do bless the meek, the sick, the helpless … and in many ways, I am all of those. I can do more, I can be a better follower, I can be a stronger believer, and I know my spiritual health is not where it should be. I pray for courage to love You, Lord – to give You the attention and faith that You deserve. Thank You for loving me in times of weakness, and help me to summon the strength to love You even more. Amen.
January 24, 2008
“O no, You never let go, through the calm and through the storm, O no, You never let go,
In every high and every low; O no, You never let go – Lord, You never let go of me.”
Dear Lord, there are times – days, weeks, moments – that feel as if they never will end. I have felt down, upset, lonely, hurt, confused … and on the other end, I have felt overjoyed, elated, grateful, gracious … and through all of those times, no matter what range of emotions I have, You are there. I am comforted knowing that not only do You protect me in the down times, but You help maintain my humility during the up times. I know that life is not always wonderful and picture-perfect; that is one more reason why I am so grateful for Your love and comfort. I know that relying on myself will not help, and will not get me through – I need You. I need Your blessings and love. Lord, thank You for truly never letting me go, and for keeping watch over me in good times and bad. Amen.
January 23, 2008
“From the rising to the setting sun, Your name will be praised.
God above all gods, King above all kings, Lord of heaven and earth.”
Dear Lord, often the themes I hear is about where You reign, what Your creation is, instances of Your blessings … but this tells me that You are with me all day, every day. From the moment the sun rises until it goes down – and that happens around the world every minute, so I know that I have Your guidance, security, and blessings with me all the time. Heavenly Father, thank You for never letting me out of Your sight, for keeping me safe and protected, and for giving me infinite, never-ending love. Amen.
January 22, 2008
“And I’m trusting in Your word, trusting in Your cross, trusting in Your blood and all Your faithfulness
For Your power at work in me is changing me.”
Dear Lord, I felt You this morning. What’s more, I know beyond a doubt that You were watching me on my way to work. When I heard the words, “I appreciate you sitting here,” it was as if You said those words – which You did, through the man behind me. Thank You for touching my heart, Lord – for putting Yourself into my life on a daily basis. You are changing me – You certainly did this morning! Thank You for humility, for reminders of Your presence, for the miracles You perform, and for all the gifts and blessings I receive every day. Help me to continue to see You at work every day, performing life-changing miracles everywhere. I really and truly stand amazed in Your presence. Amen.
January 18, 2008
“We will meet Him in the air, and then we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.
Then all hurt and pain will cease, and we’ll be with Him forever, and in His glory we will live.”
Dear Lord, the thought of seeing You, greeting You, touching Your hand … as I recently said, that is a struggle of mine. It will be an amazing day, and I certainly do not want to be left behind. At this moment, when I think about why it is difficult to accept Your coming, I wonder why I find it so easy to accept Your role in my life and the lives of those around me. If I believe in that, I should effortlessly believe in Your return – but as You know, it is not always as simple as that. I do pray for my faith to grow, as it should and must, and to accept Your coming with faith as fact. Heavenly Father, thank You for opening my eyes yet again to the wonders of Your love and power. May my faith and belief never cease but continue to grow, and may I never not be amazed by what You do. Amen.
January 17, 2008
“Well, it’s true today that when people stand with the fire of God and the truth in hand,
We’ll see miracles, we’ll see angels sing, we’ll see broken hearts making history.”
Dear Lord, I know first-hand what is possible through faith and through prayer. I am not always as devoted as I need to be, and I am still a sinner, but I have seen what You do in this world, both in ways that directly affect me and in ways that I notice and observe. It would be a true miracle if people around the world would stop to pray to You, to ask forgiveness and grace, and to be thankful for the blessings You have given them. Until that day happens, I will continue to offer my prayers and praises to You, I will continue to be as good a disciple as I can, I will sing of Your glorious works, and I will always be thankful for the blessings I have received. Amen.
