June 10, 2008
“One day every tongue will confess You are God, one day every knee will bow.
Still, the greatest treasure remains for those who gladly choose You now.”
Dear Lord, have I chosen You? Sometimes I wonder if my tongue has truly and fully accepted You. My thoughts and feelings wander at times, as does my faith – does that mean I am not a believer? I struggle with my energy for church and worship, and with my desire to do Your work. Am I not a member of Your kingdom? Heavenly Father, I pray for the courage and strength to truly follow You, believe in You, and speak Your name with reverence, love and pride. May I be a disciple of Yours, and a follower and believer, so that I can proclaim Your name to the world. I pray that I will find the desire to confess that You are my Lord and God. Amen.
June 6, 2008
“His Word shall not fail you—He promised; believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!”
Dear Lord, even in times of doubt and fear, it is easy to think why these might be the best and happiest days of my life. I have two wonderful children, a steady job, a loving family, good friends, food to eat, and the comforts of life that I need. However, as good as this life is, You have promised me an even greater life with You. As the hymn says, what a day of rejoicing that will be! Heavenly Father, thank You for Your countless blessings in this life, and for the promise of salvation in the next life. May I continue to be thankful, grateful, and full of praise for all You have given, and may I look forward in anticipation and peace to what You have prepared for me. Amen.
June 5, 2008
“There is none in the heavens like You, and upon the earth, who’s Your equal?
You are far above, You’re the highest of heights; I am bowing down to exalt You.”
Dear Lord, No one can give me what You can give me. Beyond that, You give without asking, without expectation, and without a request for reciprocation. Through You I have life, blessings and gifts beyond what I ever can deserve … and still, there are times when I ignore You or brush aside all that You are. Heavenly Father, I confess my shortcomings, my sins, and my thoughtlessness toward You. I pray for the strength and courage to stay on a right path that is guided by You and leads only to You. May I always remember the love You have shown me, the blessings You give me, and the forgiveness You bestow, and may I always put You first in my life, above all others. Amen.
June 4, 2008
“I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause; I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than world-wide fame, I’d rather be true to His holy name.”
Dear Lord, I face temptation every day, and more often than not, I yield to it. This hymn strikingly tells what my choices are should I choose to follow or not follow You. I can either claim Your love and grace by worshiping Your name, or I can have fame and adulation from others. On the surface, that is not a difficult choice – after all, who would not want to be loved, honored, and admired? Well, the one to love, honor and admire is You. Rather than seek fame for myself, I should channel my energy into praising and lifting Your name. Heavenly Father, I pray for humility, wisdom, and courage to stand aside and let Your name be the one lifted and praised. May I be just another disciple for You – strong, brave, faithful, and worshipful of Your name. Amen.
June 3, 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 You have done?”
Dear Lord, I know that I am not worthy of Your love and grace, so the knowledge and understanding that You gave those to me anyway is very humbling. The best I can do is to love and worship You, and to share Your gospel with others – and in those areas, I know I am falling short. Heavenly Father, I pray not only for Your continued mercy and blessing, but the quiet and forceful encouragement to do more for You and Your kingdom. I pray that my failures and shortcomings, and lack of faith and good work for You, will be overcome in the years ahead, and that I will be able to stand at Your throne with awe, pride, and honor. Let me learn how to love and serve You as You continue to teach and guide me. Amen.
June 2, 2008
“And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on – a glorious light beyond all compare.
“There will be an end to these troubles, but until that day comes, we’ll live to know You here on the earth.”
Dear Lord, is there where the phrase ‘I can see light at the end of the tunnel’ comes from? Truly, knowing You and accepting Your gifts of salvation and forgiveness give me peace and the hope of eternal life. However, in my human and earthly mindset, I still want situations to be dealt with in the present, and my impatience wants everything resolved now – not at some distant, unknown point in the future. Lord, for those times when I cannot focus on the glorious future You have promised me, I thank You for holding me in Your arms and continuing to grant me love and peace. Thank You for not letting go of me, for blessing me beyond my dreams, and for giving me all that I have. May I come to know You better so that my days will be filled with the knowledge and truth of You and Your love. Amen.
