December 21, 2007

“Kneel at the cross, there’s room for all who will his glory share.
Bliss there awaits, harm can nary fall those who are anchored there.”

Dear Lord, it’s not about me! Too often I fail to think about others and what they are going through – their personal lives, circumstances, trials and tribulations – and I make snap judgements based on their actions or reactions. You are a welcoming, loving, all-powerful God who does not discriminate, so why should I? As I have said before, I am better than no one and no one is better than I – You created the world with that understanding, and I need to be aware of it so that I may life that way, too. Lord, I pray for the wisdom and clarity of thought to accept others as my brothers and sisters, and to love those around me. Let me be a beacon of hope, love, and faith for You. Amen.

 

December 19, 2007

“When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.”

Dear Lord, how dare I ever think that I am better than others, or have more integrity, more honor, more decency, and give more respect. Lord, I humbly ask for Your forgiveness for those times when I have treated others poorly, rudely, and with a lack of dignity. As one of Your servants, I simply ask for grace and mercy as I go through life. I am no better than anyone else, and while no one else is better than I, we all are equal in Your sight. Lord, may I see all those around me as my sisters and brothers in You, and may I treat them all as You treat them, and as You will treat them when You return. I pray for humility and confidence, discernment and peace, and to share love and fellowship with those in my life. Amen.

 

December 6, 2007

“When He shall come with trumpet sound, oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.”

Dear Lord, what a glorious day it will be when You call me home, and I can stand at the altar surrounded by saints and angels. I know this can be mine, and I also know that it is my responsibility to earn that right. Your grace, sacrifice, and forgiveness are wonderful gifts, and while I know they cannot be taken from me, they serve to remind me that I need to be a strong servant and disciple for You. Heavenly Father, I pray that in my time on earth, I will be the man You need me to be, and that I will do what I can to reach others and share my faith. I pray for the strength and courage to listen for Your voice, to do Your will, and to honor You in every way I can so that I will be welcomed to stand before Your throne. Amen.

 

December 5, 2007

“I will arise and go to Jesus, He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior, O there are ten thousand charms.”

Dear Lord, these words make it all worthwhile. No matter what I am going through here, and what I am suffering and experiencing, a life lived in You will give me everything I need and more. I know that a strong faith, belief, and devotion to You will assure me of an eternal life in Your kingdom, but in my mortal being, and my human state of mind, I want that assurance now – but I know that everything will come in Your time, not mine. Lord, I pray for the courage and patience to wait upon You, and to know and truly believe that You are in my life, and that I am in Yours. Grant me peace and comfort in times of trial, and let me always rest in the comfort of Your loving embrace. Amen.

 

November 16, 2007

“Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking life and rest, and joy and peace.”

Dear Lord, what a simple but true message: All I need I can find in You. By trusting in Your love and plan for me, I have life, rest, joy and peace. Amen! Hallelujah! That’s the good news, and the happy thought. The challenge, as I have learned so often, is to truly and fully give my life to You and fully trust You with my life. Is it because I don’t see You? But You are there – in the life I see around me. Is it because I can’t hear You? But I do – in the voices of friends and the singing of the birds. Is it … there is no reason. You are here, God – I can see You, I can hear You – you are all around me. Take my life, Lord, and use ot for Your benefit. I pray that I will find life, rest, joy, and peace in You. Amen.