Friday, September 18, 2015

Perspective~

“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.  Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together” (Psalm 34: 1–3).

Some days begin bright and sunny, and end bright and sunny.  Some days begin bright and sunny, and end a little gloomy.  Some days begin gloomy, and end bright and sunny.  Some days are gloomy from beginning to end.  Some days the waters are calm, and some days they are rough.  The wave’s crash with great thrust, or the waters are still and peaceful.  The wind will blow, or there will be a calm in the air.  Sometimes you will go out for a walk with clouds all around and think… It won’t rain on me, I’ll be fine… only to go out and have it pour after you were too far to come back, and then have to walk back in the rain.  

Just like life really.  Some days start out great and end great.  Some days start out great and end kind of crumby.  Some days start out crumby and end kind of crumby.  Some days start out down right depressing, and end cheery.  

The times that I go out in my flesh and think; I’ll be just fine, seldom turn out without some rain.  Not thinking things out, or planning, or just wanting what I want, and do it regardless, is never good.   

“Why are you cast down, O my soul?  And why are you disquieted within me?  Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God” (Psalm 42:11).

Sometimes this is determined by our attitudes, sometimes, it is just what it is.  Life is hard.  It has its ups and downs.  It has been this way from the beginning.  Whatever the day, how it begins, how it ends, we should always have praise in our hearts, and on our lips for the one who created life.  Regardless of how our day is going, or how things in life are turning out, God is still God, and He is worth of our praise!

“Blessed are You, LORD God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever.  Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, And You are exalted as head over all.  Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all.  In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all.  “Now therefore, our God, We thank You And praise Your glorious name.  But who am I, and who are my people, That we should be able to offer so willingly as this?  For all things come from You, And of Your own we have given You.  For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, As were all our fathers; Our days on earth are as a shadow, And without hope” (1 Chronicles 29: 10 – 13).

Thursday, September 3, 2015

A little prayer~

"Can you imagine yourself standing at the edge of the Jordan, dripping wet, and turning your head to see Jesus himself being baptized after you? What would go through your mind? What are your thoughts and feelings toward your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Who is He to you? Reflect on these questions and close in prayer" (You version devotional: 'Jesus I Need You' part 3').

Father God, You are my Lord and my Savior.  You love me more than anyone has ever loved me.  I have experienced what I thought to be love in my life, and know that people love me, but You surpass them all.  Your care for me blows my mind.  You want me.  When I just want to be wanted by people, You gently hold me and let me know that You want me, and that is better than any person.  You tell me to be still and know that You are God, and comfort me when I am hurting.  Even when I am at my worst, You show me grace.  You are my Lord, and I love You.  I think about what You sacrificed so that I could have relationship with You, and am dumbfounded.  When I was still walking in sin, You sent Your only Son to take the punishment that should have been mine.  I am sinner of sinners, and You still show me Your grace each and every time that I fall.  You say that You cast them as far as the East is from the West... they never meet, which means to You, they are gone.  Thank You, God, for your love, grace, and mercy.  I deserve death, and You give me life.  You are a great and mighty God.  I will praise You as long as You give me breath.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

John 3:16; Psalm 46:10; Psalm 34:18; Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 5:7; Romans 6:1; Psalm 103:12; Romans 8:11