Journal portion for 01-31-12… God’s faithful love

5:34 AM, Psalm 31

Father, I come with praise for all You have made; for all You sustain; for all You rightfully rule. I am grateful that You are holy and righteous, for no one would stand a chance when facing eternity; life on earth would be terrifying; all would be dark and hopeless.

But there is hope and the promise of eternal life! That's something that only You could do!

The course of my life is in Your power (15). I trust You and wait for You to direct my paths. You faithful love (7,16,21) has been shown to me in times of difficulty and conflict. So I will love the Lord; remain a faithful one; and be strong and courageous -- for all this I would need Your help and protection.

Be first today, Lord Jesus. I am second.~

Journal for 01.30.12 … Praising my God

5:44 AM, Psalm 30

Father, You are good to me. You give me blessings I can't even count. You have lifted me up (1,2) and not allowed my enemies and detractors to triumph over me. And when I cried to You for help, You healed me. There is no reason for me to complain or be depressed or give up. You spared me (3) from among those going down to death. I depend, now, upon Your grace, love and compassion. Rather than be pitiful I will sing to the Lord (4) and praise His holy Name. Praise God that Your anger only lasts a moment but Your favor last a lifetime (5).

Lord, listen to me and be gracious to me; be my Helper (10). I am only human, living in a cursed and fallen world. Yet, I want to be with You; be on Your side; bring a smile to Your face; please You in some way.

Help me to remember all that You have done for me and that it's a cause for rejoicing not sorrow. Help me to sing to You and not be silent. Lord, I will praise You forever. And one day, I will praise You unobstructed by the flesh, the world, and the devil. It will be in Your presence; in Your house; in Your Kingdom.

Thank You, Christ Jesus, for the awful pain an sacrifice You endured for me -- I will never know all You did for me…and are still doing for me. What love! What compassion! What grace! I am truly second.~

Journal portion for 01-27-12… Waiting

5:48 AM, Psalm 27

Father, You are magnificent, glorious, and wonderful. You made all things with just a word; and You sustain all that You have made. You designed salvation for sinners and way back to You for the lost. For that I thank You (and my mere words fall far short of the praise You deserve).

Waiting is not easy, Lord. I live in an "instant" world. Instant results, fast food, and instant gratification -- that's the fallen world I live in. Help me, however, to wait on You (14) and be courageous. Help my heart to be strong as I wait. I know that the best for me, and Your Kingdom, will come if I wait for Your timing. I don't want to get ahead of You…as I often do.

And as I wait I will pray and prepare so that when the time comes I will be ready and useful.

You are the God of my salvation (9) and I know You care for me. Be Lord today. I am second.~

Journal for 01-26-12…Simple morning prayer

5:43 AM, Psalm 26

Father, You know all about me. You know my heart and my thoughts. Examine my heart and mind and help me to see my failings (2). Also, show me Your ways and guide me in Your paths; help me think Your thoughts. Keep Your faithful love before my eyes and help me live by Your truth.

I want to live today, even in the busy-ness of life and ministry, in Your presence -- raising my voice to You in praise and thanksgiving; I want to tell about Your wonderful works (7).

Redeem me. Be gracious to me. Help me stand on level ground and praise You. (11,12)

I will not make worthless men and evildoers my associates, but focus my association on You and Your dwelling place.

I appeal to You in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and depend upoin Your love, grace, and compassion for my life. I am second. ~

Journal portion 01-25-12…Personal Lord

5:41 AM, Psalm 25

Lord, I appeal to Your compassion and faithful love. I trust in You; I wait for You (3). Make Your ways known to me and guide me (4,5); but guide me in Your way. You are the God of my salvation. Remember me because of Your goodness, not mine (7). As a matter of fact, I seek Your forgiveness on the basis of Your Name, Lord.

The secret counsel of the Lord is for those who fear Him (14). I desire and ask for that secret counsel, Father. Fill me with Your Spirit today and converse with me; show me Your ways; be gracious to me (16).

How amazing, how marvelous, that someone like me could have an intimate relationship with His holy and powerful Creator. I can appeal to You personally; talk to You personally; seek counsel and guidance from You personally. This is all possible because Your Son, Jesus Christ, died for me, paid for my sins, and draws me to You. Thank You, Lord, so very much. I will have eternity to give You praise and repay You -- or attempt to -- by holy and unpolluted service. That will be awesome.

But for today, forgive my sins and fill me with Your Spirit. Open my eyes to Your Word. We will talk often today. You be first; I am second.~

Journal portion for 01/24/12…The glorious gospel

5:49 AM, 2 Corinthians 4 & 5

The Gospel, Lord, is glorious. Without it our eyes are veiled and we cannot see the things that are eternal. The gospel should make a difference in the way we think and act, because the gospel opens our eyes to light through Jesus Christ.

Religion is just another form of the enemies darkness--the veil he puts over men's eyes. We must not let "religion" creep into our church and our worship. It only hides the glory of Christ.

Lord Jesus, thank You for the gospel in my life. Thank You for removing the veil that blinded my eyes from seeing You. The day I turned to You the veil was removed. Of course that doesn't mean I instantly knew everything or was at once a spiritual giant, but my heart's eyes were able to see You and comprehend the truth.

Our churches are stuck in their ways -- not the things they do (well, most of the time) but in the lack of joy, insight, and life that comes from the very gospel we confess. Help us to see You, Lord, and follow after Your Spirit. Rather, and I'll make it personal, help me to see You and follow Your Spirit. I am second.~

Journal portion for 01/23/12…The 23rd Psalm

5:41 AM, Psalm 23

Lord, what blessings You freely give to those who love You. You are a shepherd that refreshes me and guides me along chosen paths. I pray that I would want You more and more, and anything else less and less. We have been through some dark hours together and You were always with me. I suppose there will be other dark days ahead…I trust You will be with me then, too.

Forgive my sins and fill me with Your Spirit. I want to be in the place where You are able to be my advocate in the face of enemies. You give my life purpose and meaning like someone anointed to serve You -- someone designated for a particular ministry or mission. Help me stay focused on the big picture; on Your Kingdom's purpose.

Your faithful love will always be with me until I am finally home with You. May I dwell in Your presence -- now, as I worship and pray; later in the throne room of Heaven.

To God be the glory, great things He has done. So loved He the world that He gave us His Son! Help me be second.~

Journal portion for 01/20/12… Prayer and the right things

5:35 AM, Psalm 20

Lord, I want to thank You today for so many things…my life, my salvation, my family, a ministry to serve You, and so much more. You are very gracious and merciful to me. Sometimes You act in response to my prayers, and other times You're just good to me because You love me and I belong to You. The prayer (4) is may God give you what your heart desires and fulfill your whole purpose. My prayer, however, to desire the right things and that my purpose would be right and true. Yes, I would like for You to fulfill all my requests (5) but I want my requests to be for the right things and according to Your purpose.

Thank You for the victories I've experienced over the years, and I thank You for the victory You bought and paid for with Your blood. Forgive my sins and cleanse me -- I appeal to Your grace, love and compassion…I offer no merit of my own. All that is good about me is You.

I will try to make my prayers unselfish and the kind that would honor and expand Your Kingdom, and Your church. Yes, answer my prayers, but fill me with Your Spirit and give me wisdom so that my prayers are about the right things.

I am second.~

Journal for 01/19/12…Creation’s Testimony

5:39 AM, Psalm 19

It is true, my Father in Heaven, that the created universe, without speaking a single audible word, declare and proclaims Your glory…that there is a supreme, masterful designer and maker of everything.(1-4) It is a wise person, then, that hears Your instruction and listens to the testimony of nature (7).

Cleanse me today from sin and keep my from willful sins (12,13) and do not let them rule over me. My actions are one thing, but I pray that even my thoughts and the meditations of my heart would be acceptable to You (14). I don't think that is possible until we get home and are freed from this fallen world and the tendencies of our human nature; but I would still pray that my thoughts would increasingly please You.

Your Word established the world, set the boundaries, revealed Your laws, and came in the flesh to save me! How amazing You are! Help me revel in the glory revealed in Your creation today.

Deuteronomy 3:19-20

Choose life. This is the source of the pro-life movement's motto. There are some good reasons to choose life and honor the life God has created known as human beings: 1. The Creation Doctrine; 2. The Incarnation Doctrine; 3. The Salvation Doctrine. (Some meditations today, Lord).

I am second.~

Journal portion for 01/18/12…Just praising God for who He is

5:36 AM, Psalm 18

Father, I come as a grateful child today and give You praise. It is good to recount the many times You have delivered me from difficult circumstances, hateful people, and hard times…and my own foolishness. I remember how You have helped me. I called to You who is worthy of praise (3) and I was saved many times. I know that when I cry to You that You hear me (6). You have been my support and have often brought me out the place where I was to a wider, better place. (18,19). It is Your way to bless Your people, to show Yourself strong, to show compassion and grace to the humble -- not the perfect or holy, but to the humble. You, and You alone, can illuminate my darkness and lead the way. (28)

You way is perfect and Your Word is pure. There is no one else like You; no God besides You; no Rock but the God who saves, loves, and helps (30,31). Be praised today, Lord … if not on earth, then in heaven. But right now, this moment in time, I want to praise You for Your grace, love and compassion. It is to Your grace, love, and compassion that I appeal.

Today I will praise You; today I will sing to You and about You. You are loyal to Your own. Thank You, Lord, for making me Your own through the extraordinary work of Jesus and the shedding His blood for me. You have bought the right to my life. Help me put You first and make me second. I am second.~

Journal for 01/17…He will answer me

Psalm 17

Father, today I desire to honor You and please You somehow. Guard me and hide me from my enemies (8,9). David wanted His enemies thrown down and destroyed but I just want peace from them…I would be happy if my detractors were converted to You and would just follow Your ways. I know that I am not perfect, but my Savior is; I have no merit of my own to offer You, but my Redeemer does; I have no sacrifice great enough to offer to You, but my Lord does. So in His Name I am able to pray with confidence that You will hear me.

I know this, Lord: I will see Your face in righteousness (Yours and mine); and when I awake, I will be satisfied with Your presence (15). But until the day that I see You in person I will call on You because You will answer; You will listen closely and hear what I say (6). Thank You for hearing my prayers and caring for what happens to me and those I love.

Walk with me today and talk with me. Forgive my sins and fill me with Your Spirit. May You be my reason for living and the object of my affections. Guard not only me but all You have given me…my family, my church, my ministry, my health, my heart. I am second.~

Journal for 01/13…Thank You, Father

5:37 AM, Psalm 13

Father, there are always those who would be glad to see me fail, or see me hurt, or see my defeat. Why is it that way? What do they gain? You are faithful no matter what. I will always appeal to Your grace, love and compassion. No one has, especially me, has any standing before You without the merit you have imputed. Because of Jesus Christ I no longer am Your enemy. You took the initiative to help, save, and rescue me. There are others, who claim to belong to You, that have not learned the lessons of grace, forgiveness, and love. I just pray, Father, that I am becoming more like You and less like them.

Consider me, Lord, and answer me (3). Help me be patient with the process -- I know You are. Let Jesus, not the things of earth, be the source of brightness to my eyes (3).

I have trusted in Your faithful love (5) and becoming more victorious every day because of it. My heart rejoices in Your deliverance…first, from the second death through the blood of Jesus; second, from my self, my ways, my sins; and third, from the pains and distractions and conflicts of life (deliverance is not complete, but it's a process and I believe Your promises).

I will sing, in my heart and aloud, because of Your generosity toward me (6). I have so many blessings, and rather than complain about all the negatives, Lord, I want to thank You for all the good things -- all of them undeserved -- that You have generously given. My salvation, for example. Then there's my family, my father and mother, my wife and children; and my health, Lord; the calling and gifts for ministry You have given me. Then, of course, there's the promise and eventual realization, of the New Heaven and New Earth with You seated, ruling, and being worshiped right in the middle of it all!

You have blessed me, bless me still -- mostly with Your presence, not so much with things. Forgive my sins and cleanse me, then fill me with Your Spirit, Lord. Walk with me. Talk with me. Here my prayers. Help me be second.~

Journal portion for 01/11…God’s heavenly throne

5:30 AM, Psalm 11

I believe, Lord, that You are on Your throne (4). Your throne is in Heaven -- apart from, and untouched by, the corruption and sin of this world. I am so grateful that the ultimate power and authority in the universe is good, kind, loving, holy, gracious -- not mean; vengeful, not ready to harm. You know the hearts of all people (5). No one is beyond Your reach.

The righteous have a daunting task ahead, Lord. The world is not conducive to men and women of holy vision and righteous intent. It is a cursed and fallen earth I live in. I want to thank You for saving me from the effects of sin and from my self -- from my tendencies to march in step with the world. For as the ultimate power in the universe You have chosen to save individuals and devised a way to do it. Thank You for Jesus; thank You for the cross.

When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? (3) The foundations of our nation have been systematically chipped away since the beginning, but more so in recent years. The foundations upon which the church is built have been chipped away, too. No longer does Jesus have the preeminence in many quarters. The hearts of believers are blind and deaf to the Spirit. (I pray it is not so with me).

Thank You, Lord, for the promise of a New Earth and a New Heaven in which Your throne will take center stage! Praise God for the coming day of glory, salvation, and eternal life. I thank You already for the day when I can serve You without a personal agenda, personal sin, and personal weakness. As a new and completed creature I will be able to finally be the person that pleases You in every way…free from distractions and sin.

Until then, it is enough to know that nothing occurs without Your notice and that eventually, in You time and in Your way, all things will be made right. Just let me be a part of it -- not because of my merit, but because of Jesus and His blood, accept me…include me.

I pray for my family and friends today, Lord, and the spheres of influence we all have. May we live for Jesus and benefit from Your hedge of protection. Forgive our sins and fill us with Your Spirit today. May Jesus be first and each of us be second, for You are on Your throne.

Journal for 01/10…God our King in a messed up world

5:48 AM, Psalm 10

Lord, the world continues to act as if there is no accountability to You. Even those who claim to be religious and profess some kind of moral/religious high ground make decisions, oppress the weak, and attack their enemies as if there is no God at all! But whether leaders, rulers, and power brokers realize now or not, You are King forever (16) and the nations will perish from Your land. You respond to the humble (17) the fatherless and oppressed (18). And, Lord, the world is surely full of the humbled, fatherless (Haiti…even here in America, for example), and the oppressed.

The world is a mess and needs redemption. You are the Redeemer. The world needs a good King. You are the King forever and ever. The world needs a Savior. You are that Savior!

I can't do much to affect the world -- not like You can -- but I can attempt to affect "my world" today. Forgive my sins and grant me pardon; fill me with Your Spirit and let me do something for Your Kingdom today. I am second. ~

Journal for 01/09…God in Heaven

5:44 AM, Psalm 9

New starts are a good thing, Lord. I know You are in the business of "new starts" and second chances. So another day is here as well as another week. The old song says, "every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before; every day with Jesus, I love Him more and more." So, with this new day I begin by praising You for Your overwhelming love and grace. You love pursues me…and that in itself is a amazing. You are in Heaven -- the place of goodness, glory and power. You are, and always will be, the One and Only true God. Lord, revel in Your glory today!

You are seated on Your throne no matter what people do (4) as the righteous Judge. And you will be there forever (9). You are not a judge or a God that abandons Your people -- sometimes we/I forget that. "No never alone, no never alone; He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone."

Lord Jesus, thank You for the complete and finished sacrifice You paid for me. I have no way of knowing what You went through for me…but I believe it was for me. Forgive my sins and fill me today with Your Spirit. I will talk with You and try to listen throughout the day. Walk with me for this is not an easy path sometimes. Be first. I am second. ~

Journal Portion for 01/06…My Father’s grace

5:39 AM, Psalm 6

Father in Heaven… Your Name should be exalted above all others. Everyone should give You the honor and praise You deserve…but, alas, they don't. The world doesn't seem to be impressed by Your greatness, mercy, grace, love or power. People are not afraid of You -- not even "believers". Perhaps the world is moving to a place where the line will be more clearly drawn between true believers and those that aren't. You, however, will always be worthy of praise and glory; You will have the last word; You will be exalted!

Thank You for loving me and dealing with my sins and weaknesses on the basis of grace (2). You have saved me because of Your faithful love (4), and You continue to "save" me in many of the details of life on the basis of that same great love.

Here's the thing. I know I'm not the shiniest star in Your army or the most effective servant in Your Kingdom, but I am in Your army and I want to serve Your Kingdom. I can't do that if I'm dead (5). So, like David, preserve me, save me, empower me, and protect me. Forgive me sins and fill me with Your Spirit.

I know I disappoint You sometimes -- because I disappoint myself -- but there's where Your grace and mercy come in (2). So accept my prayer on that basis (9). Strengthen and protect me, my family, Your church, this nation and all believers who truly seek to honor You. Be glorified today in thousands of ways around the world, in thousands of dedicated lives. Lord Jesus, be gracious. Be merciful. Be first. I am second.~

Journal portion for 01-05…God’s favor

5:36 AM, Psalm 5

Thank You, Father, for so many things -- all good and perfect gifts that come down from You. Things like my family; my ability to have food and warmth; my salvation; my Bible; and thousands of other things that most of the world does not enjoy. Of course the presence of evil is all around and the specter of America's decline looms large, but the church and Your Kingdom shines brightest in the darkness. May Your Kingdom come, and may Your will be done on this earth, as it certainly is in heaven.

I certainly plead my case to You this morning (3) and watch expectantly for Your response. The only reason I can even approach You is because of Your faithful love…it's not my merit, righteousness, or goodness. I was born in iniquity, but You are my Redeemer. So, I pray with certain things on my heart--with certain guidance requested. Lead me, Lord, in Your righteousness and "make Your way straight before me." I am staying the course and trusting that You are working in ways I cannot see to open the path before me.

Forgive my sins; cleanse me with through the power of Jesus' own blood; and fill me with Your Spirit. May every word I read in the Bible today go deep into my heart and soul.

Yes, Lord, You surround me with favor (12) like a shield; You bless me over and over again. May I remain as faithful to You when the going is rough and times are hard. Be glorified today, Lord. I want You first (even though it doesn't always work out that way), and I want to be second.~

Journal portion for 01-04-12…God’s preeminence

5:34 AM

Father, You have given me another day in which to serve You and give Your glorious Son the preeminence in all things. You, and You alone are worthy of all praise, the Lamb that sacrificed Himself willingly for me. Men like me cannot understand the depth of love and mercy that paid for sin and allows me to serve in Your army. Be glorified today somehow in my life.

Psalm 4

Lord, You have helped me before (1), be gracious to me again and hear my prayer. You and I will talk throughout the day -- I will seek Your guidance and understanding on things; sometimes it will just be conversation between You and I. While I do not know what this day will bring, I know You are there, and You give joy like nothing on earth can (7). Why do people pursue with such energy the happiness that comes from things, from the world, that only disappear? You give more joy -- a kind of settled peace in my heart -- than all the world could provide.

Your church, Lord, the local one that I shepherd, and all Christians around the world face challenges today. Help us all to seek Your Spirit's guidance; Your Son's forgiveness; and Your wisdom. My Christian brothers and sisters that are persecuted, even dying today, because of their loyalty to You…empower them with Your peace in the pain. Others, Lord, who can't even sacrifice a tithe face even a tougher obstacle to serving You -- themselves! Give all of us a clearer understanding of our temporal place here on earth…that home is still ahead of us…and what a home it is!

All praise to the One who died in my place and rose again! Be first. I am second.~

I Am a Soldier

I am a soldier in the army of God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire in this army at the Rapture or die in this army. But I will not get out, sell out, be talked out or be pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable.

I am a soldier. If my God needs me, I am there. If He needs me to serve, I am there. If He needs me to teach the Sunday school, to teach the children, to work with the youth, to help adults, to scrub floors, or to just sit and learn. He can use me because I am there!

I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, pumped up, picked up or pepped up. I am not a wimp. I am in place saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name and building His kingdom!

I am a soldier. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me or lure me. No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards or candy, or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for or catered to.

I am a soldier, fully committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.

I am a soldier. The devil cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me, and hell cannot handle me. I am a soldier.

My God has and will continue to supply all of my needs. I am more than a conqueror and eventually I will triumph. I can do all things through Christ.

I am a soldier. I will follow my Commanding Officer’s orders and endeavor to enlist others into this army. I will also train and equip new recruits to fight the good fight and endure to the end.

When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing when I retire or die, I will still come out ahead because I will have Him.

I am a soldier in the army of Jesus Christ. Here I stand! Will you stand with me?

Original Author Unknown, Edited Version Copyright © 2012 Darril Deaton

Journal portion for 01/03…Talking to my Father

5:37 AM

Father, there is no way that I could come to You except You draw me. I am fallen by nature, but You are holy and good. You are kind and merciful. There is no limit to Your grace…I'm counting on that. Each day You answer me -- maybe not the way I expect, or the way I would prefer -- but You answer me (4) according to Your wisdom. You must receive all the praise and glory there ever was and ever will be. You deserve it because of Your greatness and care for Your people.

I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me (5). Waking provides me with another day to serve You. Maybe I'll get it right this time. With Your help, I will be able to please You somehow.

Forgive my sins and cleanse me, then fill me with Your Spirit. Your wisdom, insight, and ability is what I depend on.

I want You to be first this year. I want to take second place in the scheme of my life. You are my salvation (8); it comes from no other. I am second.~