Journaling for 09.07.12…Delighting in the Lord

8:41 AM EST

Psalm 37

Near Atlanta this morning @ my Hyatt office. Hearing from You this morning, Lord. "Trust in the Lord…Take delight in Lord...Commit your way to the Lord…be silent before the Lord and wait."

Lord, today, help me find delight in You, in big and small things; I commit my way -- my road, my path in life, the direction of my life -- to You today and forever; help me be quiet enough in my spirit and mind to listen to You and wait for the best that comes from You.

Thank You for Your love and presence.

Journaling 09.05.12…Thoughtful of Him

5:45 AM

Psalm 65

Praise, Father, belongs to You and You alone. What have I accomplished that did not begin with You and was not empowered by You? You are the One who hears prayers -- it is not the air that I pray to. You hear me and respond in Your own holiness. You always do what is best. Even though iniquities overwhelm me -- sometimes the iniquities of others, but mostly my own. But You alone atone for the rebellion that is built into the hearts of men and women. Happy is the One that You allow to come close and live near You. (v1-4)

Because of the sacrifice of Jesus, who took my place in dying for sin, You have made it possible for me to be forgiven, cleansed, and looking forward to ultimate deliverance. There is no other one; no other way; no other truth. Forgive my sins and let me walk in Your presence today. You are the holy One, and You answer in Your righteousness (v5).

Thank You, Lord, for my family, each and every one; thank You for my ministry, my health, my church…my life! I have nothing that didn't come from Your gracious love. Be glorified today, somehow, in my life.

You said, "Behold I come quickly." I agree with John: "Even so, Lord Jesus, come." ~

Journaling for 09.04.12…The Lord is near

5:47 AM

Psalm 4, 34

The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit (34:18). Lord God, I have seen this many times -- experienced it myself: Your nearness in times of brokenness and sadness; in times of disappointment and despair. Have I deserved this? Of course not. You and I both know that You could have, and should have, vaporized me long ago. But You made me a living soul -- gave me value and eternal worth. Your love, Lord is beyond my ability to comprehend: unconditional, complete, never-ending, compassionate, and forgiving.

Many adversities come to one made righteous by Your grace. Believers are not immune to difficulties and conflicts. Yet, You deliver us…in Your time, in Your way. Lord, be merciful today. Forgive my bent to worldliness and selfishness.

I bring to Your throne, with Your permission, my family (for which I am so grateful); my health; my church; my ministry; and my life. I bring them all before You as a thanksgiving, but also a commitment. Continue to show grace on each of these. May You be glorified today. I expect You will be glorified as You so wonderfully deserve.

Whether the world ends, Jesus comes, or I die today You should be glorified. Deep inside, Lord, I believe Your Word, trust Your grace, and depend on the power of Your sacrifice to save me. ~