Journal for 09/01…The course of my life

Psalm 31: 15 The course of my life, Lord, is in your power.

How gratifying it is, Father, to know that You have control ultimately…that my life is subject to Your power and not that of men. As long as I put You first and willingly surrender my life to You, You will protect me, guide me, and strengthen me.

I know what David means when he says that "my eyes are worn out from angry sorrow" (10). A person can cry and grieve to the point of exhaustion. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for taking my part; for standing in my place; for being the "man of sorrows" for me.

The course of my life -- not just the general direction of my life, but the day-to-day things -- is in You power. And Father, I trust You with my life. You have given so much to me and for me that I know You have my best interest at heart. Today is in Your power. Tomorrow is in Your power. And all the years to come, should You grant them to me, is in Your power…Your grace; Your mercy; Your love; Your compassion for me.

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

Journal for 08-31…The blues

5:44 AM

Psalm 30… I will exalt You, Lord, for You have lifted me up. The fact is, this world can get a person down, even the most faithful and avid follower of Christ. There are times, Lord, when I have the blues. Sometimes for no apparent reason, but sometimes because of the way I've been treated, or the way things are going, or how I've disappointed myself, or sometimes I'm just tired. While the reasons vary for the blues, You have often come along and lifted me up, encouraged me, renewed my hope, and reminded me of my purpose. Your love for me is too deep to understand.

You have not allowed my enemies to triumph over me. There is the devil, his minions, and certain people, too, who would love to do a little victory dance over my defeated life and/or ministry. I'm not one of those people who look for enemies, but I seem to attract them at times. If my sin is involved, please forgive me and fill me with Your Spirit -- help me make a mid-course correction. But even then, help me have the victory that comes only from You and don't allow my enemies, and Your enemies, to get a victory lap because of me.

(2) You are the healer of broken hearts, fractured relationships, and hurt feelings. You have healed me many times. And I suspect that as long as I'm in this fallen world I'll need healing again and again. I will trust You for the healing I need: be it emotional, physical, mental, or spiritual. You are Jehovah-Jireh. God my healer.

Be first today Lord. I am a thankful second. ~

Journal for 08/30…May Jesus Christ be Praised!

5:47 AM

Psalm 30

Lord, You have lifted me up, so I will gladly exalt You (1) Of course, You should be exalted no matter what happens to me, for You are the One and Only Sovereign God, Creator, and Redeemer. But when I have cried to You for help, You were there; You healed what was hurting (2) Praise to God that His anger, His rightful anger, lasts only for a moment (5), but His favor…His favor lasts a lifetime and beyond.

Father, You used this Psalm many years ago when I was going through a very dark and difficult time of my life. You said (5): "Weeping may spend the night, but there is joy in the morning." Yes, Lord, joy comes in the morning! This world is fallen and difficult; it is cursed and heartbreaking. But joy comes in serving You. There is a morning that I have to look forward to when all things are settled; the enemy is destroyed; and death and sorrow are no longer a part of our existence.

I pray today for my family, my friends, and my fellow-believers who may be experiencing hurt, illness, heartbreak and confusion. May they hold on…joy comes in the morning!

When morning guilds the skies, my heart awakening cries, "May Jesus Christ be praised". Alike at work or prayer, to Jesus I repair; May Jesus Christ be praised. Does sadness fill my mind? A solace here I find, May Jesus Christ be praised! Or fades my earthly bliss? My comfort still is this May Jesus Christ be praised!

Be praised today, Lord, in this world…through believers everywhere. You be first. I am second.~

Journal 08/29…Storm’s aftermath

5:34 AM

Psalm 29

Give the Lord the glory and strength. Give Him the glory that is due His Name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness (1,2) In His temple all cry Glory (9)

Father, I do not comprehend Your glory, Your splendor, Your holiness. I am unclean, as the prophet said, and am among unclean people. I am a part of a fallen and cursed earth. My sin, O the bliss of this glorious thought, my sin, not in part but the whole was nailed to the cross; and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! O my soul! I give You thanks for every good and perfect gift that I have. The truth is, the only good about me is You. And anything I have that is good comes from You: my salvation, my family, my ministry, my health, and my promise of the New Earth and Heaven to come….all from You!

So the day after Hurricane Irene rips through the eastern U.S. the verses I read say "the Lord sat enthroned at the flood." This is true of Noah's flood but of each and every flood and natural disaster we experience on earth. It also says, "the Lord gives His people strength; the Lord blesses His people with peace." So I pray for all "Your people" as they recover from the storm; and for all Your people that will be responders to the disaster; and for all Your people who may demonstrate Your peace in the midst of the trials and difficulties to those around them. Be glorified in a million ways, Lord, in the aftermath of the storm.

I am second.~

Journal 08/26…Level ground

5:48 AM

Psalm 26

(v12) My foot stands on level ground; I will praise the Lord in the assemblies.

I always liked that verse, Lord, because the way the world fluxuates and changes -- up one day and down the other, secure one day and threatening the next -- Your Word remains consistent and the foundation of Your truth and the gospel never moves. The only thing that I can count on for sure is You. Even those I love and depend on are victims of the world, and they, too, battle the ever-increasing onslaught on worldliness and change.

I will praise You when Your people assemble; I will be there among the congregation giving You thanksgiving and praise for what You've done and for Who You are.

Be first today. Help me to be second. ~

Journal 08/25…general thoughts

5:39 AM

Thanks for the rain yesterday, Lord. At least we are reminded of what rain is and that someday it will come again. Droughts and floods, earthquakes and tsunamis, volcanoes and blizzards…You are still God, still in charge, still the King, and will one day make the earth all new again. I have Your Word on it!

Psalm 85

(v4) Father, return to us -- this nation founded on Godly principles; the churches that are worldly and drifted from You -- God of our salvation, and abandon Your displeasure with us.

(v6) Will You not revive is again? Forgive our sins…forgive my sins… and heal, restore, reclaim what is rightfully Yours. We desperately need the "wind of God", the Spirit of the Lord, to sweep across our land and into our hearts.

What can I do to advance Your Kingdom? What, where, how, and when should I be able to make the best contribution to the cause of the Kingdom of my Redeemer? Isn't that what we should all be asking? How can I make the greatest impact in the days that are left? There are so many people that are offended by the ways of the devil, and so many believers that are easily drawn into a secular mindset. I know, for I am tempted every day to ignore Your Spirit and go with the flow of worldliness.

Fill me with Your Spirit. Forgive my sins and bent to sinning.

When morning gilds the skies, my heart awakening cries: may Jesus Christ be praised! Be first and have the preeminence. I am second.~

Journal…the gifts just keep on coming

5:45 AM

Someday, Lord, I'll wake up in Heaven. But today I am grateful to wake up right here. May this day be a day of serving You and abiding in You. You are a wonderful Father and Your love is rich and deep for me. You forgive sin -- even sent Your Son to pay for mine. Help me to abide in Christ today; may the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight.

The gift goes on. First it was the gift of eternal life and grace -- bought and paid for by You!

Then there is the gift of the Holy Spirit that lives in me (that can't be easy!) and helps me, prays for me, and teaches me. After that, the gift continues with my own gifts and abilities tailor made for me…not for my pleasure, and not for my benefit, but for the pleasure of You, my Redeemer, and the benefit of Your Church. Help me remember that the gifts You give me are not about ME, and not for ME, but for YOUR CHURCH. It is the common good (I Cor 12:7) and to serve one another (1 Peter 4:10).

I am second. ~

Journal 08/23…The Church

5:43 AM

Lord God, Heavenly Father… You are the beginning and end of all things. You thought it all up and made it happen. Forgive me for my sins. I am part and party to the cause of this world being cursed. I trust in Your Messiah, Jesus Christ, for my salvation and I thank You for Your gift of grace and eternal life. It is no merit of my own, but purely the merit of the risen Lord Jesus that I come into Your presence today.

Psalm 23

I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live (6). Lord, I know that this talking about the temple, Your house, in Jerusalem, but the implications are for Your church -- the Bride and Body of Christ. In the New Jerusalem You are the Temple because Your presence is there. I will live with You forever and meet You there. In that sense, Lord, I will dwell in Your house forever.

But right now, on earth, we have the Body of Christ, the church. I don't know why more believers don't have a higher regard for the church, for the fellowship we are supposed to love, and for the eternal and intrinsic nature of the church. Lord, help me to love Your church, Your people, and Your presence among us. You gave Yourself for the church and live in the world through her. Make us one, Lord. Make us one.

Be first today. I am second. ~

Journal 08/22…Thankfulness

5:37 AM First day of a new school year.

Father, thank You for so many things. In this fallen world all good things come down from You, the Father of lights, goodness, and grace. Thank You for my salvation, my family, my friends, my future, my ministry, and my health. You have been more than gracious and good to me. Thank You for Heaven -- the New Earth and New Heaven -- that awaits me…that I so don't deserve. Thank You for sending Your One and Only Son to give His life for me. What love is this?

Psalm 25

Lord, I turn my hope to You. You are my God and I trust in You. Please make known Your ways to me, Lord (4), teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me. You are the God that saved me, so I know You can guide my ways.

Do not remember my sins (7), for I have no merit of my own. I must come to You in the Name of Jesus Christ and pray based on His goodness. He alone is worthy to be praised and worshiped--the Lamb of God and Savior of sinners like me. But now I am Your child and pray to You, and depend on You, as a child should. In keeping with Your faithful love remember me; because of Your faithful love. Take away all my sins (18). Show me, Lord, your ways. I seek Your guidance and wisdom.

"O Lord, You're beautiful; Your face is all I seek; and when Your eyes are on this child Your grace abounds to me."

Be first today, Lord. I am second. ~

Journal for August 18th…a brief conversation about love

7:05 AM Sunny/hot

1 John 4

The amazing thing, Father, is how much You love me. Or course I love my wife and my children; and I love other believers (I have to admit that I love some less than others); but Your love is perfect, unconditional, and everlasting. The love I have for others is only possible through You and the Gift You have given me. Even then, I get in the way of perfect love and fail to love some people as fully as I should. Your love, however, was manifested while I was a sinner and offensive to You in every way.

Lord, You said: If we love one another, You remain in us and His love is perfected in us. (12)

"My love was revealed in this way: I sent My One and Only Son into the world so that you might live through Him. Darril, love, consists in this: not that you loved Me, but that I loved you and sent My Son to be the acceptable sacrifice for your sins."(9)

"I am love and if you remain in love you remain in Me…and I remain in you." (16)

Thank You, Father for Your Spirit of love and grace that is teaching me still about loving and forgiving; being loved and being forgiven.

"Be filled with My Spirit, son, and He will teach you to love unconditionally and without reserve…just like Me."

Thank You, Father, for the Gift of the Holy Spirit, and the life Jesus spent up on the cross for me. Please be first… I am second. ~

Journal for August 17th…Musings about the Spirit

7:04 AM

Father, most high and holy, praise to Your Name! You WILL receive the glory due unto You eventually. For Jesus will return and take me and other believers home where we will glorify You forever…gladly, joyfully, thankfully glorify You. Unbelievers will see their error in rejecting Your great salvation. As imperfect as my praise is today, and considering the imperfect source, please accept my effort to praise You.

The Holy Spirit, by any other Name, is still God. What a wonderful gift You have given me. He even helps my prayers. He intercedes for me when I attempt to pray in my imperfection. The fact is, I need all the help You will give me. Forgive my sins today and cleanse me so that Your temple is able to be filled with Your power and presence and wisdom and love.

Is it right to say that the Holy Spirit does the heavy lifting? I mean, other than the cross itself, the Spirit always seems to have a verb, an action word, connected to it. "The Spirit hovered over the face of the deep…" "The Spirit filled the prophet…" "The Spirit indwells…" "The Spirit intercedes…" "The Spirit speaks to the churches…" And on it goes.

In school we always asked who, what, when, where, why, how? Just trying to sort through this:

Who: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. What: Redemption (Father). When: the sacrificial death of Jesus (Son). Where: Calvary (Son). Why: Love (Father, Son, HS, John 3:16). How: the virgin birth, Jesus being "led by the Spirit", the new birth (Spirit).

They are One and the same, yet distinct and personal.

Romans 8:26,27,28a Personalized as if the Lord is speaking to me: "My Spirit joins to help your weakness, because you do not know what to pray for as you should, Darril, but my Spirit Himself intercedes for you with unspoken groanings. And I, who searches your heart, knows the Spirit's mind-set, because He intercedes for you according to the will of God. And NOW you know that all things work together for good..."

All things working together for my good, Lord, is tied in with me praying in the Spirit!

Be first today. I am definitely second. ~

Journal for August 16th…God’s Essence and Glory

7:21 AM Sunny and hot.

Father, You reveal so much of Yourself to me, and yet You are a great mystery. I will never understand Your essence and glory while on this fallen earth. My mind is not capable of wrapping itself around all the wonder and splendor that is You. You are the Creator, the genius, and the power behind all that is. You've left it to us to discover how nature works, and I'm sure we've only just scratched the surface. I wonder, is the atom really the smallest thing, or is that all we can see? And we barely put men on the moon, never mind reaching any other part of the universe. (Of course, I believe that we'll explore the universe as a normal part of life on the New Earth and New Heaven.)

Lord Jesus, You bring the Father down to a level I can relate to. You not only walked among us and talked our language, ate our food, and died our death, but You loved us, too.

And then, Holy Spirit…You Who brought the earth into being, Who graced Mary with Your power, Who brings about the new birth, and indwells believers, are a manifestation of the Father and the Son to us.

That's about as far as my understanding will go, Father, about Your divine essence and personality. But I know this: You loved me so much that You gave Your Son to die for me, and then, by faith, as a gift to me, You placed Your Spirit in me. Now today, I confess my unworthiness and my sins, and ask that You forgive me for Jesus' sake, then fill me with Your Spirit.

I don't know much about the "Trinity", but I know what counts. You made me, You loved me, You died for me, You indwell me, and will one day dwell and reign on the New Earth with me. This I believe.

Today, Lord, be first…I am second.~

Journal for August 15th…Remembering

7:07 AM Going to be sunny and hot again today. Lord, is this Your way of making really appreciate rain? …a little humor there.

Philippians 1

Lord, this verse has been impressed upon me. 1:3 "I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you." I have to tell You, Father, that I don't remember some saints with thanksgiving. In my heart I believe I have forgiven them, but that doesn't make my remembrance of them pleasant. This is one reason I look forward to Heaven. All of us can live together in Your presence with former things passed away; no more tears; no more pain; and all our remembrances will be pleasant and thankworthy.

I prefer verse 4 where it speaks of partnering with believers for the gospel. Now that's a plan. But Lord, with the best intentions even I get distracted from Kingdom priorities. I love my life, my family, my ministry, and all the blessings You give me, but I look forward to the New Earth. I will be able to serve You unimpeded by my "self", by sin, and my Satan.

They say that Heaven's pretty, but living here is, too; but if they said that I would have to choose between the two I'd go home…home where I belong.

School preparations begin this week for all the staff persons, then school officially starts next week. Put a strong hedge of protection around our staff and students, Lord. May Darin, Wendy, Mark, Mike, Jerry and myself and other believers make a real impact, real inroads in the lives of young people, for the Kingdom. ~

Journal for August 11…More than rain

8:48 AM Sunny & hot..need rain, Lord

Luke 1:38.."For nothing will be impossible with God." -Gabriel to Mary

The Composite Gospel says: "For no word from God is ever without power." How consistent and true You are, Lord. Father, I want to praise You today for Your greatness, power, and righteousness, but also for the kindness, goodness, and patience You demonstrate toward humanity. It's true, we have all gone astray, every last one of us. But Your Son came and declared You to us; lived among us; then died to be our just payment for sin. Truly amazing. You should receive praise for the genius and plan behind our salvation.

Lord, You know we need rain. The grass and trees and ground are dry, dying, and cracked. We can see everything turning yellow and dying a slow death before our eyes, and unless You do something it will be too late.

Likewise, our world is dying. The economies, governments, and peoples of the world are slowly dying because of sin, greed, and foolish policies. We need spiritual rain, Lord. We need a movement of Your Spirit upon Your people first, then upon anyone else that would listen and believe. Unless You do something it will be too late.

Thank You, Lord for saving my soul; thank You, Lord, for making me whole; thank You, Lord, for giving to me Your great salvation so rich and free.

With You, Lord, it's never too late for those who trust You…and I trust You. I'm going home one day and rejoice with loved ones and friends -- rejoice that we came through the ordeal of a fallen world. It is Your gift of grace to me. And I thank You. ~

Journal for August 10th…Fools and slander

8:26 AM

Proverbs 10

Father, Your words are always appropriate and they lead to wisdom. Thank You for putting in our hands the written Word of God; for sending Your Son, the living Word of God; and for providing Spirit-filled teachers that share the spoken Word of God. Your plans and Your ways are the path to life, joy and eternity. Show me Your ways.

I've always said, Lord, that love is something a person does, not so much what he/she feels. Hate is the same way. It's an action, something a person does. "Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses."v12 I want to cover the offenses of others -- once they've turned to You and confessed to You, we should move on. Some Christians prefer to expose sin and cause harm to others. Does it make them feel superior, Lord? Does it make them feel better about themselves? Yet, according to this Word, if conflicts ensue, then it is hatred, not love, that rules that person's heart -- no matter what their position, no matter what their past service has been.

"Whoever spreads slander is a fool."v18 Frankly, Lord, I know some fools. They can't wait for an opportunity to slander their brother or sister. And it doesn't matter if the facts are true, contrived, false, or misinterpreted. To speak to one or more people about another person -- true or not is slander, gossip, and sin, pure and simple. A wise person, according to You tries to cover offenses, forgive one another, and move on in service to Christ. It's a fool that tries to divide, harm, and slander another.

Here's my desire today, Lord (to start with)… Keep me from slandering others. I know what it's like to be the subject of slander, and don't wish that on anyone … not one single Christian. If I have ever painted my brother/sister in a bad light, please forgive me. I will let You take care of it from now on. And when I am the subject of slander, help me to forgive, put my trust in Your vindication, and keep my eyes on Jesus.

Lord, help me to keep Your commands and do the things that are pleasing in Your sight. ~

Journal for August 9th…Respect for the Lord

8:36 AM EST, 71 & mostly sunny in Waterbury, CT

Father, I adore You; lay my life before You; how I love You. Jesus I adore You; lay my life before You; how I love You; Spirit I adore You; lay my life before You; how I love You!

Proverbs 9:10...The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

It is the fear, or healthy respect and reverence for the Lord and Creator that is the source of wisdom. How foolish I would be to ignore You, Your power, Your sovereignty, and Your salvation. I do not want to live like the vast majority of humans that don't care what You think or how they will be accountable, eventually, to You.

Thank You for the work Christ Jesus completed for me on the cross; thank You for the gift of eternal life; thank You for drawing me unto Yourself…for actually desiring a relationship with "a wretch like me".

It is certain that I need Your wisdom and insight into a lot of things. I want my life to reflect Your goodness and Your purpose. I want to be a benefit to the Kingdom of God not a drag on it. That is why I need Your Spirit to fill me and guide me into wise choices and pleasing decisions.

As I travel today I will spend time in study and prayer. Please guide my meditations and may they be acceptable in Your sight. Be first. I am second.

Journal for August 8th…about that gift

9:08 AM EST in CT

Lord, I'm still thinking about that free gift concept. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift…" Romans 3:23-24

The gift is there, bought and paid for. It's only a matter of receiving it. How does one receive the gift of grace/salvation? "…to be received by faith" v25.

There's always a point in time when a gift is received, like Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. God's gift is received at the point of faith. It's an amazing thing, Lord.

Here I am, fitting into the category of "all have sinned", and yet the gift of grace is there at the point of faith. And the thing about a gift is that's it not dependent upon me to keep it.

If a gift is based upon money or other commodity, then it's a payment, not a gift. If it were based upon my merit, good deeds, etc, then it's a reward and not a gift. But it's a gift that is never taken back. Thank You, thank You, thank You for Your inexpressible gift!!

You be first, I am second.

Journal for August 5th…Gifts

8:18 AM EST

Father, most wonderful and good, I give You praise today for my life, my family, my ministry, my health, and for putting me into the ministry -- allowing me, of all people, to serve You. You have given me the gift of salvation; the gift of the Holy Spirit; and gifts from the Holy Spirit so that I can serve and glorify You. All good gifts come from You.

Psalm 5… Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies--make straight Your way before me.

That's all I ask, Lord, that You make straight YOUR way before me. What is Your will and Your way for me and those I love. For my church and others I care for. I know from Your follower, John, that if I pray anything according to Your will that You hear me; and if You hear me, I receive whatever I ask for. But I am mortal, just dust. Each day in big and small ways I need the gift of Your Spirit to guide me and show me Your way…to make straight Your way before me.

Now today, we help make disciples in a small church in Meriden, CT. Fill me with Your Spirit and help the learners to be attentive to spiritual truth.

Again, Lord, thank You for the gifts You have given me. I am second.

Journal for August 3rd…Fitting in

7:11 AM Sunny and HOT…again

Proverbs 3

Lord, Your Creation is awesome. Our sin -- my sin -- has brought the curse on the earth, but You're going to correct that, too! "The Lord founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding v19." See! I said You were a genius, but Solomon knew it in his day, too. It all started with You; it will all come back and end with You. My life is just a blip on the screen now, but I will live eternally with You in the New Earth/Heaven.

Lord, I want to think about You in all my ways v6, and have You guide and direct me on the right paths. To think that the same genius and wisdom that created all of this -- the world, my life, my salvation -- is the same One that promises to direct my paths. Hold on. I have to pause and consider that for a moment.

It's like the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead; the same Spirit that hovered over the deep and created all things; the same Spirit empowered the prophets and the apostles -- is the same Spirit that lives in me; that wants to fill me; that wants to guide my puny little life! Another pause to consider.

This is all too much for me. Oh, I believe it, Lord, I just can't take it all in. Why should You, the Creator and Genius behind all things be so concerned with me? Okay, I hear You -- You created me, too! And as a part of Your creation I fit in somewhere.

Thank You for Your Son, Jesus, who died for all my sins and brought me apart from the fallen world and into Your Kingdom. One day creation will be realigned and put in order -- no longer fallen or cursed. The same goes for me. Because of Jesus I will no longer be fallen or cursed. Thank You, Father, for so very much.

I pray You will have the preeminence today and that I will be second.

Journal for August 2nd…Good People

7:20 AM Sunny again and 100+

Father, again I praise You for being the Creator -- not just of the world and the universe, but the Creator of salvation…the genius behind redemption. It's beyond my understanding. I am a fallen man in a fallen world. But I believe with all my heart that You are making me into a new man; and one day their will be a New Earth. Together will millions of other believers I will give You joyous praise forever! Thank You for saving me; for bringing me into Your Kingdom; for bringing me into Your family.

Proverbs 2

Comparing verse 14 and 20 I see, Lord, a contrast between those who "celebrate perversity" and the way of good people that I should follow. There's a lot of perversity, Lord, in this cursed earth…there's a lot of perversity among believers. We pervert the Word and pervert the meaning of fellowship and church. Forgive our sins and help us to follow the way of Jesus. He died and gave His life to rescue us from the perversity.

Today, help me follow the way of good people. You be first. I am second.

Journal for August 1st…Wisdom

7:20 AM

Proverbs 1

"If you turn to my discipline, then I will pour out my spirit on you and teach you my words." Abiding in Your Word, Lord - that's what You have told me to do. You said, that if I abide in You, and Your words abide in me, then I will bear fruit and my prayers would even be answered.

Of course, You know that this fallen world wants to rob me of Your wisdom and would have me get distracted by the smoke and mirrors of the temporal. At the beginning of this new month, this new day, I want to renew a commitment to Your Word and abiding in You. I want You to be first and me second.

Wisdom. Solomon's proverbs exalt and magnify wisdom that only comes from You. I certainly need wisdom, Lord. There are circumstances, decisions, and choices that require wisdom beyond mine. Fill me with Your Spirit as You forgive my sins. This is a fallen and cursed world, and I certainly look forward to the New Earth, but for now, please increase my wisdom and insight.

Be first. I am second.

Journal for July 29th…Thanks

9:37 AM

Luke 15

"The Pharisees and scribes kept grumbling, saying, 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

Father…thank You, thank You, thank You that sinners are welcomed. Otherwise I wouldn't stand a chance. Not only do You welcome sinners, Lord Jesus, but You eat with them! You invite a close, intimate, personal relationship with those who would otherwise be cast out forever.

You even said, "Darril, if You will abide in Me, and My words abide in you, then your life will be fruitful for the Kingdom." Lord, I'm just happy to be IN the Kingdom; how much greater is the privilege to serve You and the Kingdom, too. ~

Journal for July 28th… the B-I-B-L-E

7:12 AM

Proverbs 28

Thank You, Father, for the Bible. Thank You for giving me wisdom and insight in terms I can understand (most of the time). How relevant and penetrating Your Word is. No wonder You told us to abide in You and for Your Word to abide in us. People wonder why their prayers are not answered, yet clearly "anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law--even his prayer is destable v9." Help me, Spirit of Jesus, to abide in Him today and drive His Word, Your Word, deep into my heart … not just so my prayers will be answered but so my relationship to You will grow stronger, and my faith will increase.

You must be awesome, Father. I close my eyes and try to imagine what heaven and the new earth might be like, but I don't have it in me. Being from a cursed and fallen world I don't have it in me. I have no reference point. I know this: while others debate Your love and mercy, even Your very existence, I enjoy a personal, intimate relationship with You. So I know, from firsthand experience that You are good, kind, compassionate, and merciful… and with me, patient.

The B-I-B-L-E, yes that's the book for me; I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.

I trust Your Word when You say, that if I confess my sins You are faithful to forgive my sins, AND cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I want to be filled with Your Spirit today so that I might please You, obey You, and love You.

Silently now, I wait for Thee; ready my God Thy will to see; open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine.

Be first today, Lord. I am second.

Journal for July 27th…Taking cover

7:06 AM Warm, in the 100s again today

Father, it is with great wonderment that I pause a moment to consider Your creation. Intricate as it is, the world is even more beautiful. I can't even imagine its beauty and grandeur before the fall…before the curse. I believe with all my heart that You will one day create a New Heaven and New Earth. What an exciting possibility. I also believe that because of Christ, and no merit of my own, I will see it and be a part of it. It is Your grace and mercy that has saved me from the curse. For that I give You my thanksgiving today.

Proverbs 27

A part of Your creation was time itself. Verse 1 reminds me that tomorrow is in Your hands. I don't know what it will bring. Joy or sadness; health or sickness; gain or loss -- it's not in my control but Yours.

The sensible see danger and take cover…v12. I see danger in the economic situation in America, but how can I take cover? The fallout of selfish, godless decisions in government will surely affect me and everyone else. The only cover we have is You. I know the world will experience unparalleled tribulation in the last days. Are we getting close? All I know is that I trust in You. My life, my family, my friends, my fellow believers are in Your hands….and that's better than going through adversity without You. You can walk on water; You can keep the boat from sinking; You can calm the storm. But even if You don't, I am safer with You than anywhere else.

Forgive my sins and cleanse me, Lord. I want to abide in You and let Your words abide in me. Fill me with Your Spirit, please. Give me wisdom and a fruitful day for You. Assist me as I prepare to teach and preach Your Word. What a privilege. Help me to rightly divide Your Word. I could start by applying it to myself. I can't blame the devil for my sins; I can't blame the environment (for though it's under a curse, Your creation is still awesome); I can only blame myself for wrong thoughts, wrong actions, wasted time, wrong priorities, and self-interest. Let Your Word be fruitful in me today and have that cleansing effect, and that wisdom effect, and that spiritual effect upon my life as You intend.

Have the preeminence. I am second.

Journal for July 26th…the race

7:28 AM … Hot again today, 100+

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Lord Jesus, I have disappointed You at times -- I've disappointed myself and others -- but in the big picture of things I pray that I will be able to say like Paul did: "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith."

Even if I don't come in first place I want to finish the race. I don't want to give up or give in before the race is over.

Fill me, Lord, with Your Spirit today. Forgive and cleanse my sins so that the Spirit has something to work with. Help me run the race today. I am second.

Forgive and silence the detractors and those that would do harm to Your anointed, and therefore, to Your Bride. Forgive me when I have spoken ill of Your servants. This is a race we cannot lose because of personal differences and conflicts. This is the real thing.

Please have the preeminence in my life today.

Journal for July 15th…Renewed Mind

7:06 Going to be hot…again, 100+

Galatians 2:19-20...I have been crucified with Christ. Yet, I am still alive, and the life I now live in this body I live by faith in the Son of God - who loves me and gave Himself for me.

Philippians 2:13...It is God that works in you both to give you the desire and the power to do His will.

Romans 12:2... Do not be conformed to this world [and its ways] but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove [to yourself] what is that good, pleasing and perfect will of God.

Galatians 5:22-23... The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self-control.

Romans 6:12-13... Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires; and do not offer up parts of your body as weapons of unrighteousness. Instead offer yourself to God as one that is alive from the dead; and your body as a weapon of righteousness.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20…Don't you know that you are the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.

Romans 12:1... By the mercies of God, I beg you, to present your body as a living sacrifice - holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual act of worship.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24…Now may the God of peace sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you will do it.

Lord, most believers do not live a sacrificial, crucified life. I struggle with it everyday. Thankfully, You are ready to forgive and help me move along in my walk -- not because of anything I have done, but because of Jesus, Your Son, and all that He accomplished on that terrible cross. It's not the devil that I can blame; and the world, even with all it's charms, is not to blame; me…my un-renewed mind and personality…that's the problem. All the outward reformation in the world won't bring a revival to me, my country or the world. What it takes is a renewal from deep within the spirit and soul.

I praise You for the kindness and goodness You have shown me all my life. You are compassionate and full of faithful love. Help me prepare for the mission trip coming up to CT.

Be first today. I want to be second.

Journal for July 22…Future

8:37 AM @ satellite office; Sunny & hot

Proverbs 23:18

Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

Lord, You always have things under control. You are holy and just, good and merciful. I need all of that. Thank You for the promise of a New Heaven and New Earth. It's amazing how many people have missed or misunderstood this teaching about our future as believers. The joy, peace, worship, and all the other activities are far beyond my understanding. I know it won't be boring. But most of all You will be there and we'll be free sin altogether.

I certainly do not deserve anything You have done or provided for me. Sure, I've led some people to faith in You, pastored and preached, and generally served You since a teenager. But there are many others that could that. If You could raise up the stones to praise You, You could raise up someone to serve You…there is always a remnant; always someone. Thank You for using and blessing me so very much.

Forgive my trespasses; I am trying to forgive those who trespass against me -- it's not so easy, You know. I want to think future not past.

Abide with me today and let Your words abide deeply within me. Thank You for the Gospels I've been reading through this week. It is awesome to follow Your life and see the holiness, goodness, and love. And I know You are the same today as You were then. You've certainly been good to me.

Be first. I am second.

Journal for July 21st… So rich

7:02 AM Sunny & hot again…could use some rain, Lord.

Proverbs 21

How awesome Your wisdom is, Father. If only I would hide all Your words in my heart. Sacrifice is good, but just doing what is right from day to day is more acceptable to You v3. You don't want sacrifice that isn't from the heart, especially if a person lives one way and then comes to church and goes through the motions v27. Thank You for reminding me this morning that how I live and treat people is my worship -- it is my sacrifice and offering to You.

I am rich, truly rich. Compared to those who are lost and do not know the Lord of Heaven, I am rich. Compared to those who live in third world countries and have no healthcare, no clean environment, or may not have good water to drink, I am rich. Compared to those with no friends and no caring, loving family I am rich. And compared to those who have a nagging and hot-tempered wife I am abundantly rich v9,19. I can live inside the house! :-)

Be first. I am second.

Journal for July 20th…a dialogue

7:07 AM Sunny…again; over 100 today

Thank You, Lord, for the Gospels. Reading through them again--always fresh, new, and helpful glimpses of You. "No word from God is ever without power" -- so said the angel to Mary. How could anything from You lack power? Not possible. You, Father, are the Creator from which everything came into being. The very idea was Yours.

The same is true of the gospel. The very idea of salvation; of sending Your Son to earth; of providing a sacrifice in my place -- all Yours.

Proverbs 20

Darril, anyone can get into a quarrel and let it continue unresolved; but the wise man, the honorable man, will try to find a solution and a way to resolve conflict v3.

Father, You know I am not the wisest of Your children but I don't like unresolved conflict. As far as I'm concerned I will do my part. Sometimes, however, people will not let things go, or will insist on their way, their perspective, their solutions -- even when it's obviously driven by wrong motives or anger. I try to give where I can and agree when it's right. Please give me more wisdom. I wish I had Your mercy and grace, too. Help me forgive those who "trespass against me" as You have forgiven me…my trespasses against You are countless.

I will determine your steps, my son v24. How can you possibly understand your way without my help? That's for sure, Lord. I want my decisions to result from prayer and abiding in You. I am human and tend to err without You.

Oversee and bless this day as I study and prepare a message for Your people…may it be Your Word I preach/teach, and endorse it, empower it with Your Spirit.

I want You to be first. I am second.

Journal for July 19th…God’s plans

7:11 AM Sunny & hot

Father, You are as glorious today as yesterday, and as You will be tomorrow. The world goes from day to day, crisis to crisis, revolt to revolt, and yet You remain constantly good, always holy (set apart), and sovereign. I am grateful that Your grace, glory and mercy never change. I wouldn't stand a chance!

Proverbs 19

Your decrees, Lord -- Your will -- that's what matters. "Many plans are in a man's heart, but the Lord's decree will prevail" v21. I can make all kinds of plans, but You have the final say. I don't want to do anything that is not within Your plan. I remember the ways to understand what Your will may be: does it conform to the Word; what impressions do I receive from the Holy Spirit; what do you say when I pray and abide in the Word; what is the trend of the circumstances; and what do other people say/think and counsel.

Help me to be sensitive to these "signals" and not be so self-interested or into the immediate events to miss out on Your best. With a much bigger picture in mind -- the world in chaos, Israel being threatened, economic woes, and natural disasters, etc -- I don't want to miss out on what You're doing by being consumed with my little corner of the cosmos.

Be glorified today, Lord -- I know You will. Your glory doesn't depend upon me. I'm just fortunate to have been invited by the gospel to join the chorus of praise and adoration.

Be first. I am second.

Journal for July 18th…Broken spirits

7:14 AM Sunny and hot…again

Father, You and You alone are worthy of praise and adoration. Your perfection and kindness never change. I do not have to wonder or worry from day to day what kind of mood You're in. You are always gracious and kind to me. Of course, You're not always happy with the way I've behaved or with some of my thoughts, but You are always ready to accept me, hear me, and forgive me. Rather than judge me based on my merit -- which there is none, none at all -- You judge me based on Jesus Christ and what He has done for me. His merit, praise the Lord, is my cover and my salvation.

Proverbs 18

"A man's spirit can endure sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?" v14

I think of, and pray for, all the young people and children today who have a broken spirit. They just want the approval and love of caring parents, but they don't get it. So many parents are self-consumed and self-involved. Many are wounded in spirit themselves. Broken marriages, selfishness, worldly pursuits…all have left children to fend for themselves -- physically, financially, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.

Lord Jesus, You are the One we need. This week, Lord, bless our VBS and the kids whose lives we may impact for You…with You. And may the adults, the believers at our church, "be sensitive to plight of the children they see. Even if they are dressed and fed and healthy in body, their spirit may be broken. Bad characters and drugs and alcohol may be offered to fill the void when only You can do that…You and loving parents.

"A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." v22

…and I found a good one, too, Lord. Or rather, You found her for me. What a match You made when You brought us together. I can see the same working in the way my kids found their spouses. You're awesome.

Now if a man that finds a wife obtains favor from the Lord, then why all this rush to celibacy in the middle ages? I don't get it. Favor comes from having a wife, not in sacrificially denying yourself a life partner. Well, these are just my ramblings, Lord.

I want to abide in You today, and let Your words abide in me. Walk, sit, and ride with me throughout the day as I meditate on You. Help me pray. Talk with me. I need Your insight and wisdom. I need Your forgiveness and love.

I need You to have the preeminence and I need to be second.

Journal for July 15th…Yosef

8:06 AM Sunny and warm

2 Peter 3:18

Father, what an imperative you give to me through Your Word: "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." That's what I want -- to grow. Not just any kind of growth but to grow in the grace and knowledge (first hand experiential knowledge) of Jesus Christ. My desire to grow must be met by Your Spirit's power and ability to transform me and help me.

Today I pray, Lord, for Your servant and pastor, Yosef Nadarkhani, who is facing the death in Iran for failure to recant his faith in Christ. He has led many, many Iranians to faith in Jesus, and friends say he will no likely recant. Lord, he's been in prison for several years after the death penalty was imposed. He hasn't recanted before, and probably won't now. I pray for Your grace in his life and that of his family and friends. I pray for all the Christians in Iran that aren't allowed good jobs or other societal benefits because they identify with the Messiah of God, Yashua. My problems pale in comparison to believers on the front line that offer their lives daily for You. Save Yosef's life and give him freedom…freedom to continue winning many Iranians to Christ.

Truly, to Yosef, You are first and he is second.

Journal for July 14th…Awakening

8:14 AM Satellite Office, Sunny & hot

Psalm 44

V1 "O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old."

Lord, when I think of the revivals in Israel and recorded throughout the world over the centuries, I pray that it would happen again -- to America. We need another awakening…one that draws men to You. One in which You are recognized and glorified. One where we repent of our abortions, homosexuality, fornications, greed, substance abuse, child abuse, divorces, racism, and unbelief. An awakening where people call out to You, not government, for the answer to our national and personal conflicts.

V13,14. "You have made us the taunt of our neighbors, the derision and scorn of those around us. You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples."

This once great and God-fearing nation, respected by the world, is a joke to many. There was a time when our leaders would call on You for divine intervention, not try to accommodate everyone's religion and spare their feelings.

You are still the One and only powerful, almighty God. You, and You alone, have sent Your Son to redeem us from our sins. May we turn back to You. May Jesus Christ be praised and glorified. May we become a God-fearing nation again.

Start with me, Lord. Forgive my sins; cleanse my heart; renew my mind. I will abide in You and let Your words abide in me. Please have the preeminence. I am second.

Journal for July 13…Words (a brief dialogue, too)

7:24 AM Sunny and hot

Proverbs 13

From the words of his mouth a man will enjoy good things v2; The one who guards his mouth protects his life, the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin v3.

Lord, that is the truth!! I've had those times when I said something and immediately wished I could reach out, catch the words in mid-air, and take them back.

"Darril, your words can encourage or discourage people today. Think before You speak."

(Where have I heard that before, Lord)

"I gave you language for a reason -- to glorify me and communicate to others. Use it for Kingdom purposes…not like others who use language to lie, steal, and praise themselves."

Father, You know I'll need Your Spirit to remind me and use me. May the words I use tonight in our Bible Study be appropriate and helpful, explaining Your Word.

Thank You for Your Word. I don't know how we could get along and learn so much about You without it. Like language, Your Word is a gift to us. Forgive me for neglecting it; for not studying as I could. I always love reading and studying the Word. I pray that all the believers I know would come to appreciate it, too, and read it daily.

A note of thanksgiving, Lord, for each member of my family, for my church and all the great Christians I have known, for my salvation that is truly from You, and for having a ministry to serve You…and for my health. You have been too good to me.

When morning gilds the skies, my heart awakening cries, may Jesus Christ be praised!

Journal for July 12th…Worthless Things

7:14 AM CT  Psalm 12

Father, You deserve more praise and honor than we give You. Be glorified today. Draw the hearts of those searching for truth to Yourself. Help believers -- help me -- shake off the world and what it occupies of our/my mind and heart.

It is true v8 the wicked wander everywhere, and "what is worthless is exalted by the human race." Six pack abs and a slim figure; a sleek car and the best smart phone; and social networks that occupy hours of time. None of these, in the big scheme of things -- in view of eternity -- have lasting value. I wonder how my grandparents ever survived without Facebook or e-mail?? Lord, if as much attention were paid to You as to the world wide web the world would demonstrate more wisdom and prosperity.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the Christians You have brought into my life -- the ones that really love You, love me, and know how to forgive and encourage one another. While the world exalts worthless things, help us/me to exalt Jesus first of all…to give You the preeminence in our lives.

I am second.

Journal for July 7th…The Good Judge

Psalms 7

I thank You, Lord, for Your righteousness v17. I am so grateful that the mighty God, the One that will judge us all, is righteous, good, and just. Of course that means I would stand condemned before You without a chance for redemption. But the Judge Himself has provided the remedy -- His Son, Jesus Christ. I confess, Father, that Jesus stood condemned for me, in my place. I confess that I should have been made to pay for my sins but that Jesus paid for them instead. It's amazing…You can remain the righteous God of justice, sin can be atoned for, and I can be granted a pardon and eternal life.

Lord Jesus, I have had failures and successes; victories and defeats; proud moments and embarrassing moments. Only You know the balance of my life and which way the scales tip. But one thing is sure. I have eternal life because of You. You have come into this cursed world and redeemed "a wretch like me." You have provided the eternal promises of Heaven and a New Earth -- no longer any curse of sin.

How can someone hate sin so much and yet love it, too? The world, my world, struggles with the desire to please You and the desire to please "self". It's a battle for sure. I'm grateful that You remember that I am only dust and that my heart is Yours.

The world is a madhouse…in chaos! Without You there is no hope. You are not a religion. You are God. You are the One and Only Savior. Help me and all believers to grasp the importance of living for You, praying in faith, and abiding in Your Word. Please increase our conviction for our own sins and then the world around us, too. I know millions will not believe -- not even with concrete evidence of Your salvation. Their hearts are hard or carried away by the world. But I pray for believers today. Help us get our act together so that our influence at home, at church, at work, at school, and in the community may turn many of the unbelieving world to You.

I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today; I know that He is living, whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer; and just the time I need Him, He's always near! He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today; He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart. You ask me how I know He lives…He lives within my heart.

I am second.

Journal for July 6th…Principles

7:02 AM Sunny/hot

Father, You are, without any question, the God and Creator of all things. It is Your genius and power that brought everything into being. We can only look into space with our telescopes and marvel at the vastness and complexity of the universe, but You thought it all up! You control it still. The most amazing thing is this, however. Of all the creation, Your Son gave His life for me! I am just dust; I am a vapor. In the big scheme of things humans are unnoticeable specks in the cosmos. But You love us. I, for one, believe the whole gospel story, Lord, and You've confirmed my faith over and over again.

Lord Jesus, I fail miserably at giving You the preiminence in my life. You would be the absolute King if it weren't for me getting in the way. Thank You, for forgiving my sins and giving me Your Holy Spirit. You have made a relationship with my Creator possible -- for eternity -- by sharing Your righteousness with me. It's inconceivable, but true. Thank You.

Proverbs 6

Following commands is a way of life…it's the protection and strength of those who will listen and obey v13. We are not made to just do anything we want, anytime we want, any way we want. Like the universe there are principles and laws that govern life. You, Lord, gave us commands, and disciples must follow them in order to please You, glorify You in the world, and lead others to You. "If you love me," You said, "you will keep my commands." Yes, love ought to be enough motivation, but the fact that commands are a light to us and our protection only enhances the need to obey.

Thank You, Lord, for Your written Word that gives me the principles and resulting light for my life. May I preach it with honor and truth, but most of all, may I live it.

Be glorified today, Lord. I am second.

Journal for July 4th…Liberty

9:25 AM Sunny and hot

Father, I want to praise You for all You are. Words cannot never express Your majesty and glory. I have never seen Your majesty and glory (like John, Isaiah and others) but I have experienced Your grace, Your love, and Your deep, deep mercy. What I have not seen of You, since You are in heaven, is one thing; but what I know of You from Your everlasting forgiveness and salvation has convinced me of the glory and goodness I have not seen. The universe and the world around me screams for attention all pointing to You. How men can miss You in the creation alone is beyond me.

Amidst the beauty and genius of Your creation is me, and sinners like me. We are the dark spot of creation. We/I, unlike the trees, mountains, and stars, have a choice to make and a tendency to make bad ones. But You gave us/me a chance for restoration through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You, thank You, thank You. He somehow took all my sins -- the guilt and punishment -- away from me and somehow assigned His righteousness to me! Amazing! This may sound crazy and far-fetched to some people, but Lord, I believe the gospel hook, line and sinker. You are my liberty; You are my liberation; You are my freedom from my "self", my sin, and my once bleak eternity.

Proverbs 4

Thank You for a reminder, Lord, to keep focused. Focused on wisdom, teaching, and good instruction. You tell me to "guard my heart" v23. I need such a reminder because the world competes so strongly for my attention and affections. I will guard my heart with Your help. Thank You for Your Spirit in me that assists me in such things.

Shout to the Lord all the earth, let us sing; power and majesty, praise to the King! Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your Name.

Be glorified, Lord on this Independence Day. I am second.

Journal for July 2nd… Independence Weekend

8:31 AM Sunny, hot

Proverbs 2

It is the weekend that we celebrate nation's independence. Lord, more than anything else we need a return to Godly principles -- to the first principles laid out by our founding fathers.

It's a pattern, Lord, throughout the Word and a promise that I hold onto: that if the "righteous" will accept Your Word v1 then the perverse of the land -- those who even celebrate perversity v14 -- will be removed from the land. You clearly tell us to follow the way of good people (e.g. our founding fathers); and promise the wicked will be cut off from the land; and the treacherous will be uprooted v22. But Lord, we've strayed so far from the intent of our found fathers and so far from the Judeo-Christian roots of our country, is there any way back for America?

Yes, Lord, I would love to see a spiritual awakening in this land, and so would many others. Forgive our sins…forgive my sins…for it is so easy to stray from Your words and Your commands. Lord, I pray that out of this chaos and moral confusion that people will wake up to the truth of Your Word and return to the principles of our founders.

Journal for July 1st…Discipline

10:24 AM Sunny and warm

Had breakfast with a few of my friends at my satellite office this morning. Fellowship is always good for me. Thank You, Lord, for believing friends. Thank You for my life and my salvation, too. I heard the gospel; I understood it; I embraced it. Thank You for giving me understanding.

Proverbs 1

Discipline is good v23 and limitations are healthy. Discipline is Your way of protecting me and limitations are Your way of keeping me safe and near You. I want to be a "disciplined one", or disciple of the One who died for me. Forgive my ventures into self-centeredness and worldliness. I want You to be first in my life. I want to be second.

Sin is an attack on myself v18! Following You and being filled with Your Spirit is an attack upon sin. That's where I want to be. Thank You for the wisdom of Your Word and the understanding it gives me. It is the operations manual for my life and I'm blessed to have it.

My Jesus, my Savior, Lord there is none like You; all of my days I want to praise the wonders of Your mighty love.

Troublesome times are here, filling men's hearts with fear, freedom we all hold dear now is at stake; Humbling our hearts to God saves from the chastening rod, seek the way pilgrims trod, Christians awake! Jesus is coming soon, morning or night or noon, many will meet their doom, trumpets will sound; All of the dead shall rise, saints will meet in the skies (praise the Lord), going where no one dies, heavenward bound.

Years of time have come and gone          

Since I first heard it told                        

How Jesus would come again some day      

If back then it seemed so real                

Then I just can’t help but feel                

How much closer His coming is today     

Signs of the times are everywhere       

There’s a brand new feeling in the air     

Keep your eyes upon the eastern sky          

Lift up your head redemption draweth nigh

Wars and strife on every hand                

And violence fills the land                       

Still some people doubt He’ll ever come again                                                    

But the Word of God is true                   

He’ll redeem His chosen few                      

Don’t lose hope soon Christ Jesus will descend                                             

Signs of the times are everywhere     

There’s a brand new feeling in the air     

Keep your eyes upon the eastern sky          

Lift up your head redemption draweth nigh

Journal for June 30…His Words

6:55 AM Sunny 75

Thank You, Father, for the return of my journal/notebook. I have not prayed any less this past week, but it helps me to stay "on task" and keep my thoughts together when I write, or journal. Thank You, for so much…my salvation (which still defies understanding); the family you gave me and how blessed I am; my ministry - actually using one like me for Your purposes (Your grace runs deeps for Your people); my health, which I will never take for granted. Troubles come -- You promised they would -- but my future is You and the New Heaven and New Earth! Praise belongs to You. You are the One and Only Creator, Sustainer, Savior, and Sovereign. Period. One day You will bring about a just conclusion to this mess we've made.

Proverbs 30

Lord, give me neither poverty or wealth v8. All I need is enough to live moderately and serve You. Too much wealth and I could be consumed with managing it, or even put more confidence in my resources than in Your resources. Don't give me too much or too little. I already have more than I need to serve You. May the resources and possessions I have be tools for Your service.

The Words that come from You are pure, unlike the words of men v5, and it isn't necessary to add to Your words v6. Your Word, along with the Spirit's light, speaks for itself. When You say something we don't need to clarify it; make it palatable; or fit it into our fallen culture. Your Word: it is what it is! For this I give You praise and thanksgiving. Keep me into Your Word and help me, please help me, to live according to Your Word. I'm the first to tell You it's not easy. Coming out of the world I have tendencies that disappoint You and disgust me. You are not surprised because You know what I am and where I came from. I am only dust. But I'm dust that You created, continue to love and have saved for all time and eternity. Thank You for revealing all of this through Your Words that are pure.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Son of God, and in the power of His blood, I ask for a hedge of protection around myself, my family, and my flock.

Give me the mind of Christ today; protect my heart and affections; help me recall and obey Your truth (You are the Truth); give me opportunity to share something of Your goodness with someone today who needs to know Your grace; increase my faith and help me recall and appropriate Your Word. This is my armor…You are my armor: v7 You are a shield to those who take refuge in You.

Lord Jesus, be glorified today and help me be second.

Journal for June 21st

7:23 AM Raining!
The rain, Lord, is needed so much…but this is day 2 of our Bible Club effort. Oh well, we'll take the rain and leave the rest to You.

You are to be glorified in the world today, Father, whether the wicked like it or not. You give breath and life to everyone, yet rebellion and sin, selfishness and greed have the day … for now. One day every knee will bow and confess that You are the Lord. You have always been God, You are God now, and You will be God forever. Please accept my feeble praise and thanks today.

Psalm 141
Lord, I have nothing of value to offer You except what You have given to me. But I ask, I desire, that my prayers come before You and satisfy You like incense and my they please You v2. All day long I pray and think in Your presence, but unpleasing and worldly thoughts push their way in. Sort through it all and accept my willful prayers to You as an offering of sacrifice and praise. Thank You for allowing me, mortal that I am, to come into Your presence.

Lord, I ask that You help me guard my mouth -- that's a tall order, seeing who's mouth it is LOL. Teach me to watch my words v3. Not only that, Lord Jesus, help me watch my heart! Keep my heart from wicked things and from performing reckless acts v4.

Lord, this world has many wicked men and women that harm others. Some are leaders of nations, some of gangs, some are in charge of their family that they abuse, or in charge of some illegal enterprise. Some, Lord, don't just want personal power or wealth, but are only content on killing their perceived enemies. There are those, as You know, that want to eliminate Israel, take down the United States, and enforce the godless rules of Islam. Is this even worse than Nazism ever was? Both wanted the eliminate of Jews…Your chosen people. So my prayer, Lord, is against the wicked of the world v5, and for the protection of Your people Israel. Give the U.S. a righteous backbone again in the world. We are about to see public expressions of faith in You being eradicated from our culture. Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Your people, Your church, Your called out ones, need Your Spirit today, Lord. We need a fresh moving of Your Spirit…a new filling. The world is still going to race away from You and toward destruction, but may the Gospel be heralded around the world.

My eyes look to You, Lord God. I seek refuge in You. Do not let me die v6. Protect me and let the wicked fall into their own nets (now I speak of those closer to home who undermine the church). Be glorified in my life even though I don't give You much to work with.

The fact is, and I believe this, that You love me and gave Your Son for me. I don't understand it, but I believe it. I count on it! Thank You for my salvation, my family, my ministry, my health, and for my part in the New Heaven and New Earth.

Just recalled this old song: "Jesus is all the world to me: my life, my heart, my all. He gives me strength from day to day, without Him I would fall. When I am sad to Him I go; no other One could love me so. When I am sad, he makes me glad…He's my friend."
Be Lord today. I am second.

9:38 AM Rain stopped, the sun is out
Thank You, Lord, for letting me finally get this blog posted. It took some doing.
Right now the Bible Camp is in full swing. I pray that a bunch of kids will come, in spite of the dampness. Touch the hearts of the little ones our team will minister to today. Fill the hearts of those that are ministering in Your Name.

Journal for June 20…Discouragers

Psalm 120

To You, Father, and to You alone should be all the praise and adoration of all time. Creation shouts Your glory and genius. The way of salvation - the way You devised - also points to Your genius, but also to Your kindness, mercy, grace, patience and love. I want to praise You, the One that lives in unapproachable light, for letting the light of the Gospel into my life; and for letting Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, shine in my heart.

Lord, You know there are people that stir up trouble v2; often for no apparent reason. Or, they take what might be a legitimate concern and blow it out of proportion to cause trouble and conflict. Why do they do that? What is the benefit? It rarely propels them to a place of prominence, but only brings others down -- and discourages still others. Even among believers there are "trouble-makers" and I could never understand why. It must be their old nature that is in charge. They do some of the same things a worldling would do. Things like try to trap someone in a fault v5. maybe it's best for them to separate from the rest, from the fellowship v11. There are so many believers that need to grow and mature without the interference of "discouragers" in their path.

Lord Jesus, You know me so well, and yet You "counted me faithful" and put me into the ministry (it's still a mystery to me, but so much of what You do defies my logic!). You, Lord, are my source of joy and strength. Thank You for Your salvation, Your Word, and Your very presence in my life.

As we start our "mission trip" today, please overshadow the whole endeavor. Bring children and adults to this event. Bless the Episcopal Church that is hosting the Bible Camp and protect all our workers and helpers…from our church and theirs. May this be a "God thing" not our thing.

I ask You, in the Name of Jesus Christ and the power of His precious blood, that You would put a hedge of protection around my family: Dawn, Darin, Alexis, Curtis and Denise, and my mother. Only Your divine protection will do, Lord, in this very hostile world. We'll all be home soon enough, but until then we need Your protection. I ask the same for my church family…newer Christians and their families, and those that have been believers a longer time. All of us need your protection. Put into their hearts a hunger for Your Word and a love for Your presence.

May we overcome any "discouragers" today, Lord, and lean completely on You. Please don't let me become a "discourager" to anyone today, Lord. I want to be an "encourager". You are the Lord of hosts and should be the Lord of us all. You be the Lord, and let me be second.

Journal for June 17th…We need a Redeemer!

7:43 AM 81 & overcast

Father, I enter Your presence this morning in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am so grateful to You that there was a time that You saved me, redeemed me, and took me in. I have nothing to offer You besides what You have given me to start with, namely the goodness and merits of Jesus Himself. You have redeemed me with the price You paid.

Psalm 107

Let the people give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love and His wonderful works for the whole human race! v8,15,21,31 Yes, the whole human race, not just Your people enjoy so many of Your benefits. Lord, You are the world's greatest Lifeguard. It's recounted in this passage You've given me today. You've rescued people from wandering and lostness v4; from darkness and gloom (and there's all kinds of darkness and gloom) v15; from afflictions of all kinds v17; from tempests and storms of life v24,25; from all kinds of things. For Your constant involvement, caring and rescues -- especially in my own life -- I give You thanks and praise Your Name! You have redeemed me.

But I am impressed to pray for the Church around the world, and for the United States, when I hear that You turn rivers into deserts and fruitful land into salty wasteland v33,34. Oh, Lord, that is an apt description of the Church in America, and of America itself. We were a river and a fruitful land, but we've become a spiritual desert and wasteland. You even cause "nobles", the leaders among us, to wander in trackless wastelands v40 (sounds like our government; but also sounds like recognized, big-name religious leaders, too).

Please, Father, forgive our sins, our pride, our arrogance, and self-centeredness. This has happened because "of the wickedness of its inhabitants." v34 It can't be more clear than that!

No matter where we find ourselves today, I know You can turn a desert into a pool of water, and dry land into springs of water v35. You can bless us and we can multiply again v38. Forgive me, forgive us all, for our sins and wanderings away from You. Refresh us again. Make fruitful and strong again. You can do it. We need You to redeem us.

Lord Jesus, I want to be second and give You the preeminence in all things. There are decisions I will need to make, and wisdom I will need to demonstrate. I will need Your guidance and insight. Thank You for the promise of Your involvement in my life and the world. Thank You for wisdom…for Your Word! A whole day can turn into one of those spiritual wastelands when I neglect Your Word.

I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today; I know that He is living whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer; and just the time I need Him, He's always near! He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today - He walks with me, and talks with me along life's narrow way….

Be first, Lord. I am second.

Journal for June 16th…the Breach

7:00 AM 79 & Sunny

My Father in Heaven, I come before You in the Name of Jesus, Your one and only Son. I have no merit of my own and don't pretend to own access to Your throne…except that I have believed in Jesus Christ as my Savior; I acknowledge my sinfulness and lostness apart from Him, and that He died and rose again. Nothing I have compares to that! Thank You, Lord, for allowing me to talk with You today. Your love for me is astounding.

I have thoughts, and concerns, and questions to bring before You today. Some will come in the form of mental musings -- just thoughts and ideas; others will come in the form of verbal and heartfelt prayers; others will be instantaneous praises and requests. Thank You, Father, in advance for being there, listening, and caring.

I want to praise You for being there, for being on Your throne, and for being in control. We have a lot of hurts, disappointments, and disasters here on earth. Friends and church members who are walking today in the valley of the shadow of death; others that are facing unexpected, but difficult conflicts; several are confronted by a marriage in crisis; and others have decisions to make. But You are over it all. Nothing slips by You. What I ask You for, is not so much an absence of these things, but Your grace and almighty assistance in and through these circumstances. O God, we need grace today. We need clarity today. We need YOU today.

Psalm 106

Awesome passage of Scripture, Lord. What a true reflection of our situation today. The rebellions and sins of Israel may be the story line, but it reflects on us -- the principles are the same. Lord, don't always give us what we ask for then send wasting diseases and pestilences v14,15. We ask for some awfully selfish and short-sighted things. Over and over again, Lord, You have forgiven us, saved us, redeemed us v10, and yet our worldliness continues. We adopt the ways of the ungodly v35 and expect Your blessings? We sacrifice our sons and daughters to demons on the altar of the world… we go along to get along … but lose our children in the process. The one phrase, Lord, that stands out (if I had to choose just one) is that "they were beaten down by their sin." That describes the world; it describes most Christians! Beaten down by their own sin. It takes a toll, Lord.

But You have pointed out my responsibility in this Psalm. You would have destroyed them--if Moses, Your chosen one had not stood before You in the breach to turn Your wrath away from destroying them v23. And again, v30, Phineas stood up and intervened, and the plague was stopped.

So this morning You said, "Darril, one of your responsibilities is to stand in the breach and intervene for my people. Pray for them. Get in the widening breach that has divided Me and those that are mine. Sin is beating them down. Pray for them…intercede. If you cannot do anything else, or feel helpless to give aid and comfort to them, pray for them. Come before me cleansed by the blood of Christ, and I will hear you on their behalf."

Lord, I will pray. I am often helpless and feel so inadequate in the conflicts and adversities that others face. But I will pray. First, forgive my sins. Cleanse me by the blood of Christ and in the Name of my wonderful Savior, Jesus the Messiah.

Please have the preeminence, and help me, Lord, to be second. 7:42 AM

Journal for June 15th…God’s on the Throne

7:05 AM 78 & Sunny

Glorious day, Lord! Only because You are on Your throne and everything is headed exactly where You intend for it to go. Everyone's talking about economic depression ahead; or increased natural disasters; or wars and rebellions on the rise; or even drought and pestilences and disease increasing. But the thing is, You are on Your throne!

"I never promised that you'd have silver or gold; or that you'd never feel the fire or shiver in the cold; but I did say you'd never walk alone; and I did say, 'don't make this world your home.'"

There is another place where I belong … where my true home is. I get too comfortable here sometimes, Lord. Maybe the distresses of this world serve a two-fold purpose: one is judgment on the world for its rebellion and sin; the other is to give believers like me a greater longing for the New Earth and Heaven.

Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul; thank You, Lord, for making me whole; thank You, Lord, for giving to me Your great salvation so rich and free.

Psalm 105

I give You thanks, Lord, and call on Your Name -- for help, direction, peace, salvation. You say to proclaim Your deeds among the people v1, and I think that in tough times like we're facing, that's a good thing. Your works are wonderful v2, starting with salvation from sin; starting with the payment Jesus made for me on the cross! My heart does rejoice today, Lord, and I want to seek You and see You.

And in light of all that's happening in the world, I must remember that Your judgments govern the whole earth. You're right-smack-dab in the middle of everything that's taking place!

I wish our president understood this: v8-11…You, God, forever remember Your covenant and the promise You made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob: "I will give the land of Canaan (Palestine) to you as your inherited portion." That's a forever promise, and forever means and includes now! Lord, may we support Your people. Bring the land of Israel and the precious Jewish people back to You. Bless the Jews that trust in Your Messiah.

Stay on Your throne and rule. No matter what the cost, or difficulty, or misery we may experience in this fallen world, You will win. I have already won because of Jesus and His love for me; His death for me; His resurrection for me; the promise of His return for me. You are first! I am second!

Journal for June 14th…Care

6:57 AM

Psalm 104

Lord, I come to You this morning in adoration of Your power and creative genius. Everything in the world was created by You. Not just the animals and sea creatures but the cycles within which they live and the characteristics of their nature. And they only eat because You open Your hand to them and provide their food v28. May Your glory endure forever v31!

There's great comfort in knowing that You, Father, established the earth on its foundations v5, and it will never be shaken. At least not until You shake it…not until You say it's time to end the sin, the misery, the rebellion. I tell You this with gratitude, for I was a rebel. I still have those tendencies in me, but I am claiming, and depending on, Your salvation through Jesus. Just like the creatures of nature who only have what comes from Your opened hand, I, too, wait for the salvation that comes completely from Your hand.

It is awesome and wonderful to have a personal relationship with You. Thank You Jesus, Lord of all, Lamb of God, Savior to believers…You died in my place -- for no other reason but love -- and rose from the dead. All this was for me. I wish my life reflected the appropriate response of obedience and praise.

Things change, Lord. Circumstances continually change and the world we live in, this fallen world, is not dependable. Just when we think things are settled down and we can go about our business/ministry in peace, something flares up to change our course and garner our attention. In the midst of changing situations, Lord, I pray for Your wisdom and guidance. Show me Your way. Let me live for You or kill me if You must, but be glorified in the choice You make for me.

I am weak but You are strong; Jesus keep me from all wrong; I'll be satisfied as long as I walk, let me walk close to You. Just a closer walk with You.

Show me Your way, that I may walk with You; Show me Your way, that I may talk with You.

Be glorified in this fallen world today, Lord. I am second.

In the Name of Jesus, the risen Son of God, I ask for a strong hedge protection around the churches today, Lord. They need Your protection and power. Your Bride has been through a lot. I also, prayer for a hedge around my family -- even as I thank You for my wife, children, parents and my whole family. But we need Your divine protection and care.

Lord, I lift up our president and all the leaders in our government. Somehow, someway, help them respond to Your wisdom and do what is right, not just what is politically expedient. What we need is a spiritual awakening! Maybe one more time before allow the world to have more tribulation. The world is a mess, but there are Christians in the midst of it -- in America, the middle-east, China, and everywhere else. Hold and strengthen Your people wherever they live, serve, and suffer today. One day we'll all be home together, but for now, Your church needs Your encouragement and care.

Journal for June 13th…Dust

7:13 AM

Psalm 103

Okay, Lord, I think this has become my new "favorite" Psalm. It's all about praise and Your goodness, and about my sin and Your forgiveness. Just awesome and wonderful!

To You, Father, I offer praise…from my heart, from my soul. I praise Your holy Name and all that You are. How easily I forget Your benefits -- I take Your benefits and You for granted way too much. Anything of value and praise that I have come from You.

Lord, I know that You forgive all my sin. That alone is too great for my mind to understand. It is only up to me to confess, repent, and believe how thorough Your forgiveness is. As I compare v3 with 10-14 I want to thank You forever. I expect that in Heaven I will be able to tell You over and over, from a pure heart (finally) how grateful I am for Your salvation. You do not deal with me as my sins deserve! (v10) If You repaid me according to my offenses I'm be vaporized yesterday! But Your faithful love 11 is great toward me. I do respect Your law -- I don't always keep it -- but I respect Your law as the final standard.

I know You expect holiness, but I am just dust (v14)... You created me and allow me to live life my way. I am just dust… not created holy, but trying to obtain it (which is impossible apart from You). I am just dust… totally lost and hopeless without a Savior, an Advocate, a personal Messiah. So You became dust, too… remained holy in character and conduct. You became dust… in order to let me and my kind murder You.

From eternity to eternity You faithful love continues for me and all who believe (17). Your throne is established in Heaven forever. You are God. Period. Yet You are a good and compassionate Father. You, Lord God, are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and full of faithful love toward me… only dust. It's amazing to even think about it.

You have the throne, but I have Your love and compassion. That's enough for me. My heart thanks You this morning. And I will thank You forever. I will praise You on this earth and on the New Earth face to face! Then I will truly be second!

Journal for June 11th…Redemption

8:01 AM

Revelation 8-11

Lord God, just so You know, I regret my sinfulness and turn to Jesus for salvation. He is the Lamb of God that was slain for my sins. What could have been catastrophic for me turned out to be forgiven, cleansed, and redeemed.

What amazes me, Lord, is that after all the world suffers and after all the clear evidence that judgment is upon them, many will not repent and turn to You. 9:20 "The rest of the people that were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands to stop worshiping demons and idols…that are not able to see, hear, or walk"…or save!!

Thank You, Lord, for the "seal" You will have on Your people in the days of tribulation -- the seal You have on believers now is the Holy Spirit Himself!

Millions killed by war, pestilence, and natural disaster, and yet most people go on living without You; rejecting You; fixed in their darkness and lostness. Even now humans produce survival movies that portray people as heroes, not sinners, and the earth as "home". And they falsely project a "survival of the fittest" mentality, as if life can just naturally continue toward a happier day after cataclysmic floods, earthquakes, and war.

Thank You, Lord, for Your salvation…for opening my eyes… for letting me believe and receive Your great redemption. May Jesus Christ be glorified. May I be second.

Journal for June 10th… Last days?

10:45 AM

Revelation 5

Just refreshing my memory, Lord, on world events in the last few years of history. A world leader, wars all over the place, economic upheaval, death for all kinds of reasons, natural disasters that kill millions and millions. But all the while I note several things. First, that God is the One who is in control. You not only allow the misery, but uses it as judgment upon the world. Second, the prayers of the saints are as incense in golden vessels to You. Third, the risen Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah, the One and Only Son of God is the One through whom the judgment comes. Oh that everyone knew Him, embraced Him, trusted Him now while there is time.

Father, it sounds as if today's world is racing toward this climax! At first it's sort of scary and unsettling; but then, by faith, I have to remember that I am safe with You. I am saved by You because of the shed blood of the Lamb. This may just bring on the New Earth much sooner. Suffering and persecution and misery only lasts for the night -- the night of this present darkness -- but Heaven and joy is forever.

Help me be a strong and positive force for my family; a strong and consistent encouragement to my flock. Thank You for the salvation I have in You. There is no other Name given among men by which we can be saved!

To God be the glory, great things He has done; so loved He the world (me) that He gave us His Son; but purer and higher and greater will be our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see!

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, may I thy consolations share; 'til from Mount Pisgah's lofty height, I view my home and take my flight. This robe of flesh I'll drop, and rise to seize the everlasting prize; and shout while passing through the air, "Farewell, farewell sweet hour of prayer."

Praise the Lord! The great and merciful Lord! Help me be second.

Journal for June 9th… a Vapor

8:50 AM

Psalm 39

Lord God…my wonderful Father in Heaven…What a clear reminder You have given me of my mortality. Every mortal man is a vapor v5, my life span is nothing in Your sight. This life is so transitory. The real life comes later, when You have made a New Heaven and a New Earth for Your children to enjoy. But now, in this life, deliver me from all my transgressions v8; the force of Your hand on me as You deal with my sin is heavy. Forgive me of my sins and release me, in the Name of Jesus Christ, from the horrible price of sin. I am just a foreigner on this earth, a so-journer v12. My future is with You. Help me to remember that. My future is with You, not in the possessions or accomplishments of this life. It's Your life, Your Son, Your plans that are my future. Praise be to God for His gift of Self and Son. Be glorified in this vapor today. I am second.

Journal for June 8th…Godliness

I Timothy 4:7-10

Striving for godliness.

Father, You are Almighty. Above all. The final say. The source of life. Light. You, Lord, will outlast all sinners, all rebels, all demons, and the consequences of sin.

Godliness is being holy, different. It's having the mindset on the lasting, spiritual things. Godliness is nurturing, caring for, and embracing the spirit, and not the body or temporal affairs. Godliness requires "striving" because it does not come naturally to me. Plus, I get distracted easily by the world and current issues at church and in circumstances. I want to be second, be godly. I can't say that I'm even close.

My failures, Lord, are no match for Your grace and mercy. The blood of Jesus, Your Son, has a complete and lasting cleansing affect on me. Not because of any merit of my own -- I certainly have nothing to bring to the table -- but because of Your love and mercy. It's 100% Your initiative. Thank You for my salvation. Thank You for all the little "salvations" you give me throughout my life and throughout my day: saving me from harm at times; saving me from the ill-will of others; and saving me from me and my sinful tendencies.

Lord, it appears that the world is facing a climatic event of some kind. The natural disasters alone are enough to scare the ordinary person. Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and tsunamis, floods and fires are increasing in number and intensity…and weather predictions are looking bleak for hurricane season in the western hemisphere. Add to that the rebellions and upheavals in nations; the terrorist movement; the increasing hatred for Israel; and the moral failure of our own U.S. leaders all indicate something is going on.

Could we be going home soon? I pray my people are prepared for the challenge of living for Jesus in uncertain times, and excited about watching the hand of God move over the earth and affairs of men. Are the final pages of history being written? Is judgment coming to the earth? Will I stand strong no matter what?

Forgive my sins and help me be second. Cleanse me, Holy Spirit, with the Word and blood of Jesus. Help me shepherd my flock and prepare them to shine for You as the shadows deepen. I believe with all my heart that no matter what happens, with You, Lord Jesus, the best is always yet to come!

Journal for June 6th…Grace

6:58 AM

Psalm 6

Lord, I realize that I'm no more righteous than anyone else. Some sins may seem graver, or have harsher consequences (murder or rape vs. stealing a candy bar, for example), but dirty is dirty. It doesn't matter if a shirt is stained with mud or blood, it's still unusable. When set against the backdrop of Your law, I am as guilty as anyone else. So, please, do not rebuke me in Your anger v1, or discipline me in Your wrath. It's your grace, O Lord, that I appeal to. Be gracious to me v2, for I am weak. With all my heart I believe that Jesus died in my place and out of mercy, plain and simple mercy, extended salvation to me. For the plan of salvation -- for the gospel -- I give You praise and thanksgiving today. What an awesome God You are. How big and glorious and bright and wondrous You must be.

It is Your faithful love that I appeal to, Lord v4, for my rescue. I know there are things about my life that detract from Your purpose and glory, but as long as I'm alive there's always a chance that I can live for You, bring You glory and give You thanks v5.

The Lord has heard my plea for help and accepts my prayer v9… thank You, over and over again I say thank You.

Psalm 36

We think we are so self-sufficient and important. Our lives are just a vapor in the procession of history. But with You, Lord God, is life's fountain v9; in Your light, and only in Your light, will we see light. Spread Your faithful love, Lord, over those who know You… I am one of those. Only because of Your grace am I able to know the God that made me and then showed grace to me in the life, death, and resurrection of His great Son.

Be merciful and gracious today, Lord Jesus, to my family, my church flock, and my friends. As a matter of fact, be merciful to this nation (as You already have by letting us exist this long); help us be a beacon once again that sends the gospel out around the world. Somehow get a hold of our leaders and turn their heads away from their political egos and toward just doing the right things.

Be gracious today. Be gloried today. I really want to be second.

Journal for June 3rd…Do-overs

5:36 AM - Last day of school for this year.

Psalm 3

Lord, You are to be praised and glorified forever. You alone created and still sustain the whole world…that would include me. I am an unknown to the world but significant enough for You to give Your own Son to die for me.

As I read this Psalm and apply it to my life, I recall that through the years it has been those who should be my friends, my Christian allies, that have hurt me most and disappointed me most. Foes from the outside, from the darkness, are to be expected; it's the foes that should be living in unity, as You commanded, that cause the most alarm and harm. It's regrettable. The good news is that we'll have eternity in Heaven to recover, reconcile, and renew friendships! Eternity is a “do-over” opportunity.

You, Lord, are indeed a shield around me v3, for nothing gets through to me that doesn't get Your expressed permission. I lie down and sleep, and awaken again v5 because You let me have another day to serve You…another chance to get it right. Thank You, Lord, for all the "do-overs". My life is full of "do-overs".

Salvation belongs to the Lord, alright v8. The eternal salvation bought and paid for at the cross, and also the little "salvations" that occur throughout one's life, throughout one's day! The “do-overs”.

After all, all good things come from above. In ourselves and in this world darkness is the default condition; pain and suffering is the default experience; rebellion and selfishness is the default disposition. But then comes grace and mercy from a great God that loves us with an everlasting love. Wrong is exposed, light is introduced, and salvation is possible. Thank You, Father for the Light!

I pray for several students that I have tried to share the gospel with this year. They have heard now the truth about Jesus and salvation and forgiveness. Holy Spirit, whether I have done a good job or not, please do Your work in their hearts.

May Jesus be glorified today. I am second.

Journal for June 2…Judgment

5:36 AM

Psalm 2

Lord, I suppose there's a part of us that wants no restraints placed on us, even when those retraints are good for us. The sin in me, the natural darkness that tries to overcome Your light in me, wants no rules, no laws, no overseer. It's Your love for me that brings the necessary guidelines and limitations … and they're all for my own good! Thank You, Father, for revealing Yourself to me. I would have never found You otherwise. And, thank You for revealing Your Son to me. While the nations rebel and try to throw off what seems to be Your retraints, I am grateful for the kindness that gives me limitations. It's like with a child: how often do parents guide, correct, discipline and enforce rules that are designed to protect the child, and yet the child rebels against it?

Your anointed One, Jesus Christ, could suddenly appear and judge the nations at anytime. I fear the judgment, and yet I don't have to because of the cross. Judgment against me has already been executed against Jesus. There is no way to get a grasp on that kind of love.

Lord God, I give You praise for Your rightful rule -- for Your great and highest position over all creation…Your creation. What is amazing to me is the grace and mercy that accompanies that power and authority. You are the perfect balance of judgment and mercy!

In the Name of Your awesome Son, Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen One, and in the power of His shed blood, I ask You for a hedge of protection around my family and church -- around my sphere of relationships. Help us do battle until the victory is made clear to all.

I am grateful for my salvation; my family -- wife, kids, mom and dad (who introduced me to You); my health; my ministry; my church…and my good looks LOL (which You could take away in a flash!). Thank You for giving me repeated chances to serve another day.

Be the Lord today. My tendency is toward mistakes and failure. Help me be second.

Journal for June 1st…Happy

5:42 AM

A new month, to us, in which to serve and live. All I know is that You will be glorified one way or another. Father, You are glorified in Heaven by every being around You, and rightly so. You created everything that exists, and You provide the "life support" for all things living…including me! Of course, I have no merit of my own, no claims I can make of my exploits or holiness; everything I have is from You. Everything. And I thank You for all You have given me: salvation; life; family; ministry; health; Your Word; and so much more. You give life meaning, purpose and love.

Psalm 1

The contrast between the happy man and the wicked man is stark. And even though the differences seem muddled sometimes on earth, there is certainly another dimension, the spiritual one, that is at play. The happy man meditates on Your Word and grows -- You even see that he prospers--at least in spirit, and often in other ways. The wicked are never happy. I see them have their temporary moments of satisfaction when their evil deeds are done, but lasting, deep down in the soul happiness eludes them.

Thank You, Lord, for Your Word and honor of knowing You personally. Other than Your love for me -- which in itself is a mystery -- I can't think of any other reason for the Holy God to have anything to do with me…much less sacrificing Himself for my sins. Help show my gratitude by serving You. I am second.