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!