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.