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. ~