Journal portion for 11/23…Thanks

6:58 AM

Lord God, what a wonderful gift I have in Your Word. You are the master gift-giver! Everything I have is a gift, unearned and undeserved, from You. The world is in crisis--our nation is in crisis--but You said in Your Word that it would be that way before You come. You said that in this world, on this earth, we would have tribulation. The good news for believers is that there's a New Earth coming. Again, completely undeserved.

Psalm 143

Hear my prayer, Lord. You know what I have been seeking Your will about. (1) No one alive is righteous in Your sight (2) so my prayers are based on Your faithfulness and Your righteousness, certainly not mine.

As I look back, Lord, I recall the days of old (5). Previous times of Your faithful deliverance, answered prayer, and personal help. If You were big then, You are still big today. You will not leave me hanging without reason.

Thank You for letting me experience Your faithful love in the morning time (8). Thank You for this time when we talk and think about things together. Here's my prayer today (I couldn't say it better myself): Reveal to me the way I should go, because I long for You (8). Show me Your ways; Your direction; Your Kingdom priorities for my life.

Holy Spirit, teach me to do Your will…lead me on level ground (10).

I thank You, Lord, for my salvation -- the greatest gift of all for a man otherwise lost to life for eternity. Thank You for my family: my parents who introduced me to You; my wife and children that serve You. Thank You for my health. I certainly don't take it for granted, Lord. Thank You for my ministry…for letting me fit into Your Kingdom work.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below; praise Him above ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son. And now let the poor say I am rich, let the weak say I am strong, because of what the Lord has done for us!

May this day be one of thanksgiving, prayer, and abiding in You, Lord. And may Your words abide in me. Today, help me be second.~