Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Journal portion for 01-04-12…God’s preeminence

5:34 AM

Father, You have given me another day in which to serve You and give Your glorious Son the preeminence in all things. You, and You alone are worthy of all praise, the Lamb that sacrificed Himself willingly for me. Men like me cannot understand the depth of love and mercy that paid for sin and allows me to serve in Your army. Be glorified today somehow in my life.

Psalm 4

Lord, You have helped me before (1), be gracious to me again and hear my prayer. You and I will talk throughout the day -- I will seek Your guidance and understanding on things; sometimes it will just be conversation between You and I. While I do not know what this day will bring, I know You are there, and You give joy like nothing on earth can (7). Why do people pursue with such energy the happiness that comes from things, from the world, that only disappear? You give more joy -- a kind of settled peace in my heart -- than all the world could provide.

Your church, Lord, the local one that I shepherd, and all Christians around the world face challenges today. Help us all to seek Your Spirit's guidance; Your Son's forgiveness; and Your wisdom. My Christian brothers and sisters that are persecuted, even dying today, because of their loyalty to You…empower them with Your peace in the pain. Others, Lord, who can't even sacrifice a tithe face even a tougher obstacle to serving You -- themselves! Give all of us a clearer understanding of our temporal place here on earth…that home is still ahead of us…and what a home it is!

All praise to the One who died in my place and rose again! Be first. I am second.~

No comments: