Journaling for 01.24.13…The King of Glory

5:34 AM Psalm 24

"Who is He, this King of glory? The Lord of Hosts. He is the King of glory. Selah." Father, make no mistake about it, I believe You are the self-sufficient, self-energized, ultimate and only power in the universe. You made everything. The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord (v1) for He laid its foundation on the seas and established it on the rivers. "Everything in it" includes me.

Thank You for loving me the way that You do -- a love I cannot match. For You, King of glory, gave Yourself for me! I believe this…I know this.

Exercise Your rights today, King of glory! This is, after all, Your creation.

Journaling on 01-22-13…Amazed at God’s faithfulness

5:06 AM Psalm 22

Father, let me praise You for Your faithfulness to me; for Your deep and wonderful love. Lord, You have never been a disappointment to me. I, on the other hand, have disappointed You innumerable times. You are holy (3) and You are enthroned on the praises of Your people. In the past You have answered the prayers of our forefathers and rescued them. We are still in need of rescuing today, Father. May those who trust in You cry out for Your assistance; and won't You please answer.

Lord Jesus, I just cannot imagine the sacrifice You made for me…all that You suffered when You didn't have to do it. How much we humans take for granted -- how much I take for granted. Forgive me, Lord, for my failings; for taking You for granted; for not following the Spirit as I should.

How amazing is Your tolerance, patience, and love. If You had my nature You would've wiped us all out by now! But You're not like me. You are holy; different; higher; better. Thank You for the cross, Lord.

Journaling on 01-21-13 about God’s superiority

7:15 AM PSALM 21

Father, men celebrate the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. today; and men celebrate the inauguration of a president; but I celebrate Your Word and the promises You give. Your glory is great and You give blessing to Your people. It is through the faithful love of the Most High that Your man is not shaken.

You assure me in Your Word that Your enemies will eventually be captured and seized (8) and burn in a fiery furnace at Your appearing (9). Lord, I want to be counted on Your side. Sure, there is adversity and mourning on this side of Heaven, but ultimately You will have the last say.

"Be exalted, Lord, in Your strength; we will sing and praise Your might." The world is filled with evil, but You are good. You even saved someone like me…for that I thank You.

I pray for my brothers and sisters that are persecuted today; in prison; being tortured; separated from family and enslaved -- all because of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They suffer greatly. We are being persecuted to some degree, but not to the point of physical harm. Be glorified in, and comfort those, who are living and dying for You today, Father.

You are superior to and judge over all men. So as many celebrate and commemorate the living and the dead today, be it known that I, Darril Deaton, acknowledge that You are over all; that Jesus died and rose again for me; that He will be King over all authorities and kings.

Journaling 01-18-13…Thank You Holy Spirit

Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit. He is my source of wisdom and understanding. He helps me with the written Word. He convicts of sin. He loves me and tells me so in my spirit. He helps me worship You in spirit and truth.

Thank You, Spirit of God for saving me and causing my new birth in Christ; for making my salvation happen. Thank You for Your guidance and counsel over the years, and for the evidence of Your leading in the lives of my children and their ministries.

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for helping me through the thoughts and meditations of my mind and heart so that I can understand the Bible and teach it to others. Thank You for the gifts that are Yours, and Yours alone. You have used me in ministry to the Father and to other people. You make it possible for me to serve You. So, thank You for my gifts.

Lord Jesus, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to be my counselor, my strength, and my friend…God in me. Amazing.

Journaling for 01-17-13…Satisfaction

5:32 AM

Psalm 17

Father, You are the One and Only Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. Men are drawn to the world because they belong to the world; yet those who come to You through Your Son, Jesus, have a hope and a purpose beyond the world. Thank You for the cross, Lord. Thank You for the price You paid. Guard me as the apple of Your eye (8). One day, when this is all over (and it will be over) I will see Your face in righteousness -- not through my limited, worldly eyes/perspective -- when I awake I will be satisfied with Your presence (15). Your presence will be enough, Lord. I will not long for material things or worldly comforts, for You, Lord, will be enough! I only hope You will be satisfied with me.

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for effecting my salvation. Thank You for wooing me, drawing me, and then convicting me so that I would receive the gospel; so that I would embrace the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior; so that I could believe the astounding story of His death and resurrection. Thank You.

Journaling for 01-16-13…What is good about me is God

7:06 AM Psalm 16

The sorrows of those who take another god only multiply.(4)

Father, You are my Lord; I have no good besides You. The only thing good about me…is You. Born into, and part of, a world of sin and rebellion; yet You sought me and somehow gave me the heart and mind to receive You.

There are many other "gods" in this world and even I am drawn to follow them. Your servant, Paul, called the stomach the god of those who live as enemies of the cross. Even believers follow their feelings and seek to fill their appetite for worldly things. Maybe it's time for worldly things to be taken away from us. Then perhaps we would come back to You.

The sorrows of those who go after other gods only multiply. I see Christians suffer and cause division and unrest because they worship -- perhaps not intentionally -- other gods (their own self-importance, vanity, self-superiority, worldliness).

You, Lord, are my portion and my cup of blessing -- not the things You provide, but YOU. (5) And I know that You, not others, hold my future. No matter what happens, Father, let me be glad and my spirit rejoice in You (9). Help me, dear Spirit, to keep the Lord in mind always. (8)

Yes, Father, Your Word clearly shows why the world is in upheaval; why people are driven to substance abuse and suicide; and why even Christians cannot get along and rejoice in Your presence: The sorrows of those who take another god only multiply.

Today, Lord, be preeminent…be first. I am second. \O/

Journaling for 01-15-13 … Abiding

5:29 AM Psalm 15

It occurs to me, Lord, that a person doesn't have to be completely upright in heart, honest, and acknowledge the truth in his heart in order to abide with You. Sure, the one that abides where You are and remains in the place of worship, does not slander or harm his friend; and he honors the ones that fear the Lord; and he doesn't take advantage of the innocent or weak. But, these are not actions that bring us into Your presence, they are the result of being in Your presence.

There's no way that I, or anyone else, could be righteous enough to come into Your presence on our own merit. However, once we abide with You, Your the righteous characteristics become who we are. These things You've listed in this Psalm are not the ticket into Your presence but the result of being there.

Thank You, Father, that I do not have to depend upon my merit to enter Your presence. It is by the blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ, that I have any standing at all. The invitation, Lord, to trust You and come in Jesus' Name come from You…and I accept the invitation. Abide with me and may Your Spirit teach me, mold me, and transform me a little today. You will have Your work cut out for You for I am unholy, lost, and worldly in my natural state.

Thank You for the cross, Lord. Thank You for the price You paid. Be first. I am second.

Journaling for 01-14-12…God with Me

5:44 Psalm 14:5

"God is with those who are righteous." (v5) Of course, Lord, the only righteousness a believer has is the righteousness given to us. Jesus, Your Son, is our righteousness. You consider us righteous, not because of our life choices, actions, or way of living, but because of Christ.

Because of my belief in Jesus and embrace the gospel -- the fact that He died for me and paid for my sins -- You have somehow determined me righteous. You treated Christ the way I should be treated…He was abandoned, tortured, and went through death for me.

Anyway, thank You, Father for declaring me righteous and then being with me because of it.

Lord, I praise You this morning for Your grace and mercy -- I need so much of it. Your kindness and love are contrary to a world that is bent on hate, anger, suppression, and meanness. Be glorified somehow in my life today. I am second.

Journaling for 11.20.12… Thoughts on Loyalty

7:03 AM

Psalm 119:58…I have seen the disloyal and feel disgust because they do not keep your Word.

Loyalty. That is a character quality I admire and it goes to the top of my list. I have always been a "company man". Like Sackett always said in Lamore's western classics: "I ride for the brand."

I admire those who are loyal to their church, for example, and keep the commitment they made when they first joined it. Through thick and thin they pray for, minister to, and protect the back of every member and pastor.

Disloyals cut and run when things aren't perfect; when they aren't appreciated the way they feel they deserve; when they aren't included in "the loop" for every decision. Disloyals withhold their pledge to support the church with tithes and offerings; with prayers and compassion; with heartfelt support.

Yes, I have seen the disloyal and feel disgust…especially when they greet me in public as if we're old friends and buddies -- as if nothing ever happened; as if the knife is not still in my back. They never gossiped about the church; they never criticized the pastor and called for his dismissal (as if they could dismiss the calling of God); they never bad-mouthed the church or the pastor to others in the community; they never suggested a new church start -- dividing the Bride of Christ -- where they and other disloyals could go do it their way.

Grace, compassion and forgiveness can mend the rift disloyals have created, but it requires confession, sorrow, and repentance. Confession, sorrow and repentance on one side…grace, compassion, and forgiveness on the other. Just like our relationship to God when we violate His trust and are disloyal to Him. Confession, sorrow and repentance on our part. Grace, compassion and forgiveness on His part. Unity is possible -- like anything else -- through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Journaling for 11.13.12 … God’s Word is sweet to my taste

5:40 AM Psalm 119

I love Your teaching, Lord (97), as I meditate on it throughout the day. The Word reveals more and more about You, but produces both joy and sorrow in me. Joy because of Your truth and salvation; sorrow because of my failures and sins. I must depend completely upon Your mercy and grace for salvation…I have nothing of value to bring to the table.

How sweet is Your Word to my taste (103). So many find it bitter, Lord, but I find You and things about You in Your Word. Help me to understand it; help me to obey it.

Father, forgive my sins and cleanse me -- not just because I ask, but because of Your grace and the work of Jesus on the cross. How terrible and glorious the cross is. The terrible part was the darkness of my sin in effect that day. The glorious part is how Your grace and love overcame my darkness. Thank You, Lord, for so great a salvation!

Journal for 11.02.12 My Portion

5:19 AM

Psalm 119:57-64

Lord, You are my portion…You are enough for me. You have blessed me with "things", and friends, and family. But there are times when this is not enough. My soul needs You most of all. Forgive the times, and there have been many, when I have pursued other things more than You.

All around me You keep saying "here I am"…in nature, in the Word, in people, by Your Spirit speaking to my spirit. You are proactive in this relationship. You started it. All I can do is say thank You, Father.

"I don't know why Jesus loved me; I don't know why He cared; I don't know why He sacrificed His life; but I'm glad, so glad He did."

I am a friend (63) to all who fear You…at least I want to be. I know You want us to be one; to love one another. We don't do that very well. Just help me to do my part in the unity of the Body.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I want to thank You for all my blessings…my family, my salvation, my health, my ministry, and so much more. Thank You for Heaven, Lord. Thank You for helping me as a child to understand enough to embrace You as my Savior. Cleanse me and forgive me, Lord. Help me be second.

Journaling for 09.07.12…Delighting in the Lord

8:41 AM EST

Psalm 37

Near Atlanta this morning @ my Hyatt office. Hearing from You this morning, Lord. "Trust in the Lord…Take delight in Lord...Commit your way to the Lord…be silent before the Lord and wait."

Lord, today, help me find delight in You, in big and small things; I commit my way -- my road, my path in life, the direction of my life -- to You today and forever; help me be quiet enough in my spirit and mind to listen to You and wait for the best that comes from You.

Thank You for Your love and presence.

Journaling 09.05.12…Thoughtful of Him

5:45 AM

Psalm 65

Praise, Father, belongs to You and You alone. What have I accomplished that did not begin with You and was not empowered by You? You are the One who hears prayers -- it is not the air that I pray to. You hear me and respond in Your own holiness. You always do what is best. Even though iniquities overwhelm me -- sometimes the iniquities of others, but mostly my own. But You alone atone for the rebellion that is built into the hearts of men and women. Happy is the One that You allow to come close and live near You. (v1-4)

Because of the sacrifice of Jesus, who took my place in dying for sin, You have made it possible for me to be forgiven, cleansed, and looking forward to ultimate deliverance. There is no other one; no other way; no other truth. Forgive my sins and let me walk in Your presence today. You are the holy One, and You answer in Your righteousness (v5).

Thank You, Lord, for my family, each and every one; thank You for my ministry, my health, my church…my life! I have nothing that didn't come from Your gracious love. Be glorified today, somehow, in my life.

You said, "Behold I come quickly." I agree with John: "Even so, Lord Jesus, come." ~

Journaling for 09.04.12…The Lord is near

5:47 AM

Psalm 4, 34

The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit (34:18). Lord God, I have seen this many times -- experienced it myself: Your nearness in times of brokenness and sadness; in times of disappointment and despair. Have I deserved this? Of course not. You and I both know that You could have, and should have, vaporized me long ago. But You made me a living soul -- gave me value and eternal worth. Your love, Lord is beyond my ability to comprehend: unconditional, complete, never-ending, compassionate, and forgiving.

Many adversities come to one made righteous by Your grace. Believers are not immune to difficulties and conflicts. Yet, You deliver us…in Your time, in Your way. Lord, be merciful today. Forgive my bent to worldliness and selfishness.

I bring to Your throne, with Your permission, my family (for which I am so grateful); my health; my church; my ministry; and my life. I bring them all before You as a thanksgiving, but also a commitment. Continue to show grace on each of these. May You be glorified today. I expect You will be glorified as You so wonderfully deserve.

Whether the world ends, Jesus comes, or I die today You should be glorified. Deep inside, Lord, I believe Your Word, trust Your grace, and depend on the power of Your sacrifice to save me. ~

Journaling for 08.28.12 … God’s faithfulness

5:46 AM

Psalm 118

It is risky to put your trust in people. "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man -- than to trust in nobles." (v8,9) You, Lord Jesus, are my God and I will give You thanks (v26). No one else died for me. No one else offered me life and eternity. I will give You thanks for You are good (v27). Your faithful love has followed me and kept me…not because of who or what I am, but in spite of it.

I thank You for life's particulars…my family, my salvation, my health, my ministry. Fill my family, my children, with Your love and power today and give them a renewed sense of vision and calling. I need that, too, Lord. Be first. I'm trying to be second. ~

Journaling for 08.27.12…He is faithful

5:40 AM

Psalm 117

Lord, You are the faithful one…consistent, dependable, never any other way. Your love and compassion are everlasting. I, on the other hand, am not consistent and often change my mind or feelings. My love and compassion for the very same people You love and died for often wanes. Let me give You thanks this morning, Lord, for Your love and goodness. You should be glorified for ever. Thank You for my salvation, for one day I will be in Your magnificent presence and glorify You the way You deserve to be.

Today, like every day, please forgive my sins and sinfulness. Fill and bless my life, my family and my church. I thank You for each of these as well as my calling and my health and my life. Be first today. I am struggling to be second. ~

Journaling for 08.24.12 …Deep thoughts

5:40 AM

Psalm 114, 144

Lord, who am I that You care for me? That You even think of me? (v3) In the big scheme of things my life is like a passing shadow. Thousands of years ago people who thought they were rich, powerful, and significant -- served by others and making demands -- looked up at the same stars I look up to; lived under the same sun that rises for me day after day; and either praised You or didn't…just like me.

And yet, here I am talking to You; hearing from You; reading Your Word and conversing as if You really interact with me, a mere passing shadow.

Your greatness and power can never be understood by people like me, a mere mortal. It would flat out kill me to see You now and get a real glimpse of Your glory and wonder. The sounds and sights of heaven would crush my physical senses without a supernatural assist from You -- like You must have done for John and Paul and others when they were given glimpses. My mind would experience immediate overload and shut down from the overwhelming information and trillions of bytes of data it would try to process per second.

All of this, and yet, I am invited to make eternity my home some day… And all because You love me. You love me! Selah. I don't get it…but then I'm not God. I don't think like You, or reason like You, or love like You.

The only thing that can keep us at odds and apart is my sin. By nature I am the opposite of You. But You have that covered, too. So, I thank You for Jesus, Your Son, that paid a price You are willing to accept as payment for my sins. I believe the whole story -- hook, line, and sinker.

Now, awesome God, walk and talk with me today in my inferior, cursed surroundings. Continue to be who and what You are -- I will try to be more like You if You'll help.

Journaling for 08.23.12…Remembering

5:44 AM

Psalm 113, 143

143:5…I remember the days of old; I meditate on all you have done; I reflect on the work of your hands.

Sweet memories of tough times. It's amazing, Lord, how we look back on difficult times and remember things with fondness and a sense of nostalgia. I guess it's because there are good things to recall, but also, in looking back, it's possible to see Your hand in it all.

Forgive my unfaithfulness and answer my prayers in Your faithfulness v1. Protect me, like You always have, because I am Your servant v12, and masters protect their servants…even the imperfect ones.

Be glorified today somehow in my life, in my family, or in Your church. ~

Personal Journal for 08.21.12…Amazing Grace

5:31 AM

Psalm 111

The Lord is gracious and compassionate (v4). Of course, I don't understand the depth and width of Your grace and compassion -- because I have so little of it. Even though I'm a believer, my patience wears thin; my compassion runs out; and my love for others will never match Your love.

You are holy…in stark contrast to my desperate need for a Savior; my need for a Redeemer. Forgiveness is my greatest need, and that's where Your compassion and grace come in. Redemption comes from You (v9). Thank You for all You have done for me. I am grateful, Lord Jesus, for Your grace; amazed at Your compassion. Never mind yesterday…today, Lord, fill me with Your Spirit and help me live for You.

Lord Jesus, I am sorry that I am not awe-inspired by Your Name as I should be, could be, and will be (v9). I want to be more "other-worldly", and less fixed on this rotting environment. Cleanse me, Lord…not because I deserve it (because I do not)…but because of Your amazing grace and deep compassion that "saved a wretch like me."

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like; I once was lost, but now I'm found; I was blind but now I see. Lord, today, help my life reflect Your amazing grace somehow. ~

Journaling for July 03, 2012… God’s Word is Right

 

Psalm 33

One thing I know, Father, is that Your Word is right (4). Period. Just because our culture loosens its moral standards and makes homosexuality, abortion, adultery, fornication, lying and deceit an acceptable, even preferred mode of operation, Your Word is right!

The earth, Lord, is full of Your unfailing love (5), too. We see so much violence, anger, rebellion, heartache, injustice, and suffering in the world, but if we, Your people, would only look and see. Everywhere sin abounds, at that point, grace abounds even more! Help us, Your people, not to get too cynical; or get a sense of failure and defeat. Even if You let the world reap the results of its own ways, help us who believe to look forward to "that day" when You make all things new.

I'm just sorry that I am often part of the problem in the world. Even though I am not of the world, I am still in the world, and I have the same worldly impulses as anyone else. It's that unfailing love that I need; the constant mercy and forgiveness. Keep Your eye on me, Lord, and my family, and my church. We depend on Your faithful love (18). Help us to wait for You and what You plan to do (20). May Your faithful love rest on us, Lord, for we put our hope in You. (22)

Yes, Father, Your Word is right…every time.~