J. Randal Matheny – Page 35

2017-10-17

The day when we live

Heavenly Father, let this be a day of peace, when fullness and joy and blessing populate the hours.

Let this be a day of security, when we rest in you and find safety in your shadow.

Let this be a day of sowing, when the seed of the gospel is scattered far and wide and the power of salvation comes to needy souls.

Let this be a day of reaping, with shouts of joy at seeing friends and family and perfect strangers come into your family.

Let this be a day of faithfulness, as we decide in every situation to do your will and please you in all things.

Let this be a day of hope, with sights set on heaven and the prayer of Jesus’ return on our lips.

Let this be the day when love is shown and shared and received, when people are treated as equals, and our time is dedicated to others, and our obedience brings to us your special presence.

O Lord, let today be the day when we live for these things and not for the world and its passions and ephemeral pleasures; let today be yours and a closer step toward our life in heaven with you.

2017-10-16

Future Unknown

Future unknown, present uncertain,
Past obscured by faulty memories—
Events mow down our hopes and dreams—
O Sovereign God, come bear our burden!

2017-10-15

Interactions of creatures and bodies in the universe

You, O God, are sovereign and in complete control of all that exists. Before we ever reached consciousness, you were guiding humanity toward its goal. Before we had the first thought, cried our first tears, laughed the first time, you had seen the full extent of our lifetime. And still you permit us to choose and determine the direction of our lives.

To think of the billions of people who have lived up to this moment is mind-boggling. And to consider all the minute beings and microscopic life forms and the interactions of creatures and bodies in the universe, astounds the imagination.

Not even a fallen sparrow escapes your notice. We are grateful that you watch over us. Your care and kindness lead us to consider our lives and to desire holiness, that we might live now with you, and forever.

Father, help us to make our repentance genuine; our decisions, guided by your wisdom; our faith, based upon the reality of your Being; our transformation, deep and permanent in the image of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2017-10-12

Garb of Glory

Surround me with your rousing love,
Awaken me from this worldly slumber;
Draw me not to dreams of greatness,
Save from Satan’s lies and sin;
Give me, Lord, your garb of glory,
A double portion, to deaden desire
For the pride of life—impress in me,
Upon my soul, the powers invisible—
Surrender your servant to mercy’s song.

2017-10-10

Trapped

By pride and high desires we’re trapped,
By passion for self our life is sapped;
May we from useless struggles cease,
From vanity’s fire may God release!

2017-09-22

Need your help

Lord God, so many people in so many situations need your help.

Those who often travel, for safety.
Those who work in dangerous jobs or circumstances, for security.
Those who suffer from disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes, for basic needs of shelter, food, and water.
Those who must fend off oppressive thoughts and dark moods, for peace.
Those who serve the public, for patience.
Those who are employed in government or are elected to their position or have assumed power in some way, for justice.
Those who often deal with the poor, the oppressed, or the excluded from society, for compassion.
Those who are lonely, forgotten, or needy, for companionship.
Those who struggle with addictions or are trapped in abusive relationships, for freedom.
Those whose worth is tied to possessions and those who love money, for wholeness.
Those who have no hope or who rest upon false expectations, for faith.
Those who seek pleasure in this world or have seen its true end, for joy.
Those who serve you in the gospel, for perseverance.

You are the God who can supply every need and offer every help. Rise up, O Lord, and let us all rejoice in your active goodness.

2017-09-20

The World and Worries Away

Help put the world and worries away!
We live in faith, O Lord, and love
For things above—remove from us
The cares of tomorrow and carnal worship—
Part light from darkness, life from death—
Make us holy, like your Spirit—
Breathe upon us, break us free!

2017-09-19

We look for Jesus to return today

Heavenly Father, we look for Jesus to return today, not because today is THE day, but because he could come at any time. We prepare ourselves for him. We desire his coming. We pray you may send him soon. Our salvation will arrive with him.

While we wait, we work. We warn others that they must prepare, also. We offer the message to all who need to hear it. Make our proclamation effective and urgent. Make us feel its urgency and power.

We thank you for this hope. Our lives would have no meaning otherwise. The eternal service makes our work here worthwhile. The heavenly promise makes life here joyful. Where time and tears are no more, where the sea and suffering are banished, there is our desire focused when here our work is finished.

You are to be praised for your eternal purpose in Christ, for your guiding and empowering Spirit, for your saving and faith-building word, for your confirming and edifying church.

2017-09-18

Work from curse to blessing

Lord, thank you for giving us work which provides for physical needs, gives us meaningful activity, and allows us to glorify you by our word and example.

Help us to see more than a job, but a place to shine our light.
Help us to give our best as we work not for man but for you.
Help us to see the person behind the coworker, the client, the supplier, the supervisor, the customer, and the staff.
Help us to show respect to all, to submit to authority, and to demonstrate professionalism and honesty in all our dealings.
Help us to be on time, to keep our word, and to be trustworthy.

Thank you, heavenly Father, for making the curse of the sweat of the brow into a channel of blessing of salvation in Christ.

2017-09-17

When the church meets

Lord of life and loving Savior, on this day when the church meets together according to the commandment of Jesus Christ,

Let me be useful to the eternal kingdom;
Show me someone who is in need of spiritual guidance;
Help me to be a friend to a lonely person;
Put me in the path of someone who is seeking the way to you;
Give me wisdom to speak words of comfort and hope;
Make my joy and peace to shine as evidence of your salvation;
Let my purpose today be to edify others and to glorify you.