Give me not up, O God,
my heart is slow to believe,
my eyes have seen too much
of pain, of a jaded world
and I so quick to judge. Continue reading “Before I Change My Mind”
The God of all plans
You had it all planned, O Lord, the how, the why, the when, the who, the where. Down to the last detail. Your purpose would not be frustrated. Your beloved project would find success. Your word was fulfilled. Continue reading “The God of all plans”
The unwavering line
Purest mind and unmixed motives I seek,
The harder I charge and slash when feeling weak.
A battle lost is not the war surrendered,
Until the Lord returns, the fight’s unended. Continue reading “The unwavering line”
What pleasures for our enjoyment!
Father, what pleasures you give us for our enjoyment! We can only imagine what the joys of heaven must be like. If in this life so many good things surround us, the marvels of eternal life must be so far beyond them that our human minds cannot grasp. Continue reading “What pleasures for our enjoyment!”
In these do our knowledge of you consist
Lord, it sometimes seems a far thing from words on a page to an intimate, dynamic relationship with you. In our minds, we look for the physical touch, the visual cues. But, between humans, these often belie a lack of relationship behind them.
In the Bible, you speak from your heart to ours, marvelous truths of yourself and us to minds perfectly created as receptacles of these reverent thoughts. Continue reading “In these do our knowledge of you consist”
On earth, the harmony of heaven
Thank you, Lord, that our lives may be orderly in this chaotic world. You who brought order to the universe out of the emptiness and shapelessness of our earth bring and desire for us the peace and harmony that exists in heaven.
We praise you for making us creatures who need such orderliness, in order to function well in your realm.
Use us also to bring this same order, in which you reign, to those whose lives are upended by human passions and sins. For where you are, there peace is.
Into the harshest and most hostile environments
Lord, the world is offended by many things. In a politically correct world, many find multiple reasons to be offended. Slights are magnified. Any expression of differences of opinion becomes an unbearable insult. Criticisms are felt like a slap in the face, rather than an opportunity to learn. Continue reading “Into the harshest and most hostile environments”
You Richly Give Us All Good Things
You richly give us all good things
for our enjoyment, but instead,
we set our hope on them, becoming
haughty, thinking we produced them.
We are rich in this world’s goods,
but keep our hope on you, and teach us,
then we’ll do lasting good to others,
be rich in works of blessed deeds,
generous givers, sharing with others.
We’d save up treasure for ourselves,
a firm foundation for the future,
and so take hold of truest life.
As Captain of our lives, O God,
make it so, and turn our thoughts
to eternal rewards, not earthly riches.
Let time and strength and wealth be given
to high pursuits and holy ways.
Show us how uncertain is wealth,
How sure your word and will and work.
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Dare to prove the greatness of God
Do we know the power of our supernatural weapon? Do we dare to use it with the authority of a faith that commands as well as asks? May God baptize us with holy audacity and divine confidence. He is not wanting great men and women, but He is wanting men and women who will dare to prove the greatness of their God.
We understand, of course, the reference to baptism here figuratively. The author may have other, unbiblical ideas here. But his main point is spot on.
Source: Simpson Devotional
All tasks and responsibilities under your rule
God of heaven and earth, you’ve given us a new day. Your mercies are renewed again and come to us afresh. We rejoice in your presence with us. Keep us aware that each step is taken under your eye. Continue reading “All tasks and responsibilities under your rule”