"Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief." (Proverbs 14:13) Sometimes we mask our need for God with so many things- and we can even seem happy and joyous, but the ache for more in our hearts is always there. I see this sometimes especially as a fan of books and comics...it's fine to enjoy a hobby, but I never want to be so sucked into fantasy for escape that I forget the true life which is only in Christ. Lord Jesus, forgive me for ever trying to find satisfaction in anything but You. It's all such a futile effort. "I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind." (Ecclesiastes 1:14)
I feel so saddened and sorry for those who look to fill a void that can only be filled with The Divine and try to fit anything else in there. God has placed "eternity in our hearts" (Ecclesiastes 3:11). We were made for eternity. The perishable must put on the imperishable. (1 Corinthians 15:49-58) We're like Marty McFly trapped in 1955 and needing God to send a bolt of lightning to help get us back to our real life in 1985. "For as lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." (Matthew 24:27) That day will come in God's time. Until then and until the day we die (whichever comes first), we have the offer of real life from Jesus. He's come to give us life abundant. (John 10:10) He paid for all our sins in the supreme act of love.
Just as we cheer brave soldiers who die for their countries so that others might live, how much more should we cheer and praise God, Who has died for His creation so that we might live? I owed a debt I couldn't pay and He paid a debt He didn't owe. I owe Him a life debt infinitely more than Chewbacca owes Han Solo. Christ died not for the righteous, but wretched sinners like me and everyone else. And He rose again. (Romans 5:8) And because of my faith in Him, I know I will rise with Him too.
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." (Colossians 3:1-4) Holy Spirit, guide me to do just that. Better is one day in Your courts than thousands elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. (Psalms 84:10) May my tongue stick like peanut butter to the roof of my mouth if I don't make New Jerusalem and its Lord my highest joy! (Psalms 137:6) Father God, please make this true in my life and use me to show others the Way to the Highest Joy- You alone. Let us not chase after the wind, but after the One who moves like the wind. May we always remember our Creator and fear Him and keep His commandments- which can only be done through relationship with Jesus. (Ecclesiastes 12:1 and 11-14) As Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, neither are the eyes of man. (Proverbs 27:20) We never rest satisfied until we rest in You. (Proverbs 19:23)
Monday, June 4, 2018
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Recipe for Gravel Bread
The Bible doesn't say what kind of fruit it was that Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and brought sin into the world, but tradition says that it was an apple. (See Genesis 1-3). If that's true, I think it must have been a sour apple. It may have tasted good at first, but in the end it turned sour just as its taste turns stomachs.
Satan still packages sin the same way- it always looks good wrapped in pretty paper with a sweet smell, but in the end it rots in your stomach. "Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel." (Proverbs 20:17) In contrast, Scripture calls us to feast on Jesus and His death and Resurrection that has brought us salvation from sin instead. (See John 6:25-59). "Oh, taste and see that The Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" (Psalms 34:8) Chew on that for a while.
Satan still packages sin the same way- it always looks good wrapped in pretty paper with a sweet smell, but in the end it rots in your stomach. "Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel." (Proverbs 20:17) In contrast, Scripture calls us to feast on Jesus and His death and Resurrection that has brought us salvation from sin instead. (See John 6:25-59). "Oh, taste and see that The Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" (Psalms 34:8) Chew on that for a while.
Sunday, May 20, 2018
By Faith Trust and Obey
The point of doing God's will is not understanding. There are some things we will never understand until Heaven- and some we just may never understand period. And it doesn't matter. The point of doing God's will is obedience. Read through Hebrews 11, the chapter often called the "Hall of Faith", and you will see numerous people in The Bible who didn't totally understand (or at all) what God was telling them to do- but they were faithful to obey.
By faith, Noah built an ark to save his family and two of every kind of animal from the flood. By faith, Abraham led his family out to a place that God would tell him about. By faith, Jeremiah faithfully preached the destruction of Jerusalem throughout his years of ministry, knowing the people would never listen to him. (God specifically told him this.) By faith, Isaiah went around naked for 3 years as an object lesson. (check Isaiah 20). By faith, Hosea married a prostitute- and took her back after she cheated on him. By faith, Jesus' disciples and the apostles boldly preached the Gospel of Christ to people- and many of them were martyred for it.
There are numerous other examples that could be listed...None of these received the promise, since God had provided something better for us. They went through suffering just like we do as followers of Jesus. But they were looking forward to the coming glory of eternal life in Heaven with The Lord- and not just to this fleeting life. Jesus did the will of His Father and He certainly endured suffering just like we do. "Although He was a son, He learned obedience through what He suffered." (Hebrews 5:8) (see also Philippians 2).
"But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, 'Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.' But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." (Hebrews 10:32-39)
By faith, Noah built an ark to save his family and two of every kind of animal from the flood. By faith, Abraham led his family out to a place that God would tell him about. By faith, Jeremiah faithfully preached the destruction of Jerusalem throughout his years of ministry, knowing the people would never listen to him. (God specifically told him this.) By faith, Isaiah went around naked for 3 years as an object lesson. (check Isaiah 20). By faith, Hosea married a prostitute- and took her back after she cheated on him. By faith, Jesus' disciples and the apostles boldly preached the Gospel of Christ to people- and many of them were martyred for it.
There are numerous other examples that could be listed...None of these received the promise, since God had provided something better for us. They went through suffering just like we do as followers of Jesus. But they were looking forward to the coming glory of eternal life in Heaven with The Lord- and not just to this fleeting life. Jesus did the will of His Father and He certainly endured suffering just like we do. "Although He was a son, He learned obedience through what He suffered." (Hebrews 5:8) (see also Philippians 2).
"But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, 'Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.' But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." (Hebrews 10:32-39)
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Something for Nothing
As the saying goes, the world owes us nothing and this is true. And we owe the world nothing. Of course, God owes us nothing too, but God gives us everything through Christ Jesus. He had no obligation to save us at all. He would have been totally justified in destroying all of humanity and everything He had made in Genesis 3. But because of His great mercies, we are not consumed! (Lamentations 3:22-23) God is always faithful- we are the ones who have been unfaithful. We are the ones who went a-whoring after the false gods of self, hedony, idols, money, power, etc.- in spite of all this, God demonstrated His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) And He not only died for us, but He also rose again, in accordance with the Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
We owe God everything but we can never repay Him and we can never earn His love- and we never have to. God knew we can't so He did it for us. What we can and should do is thank Him ad infinitum forever and ever to infinity and beyond! (And those who put faith in Christ for salvation and follow Him will do just that in Heaven!) Jesus, be forever praised! We will all bow and declare You The Lord of all one day. (Philippians 2:10-11) Do it now willingly and lovingly before you are forced to do it kicking and screaming one day or in a desperate attempt at a bargain plea too late. God has loved us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3) but there is a time limit on God's free offer of love and forgiveness. (Hebrews 9:27-28) That's why today is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2)
It's the devil who seeks to destroy lives. Jesus said clearly that the thief comes only to kill, steal and destroy, but He came to give us life and life more abundant! (John 10:10) As Jesus told James and John in Luke 9:55 [read the little note in your Bible about the part that some ancient manuscripts include]- The Son of Man didn't come to destroy people's lives but to save them! Amen. Thank You, Lord, for Thy salvation! Though we are nothing without You and we can see nothing in ourselves that You should think of us, You choose to love us anyway. (Psalms 8 and John 15). Thank You for Your love. May Your eternal Love flow through me in all I say and do. Make me all the more thankful and grateful for Your sacrifice and give me opportunities and the boldness to proclaim Your love, judgment, grace and mercy to everyone.
We owe God everything but we can never repay Him and we can never earn His love- and we never have to. God knew we can't so He did it for us. What we can and should do is thank Him ad infinitum forever and ever to infinity and beyond! (And those who put faith in Christ for salvation and follow Him will do just that in Heaven!) Jesus, be forever praised! We will all bow and declare You The Lord of all one day. (Philippians 2:10-11) Do it now willingly and lovingly before you are forced to do it kicking and screaming one day or in a desperate attempt at a bargain plea too late. God has loved us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3) but there is a time limit on God's free offer of love and forgiveness. (Hebrews 9:27-28) That's why today is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2)
It's the devil who seeks to destroy lives. Jesus said clearly that the thief comes only to kill, steal and destroy, but He came to give us life and life more abundant! (John 10:10) As Jesus told James and John in Luke 9:55 [read the little note in your Bible about the part that some ancient manuscripts include]- The Son of Man didn't come to destroy people's lives but to save them! Amen. Thank You, Lord, for Thy salvation! Though we are nothing without You and we can see nothing in ourselves that You should think of us, You choose to love us anyway. (Psalms 8 and John 15). Thank You for Your love. May Your eternal Love flow through me in all I say and do. Make me all the more thankful and grateful for Your sacrifice and give me opportunities and the boldness to proclaim Your love, judgment, grace and mercy to everyone.
Friday, May 4, 2018
A Prayer for the National Day of Prayer
We have undertaken this voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia (and westward, ho!) for the honour of our King and Country- (and ultimately) for the Advancement of the Christian Faith and for the Glory of God. In the Presence of God and one another, we solemnly and mutually convenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick- for our better Ordering and Preservation and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid: And by Virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Officers, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due Submission and Obedience. (In other words, we pledge to do unto others as we would have others do unto us, as Jesus told us in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31. And since He is The One we look to order and preserve us and further those ends we mentioned earlier, we look to obey Him and love Him with all we've got and love our neighbors as ourselves, like He said in Matthew 22:34-40). Signed November 11, 1620 Anno Domini (in The Year of our Lord). IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN.
(Adapted from The Mayflower Compact; agreement between the settlers at New Plymouth)
Even our earliest historical documents from the founding of America have been, essentially, prayers to God and a resolution to, by His Grace and Strength (Philippians 4:13, Ephesians 2:8-10) follow and obey Him in the establishment of our country and government. William Bradford recorded this for us; I think he would join in that same prayer today.
Most Gracious and Just Lord Jesus, we beseech You today on this National Day of Prayer to forgive us of our sins, cleanse us anew, restore the joy of Thy salvation and renew a right spirit within us. May Your Love and Truth be evident to all by the presence of Thy Holy Spirit in our lives and thus, may we see You bring many sons to glory through Your working in and through us as You choose. Thank You that You still hold the whole world in Thy hands today and the leaders of the world will ultimately bow to Your will. Even as they plot and scheme, You The Lord Who sits in Heaven laugh- You alone know what is to come. Even as Nebuchadnezzar came to learn, may all our leaders know that You alone are God- no plan of Yours can be thwarted. I give You honor and praise, The Most High God who is glorified forever- Your dominion is eternal and Your Kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. You do as You please with the powers of Heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back Your hand or say to You, 'What have You done?' Everything You do is right- all Your ways are just.
I put my hand over my mouth for the times when I have spoken of things too great for me to understand- You are God in Heaven and I am just man on earth, whom You made a little lower than the angels- what am I that You think of me? Yet even when we despised and rejected Thy Son, You loved us anyway with an amazing ferocity that leaves us astounded and astonished. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us and rose again. You have proven Your love for us so wonderfully in the salvation You have provided. Thank You for Your justice that punishes evil and Your Love and Grace that forgives us of all our sins when we come in repentance. Sanctify us and set us apart, Lord- may Your Holy Consuming Fire be rekindled within us. Move in us and let us know Your love and presence.
I praise You for Your goodness and all Your promises that You surely keep. I believe; help Thou my unbelief. Help me to walk confidently in faith knowing that You never leave me or forsake me. Thank You for always being faithful even when I'm faithless. I know that there is no good in me on my own; my only Good is You. May I continue to become less as You become greater. Shape me to look more like You each day. I trust You. Lord Jesus, I know You will keep me from stumbling and present me perfect in Your glorious presence by Your virtue on that day. Even when I feel distraught and down on myself and worries and fears of past sins and my own foibles and failings come to haunt me, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me- Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. You are always with me. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the House of The Lord forever. I would rather be a doorkeeper in Your House, Lord, than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.
With the faith of a child, I believe You and Your Word and thank You for Your blood shed for me and Your broken body that took my punishment. By Thine stripes I am healed. I praise You that You are no longer dead but You are alive forevermore- and because You live, I will live also. Hallowed be Thy Name, Our Father in Heaven. Thy Kingdom come- Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.Give me this day my daily bread and forgive me of my trespasses as I forgive those who trespass against me.And lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. For Thine is The Kingdom and The Power and The Glory, forever and ever-In the precious Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
(Read The Mayflower Compact here- http://avalon.law.yale.edu/17th_century/mayflower.asp
And read The Bible here- http://www.Biblegateway.com)
(Adapted from The Mayflower Compact; agreement between the settlers at New Plymouth)
Even our earliest historical documents from the founding of America have been, essentially, prayers to God and a resolution to, by His Grace and Strength (Philippians 4:13, Ephesians 2:8-10) follow and obey Him in the establishment of our country and government. William Bradford recorded this for us; I think he would join in that same prayer today.
Most Gracious and Just Lord Jesus, we beseech You today on this National Day of Prayer to forgive us of our sins, cleanse us anew, restore the joy of Thy salvation and renew a right spirit within us. May Your Love and Truth be evident to all by the presence of Thy Holy Spirit in our lives and thus, may we see You bring many sons to glory through Your working in and through us as You choose. Thank You that You still hold the whole world in Thy hands today and the leaders of the world will ultimately bow to Your will. Even as they plot and scheme, You The Lord Who sits in Heaven laugh- You alone know what is to come. Even as Nebuchadnezzar came to learn, may all our leaders know that You alone are God- no plan of Yours can be thwarted. I give You honor and praise, The Most High God who is glorified forever- Your dominion is eternal and Your Kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. You do as You please with the powers of Heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back Your hand or say to You, 'What have You done?' Everything You do is right- all Your ways are just.
I put my hand over my mouth for the times when I have spoken of things too great for me to understand- You are God in Heaven and I am just man on earth, whom You made a little lower than the angels- what am I that You think of me? Yet even when we despised and rejected Thy Son, You loved us anyway with an amazing ferocity that leaves us astounded and astonished. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us and rose again. You have proven Your love for us so wonderfully in the salvation You have provided. Thank You for Your justice that punishes evil and Your Love and Grace that forgives us of all our sins when we come in repentance. Sanctify us and set us apart, Lord- may Your Holy Consuming Fire be rekindled within us. Move in us and let us know Your love and presence.
I praise You for Your goodness and all Your promises that You surely keep. I believe; help Thou my unbelief. Help me to walk confidently in faith knowing that You never leave me or forsake me. Thank You for always being faithful even when I'm faithless. I know that there is no good in me on my own; my only Good is You. May I continue to become less as You become greater. Shape me to look more like You each day. I trust You. Lord Jesus, I know You will keep me from stumbling and present me perfect in Your glorious presence by Your virtue on that day. Even when I feel distraught and down on myself and worries and fears of past sins and my own foibles and failings come to haunt me, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me- Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. You are always with me. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the House of The Lord forever. I would rather be a doorkeeper in Your House, Lord, than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.
With the faith of a child, I believe You and Your Word and thank You for Your blood shed for me and Your broken body that took my punishment. By Thine stripes I am healed. I praise You that You are no longer dead but You are alive forevermore- and because You live, I will live also. Hallowed be Thy Name, Our Father in Heaven. Thy Kingdom come- Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.Give me this day my daily bread and forgive me of my trespasses as I forgive those who trespass against me.And lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. For Thine is The Kingdom and The Power and The Glory, forever and ever-In the precious Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
(Read The Mayflower Compact here- http://avalon.law.yale.edu/17th_century/mayflower.asp
And read The Bible here- http://www.Biblegateway.com
)Monday, April 30, 2018
Love Comes Knocking (poem)
I wanted to get one more poem in under the wire for National Poetry Month in April and so here is this entry. The last minute nature of it seems appropriate since it talks about how love can seem the same way at times. It never seems to come at an opportune time but the opportunities for love are there all the time, if we take time to follow the Spirit's lead and engage them. This poem is inspired by a real life encounter with one such opportunity.
"Love Comes Knocking"
(poem copyright by Nathan Ludwick 3/23/2018)
(2 Corinthians 4:7, Revelation 3:20, Philippians 2, 1 Corinthians 13, Song of Songs 8:6-7, Luke 10:25-37, Matthew 25, Luke 15, John 13:34-35, Hebrews 13:2, 1 John 3:16-18)
Love comes knocking
Throughout each day
And at all hours of the night
Never pushing and demanding
Just wishing and hoping with a hand out
It's never on time but it's never too late
It takes you by surprise with its weight
You're hit with it at your lowest time
Right when you feel you can't take any more
It's always inconvenient for those who don't have time to take time
But it's a giver not a taker
And it gives you more than you could ever give
Nothing you lose compares to what you gain
Its every appointment is divinely ordained
It's the only thing you get more of when you give it all away
Love crosses the street to reach out and pull up
Love pours itself all out- not just half way
Love is the greatest and it always abides
Love is what makes life truly life
It pulls its wool over our hides
It clothes us with its brand so others can believe their eyes
Love knows no stranger- only long lost friends
Love invites all to come on in
Love declares all of infinite value
Love gives in sacrifice to show by action that it is real and alive
Love never gives out and never gives up
And Love is as strong as death
And rises to forgive in extravagance
Love is the answer and the antidote to all the world's evils
Love flows deep and wide like a river at the base of a tree
Love changes your whole world and it's what the world needs now
Love is true and right and the only Good in this world
And when you open your heart
Love comes in quietly, softly and tenderly
Love never fails- He is forever!
Let Love give and give Love- for free
Love won't force the locked in
- Love comes knocking
.................................
"Love Comes Knocking"
(poem copyright by Nathan Ludwick 3/23/2018)
(2 Corinthians 4:7, Revelation 3:20, Philippians 2, 1 Corinthians 13, Song of Songs 8:6-7, Luke 10:25-37, Matthew 25, Luke 15, John 13:34-35, Hebrews 13:2, 1 John 3:16-18)
Love comes knocking
Throughout each day
And at all hours of the night
Never pushing and demanding
Just wishing and hoping with a hand out
It's never on time but it's never too late
It takes you by surprise with its weight
You're hit with it at your lowest time
Right when you feel you can't take any more
It's always inconvenient for those who don't have time to take time
But it's a giver not a taker
And it gives you more than you could ever give
Nothing you lose compares to what you gain
Its every appointment is divinely ordained
It's the only thing you get more of when you give it all away
Love crosses the street to reach out and pull up
Love pours itself all out- not just half way
Love is the greatest and it always abides
Love is what makes life truly life
It pulls its wool over our hides
It clothes us with its brand so others can believe their eyes
Love knows no stranger- only long lost friends
Love invites all to come on in
Love declares all of infinite value
Love gives in sacrifice to show by action that it is real and alive
Love never gives out and never gives up
And Love is as strong as death
And rises to forgive in extravagance
Love is the answer and the antidote to all the world's evils
Love flows deep and wide like a river at the base of a tree
Love changes your whole world and it's what the world needs now
Love is true and right and the only Good in this world
And when you open your heart
Love comes in quietly, softly and tenderly
Love never fails- He is forever!
Let Love give and give Love- for free
Love won't force the locked in
- Love comes knocking
.................................
Saturday, April 21, 2018
A Prayer of a Ragamuffin
"We seem to have concluded that God chooses to only use spiritual giants, the highly gifted, multi-talented, faith-filled people of this world, and not spiritual pygmies like me and perhaps you. But frankly, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, God has a well documented history of working through the broken vessels of this world, the 'scalawags and ragamuffins'. For just one example, even after committing adultery, which led to murder, David was called by no less than God 'a man after His own heart.' "- From "The Art of Helping Others" by Douglas C. Mann
I'm so glad that God loves to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. This way, it's easier to not get confused and think that the extraordinariness was anything from the person; rather, it's all from Jesus. I know I am just a ragamuffin in desperate constant need of "the reckless raging fury that they call the love of God" (as Rich Mullins put it). And I know that Jesus makes beautiful things out of the dust of me. As I have heeded Your call to "come and know Me better, man" (like James 4:8 might read in the Dickens translation 
), thank You for knowing and loving me, even though You know all about me and how much of a stingy, rotten, foul, greedy (and badly dressed Scrooge I am on my own. Thank You that just as Scrooge was changed by his supernatural encounter with ghosts, You have changed and are changing me by my supernatural encounter with The Holy Ghost. Thank You for salvation. Savior please, keep saving me. I have been saved, I am being saved and I will be saved- not by anything that I am or anything I've done- only by Your grace and favor. Help me to trust You more and stand firm in faith, not shaken by insecurities, worries and doubts from my many failings. Cleanse me from sin, wash me clean and keep me walking as before when I first made my good profession of faith in You- it's You who enabled that and led me to that and You who have maintained and continue to maintain everything- thank You for choosing to use ragamuffins like me. Hold me, Jesus and use me to encourage others to You too. Move in me because I'm nothing without You- there's no way I can make it without You or do anything without You. And whether I ever feel anything or not- whether I ever see a burning bush not consumed or a wheel turning within a wheel- like You said in John 20:29- blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. I trust You whether I see or feel any further confirmation or not- I trust You are there and working- Help me to be found faithful. Thank You for loving and using vain and weak things like me to confound the wise of the world. (1 Corinthians 1). Help me to walk confidently in the dark with Your light as my candle on a stand, glowing for me and all others so we can all glorify our Father in Heaven.
John 15:5- Amen. I am nothing without You, Jesus. Galatians 2:20- I am crucified with You, Christ- I no longer live but You live in me. Colossians 3:1-4 - Help me to keep my mind on Heavenly things and not just earthly things, Lord. I have died and You are my life now. Live in me as You please. I need You to live and move in me because I have flunked this thing called Life so many times- it's the same result any time I do anything on my own strength. It's all on You, Lord- and I know You got this. And I know You've got me because You are faithful and I have trusted and still trust You to be there for me and hold me now. Thank You, Savior and Friend. Help me to show my thanks by my life.
Galatians 5:1-12- It is for freedom Christ has set you free- stand firm and don't be burdened again by slavery. - also John 8:32-36 - If The Son has set you free, you're free indeed. Ephesians 6:1-20- walk confidently with the full armor of God on fast- belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet prepared with the readiness that comes from The Gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, Sword of The Spirit (i.e. Word of God) and pray and supplication at all times. Be bold and make known the mystery of The Gospel. (It's crazy but God loves us like crazy and did something crazy to prove it- Romans 5:8- Jesus' death and Resurrection forever declare the eternal love of God for all people.) Philippians 1:27-30 -whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of The Gospel of Christ. Don't be afraid- keep standing firm and contending for the faith of The Gospel. It's a sign to the opposition that they'll be destroyed but that we will be saved- and that by God!!! It's ALL by God- yet He still works in us too. It's been granted to us by Christ to not only believe on Him but to suffer for Him too. (Philippians 2:1-13) Be like Jesus in your attitude- humble and like a servant. Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God The Father and every knee will bow to Him. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling- but remember that it's God who's working in us to will and act according to His good purpose. Philippians 3:1- Finally, my brothers, rejoice in The Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. (Boy, do I need that safeguard over and over and over again.) Colossians 1:17- He (Jesus) is before all things and in Him all things hold together. (He created it all and holds it all together!!!) Thank You, Lord Jesus Christ. Keep reminding me of Your truth and Your love over and over and over again- it's always new and incredible and refreshing- let it flow out of me to be a fragrant aroma to others that draws them to You.
I'm so glad that God loves to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. This way, it's easier to not get confused and think that the extraordinariness was anything from the person; rather, it's all from Jesus. I know I am just a ragamuffin in desperate constant need of "the reckless raging fury that they call the love of God" (as Rich Mullins put it). And I know that Jesus makes beautiful things out of the dust of me. As I have heeded Your call to "come and know Me better, man" (like James 4:8 might read in the Dickens translation ), thank You for knowing and loving me, even though You know all about me and how much of a stingy, rotten, foul, greedy (and badly dressed Scrooge I am on my own. Thank You that just as Scrooge was changed by his supernatural encounter with ghosts, You have changed and are changing me by my supernatural encounter with The Holy Ghost. Thank You for salvation. Savior please, keep saving me. I have been saved, I am being saved and I will be saved- not by anything that I am or anything I've done- only by Your grace and favor. Help me to trust You more and stand firm in faith, not shaken by insecurities, worries and doubts from my many failings. Cleanse me from sin, wash me clean and keep me walking as before when I first made my good profession of faith in You- it's You who enabled that and led me to that and You who have maintained and continue to maintain everything- thank You for choosing to use ragamuffins like me. Hold me, Jesus and use me to encourage others to You too. Move in me because I'm nothing without You- there's no way I can make it without You or do anything without You. And whether I ever feel anything or not- whether I ever see a burning bush not consumed or a wheel turning within a wheel- like You said in John 20:29- blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. I trust You whether I see or feel any further confirmation or not- I trust You are there and working- Help me to be found faithful. Thank You for loving and using vain and weak things like me to confound the wise of the world. (1 Corinthians 1). Help me to walk confidently in the dark with Your light as my candle on a stand, glowing for me and all others so we can all glorify our Father in Heaven.John 15:5- Amen. I am nothing without You, Jesus. Galatians 2:20- I am crucified with You, Christ- I no longer live but You live in me. Colossians 3:1-4 - Help me to keep my mind on Heavenly things and not just earthly things, Lord. I have died and You are my life now. Live in me as You please. I need You to live and move in me because I have flunked this thing called Life so many times- it's the same result any time I do anything on my own strength. It's all on You, Lord- and I know You got this. And I know You've got me because You are faithful and I have trusted and still trust You to be there for me and hold me now. Thank You, Savior and Friend. Help me to show my thanks by my life.
Galatians 5:1-12- It is for freedom Christ has set you free- stand firm and don't be burdened again by slavery. - also John 8:32-36 - If The Son has set you free, you're free indeed. Ephesians 6:1-20- walk confidently with the full armor of God on fast- belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet prepared with the readiness that comes from The Gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, Sword of The Spirit (i.e. Word of God) and pray and supplication at all times. Be bold and make known the mystery of The Gospel. (It's crazy but God loves us like crazy and did something crazy to prove it- Romans 5:8- Jesus' death and Resurrection forever declare the eternal love of God for all people.) Philippians 1:27-30 -whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of The Gospel of Christ. Don't be afraid- keep standing firm and contending for the faith of The Gospel. It's a sign to the opposition that they'll be destroyed but that we will be saved- and that by God!!! It's ALL by God- yet He still works in us too. It's been granted to us by Christ to not only believe on Him but to suffer for Him too. (Philippians 2:1-13) Be like Jesus in your attitude- humble and like a servant. Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God The Father and every knee will bow to Him. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling- but remember that it's God who's working in us to will and act according to His good purpose. Philippians 3:1- Finally, my brothers, rejoice in The Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. (Boy, do I need that safeguard over and over and over again.) Colossians 1:17- He (Jesus) is before all things and in Him all things hold together. (He created it all and holds it all together!!!) Thank You, Lord Jesus Christ. Keep reminding me of Your truth and Your love over and over and over again- it's always new and incredible and refreshing- let it flow out of me to be a fragrant aroma to others that draws them to You.
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