He defies the laws of nature for us

PSALM 114 -- “When the Israelites escaped from Egypt… the Red Sea saw them coming and hurried out of their way! The water of Jordan River turned away… What’s wrong, Red Sea, that made you hurry out of their way? What happened, Jordan River, that you turned away?”  


Every time I read these verses, I can’t help but smile, deeply pondering how amazing you are, Father! You defy the laws of nature for the sake of your children, showing your love for them, manifesting your power on their behalf, and displaying your glory upon their lives.  


Thank you, Almighty God, for doing the same for me, even if I am not aware.


Photo by Flickr/Ani Carrington 

His favor lasts a lifetime!

PRAISES to you, my Father! How amazing is your love! Thank you for forgiving my sins. Thank you that you don't cherish anger towards me, and you aren't unwilling to show me your mercy and kindness. I am sorry, my conduct is displeasing to you. Yet I know that you don't nourish displeasure towards me. Thank you, Lord my Redeemer, for reviving and restoring me, that I may enjoy your presence.

   

"In that day you will say: 'I will praise you, O LORD. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.'" (Isaiah 12:1).


"For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back... I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you," says the LORD your Redeemer. " (Isaiah 54:7)


"For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime!" Psalm 30:5


Photo by Flickr/kalyan02

Living in the light

FORGIVE me, Lord, of my sinful ways. In your sight, I exalt myself against you every time I sin. In your eyes, I make a god out of myself, every time I do things unpleasing to you. My very self become an idol, every time I follow my own earthly desires and walk away from your truth, breaking the First Commandment (Exodus 20:1-4). Moment by moment, help me to hate every unholy thought, every evil thing, that exalt itself against you (2 Corinthians 10:5). Guide me, Lord, to righteous living (Matthew 6:33). I desire that I may not sin against you; please, let the light of your Word reign in my being (Psalm 119:11). Thank you, that I can rejoice in you, Lord, for you have made me righteous in your sight, not by my own good works, but by the blood of Lamb. I am forever grateful to you, Jesus, my Lord and Savior, because you tirelessly help me to grow in holiness for your glory (1 Corinthians 1:30).   

"For you, LORD, are the Most High in over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guides the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hands of the wicked. Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name." (Psalm 97:9-12)

Photo by Flickr/Ani Carrington

The God of my life

FATHER, thank you, for making me your child through Christ (John 1:12). Through him, you brought me back to yourself (1 Peter 3:18). I am glad you direct your infinite love to me. Your love moves me to turn away from the things unpleasing to you (Romans 2:4). Problems of life may disturb me, but because of your great love, I put my hope in you. Because you are my Father who loves me unconditionally, I come boldly to your throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16),  without fear of being judged or being condenmed (Romans 8:1), or being accused (Colossians 1:22), finding comfort in your presence (Psalms 91:1-4)... then I sing a song of thanksgiving, and pray to the God of my life.    

"By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me -- a prayer to the God of my life... Why my soul are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God..." (Psalm 42:8-11)

Photo by Flickr/Ani Carrington

Thinking of You

YOU help me focus on you, Lord. Lead me to focus on your Word, on your Truth, on doing what is right, and on the works you entrusted to me. Help me not to be distracted by many things. It is my desire that I only give my attention to you. Thank you, Lord, for your presence in my life.

"Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me..." (Psalm 86:11-13 NIV)    

Photo by Flickr/chantrybee

More rewards for the faithful

YOU reward faithfulness, Lord. As you give me success in the assignments you have entrusted to me, help me not to forget you. Give me the grace to do only the things that are pleasing in your sight. Thank you, Lord, for making me spiritually strong and helping me remember your word of rebuke to David through Nathan, "I gave you all Israel... And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes?" (2 Samuel 12:8-9)

Photo by Flickr/Ani Arrington

Faithful God

"I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving" (Psalm 69:30)

Lord, there's a song I love to sing before you today. It's entitled "What A Faithful God." As I worship you, I will sing this song to you everyday. May you delight in it, Father.

Original Song by Robert Critchley
from the album Beautiful Tapestry