Father, as I come before You this evening, quite honestly, I am exhausted. Since I left the house this morning at 5:30 I don’t think I have been home an hour total and I stepped back into the house a little after 8:00 tonight.

I’m not complaining, I’m just stating facts. There’s not a single thing that I did today that I would have chosen not to do. Every single thing was important.

Getting one of my mini migraines toward the end of my meeting a couple of hours ago didn’t help. (I do appreciate the Tylenol given me though…)

So, Father, I know you will understand if we make this a short time this evening. I will do a Throwback Thursday kind of thing and head to bed sooner rather than later. I will say, Father, that I am so glad that You were with me in every part of this very long day. And not just the big parts but every little part as well. You make the difference, and I could not do what I do without You – a humble and heartfelt thank You…

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(This is from March 7, 2017.)

As I sat down with you this morning, Father, my first thought was a “give me” thought. Granted I was asking for Your direction and guidance in our time together but the “give me” was the very first thought that formed in my mind. You deserve my love and respect. You are to be revered – not just flippantly demanded of. You are holy and pure, Father. I honor You for all you have done for me and the list of Your generous acts is incalculable. I lift Your name in praise for all of Your mighty acts in my life and in all of the world…every day, every moment.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Psalm 29:2 NIV

Lord, I saw the above verse when a song came to mind – a song that brings praise to You. The song was Glory to His Name.

Down at the cross where my Savior died,
Down where for cleansing from sin I cried,
There to my heart was the blood applied;
Glory to His name!

Refrain
Glory to His name, glory to His name:
There to my heart was the blood applied;
Glory to His name!

I am so wondrously saved from sin,
Jesus so sweetly abides within;
There at the cross where He took me in;
Glory to His name!

Oh, precious fountain that saves from sin,
I am so glad I have entered in;
There Jesus saves me and keeps me clean;
Glory to His name!

Come to this fountain so rich and sweet,
Cast thy poor soul at the Savior’s feet;
Plunge in today, and be made complete;
Glory to His name!

Words: Elisha A. Hoffman, 1878
Music: John H. Stockton, 1878

I cannot even begin to recall the number of times these lyrics have been upon my lips! The only time the word “I” is used is in praise of the wonderful gift of salvation that came by Your sacrifice for me – for all of us! The author of Hebrews, in speaking of the Law of God, states in verse 22 of chapter 9, “…without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” NLT

The Amplified Bible paints the whole picture, saying plainly what is implied.

“…without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness [neither release from sin and its guilt, nor cancellation of the merited punishment].”

Lord, without your sacrifice, where would I be? Who would I be? Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for Your wonderful gift of salvation! Sin no longer has control over my life! I battle it. It continues to call my name. But You, Lord, You give me power over it in my life! I am no longer a slave to sin but a servant to my Savior! Glory to Your name for releasing me from sin and its guilt – for taking upon Yourself the punishment I deserved so that I could be set free! All praise and glory truly belong to You! No “give me” is rightfully there, just humble acceptance.

Sept 14th, 2023, Thurs, 8:12