My dear Father, thank You for loving me the way You do – such patience, such compassion. I cherish our relationship. Enable me to protect it and avoid pitfalls that would allow things to come between us. Everything else falls into place when I put You front and center in my life. Amen.
Matthew 4:23-25 (<<click here to read the passage)
When I was very young, there were still full-service gas stations. Individuals would come out and fill up your gas tank for you. Many also checked your oil, cleaned your windows, and checked the air in your tires. As oil prices continued to rise in the 1970s, these services quietly faded away. (Though there is a station not too far from home that, until just the last few years, would still fill your tank for you!)
Lord, when Your ministry began, You hit the ground running, as we say. You didn’t ease into it. These verses in Matthew state that right off the bat, You “went throughout all Galilee, teaching…and preaching…and healing.” Everyone and everything was taken care of. Your service was from the heart, and no one was excluded – Your own people, the Jews, and Gentiles alike. You touched the body, mind, and soul. You took every opportunity to serve.
Lord…do I do that? …not as much as I should. You gave of Yourself freely. I do sometimes…but I tend to hold back. I let personal feelings and prejudices factor in way too often. I am fearful to lay it all out – afraid of what people’s reactions might be if I clearly share my faith – fearful that my seemingly small reserves will be gone in seconds with nothing left for me.
Lord, I know that I am farther along than I used to be, but please help me see more through Your eyes so that I do not miss those who need You and Your touch in their lives. May I love as You love, teach like You, preach like You, and even heal like You.
Lord, full-service gas stations may be a thing of the past but a full-service God and Savior are most assuredly not –touch the world through me. Amen.
(Oct 8th, Sun, 2017, 6:33 am)
May 17th, 2024, Fri, 7:23 pm
