Walk the Talk
I’m so glad, Father, for the stillness of this early morning hour. The only sounds I hear are an occasional vehicle zooming by and a lonely jet high above the house. These are the external things I hear but most importantly is that I hear Your voice within. It calls out for me to join You. I sense Your pleasure that I am here. Bless me my Father. May I clearly hear what you have for this day. Amen.
1 Peter 2:12 (<<click here)
Lord, we often hear the phrase “walk the tall.” Nothing communicates more loudly the condition of our relationship with You than the way we live out our lives in the world. I can think and write down all kinds of things in our times together – challenging things that require action! – but if I don’t “walk my talk” what good is it?
The thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians is well read (especially at weddings) but the first couple of verse of this “love” chapter fits well with what Peter is saying here.
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.” vs 1,2
May my actions, Lord, speak more loudly and clearly than my words. May the life I lead before the world be a reflection of Whom I belong to and Whom I serve.
Dec 6th, Tue, 5:14 am
God’s Word Produces Fruit – Always!
Father, what a blessing to come together with Your family yesterday for worship. I am humbled to think that You use me to communicate Your word. It was a blessing to see the expressions on the faces of Your people as they were taking in the truth found in Your word. I love the verses in Isaiah 55 where You say,
“The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer
and bread for the hungry.
It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit,
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” vs.10-11
(emphasis mine)
Lord, to think that I can be used as a mouthpiece for Your word is almost beyond comprehension. But I guess You used Balaam’s donkey as well! lol (Numbers 22:21-39) Truly, Lord, all the praise, and the glory go to You and You alone. It is an honor to be used for Your purposes.
As this day begins, Lord, I would pray that the word sown in the hearts of believers across the world would even more firmly take root and grow and bear much fruit. I claim the truth of Your word that “It will accomplish all You want it to, and it will prosper everywhere You send it.” Amen.
December 5th, Mon, 5:38 am
Serving Abroad
Good morning, Father. It is good to come together with You today. With all the upheaval in life recently, help me to get back into a regular routine once more. Thank You for Your palpable presence the last couple of weeks. I couldn’t have done it without You.
1 Peter 2:11 (<<click here)
Lord, as I read this verse, it is just full! It’s difficult to focus on one point when there are so many facets to take in.
One of the first things that pop into my head is the image of a sailor serving abroad. Though he is not “home” he is undeniably a representative of “home.” While abroad everything he says and does reflect on his “home.” I have read stories and seen portrayals of sailors on shore leave who have gotten themselves into all kinds of trouble thinking they could do and say whatever they wanted because they were away from “home” and no one knew them and no one from “home” would find out – they see themselves as incognito! To many the allure of the world pulls them in and illicit behavior and carousing begin. Before they know it their reflection of “home” is dirtied and their image is tainted.
As the old song goes, “This world is not my home; I’m just a passing through.” Lord, I am Your child and my home is with You. I’m not able to get home just yet but I am serving You abroad. Help me to avoid the things of this world that are so alluring. Keep my heart and mind pure. May my focus be on what would make those at home proud.
Dec 3rd, Sat, 4:46 am
Grateful
Father, it has surely been a crazy week! And I am so grateful that we have not had to go it alone. Thank you for your generous gift of love and care.
Thank you for men and women who have dedicated their lives to helping others and thank you for the gifts you have given them so they can do it to the best of their abilities. Your mighty works shine forth every day through the lives of doctors and nurses. Bless them, Father; give them the strength they need for each new day. Expand their patience (if they could even have any more!) for their patients, for the administrations for which they labor and for each other as they work hand in hand to touch the lives of so many.
Thank you for family and friends, who when asked, say a prayer for situations that come before them daily. Thank you for those who take the opportunity to physically reach and touch when they have the chance. Thank you for those who do not forget but remember us and our loved ones, not just once, but throughout the day and over many days if necessary, lifting us up to the only One who really has any control of any of it all.
Thank you, Father, for your presence and your love and mercy. We would be lost and forlorn without you. Thank you for making us. Thank you for seeking us out even we have run away. Thank you for never giving up on us. Amen.
Dec. 2nd, Fri, 5:30 am
Praise God!
Thank you all so much for all of your prayers! Karen’s dad’s hip replacement went very well – the surgeon was very pleased! He lost very little blood during the procedure and had no adverse reaction to the anesthesia.We are truly blessed!