Scripture
2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the LORD direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.
Observation
This is a prayer that the LORD through His Holy Spirit will lead and guide our hearts into learning to understand and express God's unconditional and abounding love as we walk with Him day by day. The steadfast, unwavering perseverance of Christ leading us as we love God and love people.
Application
God's love is multifaceted like a gem; redeeming, reassuring, overwhelming, overflowing, overcoming, and amazing. God is my strength and it is He who establishes and grounds me in His love so I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. When there is no love in my heart, or at least not enough love, then God will and can love through me when I trust in Him.
Prayer
Open my heart LORD. Do a work in every dark corner - bring the light of Your love so that this heart is yielded and submitted to You for direction, instruction, and correction. Cleanse my heart so that Your love will flow through me. May Your Holy Spirit have full access to this heart that I gave to You - that You purchased through the precious blood of Your Son Jesus Christ. May Your will and purposes be lived out in this life I have offered You. May I become all You have created me to be for Your glory.
Luke 11:36 If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight is shining on you.”
Scripture
Psalm 106:13 But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for His plan to unfold.
Observation
How soon the children of Israel forgot what great things God had done for them. Not waiting for His plan . . . but making their own plans - giving in to their cravings and desires. They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things, miracles, and awesome deeds for them. But they forgot. They were impatient. They did things 'their way'. They despised the pleasant land, did not believe His promises, grumbled, and disobeyed the LORD.
Application
Psalm 77:11-12 says, "I will remember! I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago. I will consider all Your works and meditate on all Your mighty deeds."
And so, I will remember what a wonderful and faithful GOD I serve and worship. He saved and rescued me. In February 1970, Louie and I were at the home of his Uncle Bruce and Aunt Dottie. They opened the Bible and read the verses out loud for us to hear the good news of salvation and forgiveness, grace and mercy - about God's power and love. That's a day to remember! He gave us new life and a new beginning, a future and a hope.
I will wait for Your plan to unfold, Your will, Your way be done in my life.
Prayer
Father God, You are Holy and Just! What god is as great as my God? There is none like You! You are the GOD of miracles! You do them every day! I give You thanks and praise! Help me never to forget but always remember You. May I patiently wait for Your glorious plans for me and not give in to my own cravings and wants. May I rest and trust in You always.
For Your glory! A-men.
