Good morning. It’s Saturday, September 1, 2012. Welcome to September. Okay…I’ve had to backspace and retype at least six words already…I may give up now. No…it’s getting better. Going to get in a quick devotion this morning before going to setup. I have found that it’s just too difficult to get “into the spirit” to do my devotion in mid afternoon. There’s something about getting into prayer and meditation before the day starts.
But first…today is the beginning of “ADHD Month.” Where was I? Oh, yes…I was telling you that today is “National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day.” See how many words you can find that don’t rhyme with anything. Everybody already knows about purple and orange. (I still don’t think “door hinge” rhymes with “orange.”)
On this date in 1998, the gummint made airbags mandatory.
On this date in 1862, the North and the South fought the Battle of Chantilly. After which, they made some lace.
On this date in 1939, Germany invaded Poland.
On this date in 1985, the wreck of the Titanic was found.
On this date in 1964, Masanori Murakami became the first Japanese person to play in MLB.
Yesterday was another fairly stressful day at work. I don’t know what’s up with that, but fortunately, I have an extra day off this weekend, since Monday is Labor Day. I always thought it was strange that we don’t work on “Labor Day.” I’m not complaining, though. Christi has an appointment next Friday with an orthopedist. I don’t have time to tell you the adventure it took to get that. Stephanie and Michael went bowling last night. I tell you…it’s really nice to have Stephanie having a “boyfriend” who has a car and can take her places.
Father, I pray, this morning, that you will send your Holy Spirit to me through your Word, and reveal your Word to me, enlightening my mind.
This morning, I’m reading Psalm 93. This is a brief Psalm, again with no author credited. It speaks of the majesty of God as he reigns.
The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.
The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring.
Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the LORD on high is mighty!
Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits your house, O LORD, forevermore.
Yes! The Lord on high is mighty!
My Utmost For His Highest
since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16
What is the purpose of my life? “The destined end of man is not happiness, nor health, but holiness.” We have many affinities in our lives today, many of which are actually “noble” or “good.” But the Lord must “atrophy” them. What does that mean? “Atrophy” is wasting away. God must gradually do away with every affinity in my life until the only thing left is him making me holy. “At all costs a man must be rightly related to God.” This is a powerful statement. “At all costs…” We must let nothing keep us from being rightly related to God.
First of all, do I even believe that I need to be holy? And then, do I believe that God can come in and make me holy? The true preaching of the true gospel causes resentment in me, because it makes me realize just how unholy I am! But, along with that intense resentment, this preaching also awakens an “intense craving” within me. God is not concerned with my happiness. He is concerned with my holiness. I don’t think I ever noticed just how close those two words are. “God is not an eternal blessing-machine.” Haha. Yes. I like that one. But that’s how we treat him, so often, isn’t it? “God give me this…God give me that…bless this person, bless that person.” Mind you, there is nothing wrong with praying for blessings and even asking for stuff. But if that is the complete focus of our prayers, we are WAY off line! “The Atonement means that God can put me back into perfect union with Himself, without a shadow between, through the Death of Jesus Christ.” Yes…he said “perfect.”
I should never tolerate any practice “that is not in keeping with a holy God. Holiness means unsullied walking with the feet, unsullied talking with the tongue, unsullied thinking with the mind–every detail of the life under the scrutiny of God.” It’s not only what God has given me, but also what I do with what God has give me! I’ve just about got the “walking” part down…sadly, my talking and thinking have a long way to go.
Father, I thank you for your words this morning. I thank you that you have drawn me so much closer to you during these past months, during this last year. I pray for this unsullied walking. I thank you that you are directing my feet down a solid, firm path. I thank you that you, by the power of your Spirit, have directed me toward prayer and worship. I also pray for this unsullied talking. Direct my tongue, O Lord! I pray that I would not say anything that would not honor you. I pray that the Holy Spirit would have a firm grasp on my tongue at all times. Finally, I pray for this unsullied thinking. This, I believe, is the most difficult for me (not for you…nothing is too difficult for you!). Garrison my mind and my imagination, Lord. May I think nothing that does not honor you. May the Holy Spirit have a firm grip on my mind. Go into my mind, into all the little rooms in there…sweep them out and replace them with your words, Lord.
I pray for this day, Father. I pray that setup will go well this morning, that everyone would be safe and that it would go quickly. I pray for good fellowship as we work together. I also pray for a smooth transaction as we go to the Post Office afterwards to get our passport process started. Then give us a good day of rest for the remainder of the day.
“At all costs” we must be rightly related to God. “Unsullied walking…unsullied talking…unsullied thinking.”
Grace and peace, friends.
Spaces of Beauty, Grace, Prayer, and Mercy 
Good Morning
I pray that the Holy Spirit has a firm grasp on my tongue too!
Enjoy your holiday weekend
susie