A Little Touch Goes A Long Way

Today is Friday (we made it!), April 27, 2018. Day 21,960.

One more day until our next Night of Worship!

It’s the birthday of Brennan Manning (1934-2013), who said, “I believe that the real difference in the American church is not between conservatives and liberals, fundamentalists and charismatics, nor between Republicans and Democrats. The real difference is between the aware and the unaware.” BrainyQuote

Bonus quote: It’s also Rogers Hornsby’s birthday (1896-1963), who said, “I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.” BrainyQuote

The word for today is treen, pronounced “tree-uhn.” It is an adjective which means, “made entirely of wood.”

C and I went to the Y last night and participated in a T’ai Chi class. It was interesting. I think I like it, but it’s going to take me a while to get all the motions down. It’s very fluid and “graceful,” but, at the same time, takes muscular coordination. It may not be anywhere near cardio, but it is certainly exercise, and some of the movements require balance. I believe I’ll try it again next Thursday.

The Red Sox beat the Blue Jays again, last night, 5-4, to win the series. That’s two consecutive wins for them, and improves their record to 19-5, still four games up on the Yankees in the AL East. The Sox are still the best team in MLB, two games ahead of the D-backs. They go back to Fenway tonight, to begin a weekend series with Tampa Bay.

The Rangers had the day off, and will begin a series in Toronto tonight.

The Cincinnati Reds are still the worst team, with a 5-20 record, but close behind them are the Royals (didn’t they just win a World Series a few years ago?) and the Orioles. The White Sox and the Marlins are also in the bottom five.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL AND PRAYERS
All Scriptures are from the ESV unless otherwise noted

Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!
Psalm 43:3

“But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. 
So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels. 
Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways! 
I would soon subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes. 
Those who hate the LORD would cringe toward him, and their fate would last forever. 
But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”
Psalm 81:11-16

Some of the saddest words in Scripture, “But my people did not listen to my voice.” God would feed us with the finest of food, if only we would listen to him. Our God is sufficient for our every need, if only we would believe.

I don’t know much about plants and gardens, other than I like to eat some of what they produce. I’ve been frequently skeptical about the idea that touching and talking to plants helps them grow better and stronger, but today’s Daily Guideposts writer, Sabra Ciancanelli, makes it a habit of giving a daily “soft touch” to her tomato seedlings.

This idea is quickly transferred to human relationships. Whether plants gain any benefit from touching and talking, I have no idea. But I know that people most certainly do. While I don’t like being around large groups of people for very long, I do love a good hug, both giving and receiving. The human touch is necessary to survive. I truly believe we cannot exist without it. Even more important, are words. I wrote about words yesterday. It is so very important that we encourage one another in this walk of faith. A kind word can turn a person’s day around. Couple that with a good hug, and a person’s life might be changed. I truly believe this.

So take a little time today to say a kind word, an encouraging word, to someone. If you know someone who is in isolation, reach out to that person. And if possible (and appropriate) give someone a hug today.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

Father, I am glad that you made me a person who likes to hug. Give us all a reminder that human contact, physical touch, and encouraging words, are all things that we need to survive in this world. Bring someone my way today who needs a hug and an encouraging word. Then give me the words to say, that I might fulfill that need.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Grace and peace, friends.

Only Words

Today is Thursday (why can’t it be Friday) April 26, 2018. Day 21,959.

Two more days until our next Night of Worship.

Carol Burnett turns 85 years old today. She said, “Funny is funny. I dare anyone to look at Tim Conway and Harvey Korman doing the dentist sketch, which is more than 40 years old, and not scream with laughter.” BrainyQuote

The word for today is frugivorous, an adjective which means, “fruit-eating.”

C and I made it to the Y again, last night. I spent the whole time on the weight machines, while she split the time between weights and cardio. We may go back tonight, as I want to try a tai chi class. Tai chi is a slow, “graceful” (haha!) form of exercise that has, by some, been referred to as “meditation in motion.” It is supposed to be a great way to reduce stress.

The Red Sox broke their losing streak last night, beating the Blue Jays 4-3 behind two Mookie Betts home runs. Good to see him hitting again. This puts them at 18-5 on the season, and four games ahead of both the Yankees and the Blue Jays in the AL East. They remain the best team in MLB, two games ahead of the D-Backs, 2.5 ahead of the Mets and Astros. The have one more game against the Blue Jays tonight.

The Rangers also won their game, last night, finally beating Oakland 4-2. This puts them at 9-17 on the season, still in last place, eight games behind the Astros. They have an off day today, and will be in Toronto, where the Red Sox leave off, on Friday night.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL AND PRAYERS
All Scriptures are from the ESV unless otherwise noted

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:2

To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. Of Asaph.
Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob! 
Raise a song; sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp. 
Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our feast day. 
For it is a statute for Israel, a rule of the God of Jacob. 
He made it a decree in Joseph when he went out over the land of Egypt. I hear a language I had not known: 
“I relieved your shoulder of the burden; your hands were freed from the basket. 
In distress you called, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah. 
Hear, O my people, while I admonish you! O Israel, if you would but listen to me! 
There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god. 
I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.
Psalm 81:1-10

When, in our distress, we call upon God, he is sure to answer and deliver.

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Proverbs 15:4

In today’s Daily Guideposts reading, Carol Knapp reminds us how powerful words are. We, all too often, allow careless words to come out of our mouths, words which can cause irreparable damage to people whom we claim to love. For years I watched C’s father spew words of condemnation and criticism at his wife and children. I’m not sure he ever realized the damage he was doing.

But have I done the same? I’m pretty sure that I haven’t toward C. I try to make it a point not to speak critically to her, and I most definitely never say anything critical or derogatory concerning her in public. But what about to my children? I fear that I have, in my frustration, said hurtful things to S many times. Who knows what kind of effects words can have on autistic people? It is, quite honestly, impossible to tell how they take things that are said. They certainly, for the most part do not understand sarcasm.

I’m also sure I have muttered words, at work, that can be hurtful. Who hasn’t, right? But that’s no excuse. Even when my words are not meant to be heard by anyone else, they might be heard.

Those of us who call ourselves by the name of Christ should be much more careful with our words. Jesus had a few things to say about words.

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
Matthew 12:36-37

That, right there, should strike fear into all of our hearts, shouldn’t it?

Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.
Matthew 15:17-19

So, we see here, we should be much more concerned about what comes out of our mouths than what goes into them.

“They’re only words.” Oh, but they are so much more . . .

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!
Psalm 141:3
From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him.
Proverbs 12:14
Therefore thus says the LORD: “If you return, I will restore you, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth. They shall turn to you, but you shall not turn to them.
Jeremiah 15:19

Father, keep me mindful of the words that come out of my mouth today. As I walk through this day, may I think carefully before speaking anything, and may I speak more uplifting and encouraging words than the opposite.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

“O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God,
who hast safely brought us into the beginning of this day:
Defend us in the same with thy mighty power;
and grant that this day we fall into no sin,
neither run into any kind of danger;
but that we, being ordered by thy governance,
may do always what is righteous in thy sight;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.” (The Book of Common Prayer)

Grace and peace, friends.

I Am Not A Measuring Rod

“Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.” – Maya Angelou
(BrainyQuote)

The word of the day, from Dictionary.com, is alliaceous, meaning, “having the odor or taste of garlic, onion, etc.”

Today is Apple Strudel Day. That actually sounds good, this morning. Wish I had some.

Yesterday afternoon, Colby Lewis flirted with perfection. He was perfect through seven innings, as the Texas Rangers battled the Oakland Athletics. The Oakland pitcher wasn’t too shabby, either, but his game fell apart in the seventh, when Ian Desmond launched a line-drive home run. Colby walked a guy on four straight pitches in the eighth, but still had his no-hitter going. He lost that on the first better in the ninth. The Rangers won the game, though, 5-1. They have now won an unprecedented eight consecutive series. Tonight, they face off in interleague play, against the Cardinals of St. Louis.

The Red Sox have been struggling, lately, and lost the series to the Orioles. However, they are only one game back in second place, as they won one of the three games.

It’s Friday! Seems like it’s been a long week. But it’s almost over, and it will be a busy weekend. We will travel to visit my mother tomorrow, and then hang out with R & J on Sunday, for Father’s Day.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

(From Praying With the Psalms)

Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob!
Raise a song; sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp.
Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our feast day.
For it is a statute for Israel, a rule of the God of Jacob.
He made it a decree in Joseph when he went out over the land of Egypt. I hear a language I had not known:
“I relieved your shoulder of the burden; your hands were freed from the basket.
In distress you called, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah.
Hear, O my people, while I admonish you! O Israel, if you would but listen to me!
There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god.
I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.
“But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me.
So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.
Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways!
I would soon subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes.
Those who hate the LORD would cringe toward him, and their fate would last forever.
But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”
Psalm 81

This psalm presents a “festival” attitude. God desires that we live in a festive attitude toward him. That’s why there were so many festivals/celebrations in the Old Testament. If we, in our common lives, don’t live up to that, it’s not the fault of God or his promises. It is because, as verse 11 says, “Israel would not submit to me,” or, in the version Peterson quotes, “Israel would have none of me.”

“I haven’t asked enough from you, O God – I see that now. Remembering what you have promised and what you have done, I will rejoice in festival celebration, taking what you so generously give and sharing what you so joyously provide. In Jesus Christ. Amen.”

(From My Utmost For His Highest)

The Uncritical Temper

Judge not, that you be not judged.
Matthew 7:1

Yesterday, I posted on Facebook a quote from Richard Foster’s Celebration Discipline. “When we genuinely believe that inner transformation is God’s work and not ours, we can put to rest our passion to set others straight.” This morning’s reading seems to go hand in hand with that quote.

Chambers says, “The average Christian is the most penetratingly critical individual.” Some folks are naturally critical, and in some realms, such as the business world, this can be an advantage. However, “in the spiritual domain nothing is accomplished by criticism.” It serves to divide the powers of the one who is being criticized. In fact, Chambers says that the Holy Spirit is truly the only one who is in a position to criticize. “He alone is able to show what is wrong without hurting and wounding.”

We cannot enter into proper communion with God when we are in a critical state. It makes us “hard and vindictive and cruel,” and it makes us think we are superior. I should know. I’ve been there. I tend to be a very critical person. We must, as disciples of Jesus, “cultivate the uncritical temper.” This is a difficult process, and is not something that is done only one time. This is also something that is helped by practicing the Spiritual Disciplines, the subject of the Richard Foster book quoted above.

Jesus has the penetrating vision. Remember what he says, if I see a mote in your eye, I most likely have a beam in mine. When I judge you, I condemn myself, according to Romans 2. “Stop being a measuring rod for other people.” There is always a part of that other man’s story that I do not know!

Father, it’s getting to a point where I am no longer amazed at how much the readings of Oswald Chambers go hand in hand with what I am reading in Dallas Willard and Richard Foster. I pray that these things will take hold in me, as I attempt to walk in your Kingdom and put the words of Jesus into practice. Today, help me to not judge people. I still have issues with that on a daily basis. I pray for your Spirit to calm me and remind me that I have plenty of beams in my eyes, and that there are things about that other person that I just don’t know. Always. Help me to show the love and compassion of Christ toward other people.

Come, Lord Jesus!

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Grace and peace, friends.

Faith vs. Works

Good morning. It is Friday, July 10, 2015. We made to Friday.

Today’s word of the day, from the Oxford English Dictionary, is nobbler. This is an old English word that has several meanings, beginning with “A person that hits; something used for hitting.” In historical usage, it was “A person who strikes or hits; spec. one formerly employed to strike inattentive members of a church congregation with a rod.” In slang usage, it can mean “A small quantity of alcoholic drink. Also: a small glass or container for alcoholic drink.” It can also mean “A dishonest person, a swindler; a pickpocket.”

Today is, once again, Teddy Bear Picnic Day. I guess if you’re a kid with a teddy bear, it is more likely to be possible on a Friday, since you are not in school right now. But for me, I have to work, so no teddy bear picnics for me today. 😦

Christi wound up not making Huddle last night, as she got off work late and had a terrible headache. We spent the evening relaxing, and she feels better this morning. I didn’t get any practice in, either. Perhaps I will play some, this evening, as it will be one week since I have practiced or played. I realize that no one in the community band is expecting virtuosity from me, but I still would like to get my chops back to at least close to where they were 20-30 years ago.

Today being Friday, I may have to work late, though, as I seem to be stuck in a job where that happens almost every Friday. I know. At least I have a job, right?

As far as I know, there is nothing special going on this weekend. I think Stephanie has a “horse outing” scheduled with our friends from church.

Oh, yes. In exactly three months from today, we fly to Cancun and Playa del Carmen!

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways!
I would soon subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes.
Those who hate the LORD would cringe toward him, and their fate would last forever.
But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.
Psalm 81:13-16

(From Solid Joys)

On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’
Matthew 7:22

Today’s reading is “Proud Work vs. Humble Faith.”

What is the difference between the heart of faith and the heart of works?

“The heart of works gets satisfaction from the ego-boost of accomplishing something in its own power.” Impossible-seeming physical activities (Spartan race, anyone?), extra responsibilities at work, fasting for a week, all done in the spirit of self-satisfaction, conquering a challenge, these things define a heart that is oriented around works. This heart has a love of independence and self-direction, and “sets out to prove its superiority through self-denial, courage, and personal greatness.” This person is assertive, autonomous, and triumphant.

There is a radical difference in the heart of faith, although its desires are no less “strong as it looks to the future. But what it desires is the fullest satisfaction of experiencing all that God is for us in Jesus.” The heart of faith takes great joy in seeing God overcome an obstacle. The works heart glorifies self, while the faith heart rejoices to see God glorified.

In reality, there is a fine line of difference between these tow, and often, we cannot see the difference, ourselves. It is possible to be overly judgmental toward people, guessing where their hearts are, but we honestly don’t know, unless they express it, themselves.

“In its religious form, works accepts the challenge of morality, conquers its obstacles through great exertion, and offers the victory to God as a payment for his approval and recompense. Faith, too, accepts the challenge of morality, but only as an occasion to become the instrument of God’s power. And when the victory comes, faith rejoices that all the glory and thanks belong to God.”

I believe this is an important reading for us to ponder. Where is my heart? I tend to shy away from great challenges that would prove my superiority, opting instead for quiet, behind-the-scenes exertions, such as intercessory prayer. But that doesn’t mean my heart is totally faith-oriented either. I find myself longing for encouraging words of affirmation from people, and nave to fight the urge to be upset when I’m not recognized for something. I dare say that most of us, if we are honest, fight this battle daily, the battle between having a heart of works and a heart of faith.

Father, I pray for my heart to be dominated by faith rather than works. May the goal of my life be to glorify you and not draw attention to myself. May my prayers be lifted up to you in quiet confidence that you hear, and that your heart’s desire is that your name be lifted high and glorified. Glorify your name, O Lord, in all the earth! I long to see your name hallowed by all people, in all the earth. May I be an instrument of your grace and mercy, as I pray for your will to be done, on earth, as in heaven. May your Kingdom come, Lord!

I pray for this day, that our trip to work be safe and smooth. May our work day be smooth, as well, and I pray that we not have to work late, this evening. Your will be done, though. I pray for Christi’s headache, that it would bother her today. I pray for Stephanie, that you would show your great love to her today. May you strengthen Rachel to do whatever she needs to do to get finished with her Master’s program and move on to what she really wants to do in life. I pray, also, for Justin, that you would empower him to do whatever he needs to do. Encourage my mother, today, in whatever she finds herself doing, as well.

Your grace is truly sufficient, Lord, in all things.

Faith vs. works . . . it’s a daily battle. May faith win out, every time.

Grace and peace, friends.

A Global Phenomenon

Good morning. It is Thursday, July 9, 2015. “Pre-Friday.”

Today’s word of the day, from Dictionary.com, is sobriquet. This is a noun, with a simple definition. It means, “a nickname.”

Today is Sugar Cookie Day. Now that sounds delicious!

Christi is feeling much better, at least stomach-wise, now. Her leg still hurts, but it is better, too. My day at work, yesterday, was pretty easy. We didn’t get very much in to receive, and were almost completely finished by 4:30. Probably the calm before the storm. 🙂 Business usually starts picking up around this time of year, for some reason.

Tonight is Christi’s Huddle night, and I plan on getting some trombone-playing in. I’ll just play some old music that I have collected over the years, since the band isn’t rehearsing this month. I’m looking forward to getting back into rehearsals in August.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me.
So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.
Psalm 81:11-12

(From Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God)

I have moved into the second part of Timothy Keller’s book. Part two is called “Understanding Prayer.” Chapter three is “What is Prayer?” This chapter gets into some history and statistics regarding the act of prayer.

We know, of course, that prayer is very central to the “great monotheistic religions” of the world; Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all focus on prayer. Muslims pray five times a day. Jews traditionally pray three times a day. While Christianity does not have set times (although you can find schedules of prayer in some of the more traditional denominations), it is still saturated with “various traditions of common prayer, private prayer, and pastoral prayer.”

But prayer is not found only in the monotheistic religions. “Buddhists use prayer wheels, which fling prayers for compassion into the atmosphere.” Hindus pray to a number of gods. Many Native American tribes pray through singing. “Their poetry and music serve as prayers that unite the spiritual and physical realm.”

“Prayer is one of the most common phenomena of human life.”

“Even deliberately nonreligious people pray at times.” Studies have shown that people without any religious preference practice prayer, at times, even those who claim no belief in God. Nearly 30 percent of atheists have admitted that they sometimes pray, while 17 percent “pray regularly.” This practice also seems to increase with age. An Italian scholar is quoted as saying, “In virtually all studies of the sociology of religious behavior it is clearly apparent that a very high percentage of people declare they pray every day–and many say even many times a day.”

Not everyone prays, though, and the trite phrase, “There are no atheists in foxholes,” is rightfully offensive to some. Nevertheless, prayer is a global phenomenon. Sociologists have been unable to find any culture, even in the most remote and isolated parts of the world, that does not have some kind of religion and prayer.

However, let us not be mistaken and think that this means all prayer is the same. “Prayer presents a dizzying variety to the eye of the observer. Just look at the religious trances of Native American shamanists; the chanting in Benedictine monasteries; devotees doing yoga in Manhattan offices; the hour-long pastoral prayers of the seventeenth century Puritan minsters; speaking in tongues in Pentecostal churches; Muslims engaging in sujud, with forehead, hands, and knees on the ground toward Mecca; Hasidim swaying and bowing in prayer; and the Anglican priest reading from the Book of Common prayer.”

As the book progresses, Keller will discuss how all of these are different. I will confess that, on the first reading, this chapter was the most difficult to get through, as it is largely informational. I may choose to not include some of it in this blog. We shall see.

While there is not much devotional content in today’s reading, the important thing to note is that prayer is a common thing, world wide, even among people who have no strong religious beliefs. For those of us who do have strong beliefs in God, how much more should we be engaging in prayer?

Father, as I grow older, I find prayer to be more important in my life. I ask for your Spirit to be active in my life, continuing to draw me toward a more prayer-centered lifestyle. I currently struggle to stay focused for long periods of time, such as my morning drive to work. I do manage to accomplish what I might describe as “decent” prayer, but it could be so much more meaningful, I believe, if I could keep my mind focused on you. May your Spirit enable me to do that. Then, I pray that, throughout the day, my spirit would be drawn to constant prayer, either regarding current circumstances, or people that you would bring to my mind during the day. In short, I desire to accomplish what Paul tells us, “pray without ceasing.” May prayer be as important to me as breathing.

All of this, of course, requires that my thoughts and imagination be drawn away from things that either do not honor you, or attempt to take a place of higher importance. I pray that your Spirit inhabit my thoughts and mind, while inspiring my heart to deeper prayer.

I pray for this day, that our trip to work would be smooth and safe. May our work day be stress-free and productive. I pray for Christi’s leg to quit hurting, that your healing hand would be upon her today. I pray that you would show Stephanie your great love, and that you would strengthen Rachel to get through the last of her Master’s degree requirements. May you be constantly with my mother, allowing her to know your presence throughout the day, as I feel confident that she does.

Your grace is sufficient.

May we all recognize the importance of prayer in our lives, each day.

Grace and peace, friends.

Prayer Is A Journey

Good morning. It is Wednesday, July 8, 2015. Hump Day.

Today’s word of the day, from Dictionary.com, is proprioception. Proprioception is a physiological noun, meaning, “perception governed by physiological receptors, such as muscles, tendons, and joints, as awareness of the position of one’s body.” Kind of weird, huh? So, the ability to know where one’s own body is, or what position it is in, is called proprioception?

Today is SCUD Day. No, I am not talking about missiles. “SCUD” means “Savor the Comic, Unplug the Drama.” I’m all for that! I feel relatively certain that my wife would be, as well.

I wound up not going to Huddle last night, as I was needed to work overtime. I stayed at work until a little after 5:30, an hour past the usual time. When I got home, we cooked chili for dinner, and relaxed, watching this week’s episode of Major Crimes, and half of So You Think You Can Dance. I’m not sure that I care for the new format of that show, the “Stage vs. Street” dynamic. Although I do love both of the “coaches” for the teams.

I haven’t talked much about baseball, this season, but, then, it really hasn’t been very exciting. The Red Sox continue to be in last place in the AL East, but they are coming on, right now, having won seven of their last ten. The Rays, who were battling for first place, are now in fourth, having lost nine of their last ten. Currently, the Red Sox are only five games out of first, even though they are in last place. The Rangers, were making a run for first, a couple weeks ago, but went on a seven game losing streak, and are now on a four game losing streak, and are in third place, four games out of first. The Astros continue to dominate the AL West. The Phillies have yet to win 30 games!

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.
Psalm 81:10

(From Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God)

If you recall, in yesterday’s entry, I was sharing Timothy Keller’s thoughts on George Herbert’s poem on Prayer:

PRAYER the Churches banquet, Angels age,
Gods breath in man returning to his birth,
The soul in paraphrase, heart in pilgrimage,
The Christian plummet sounding heav’n and earth;

Engine against th’ Almightie, sinner’s towre,
Reversed thunder, Christ-side-piercing spear,
The six daies world-transposing in an houre,
A kinde of tune, which all things heare and fear;

Softnesse, and peace, and joy, and love, and blisse,
Exalted Manna, gladnesse of the best,
Heaven in ordinarie, man well drest,
The milkie way, the bird of Paradise,

Church-bels beyond the stars heard, the souls bloud,
The land of spices, something understood.

Herbert describes prayer as a “land of spices,” a place where we can possibly encounter a sort of “sensory overload.” Yet this does not come about easily for anyone. Because Herbert also describes prayer as “heart in pilgrimage.” A pilgrim is someone one a long journey (we don’t speak much of pilgrimages, in our modern culture), someone who has not yet arrived. “There is a longing in prayer that is never fulfilled in this life, and sometimes the deep satisfactions we are looking for in prayer feel few and far between. Prayer is a journey.”

Sometimes, prayer is simply the “manna” that keeps us going when we feel weak or discouraged. I can’t tell you the number of times I have not felt like praying, but went ahead and did it anyway. The result was an infusion of strength and faith that is almost indescribable. “Prayer helps us endure.”

One truth about prayer is something that a lot of people (myself, included), don’t really think about. Prayer reveals ourselves to us. “Nothing but prayer will ever reveal you to yourself, because only before God can you see and become your true self.” Herbert calls it “the soul in paraphrase.” What does paraphrase mean? “To get the gist of it and make it accessible.” Think about it. We can say things before God, in private prayer, that we would NEVER say to any other human being, not even the ones closest to us! We can learn so much about ourselves, while praying to God.

“Prayer is not all quiet, peace, and fellowship.” It is not all meditation and contemplation. Herbert shockingly calls it “engine against th’ Almightie!” Keller believes this to refer to medieval siege engines used to storm a fortress. “The Bible contains laments and petitions and pleadings, for prayer is rebellion against the evil status quo of the world.” In some mystical way, prayer harnesses the power of God, “sot that our petitions are not heard in heaven as whispers, but as crack, boom, and roar. Prayer changes things.”

Prayer is the “sinner’s towre,” being a refuge, even from our own sin. “We cannot go into God’s presence unless we are dependent on Christ’s forgiveness and his righteousness before God, not on our own.” “Prayer is a refuge.”

“Prayer changes us,” and “unites us with God himself.” And when Herbert ends this poem, he seems to come back down to earth and describe it simply as “somthing understood.”

“Prayer is awe, intimacy, struggle–yet the way to reality. There is nothing more important, or harder, or richer, or more life-altering. There is absolutely nothing so great as prayer.”
(pp 30-32)

Father, help me to know all of these qualities of prayer in my life. I don’t expect to understand them all today. I know, as is described in the title of today’s entry, that prayer is a journey. Help me to stay faithful on this journey, to not give up, to persevere, and to learn. May I know myself as I pray to you, and may I, more importantly, get to know you more. Teach me your way, that I may walk in your truth. Unite my heart to fear your name. Keep me firmly in “the sinner’s towre” as I pray each day, protecting me from my own sin.

I pray for this day, that we may have safe travel to and from work. Thank you that Christi is feeling better this morning, the stomach and leg are both better. Thank you, Lord. I pray for her work day today, that it might be free from stress and drama. I pray that Stephanie, Rachel, Justin, and Mama will feel your great love today.

Your grace is sufficient.

Prayer is a journey. A life-long journey. Let us not get discouraged when we can’t “arrive” in a day.

Grace and peace, friends.

Tuning Our Hearts To God

Good morning. It is Tuesday, July 7, 2015.

Today’s word of the day, from the Oxford English Dictionary, is ear-tickler. An ear-tickler is “a person who pleases or gratifies others with flattering, agreeable, or pleasant words or music. Also: something, esp. a piece of music, which is lively and pleasant to listen to.”

It was tough choosing the “holiday” to highlight, today. After all, we have “Global Forgiveness Day,” and “Tell the Truth Day.” But today is also Chocolate Day, and forgive me, but, to tell the truth, chocolate trumps all those warm and fuzzy feel-good holidays, any time. By they way, did you see what I did, there? In all seriousness, forgiveness is a great thing. Where would we be without it? If you have an opportunity, please forgive someone today. The world would be a much better place, if we would all do that. Then eat some chocolate. Better yet, share some chocolate with whoever you forgave!

Yesterday turned out to not be nearly as bad as I was fearing it would be. In fact, we got a pretty average amount of freight to receive, so it was a pretty normal work load. That was a tremendous blessing, as we are still a person short (at least) on our team. Christi and I got home at about the same time, and we made broccoli-cheese soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner.

Christi is feeling a little better, this morning, but still not right. Her right leg is still giving her a lot of pain, and her stomach is still messed up a bit. Energy-wise, she struggled quite a bit, yesterday, but she says it is better, this morning. We sent to bed really early last night, so she could get some extra rest.

Tonight, I have my Huddle. Christi won’t be bowling tonight, because of her leg.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

In distress you called, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah.
Hear, O my people, while I admonish you! O Israel, if you would but listen to me!
There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god.
Psalm 81:7-9

(From Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God)

In a section called “The Richness of Prayer,” Timothy Keller shares a poem, written by seventeenth century poet, George Herbert. In the next section of the book, Keller will work at defining prayer. However, he says, “there is a danger in doing that. A definition seeks to reduce things to the essence.” He says that this poem by Herbert does the opposite of that. “He wants to explore the richness of prayer with all its infinites and immensities.” I will share that poem here.

PRAYER the Churches banquet, Angels age,
Gods breath in man returning to his birth,
The soul in paraphrase, heart in pilgrimage,
The Christian plummet sounding heav’n and earth;

Engine against th’ Almightie, sinner’s towre,
Reversed thunder, Christ-side-piercing spear,
The six daies world-transposing in an houre,
A kinde of tune, which all things heare and fear;

Softnesse, and peace, and joy, and love, and blisse,
Exalted Manna, gladnesse of the best,
Heaven in ordinarie, man well drest,
The milkie way, the bird of Paradise,

Church-bels beyond the stars heard, the souls bloud,
The land of spices, something understood.

Herbert refers to prayer as “Gods breath in man returning to his birth.” There are many times when skeptical or completely non-religious people find themselves praying, even though they have no formal belief in God. In Hebrew, the word for “Spirit” and “breath” is the same. In this poem, Herbert seems to indicate that there is something within all of us, placed there by God, “that knows we are not alone in the universe, and that we were not meant to go it alone. Prayer is a natural human instinct.”

In prayer, we can find the “deep rest of the soul that we need,” described by Herbert as “softnesse, and peace, and joy, and love, and blisse.” We get strength and vitality from prayer. And consider that brief phrase, “man well drest.” Through prayer, we become “spiritually fit for the presence of the king,” so that we can sit down with God at “the Churches banquet.” “Feasts were never mere feedings but a sign and means of acceptance and fellowship with the Host. Prayer is a nourishing friendship.”

Prayer tunes our hearts to God. When we sing, we engage our whole being, “the heart through the music as well as the mind through the words.” When we are faithful in prayer, tuning our hearts to God, it influences those around us, just as our bad moods and negativity influence those around us. Walk in the midst of people, filled with joy, and see if it doesn’t have an impact on them!

I will pick back up where I left off, tomorrow.
(pp 28-29)

Father, help all of us, your people, to find this richness of prayer. May we know your Spirit within us, and the benefit of our connection with you through that Spirit. May we find that “deep rest of the souls that we need,” as we come to you daily in our prayers. May we also experience the joy that comes from constant fellowship with you, fully dressed in the garments of prayer, fit to sit at your table and know your bounty. I rejoice in the acceptance that I have in your presence!

I pray for this day, Lord, that we might not only experience the joy of your presence, but show it to others, as well. May we display your kingdom in our lives, regardless of the circumstances that surround us. I pray for safe travel to and from work today. I pray for Christi to continue to feel better today. May your healing hand of mercy be all over her today, Lord, covering her in your healing presence! I pray for a good day at work for both of us. May you show your great love to Stephanie today, and may she feel your acceptance. I pray for Rachel ans she continues working on getting through with her thesis and related projects. Give her strength to get through everything. Draw her and Justin to your heart. Protect and provide for my mother as she draws her strength from you. I pray for her Bible study group that meets this morning.

Your grace is sufficient.

May our hearts be tuned to God, today, as we pray to him, bringing everything that comes to our minds into his presence.

Grace and peace, friends.

“Everywhere God Is, Prayer Is”

Good morning. It is Monday, July 6, 2015. Back to work today.

Today’s word of the day, from Dictionary.com, is telegnosis. Telegnosis is a noun, meaning, “supernatural or occult knowledge; clairvoyance.”

Today is Fried Chicken Day. That doesn’t sound real great at 5:45 AM, but it might sound good later.

We had a nice visit with Rachel and Justin, yesterday, but Christi hasn’t been feeling well for the past couple of days. Something has gotten into her stomach that has her “under the weather,” and she woke up with some kind of catch in her right knee, yesterday morning, as well, so she’s definitely not 100% this morning. We still had a good time, though, yesterday, playing a card game called “Set,” before lunch arrived, ordered from Tony’s Pasta and Pizza. During and after lunch, we watched a movie on Netflix, chosen pretty much at random. The movie was a New Zealand horror film with a comedic flair, called Housebound. It actually turned out to be quite entertaining. I think it surprised us all.

After the movie, Christi went to take a nap, and Rachel and Justin headed home. I just watched some more TV for a bit, until Christi got up. That’s pretty much it for the day.

I’ve been sort of dreading work today. I’m concerned that we might get a double load of receiving today, since UPS did not take off on Friday. Whatever will be, will be, as they say. And “this, too, shall pass.”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

For it is a statute for Israel, a rule of the God of Jacob.
He made it a decree in Joseph when he went out over the land of Egypt. I hear a language I had not known:
“I relieved your shoulder of the burden; your hands were freed from the basket.”
Psalm 81:4-6

(From Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God)

“The Bible is all about God, and that is why the practice of prayer is so pervasive throughout its pages.” When we read the book of Genesis, we find that the patriarchs prayed with stunning familiarity and directness. Consider Abraham’s persistent prayer on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18. Consider Moses’s prayers in Exodus, as he “secured the liberation of Israel from Egypt.” Deuteronomy 4:7 says it well: “For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?”

When we fail to pray, we are not just breaking “some religious rule,” we are failing to “treat God as God.” I had not noticed this before, but in 1 Samuel 12:23, Samuel says to Israel, after they have demanded a king, “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.” Please note that Samuel says that he would be sinning against the LORD if he did not pray for Israel!

Many are familiar with the Psalms of David (along with a few others who composed them), 150 chapters in the middle of our Scriptures. Yes, they are songs, but most of them are also prayers. Solomon built the temple and “dedicated it with a magnificent prayer,” which can be found in 1 Kings 8 and 2 Chronicles 6. In fact, over and over, Solomon prayed that God would hear the prayers of the people. He even prayed that God would hear the prayers of foreigners who found their way to the temple. “Prayer is simply a recognition of the greatness of God.”

In the book of Job, we see Job working through his suffering and pain with prayer. In fact, at the end of the book, God, being angry with Job’s friends, tells them that he will not punish them “only if Job prays for them.” The Old Testament prophets are permeated with prayer. In fact, it very well may have been the main source of the Word of God coming to them. Daniel was nearly executed for his practice of prayer. Nehemiah, as he rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem, accomplished this tremendous feat through prayer and wise leadership.

Moving to the New Testament, we see Jesus teaching his disciples to pray, healing people through prayer, and casting out moneychangers as he called the temple a “house of prayer.” He even said that some demons could only be cast out through prayer. Jesus prayed regularly, sometimes all night. In fact, Jesus died praying.

The book of Acts is filled with instances of the disciples praying together. “All Christians are expected to have a regular, faithful, devoted, fervent prayer life.” The Holy Spirit gives us confidence in prayer, and even helps us when we don’t know how to pray. We are told, by Paul, to “pray without ceasing,” in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

“Everywhere God is, prayer is. Since God is everywhere and infinitely great, prayer must be all-pervasive in our lives.”
(pp 26-28)

Father, you are everywhere. Therefore, I should always be praying. If prayer is a sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life, then help me to pray without ceasing. Let prayer be like breathing to me, Lord, as I consider my ways before you. Teach me your ways, that I may walk in your truth. Father, today has great potential to be a challenging day, both physically and spiritually. May your Spirit guide me through this day, centered around prayer. I’m beginning the day with prayer. I plan to spend the drive to work in prayer and meditation. Help me to remain centered on you through that time, regardless of what I see around me. Help me to stay focused on you throughout the work day, regardless of the circumstances. I desire to be a positive force in this world, for your glory.

I pray for this day. Father, I pray desperately for Christi, this morning. She is not feeling well, at all. I pray for your healing hand to touch her body, whatever is wrong with it. I pray for her to able to make it through this day, or to have wisdom to decide what is best for the day. Be a strong presence in her life today, Father. May you touch Stephanie, Rachel, Justin, and Mama with your great love today.

Your grace is sufficient.

I love how the section of the book ends today. “Everywhere God is, prayer is. Since God is everywhere and infinitely great, prayer must be all-pervasive in our lives.” So very true. May we who call the name of Jesus be constantly in prayer before the greatness of God.

Grace and peace, friends.

Prayer is Hard

Good morning. It is Sunday, July 5, 2015.

Today’s word of the day, from Merriam-Webster, is bunkum. Bunkum is a noun, meaning, “insincere or foolish talk : nonsense.” The origin of this word appears to be political. “Some words in our language have more colorful histories than others, but in the case of bunkum, you could almost say it was an act of Congress that brought the word into being. Back in 1820 Felix Walker, who represented Buncombe County, North Carolina, in the U.S. House of Representatives, was determined that his voice be heard on his constituents’ behalf, even though the matter up for debate was irrelevant to Walker’s district and he had little to contribute. To the exasperation of his colleagues, Walker insisted on delivering a long and wearisome “speech for Buncombe.” His persistent—if insignificant—harangue made buncombe (later respelled bunkum) a synonym for meaningless political claptrap and later for any kind of nonsense.”

Today is Bikini Day. I swear it was the only choice I had! Anyway, it marks the invention of the scandalous swimwear, in 1946, by Parisian fashion designer, Louis Reard.

We had a really nice day yesterday. After I finished my morning blog, we cooked breakfast and had a nice meal around the table (that doesn’t happen much at this house, these days). After some quick showers, we took my mother up to Half-Price Books and just shopped around for a bit. I left $5 richer than I went in, which is always a good thing. After picking up some drinks at Sonic, we headed back to the house for about an hour, then went up to where our church meets for the July 4th cookout. We had a nice time hanging out with the church family, eating hot dogs and brats (the sausage, not the kids), and playing a few games. Around 7:00, we left there to get my mother packed up so we could take her back to Mineral Wells.

We had a very pleasant drive both ways, and didn’t stay long in Mineral Wells, as it was already after 8:00 when we arrived there. We were both exhausted, so we didn’t stay up a long time after we got home. Over all, I would say it was a very pleasant day, and has been a delightful weekend, so far. I do believe Rachel and Justin are supposed to come over this afternoon, so we will need to go do our grocery shopping this morning.

On this date in 1865, The Salvation Army was founded in London. In 1937, Spam was introduced by Hormel Foods. In 1947, Larry Doby signed a contract with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first black player in the American League. In 1954, Elvis Presley recorded “That’s All Right,” which would be his first single, and the BBC broadcast its first TV news bulletin. And in 1971, the 26th Amendment was certified by President Nixon, officially lowering the voting age to 18.

Today’s birthdays include Thomas Hooker (English Connecticut colonist), Mary Walcott (American accuser at the Salem witch trials), P.T. Barnum (American circus owner), Warren Oates (American actor), Shirley Knight (American actress), Robbie Robertson (Canadian musician, The Band), Michael Monarch (American musician, Steppenwolf), Huey Lewis (American singer), Goose Gossage (American baseball player), Bill Watterson (American cartoonist), Marc Cohn (American singer/songwriter), Claudia Wells (American actress), and Jason Wade (American musician, Lifehouse).

Marc Cohn was born on this date in 1959, making him 56 today. Here is a wonderful song of his, “Walking in Memphis.”

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. Of Asaph.
Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob!
Raise a song; sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp.
Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our feast day.
Psalm 81:1-3

(From Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God)

“I can think of nothing great that is also easy,” says Tim Keller. In that case, he says, prayer must be “one of the hardest things in the world.” I am inclined to agree with him. Sure, in many ways, prayer is easy. How hard is it to say grace before a meal? But to really get into deep prayer with God, having all of our senses consumed by his presence . . . this is a truly difficult thing. I cannot say whether I have ever fully accomplished this. However, when we admit that this is a difficult thing, it can be encouraging, because we can be assured that we are not alone.

Keller quotes a book by a nineteenth century theologian, Austin Phelps. The book is called The Still Hour, and begins with a chapter called “Absence of God, in Prayer.” The author begins with Job 23:3, which says, “Oh, that I knew where I might find him!” Phelps is quoted as saying that, “a consciousness of the absence of God is one of the standing incidents of religious life. Even when the forms of devotion are observed conscientiously, the sense of the presence of God, as an invisible Friend, whose society is a joy, is by no means unintermittent.”

Even though we know that God is always here and never absent, I firmly believe that we would be less than honest if we said that we never experienced the feeling of God’s absence. But there are reasons for this feeling, and for the feeling of dryness in our prayer lives.

One thing we learn when we try to pray is “our spiritual emptiness.” In fact, we get quite used to being empty, to the point that we don’t truly recognize it until we begin to attempt prayer. “We don’t feel it until we begin to read what the Bible and others have said about the greatness and promise of prayer.” And while it is a crucial first step, it can be very disorienting.

What happens when our prayer lives begin to flourish? Well, we might be experiencing self-pity, or in the process of justifying anger and resentment. Then, when we begin to pray, we come face to face with the pettiness of those feelings. “All your self-justifying excuses fall to the ground in pieces.” Perhaps we come to our prayer session, feeling great anxiety. As we get into prayer, we find that we wonder what we were so worried about, maybe even laughing at ourselves, thanking God “for who he is and what he’s done. It can be that dramatic. It is the bracing clarity of a new perspective.”

Over time, the experience described in the previous paragraph can become normal. But it doesn’t start that way. At the beginning, that feeling of the absence of God, along with a feeling of desperate spiritual poverty, dominates. But we must persevere, pushing forward to that place that Packer and Nystrom call getting “through duty to delight.”

Let us not understand, though. Even when the good experiences become “normal,” there will be times of dryness and emptiness that return. But, when we persevere, “the vivid reorientation of mind, and the overall sense of God on the heart, comes more frequently and sometimes in startling ways–interspersed with times of struggle and even absence.” The pursuit will bear fruit, “because God seeks for us to worship him (John 4:23) and because prayer is so infinitely rich and wondrous.”
(pp. 24-25)

Father, how well I know that prayer is hard. So many times, I have experienced this dryness, this emptiness, sometimes right on the heals of a seemingly victorious and fruitful day of prayer. I do not believe that it is you that is inconsistent, though. I know it is me. But I also know that you will take me through periods of testing, and periods of walking through the desert, in order to make those times of closeness and fruitfulness that much more blessed. And it is the promise of those times that keeps me persevering through the struggling times. Sometimes, I know that the struggles are due to my divided heart, and for that reason, I continue to pray that you will unite my heart to fear your name. Teach me through the difficulty of prayer, knowing that “nothing great is also easy.”

I pray for this day. I lift up Christi to you, who is struggling, this morning, with pain in her legs, as well as some sickness in her stomach. I pray for relief for her. May you grant us safety and success as we go out to do our chores, in a bit. And I pray for a good visit with Rachel and Justin, this afternoon. May your presence shine down on us, whatever we find ourselves doing.

Thank you for such a wonderful times over the past couple of days. Thank you that you provide for us, so that we could do the things we do, and so that we could bring my mother to participate. I pray that all of us may get some good rest today, as we prepare for another work week, ahead.

Your grace is sufficient.

Prayer is hard. Don’t let anyone tell you different. But the joy and reward that we receive, when we struggle through the difficult times, is without comparison. Don’t give up when the dry times come; don’t give up when you don’t feel the presence of God. It may feel as though he is absent, but he is NEVER absent! Never!

Grace and peace, friends.

…”And I Will Give You Rest”

It is Monday morning, August 20, 2012. The birthday celebrations are over, the strawberry cake is gone, and we are strategizing on how to get the rest of the cookie cake out of the house today.

Today is “National Radio Day.” There aren’t many radio stations that I still listen to. My favorite one, though, is 91.7 KXT. As with pretty much all radio stations, you can now stream them online. This station plays pretty much everything. I say “everything,” but you won’t hear much top 40 pop on there. There are plenty other stations that will assault your ears with the likes of Jason Derulo and Pit Bull. But you will hear Gotye, alongside Bruce Springsteen, Bare Naked Ladies, Peter Gabriel, The Shins, The Flaming Lips…I’ve heard classical guitar music, many, many local music acts. There’s no telling what you might hear in any given hour. They were recently voted the best radio station in Dallas, narrowly “edging” out 102.1. And yes, that pun was intended. For those of you not in the DFW area, that station is called “The Edge.”

On this date in 1911, the first commercial telegram was sent around the world from the New York Times office. On this date in 1940, Leon Trotsky was murdered in Mexico. Oh, wait…we don’t call that “murder,” we call it “assassination.” If you’re a government person, it’s assassination. On this date in 1975, Viking 1 was launched to Mars. On July 20, 1976, it became the first craft to land on Mars. On this date in 1920, Jim Thorpe, along with six other men, met and formed the American Professional Football Conference.

Our birthday celebrations were a huge success. Unless you count the ground lost in the arena of weight loss. But we aren’t going to obsess about that…we’re just going to get right back on track. Stephanie was very happy and said that it was a great birthday. If I’m not mistaken, she may have used the words “best ever” in her description. As far as I know, good times were had by all.

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Father, once again, I pray for a glimpse of you this morning. Show me something in your word that I can take into the world with me during this day.

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Today, I’m reading Psalm 81. This psalm, yet another by Asaph, begins with praise.
Sing aloud to God our strength;
shout for joy to the God of Jacob!
Raise a song; sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp.
Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our feast day. (1-3)

The voice of God follows as he tells them of their failure to listen to him.
But my people did not listen to my voice;
Israel would not submit to me.
So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.
Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways!
I would soon subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes. (11-14)

Our God still calls on us to listen to him, to heed his voice. If we will but listen, he will take care of our every need.

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My Utmost For His Highest
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Today, we focus on the last portion of this verse. “Whenever anything begins to disintegrate your life with Jesus Christ, turn to Him at once and ask Him to establish rest. Never allow anything to remain which is making the dis-peace.” Yesterday, we saw the answer to most, if not all problems being “Come to me.” The thing that is causing my life with Christ to disintegrate is not something to suffer, it is something to wrestle against. I must not allow self-consciousness to continue, because it will become self-pity.
Here’s an interesting statement: “The child of God is not conscious of the will of God because he is the will of God.” Think about that for a few minutes. If I am having to struggle to find the will of God, then I have certainly deviated from it. If I am truly walking with God, I do not have to be seeking his will, because I am living it. I also don’t have to be constantly asking for knowledge of answered prayer, because I am “restfully certain that God always does answer prayer.”
I need not attempt to “overcome self-consciousness by any common-sense method.” I simply need to heed the advice of Matthew 11:28. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. “Christ-consciousness will take the place of self-consciousness.”

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Father, as I go out into this day, I pray that I can take your consciousness with me. Let me not be self-conscious, but Christ-conscious. I pray for the mind of Christ in all that I do today, beginning with this moment. As I drive to work, I will pray for the saints, as well as any others that are needing prayers in my “sphere of influence.” I know that you hear my prayers, and I pray that I be walking in faith. Give me the strength to wrestle with that which threatens to disintegrate my walk with you.

Give me ears to hear your words and to heed your call on my life. May my prayers rise up to you like sweet incense. I pray that you would subdue my “enemies” and turn your hand against my “foes.” I also pray that I would treat everyone that I meet today with the respect due all human beings. May they sense your Spirit in me as we interact during this day.

I pray for this day. Give Christi a good, successful work day, and I pray that her pain would continue to decrease. The exercises from physical therapy seem to be helping a bit. I pray for my day at work, as well, that it will be smooth. Give Stephanie a good day today, as well.

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Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Possibly the best advice Jesus ever gave us…

Grace and peace, friends.