A Refiner and a Purifier

"A skilled refiner is both sensitive and patient. He is sensitive to how much heat is needed for the process, and will patiently remove each impurity. The result is a mirrorlike quality to the surface of the molten metal that effectively reflects the face of the refiner himself."

I forget all the time that all this pain is part of making me look more and more like His child. If I could remember, couldn't I then rejoice at the pain??

Lord,
I love you. Wherever your refining fire needs to be applied, I want you to burn away the dross. Take out anything that cheapens the treasured quality of your work in me. Dear Savior, don't stop until your image can be seen in me!

A Foundation Stone

"The heart of God's promise is this: No matter how uncertain the world may be, there is a solid place on which the followers of Jesus can stand. And that place is His name - a foundation stone...it's important to remember God's pledge: 'Look!' He says to us. 'See what solid ground I hve for you to build your life upon - for developing plans, making decisions, and working out problems. Look! It's sure footing, an established foundation. In my name you will find stability!'"

I am so eagerly awaiting stability. Financial, emotional, spiritual, and physical. All of those things cannot exist apart from resting on God's foundation. He is where I need to build my life - trusting Him that He will "hold up" the stuff that's important.

Lord,
Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give me an unconquored heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give me an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow on me also, O Lord my God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek You, wisdom to find you, and faithfulness that may finally embrace You, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The world wants to rush me, saying if I don't hurry, I can't get ahead. But as I pray in Jesus' name, I take my place upon the foundation stone you have laid for my life in Him.

The Bright Morning Star

"Jesus, like the morning star heralding the dawn, outshines the darkness and calls us to be expectant and refreshed...He is the window of God, opening to us all of God's glowing freshness."

I struggle so much with mornings right now. Mostly because I'm working every day and feel like the mornings are nothing special. To remember that each day is a gift from God to be cherished with a heart set on worshiping the Father seems the last thing on my mind!

Lord,
I want to live as a child of the light - to eliminate all the hidden works of darkness. You know how easy it is for me to dwell in the darkness. Push open the curtains of my soul and allow me to see the brightness of the Father's morning. May your life in my shine gloriously. Today, let me so shine that people will see your love and life in me and know that however dark it seems, you are the pole star of my life.

Wonderful Counselor

"Essentially, Christ embodies both a wonder-working essence (that is, a person filled with wonders, a person "wonderful" in His own right) and the counsel of heavenly origin which, when combined, bring divine insight into human difficulties...One whose advice is wonder!"

What I want right now! I want to have divine insight into my own difficulties. I want to feel peace midst the turmoil of my circumstances. I want to feel Christ's wonder-working essence in my own life.

"We must learn to listen within for His advice and counsel."

I am really struggling with being quiet long enough to hear God! I know He's talking, so I need to hush long enough to hear his voice sometimes!!

Lord,
This jungle is my address. I'm not blaming you for the animal-like behavior of people who prey on each other. Nor am I complaining about the confusing situations which prevent a clear view ahead. I simply come to pray. As I face daily demands, I proceed in your name, depending upon you to help me know what to do and how to do it.

The Lord of Peace

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all." - 2 Thess. 3:16

It's so weird: in many ways I feel more at peace right now than I have at any time in the past year. In other ways, I feel less at peace. Even though my circumstances are more up in the air right now, I feel like God is the only one who can do anything to change them right now, so it's much more of a "I have no choice but to let go and let God..."

I liked the idea that Jesus gives us peace intimately. Not through a messenger, but Himself. I forget how Jesus embodies God's desire to "meet us where we're at." I always look at the Holy Spirit as the Trinity's peace-giver. The constancy of the peace is also meaningful to me, particularly right now. It seems like lately it's an ebb and flow thing more than a stream. I want Jesus' peace, but I tend to notice it during the waves of turmoil and distress. I love the idea that it prevails at every point.

Another point particularly meaningful was the idea that Jesus breathes reconciliation into troubled situations. I feel like I need to be reminded that the Lord of Peace is working in and through me to change me. Jesus came to bring peace, not just with God, but with each other. What a comfort right now!!

Lord,
Forgive my fears, my faithlessness. I come to you believing: You are the Lord of peace. I turn to you and away from the storm. I look to you and away from fear. I believe you are all about filling me with your peace at all times!