I am grateful that the creation itself tells us of You! That it speaks plainly of Your majesty, and of Your magnificent nature, that You are an infinitely competent Creator!
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
Psalm 42:1
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Romans 1:20
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
I took these pictures with my phone on the way in to work one recent morning before I got to the pavement. In the this one, the deer that was leaping in the first snap is now peeking back at me over the little hill on the left.
One of the Hebrew names of God is transliterated as Jehovah Shalom, meaning God our Peace. Praise His Holy Name!
I Am… at peace
with God. (Romans 5:1) And I am grateful for it.
Romans 5:1
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained
our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we
exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also
exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about
perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven
character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of
God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who
was given to us.
Me: Good afternoon
Father!
ABBA: Good afternoon
Jon!
Me: This passage in
Romans is one of those where You are obviously active in all of Your
aspects, Father, Son, and Spirit.
ABBA: That is always
so, for I Am One. Have you considered My wrath in verse nine? Let me
tell you about that, as well. It is in light of my wrath that peace
with Me is even worth mentioning.
My wrath speaks of
My settled opposition to evil and all its out-workings. What does my
word say Jesus’ mission was, as far as the devil?
Me: In 1 John 3:8, it says, “The Son of God appeared for this
purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.”
ABBA: That is right,
starting with death that is earned through sin.
For the wages of
sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ
Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23 The thief comes only to steal
and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it
abundantly. John 10:10
You are called to
that same purpose.
And Jesus came up
and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in
heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the
Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and
lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” –
Matthew 28:18-20
You see, many
recognize their sinfulness and assume that mention of My wrath means
I Am mad at them over it. I am not. Toward them, I am compassionate.
My wrath is directed toward the evil that enslaves them and had
doomed them to destruction. I sent My Son to bear their death-wage in
their place, if only they will turn and accept the gift of peace with
Me, purchased by His blood.
Me: Thank You for
that explanation of Your wrath, Father! And thank You for Your
unimaginable Gift! I love you!
The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock. – Isaiah 26:3-4
Me: Good morning Father!
ABBA: Good morning Jon!
Me: It is not easy being steadfast in mind.
ABBA: I spoke to you about that yesterday by My Holy Spirit.
Me: You said to be mindful of what I focus my attention on.
ABBA: I did. I Am able to see all. I see the beginning and the ending, for I Am the Alpha and the Omega; the First and the Last (Revelation 22:13). I Am unconstrained by time, for time is of the physical realm and I Am Spirit (John 4:24). I do not look only on the outward appearance, but upon even the thoughts and intents of the heart (Psalm 44:21).
You do not see as I see. I designed your mind to be able to focus. I am mindful that you are but dust (Genesis 2:7, Psalm 103:14). I Am not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Instead, I bring order out of chaos (Genesis 1:2).
I intend You to seek Me for today (Hebrews 3:15). I gave a picture of this when I provided manna for the Israelites. I satisfied their hunger in the wilderness. They were instructed to gather what they needed for the day, plus some extra the day before the Sabbath, when they were to simply rest in Me. If they tried to store it up, the manna would spoil (Exodus 16).
Jesus told you not to worry about tomorrow, for each day has enough trouble of it’s own (Matthew 6:34). That does not mean you should not plan, only that you should not worry. Worry is focused on trouble. Proper planning focuses on achievement (Luke 14:28).
Me: Thank You Father! Help me keep my eyes on Jesus my Example and my Savior (Hebrews 12:2) and to set my mind on things above (Colossians 3:1-2). Let my ears be attentive to Your Word and my hands ready to do your calling from the heart! I love You!
ABBA:
You are welcome! Those are prayers that I Am willing to help with, obviously, for I have told you to do these things for your own benefit; because I love you!
Missionary Sojourn 