Counted As Incense

“May my prayer be counted as incense before you. The lifting of my hands as the evening offering.”
Psalm 141:2

I love Bible verses like this one. It's natural to want to exalt in the Lord as I read them. I can close my eyes and lift my arms in praise and put away the brashness of the world.

But read on, my friends, to the next verse:

“Set a guard Oh Lord over my mouth, keep watch over the door to my lips.”
Psalm 141:3

With the same lips I praise God, I can be critical of others—saying angry or harsh words, even gossip. The euphoria I felt a moment ago gives way to shame. Pretty convicting huh?

I have learned one thing in my life and that is—whatever I practice is what I learn to do well. Let’s practice doing the things that please God so that being thankful and praising God will be as natural as breathing.

Let my prayer be as incense rising up to heaven . . . everyday.

“Teach me to do your will for you are my God; let your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”
Psalm 143:10

In a world that is busy tearing down all that is good and decent, let's encourage and edify. Think before we speak. Share the love of God and give Him glory.

By Eve Montano

Reflections On Renovation

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2

Entry from my journal – 1/22/2021

 Lord, thank You for meeting with me today and helping me to understand the remodeling that’s going on in my life.  It’s painful—having walls knocked down and things moved and removed—but ultimately the improvement will be much more attractive.  

My country has been removed from the place of dependency and pride it had in my heart so that I can get closer to you, Lord.  My relationships have to be moved to their proper place so that my relationship with You can take the forefront in my life.  

 Pain is usually part of the growth process, but I am never prepared for it and the pain—at times—seems insurmountable.  My physical body feels beat up, but I can tell the healing is coming as I submit all to You everyday as best I can.

 I accept all the grace and mercy You have for me, and pray for each one who is so dear to me to recognize You—not only as the God of love—but also of justice.  Everything will ultimately conform to Your will and be better for it.  Nothing but perfection will do and you have made a way for us through the sacrifice of part of Yourself—Jesus the Messiah!

By Suzanne Krugh

Everlasting Love

“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying ‘Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3

February fourteenth—a day traditionally set aside to honor love. I suspect a greeting card company had much to do with popularizing the sending of cards, flowers, candy and other gifts to express emotion toward a special person. Financially it’s a huge money maker for sellers of all things red, pink, purple, white, gold and silver. How we have obscured the meaning of true love.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

At Calvary, God extended His mercy to all who would believe. His love is unending. This Valentine’s Day may we love as God has loved us.

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

By Marilyn Allison

Glad News

“You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.” Psalms 40:5

We may fall down but when we fall Jesus picks us up and holds us upright until we can stand. When we run head long into a wall He is there, cushioning the hit to keep us from destroying ourselves. We can’t escape the hand of God—He is ever present in our lives.

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol you are there!” Psalm 139:7-8

The more I rely on the Lord, the more I become aware of His presence in my life. What a wonderful way to live—to have the hand of God upon us—to know the moment you open your eyes He is there, and was there, as you slept.

Without Jesus Christ in my life, I was broken like shattered glass—so many little pieces of me all over the place. I tried to put the pieces together on my own, but I could not. When I brought my brokenness—my shattered life—to God and lay it before Him, He didn't just put me together. He made me brand new.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17

He did that because, though I wasn’t thinking of Him, God already had my life in His hands

Jesus sees you. You are wanted and loved. No matter what your life is like, you're already the focus of Holy God, who loves us.

“I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord.” Psalms 40:9

By Eve Montano

Shine As Light In The World

“Do everything without complaining or arguing. So that you may become blameless and harmless children of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation among whom you shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:14-15 KJV) … as you hold out the word of Life.” Philippians 2:16b NIV)

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

Darkness tiptoed silently
One dreadful, chilling night.
I could barely hear its evil whisper …
So filled was I with fright.

My world shaken—
Unraveling and undone—
For I had aligned my life
To follow God’s only Holy Son.

Was all hope lost and forgotten,
Covered now in frost?
Was everything I hoped for
Snatched away and lost?

Where was my Redeemer,
The Hope within my heart?
Oh, be assured, He is watching
And will do HIs promised part.

God never fails to work His will.
He only requires that I be still.
He is working, even now—
But not with a furrowed brow.

With delight He brings
The lost souls in.
Saving each one from their
Damning sin.

He sent His Son to die for all
(And even now some hear the call)

To die for those who do not know Him,
Suffering torture and death
To show them,

The truth that Jesus saves and
Frees the lonely wayward slave.

What shall I do in these dark days?
Run and hide and be afraid?
Or shall I stand in faith and fight,
Holding up Jesus’ Light?

Give me courage, Lord.
Give me grace
To be faithful
And run my race.

All glory, God, belongs to You
Majesty, dominion, power, too.
Blameless, harmless may I be
So others might see You in me.

By Darla J. Short~Lewis