Integrity

Proverbs 20:7 The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him

Day by day walking in integrity takes maximum effort.  Lying, cheating, stealing and getting-over is all so easy and so easily justified.  Ill gotten gain is indeed sweet at first but I want the blessed end.  I strive so that my children and children’s children will know and love you God.  I strive so my children will choose to follow my footsteps on the difficult path of integrity; one foot infront of the other, step by step, day by day; making the right choice, no matter how difficult. 

The payoff of integrity may not always be cashed by me, but I pray that my children will always reap the benefit.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

Plans vs Purpose

Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Father, you have a plan for me and you know it well.  I trust you completely.  In the midst of the  of  the bemusement of life, the ebb and flow  of situations and circumstance, may I always find myself anchored in you.  When the torrential winds whip and the rain runs all to shelter, may I always run to you.  Let me always take delight in your purpose and plan for my life.  Let me always take delight in your word.  Help me to be planted in your purpose, unshakeable, unmovable, unstoppable.  I want your purpose for my life, that’s why I strive.

 

When the ox returns

Proverbs 14:4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

Thank you Father for leading me into and through the pain of the last season.  It often felt like I would lose everything, even the function of my mind.  Frankly, in the midst of my testing, I could only think, I want out!  In the midst of the pain I could only cry out for mercy.  You brought an ox in my life, a set of circumstances that were strong enough to upset the soil of my faith.  That ox pulled a tiller that dug deep. The tilling  broke apart the soil of my hardening heart.  The tilling made it easy for me to receive and retain your word more deeply than I ever had before.  In the midst of the pain, it felt like your ox was causing my death; it was dirty, ugly, devastating.  Now I know your ox was making preparation for me to live.  In the midst of the draught of doubt, you were preparing me to prosper in my soul.  I love you and thank you so much.  You are my joy. 

Father, when the ox returns, help me to remember that you work all things for my good and your plans for me are sure.  Amen