Come Apart with God

By Ven. Dr. Alson B H Percival

My wife and I have read through the Daily Devotions for the entire year. At one point she stopped me and said that every husband and father should receive a copy of these devotions and read them aloud to his wife and children. I agree. Above all, Dr. Percival is a Pastor and has a Pastor's heart and insight. With these devotions, he leads us

• Language: English
• Publisher: TOPLINK PUBLISHING, LLC
• Release date: Dec 3, 2018
• ISBN: 9781970066647

Ven. Dr. Alson B H Percival

Ven. Dr. Alson B H Percival Dip, Th. BA. BD(Lon)., MA(Trinity) PhD. (Liverpool) Parish Priest The Ven. Dr. Alson B. H. Percival is the Parish Priest of St. George and St. John, Nevis, West Indies. He holds degrees from Codrington College and Somerset University. He holds a PhD in Theology from Trinity Theological Seminary (Newberg, Indiana) in Partnership with the University of Liverpool & Wales. He has been a priest for 40 years and Archdeacon Emeritus. He is wellknown for Missionary work throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. He has a no-nonsense approach to ministry and life in general.

Book preview

Come Apart with

God

Ven. Dr. Alson B H Percival

Copyright © 2018 by Ven. Dr. Alson B H Percival.

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Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Introduction

I Am Circumcised In Christ

Who Are You?

Lord You Endured It All

You Are My Shield Forever

I Will Sleep In Peace

God Has the Last Word

I Am Calling Lord

My Life Is Rearranged

Fill the Vacant Spot in Me O Lord

Let Your Key Open Me

Sin Blocks God Out

Today Is Re-opening Day

I Am Your Servant Lord

Cleanse Me Lord

I Am Flesh And Blood

I Stand Not Under Man but Under God

There is a Danger in Unbelief

Lord Quicken Me with Your Word

Release Me from Prison Lord

Jesus You Are Speaking

My Soul Is Anchored

I Come To the Field Of Action

He Is My High Priest

I Am His New Covenant

It Is Hard To Work for God

Lord You Have Waited Long Enough On Me

I Sacrifice Myself to Thee

I Do Appreciate Your Presence Lord

You O Christ Are My Strength, Faith and Hope

I am His Footstool

I Will Share In His Awareness

In Faith I Take My Task

I Am Baptized with the Holy Spirit

Blessed Be God

My Blood Resisted Not Unto Sin

I Am Standing On Holy Ground

I Will Follow Peace

I Will Do My Service to Please You Lord

May I Be Pleasing To You O Lord

A Prisoner for Jesus Christ

The Infinite and the Finite

I Am Your Resemblance

Not Me but You Lord

I Chose Life

Your Love Is Real

God and I Will Achieve It

I Am Wonderfully Made

Holiness Unto The Lord

Wash Me Lord

Lord I Repent

All I Have Is Thine

The Way of the Lord Is First

Lord I Offer Myself

God Never Makes a Mistake

Whatever Today Holds Lord, I Am Ready

May I Be Your Child of the Morning?

I Will Do Whatever Lord

My Sins Are Many

My Tears Will be Dried

His Heavenly Wisdom

Pardon Me Lord of Mine Offences

I Will Continue in Faith

I Would Be No Different Lord

I Am Your Beloved

May I Remain in Your Glory King Jesus

Lord I Want to Keep my Appointment with You

All To Jesus I Surrender

I Will Return Unto the Lord

My Face Reflects the New Covenant

I Am a Part of His New Heaven

Your River Is Running Through Me, Lord

From the Pit of Darkness

Lift Me Up Lord

I Have a Purpose

Lord You Are Still Remembered

Lord Speak To Me And I Will Speak

Jesus Forgives and Forgets

I Cannot Walk By Myself

Use Me as Your Sign

At All Times You Are God

Lord You Know My Inner Turmoil

You Have Called Me

I Will Work In Unity

Thanks for Your Minister Lord Christ

I Will Glorify Him

I Have Found a Friend

All My Plans and Dreams Are His

I Have a Report

I Am only Passing Through

I Am Exalted

I Am a Chosen One

My God Will Hear Me

Save Me Lord

I Will Be a Good Samaritan

Our Union Today Lord Will Be Great

Lord I Will Be Faithful to You

A Real Reason for Hope

Good News

All Mine Are Thine

The New Life in God

I am Only a Prince

Lord What You Did Was Awesome

We Are in the Lake Lord

Speak To Me Lord

I Am A Miracle

Your Bread Gives Life O God

The Bread that Gives Life

I want to come Lord

I was at the end Lord

I am in Peace with my God

The Good News of Victory

You are My Shepherd

You gave your life for me

The Old Life is Past

As Others went so will I

You will Remember me O God

Every one needs You Lord O God

You are Sparkling in my Life Lord

Through many dangers, tolls, and sneers I have come

I am going out Begging Lord

Circumcise Me Lord

The Right Way and the Wrong Way

Evil Can Be Food and Drink

I Will Work With My Lord Today

Because Of Adam We Will Die

With You No One Can Mistreat Me

I Will Not Follow the Crowd

Prayer Changes Circumstances

I Will Return Your Message with Power

You Are My King

You Have Released Me Lord

You Love Me Lord

Christ’s Blood Was Sufficient

Where Lord?

I Was Chosen To Stand In Place

My God Is Real

Declare Me Innocent Lord

I Have Hurt No One

Speak Your Language Lord to Me

I Will Announce It Lord

We Need The Holy Spirit’s Seal

God’s Unusual Power

The Good News Must Be Preached

Lord You Will Bless Our Land

I Am Your Accepted One

Only You Give Spiritual Blessing Lord

I Have Seen You, Lord

I Am Ready To Leave Everything For You Lord

Thanks for Doing What You Did To Save Me

I Am Yours, Christ

Thank You Lord for My Supply

A Call to Action

Lord We Will Set up Camp Together

Supply My Needs Today, Lord

I Give You My Life

Life in the Eternal

I Am Commanded To Love

I Am Yours Lord

Just Give Me A Place Lord

I Am Alive Because Of Christ

Lord I Give You Thanks

I Will Follow Your Direction

Lord I Will Proclaim Your Message

Forgiveness

I Am God’s Treasure

I Will Bring Others to You O Lord

I Have a Perfect School Master

You Are So Kind to Me, Lord

I Will Be Generous Lord

A Few Seeds Make A Small Harvest

Lord I Am Concerned

Yes, I Will Suffer With You Lord

Vision from the Lord

Do As God Does

Lord You Have Chosen Me

Encourage Me Lord

I Am a Fruit off the Lord’s Tree

I Am A Builder For Christ

Jesus the Great Healer

Jesus is in the Healing Business

Send Me Lord

Lord I Pray For All

Lord save Me

The Demons Will Have Me Flee

My Lord and My God

Jesus Is In the Choosing Business

The Spirit Will Lead In This Matter

I Have No Grudge against My Neighbours

Lord We Are Sick and Dying Each Day

Jesus, Your Healing Promise Is At Work

I Have Got The Power

Lord Your Grace Is Sufficient

Be Wise Today

We Are All One in Christ

Lord You Have Chosen Me

You Are In The Midst Lord

Some Will Not Achieve

Come To Me and Rest

Learn From Me

Be Ye Guiltless

God’s Chosen Servant

We Are One in Christ Jesus

Be Obedient

Jesus Saves

What Is The Message?

Why Cannot I Touch You Lord

Ever At Your Feet Lord

There is a Difference

At Some Point I Will Have to Leave

What Is Weed and What Is Good Seed

What Is The Kingdom Of God?

I Have Found It Lord

It cannot be both Ways

Jesus Meets a Stone Wall

I Will Change Mine for His

The Son of Man Will be Given Glory

Time for Reflection

Jesus Bids Me Come To Him

Come On Board

The Lord’s Signs are Everywhere

Be Careful With the Enemy

His Messiah-ship

Who Am I

Who is the Greatest?

Do Not Offend

Do Not Despise

The Conversion

Forgiveness Is Always

One for One

Christ and Little Children

The Seductive Power of Wealth

Conversion

I Am a Worker in His Vineyard

I Am At the Banquet

It Is Most Important For Me

I Will Obey Your Law O Lord

You Alone Are the Greatest

By My Example I Will Bring Others In

You Are My King

It Is Not a Dream, It Is a Reality

This Day May Be Bitter but with God I will Make It

That Special Bread

My God Will Share the Load

God’s Rules

What God Can Do?

Welcome the Enemy

Initiation of the First Gentile

The Gospel is for All

God’s Servant is Free

The Publican before God

Speak to me Lord

I Am on My Mission

Christ is my Miracle Worker

Abba Father

God Heals

I am Ready to be Counselled

God and I will not Separate

Preparing to Cross the Hard Roads

Do Not Lose Your Faith

God of Promise

God’s Covenant

God and I in Covenant

Nothing is too Hard for God

The Level of Righteousness

Christ’s Light Shines in Me

Why Look Back

The Repaired Person

Lord I Obey You

God Will Provide

Real Test

I Will Obey God’s Voice

The Earth is Full of God’s Glory

Hold Fast to God’s Teaching

I Watch with God’s Outlook

Lord Eat With Me

I Will Not Be a Traitor

Jesus Will Dine with You

Lord Help my Unbelief

I Have Received Mercy

The Lord’s Will Must be Done

Jesus Watches with Me

Jesus Alone Will Do

They Did Not Find One Fault

He is Not Guilty

Lord I Would Not Disown You

Fear God and Respect Man

What you do Should Speak of God

There is something in a Name

A Good Relation with God

God will be Victorious

God Will Live With You

The Lord Will Rescue His Owner

Know God

I Will Rejoice in God

Lord I Will Stay with You

In You Lord I Will Find Compassion

I Will Dwell in the Shade of the Lord

I Will See Restoration

I Wait Patiently Upon God

I am Given a New Name

I Shall Not Be Hurt

I Have a New Covenant

Great Is Your Faithfulness

You are My God

Love One Another

The New Covenant

We Have Hope

We Are Ambassadors of Christ

The Blood of Christ Brought Me Near

Renewed in the Spirit

God’s Redemption is Eternal

I will be made a Pillow

I heard a Loud Voice

My Fellowship is with the Triune God

Love from a Pure Heart

I Am Appointed For Service

A Chief Sinner

Conscience

It is Important to Pray

In the Sight of God

The Greater Reward

Lifting Up Holy Hands in Prayer

Integrity

Exhort and Teach

Respect and Honour

My Love is not Tied up with Earthly Matters

Pursue Righteousness

Be Alert

A Servant of Jesus Christ

Linking Faith

Justified by Faith

Walking In the Newness of Life

The End is Eternal Life

Bearing Fruit for God

Death is Destroyed

Called to Service

My Heart is not Hardened

We Are Partners with Christ

I Will be a Good Listener

My Rest is in Him

All Accounts must be Rendered to Him

Lord I Fear You

Lord you are God

My Delight Is In God

He Judges Fairly

He will be my Throne of Honour

His Eyes are Clear

This is the Day

He Came to Save Us

No Problem over His Birth

God with Us

Comfort was Given

The Voice Is Different

All Will See His Glory

My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation

The World’s Joy Began in the Womb

God’s Gift Made a Difference

He Will be Great

Christ the Redeemer

God with Us

Why in the Manger?

God’s Gift is for All

God’s Plan Cannot be Altered by Man

My Soul is Safe in God

Do All to His Glory

God’s Light Makes a Difference

About the Author

Foreword

The recitation of the morning and evening office while mandatory for all clergy in the Anglican Church in the Province of the West Indies should be obligatory on all the laity. Yet the speed of life at times robs us of those crucial moments when we need to "Come Apart [and be] with God" for a while; and unfortunately that which is meant to bring us good is often neglected. Canon Dr. Alson Percival has provided all God’s people with a unique opportunity to encounter God in Holy Scripture on a daily basis. With carefully selected daily readings, the reader is taken through a systematic exposure to scripture that strengthens, awakens, and enlightens the mind, particularly if these are read meditatively and with divine intention. The exposition that follows is pastoral, contextual, and spiritual. It offers sound advice that is based on our experience as a Caribbean people. Alson’s selection of hymns must also be noted. As a Caribbean people, we love to sing, and it is not alien to our personae to hum spiritual and devotional hymns and songs through the day. The selections that Alson has presented to us are those that we know and love; these are hymns whose words make sense of the contradictions of our experience; that build spiritual resilience to the foes within and without; that lift us to that place where we may experience the presence of God. To all this Alson adds a personal trusting prayer. For me, these devotions are well suited for the family, and may be said at breakfast, at dinner, or even in the car (not by the driver) while on the way. They are suitable for those in the workplace who would want to take a moment out of their lunch break and either individually or collectively spend some time in quiet reflection. I commend this volume to all of us who dare step out on the journey to know and to be known by God.

Dr. Ian E. Rock

Principal (Ag)

Codrington College

St. John, Barbados

Easter Day, 2006

Acknowledgements

I am in debt to the Rev. Dr. Professor Kortright Davis an Episcopal Priest in the Diocese of Washington, Professor of Theology and Director of the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) Programme at Howard University School of Divinity for his sympathetic guidance while editing this material.

Rev. Amos Browne former District Superintendent of the United Methodist Churches in the Missouri Conference U.S.A. for patiently examining the finished product and for his suggestions. Dr Nicholas J. Tavani retired Professor of George Mason University in Virginia USA, and Trinity Theological College and Seminary in Indiana, the second marker of my Dissertation, for writing about this book; and his wife Evangelist Naomi Tavani for her helpful suggestions reference the material.

Mr Godfrey David, Retired Teacher, and personal assistant at the Four Season’s Resort, Nevis. The Honourable Mrs Marjorie Morton, Retired Teacher, Permanent Secretary Establishment, the present President of the Nevis Island Assembly, and a student reading for the Codrington College Diploma in Theology. Miss Sheila Evelyn, Assistant Permanent Secretary in the St Kitts/Nevis Federal Government. Mrs Clara Walters retired Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Ministry in the Nevis Island Government. Mrs Patronalia Hanley-Brown, retired research Chemist with the Oklahoma Geological Survey, and presently teaching Chemistry and Integrated Science at the Charlestown Secondary School, Nevis, and who is also reading for the Codrington College Diploma in Theology. Miss Gloria Lanns and Miss Valerie Liburd, retired Teachers of the Gingerland Secondary School, Nevis; and Dr Ian Rock, Acting Principal of Codrington College, Barbados for reading the finished product and for writing the foreword for the same.

My Secretary, Janette Rawlins, and her daughter Vanessa Rawlins, typed the manuscript. Janette was extremely helpful, in that, she was responsible for replying, dealing with callers, correspondents, rechecking scriptural texts and hymns so that I was somewhat free to write.

I am grateful to all the above for reading part or the entire text, and for the general and well taken criticisms which I tried to meet.

The spiritual views expressed in this work are my own and were not necessarily discussed with any of the people I have thanked.

Introduction

It is said by the medical professionals that breakfast is the most important meal of the individual’s day. The idea that is portrayed in that thought is that, after the overnight fast, the body needs the necessary vitamins to rejuvenate it to tackle the task ahead. Then to keep the body up to date for its expected performance the other meals are necessary, but they can be of lesser substance.

The Christian possesses a spiritual body that needs a well balanced spiritual morning meal after fasting in physical slumber overnight; then too, there is the need for other spiritual meals during the day. If these are done both for the physical and the spiritual aspects of one’s self then there will be wholeness of that individual for his/her existence in God’s world.

It is virtually impossible for the writer to provide for the individuals who will read this book, the meals necessary for their physical existence. He advises however, that prudence will prevail and that each person consumes each day his/her well-balanced supplies.

The intention however, of this book is to provide a well-balanced spiritual meal to nourish the spirit, so that it will continue to adore, praise, intercede, meditate, worship and give thanks to God the Almighty creator, redeemer and sustainer of mankind.

Come Apart with God is intended to nourish the spirit of our being, to enable us to respond to God’s redemption, by maintaining our being with him and to continue to commit all that we are, and have, to His service. We might be the richer as a result.

Rev Canon Alson B H Percival PhD

St George’s Rectory

Gingerland, Nevis, West Indies

I Am Circumcised In Christ

January 01

Read:

Psalm 62:1-8

Acts 4: 8-12

On this day of your circumcision you have demonstrated to the Jews your chosen people that circumcision is the spiritual purity you demanded of them. This external circumcision was a token of the covenant between you and your people. It is security for the one subjected to the rights of the covenant. One can now participate in all its material and spiritual benefits, for this act fulfils all the covenant obligations.

This act was limited because it was not sacramental in nature; it was not a vehicle through which to convey the sanctifying influences of God to your people. It was simply a token of the recognition of the covenant relationship between you and Israel.

We Christians are circumcised in Christ. This is a circumcision made without hands. It is a spiritual reality and not a physical rite. So today by the act on the cross I put off the flesh that is controlled by the fallen nature. Thank you for accomplishing that task on Calvary. Therefore I am now complete in you.

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing blood?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you washed in the blood,

In the Soul Cleansing Blood of the Lamb

Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

171

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ on this first day of your New Year, I present myself to be incorporated into your new cycle of life, which gives me a fresh opportunity to enter the new covenant you established. Through my act of love may my brothers and sisters enter also this profound relationship with us. Amen.

Who Are You?

January 02

Read:

Pswalm 98:1-4

John 1:19-28

Over the years, the question was asked of your servants, who were they? Pharaoh could not understand the new Moses; he wanted to know who he was. Naaman wanted to know who Elisha was, who sent him to wash in the dirty Jordan; while Nebuchadnezzar wanted to know who Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were. This trend continued into the New Testament, when the Levites were seeking to know the real identity of John the Baptist.

The same old question was asked of you. Who are you? This question was asked not because they did not know you, but because they were disturbed over your personality; and the great work you were doing. As a matter of fact, not even your disciples understood who you were. They too seemed to have been looking for someone else to be the Messiah.

Your question to them was important; Who do men say that I am? After the disciples gave their opinion, you made your question personal. Who do you say I am? For me, you are something good that came from above, through Mary and from Nazareth.

Come for the feast is spread

Hark to the call

Come to the living bread

Broken for all

Come to His house of wine

Low on His breast recline

All that He hath is thine,

Come sinner come.

113

Prayer:

O God, I do not have to wonder who you are; you are the Christ, the Messiah, the Way, the Truth and the Life. Be my King of kings and Lord of lords as you reign forever in my life. Amen.

Lord You Endured It All

January 03

Read:

Psalm 3

2 Samuel 15:13-31

O Lord my God, you have allowed me to wake with holy confidence in my heart and a song in my mouth. This way, I am prepared to take your presence with me wherever you direct my feet. I will speak boldly your word to all and sundry.

Many may rise up against me because of thy word. They may believe that there is no help for me in you, some may even curse me face to face, but Lord, may I never give anything they say an opportunity to be of a truth. This can turn me away from you and that would be darkness for me. But I know God that there is help in you. So I cry now my God, my God, do not forsake me.

I will remember during this journey, that you know what it means to walk in darkness and not in light. It was the wormwood mixed with gall. I love you Lord Jesus because you endured the bitterest trial for me.

Awake, my soul, and with the sun

Thy daily stage of duty run;

Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise

To pay thy morning sacrifice.

804

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I have changed my life for your kingdom; take me totally into your loving hands so that I may leave my burden under them forever. Amen.

You Are My Shield Forever

January 04

Read:

Psalm 3

I John 3:7-10

In presenting myself to you this day, I am confident that you will shield me completely. Be above, beneath, around, without and within me. Quench the flame of Satan and the storms of trials that may come and speak peace to the inner tempest.

You may permit my trial today, O God. If you do, give me grace to endure the period. May I be reminded that after such a Gethsemane, victory will be experienced. So Lord, walk with me and enable me to see in the midst of the storm, your future glory.

If I am not conscious of your presence, help me to remember that you are only a prayer away. The situation will demand either a loud cry or a silent one, whichever Lord, may my cry be louder than my enemies who seem stronger than I am.

Thank you Lord of heaven and earth for lifting me up to perfection; this is indeed a lifting to honour after shame, a total restoration after a fall. I feel our victory after that temporary defeat. So, Lord, you are Lord of victory and glory. Thanks for your response to my plea; and being my hiding place where I find sustenance and grace for your continued journey.

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

473

Prayer:

O God, Elijah leaned upon you on Mount Carmel when the servants of Baal challenged him. His solid faith caused him to have a sense of commitment, to prove to King Ahab and his stooges, that you are the only I AM. Your answer to his prayer, made it known that you are the God who answers your servants’ plea. Do this for me today. Amen.

I Will Sleep In Peace

January 05

Read:

Psalm 3

Matthew 4:1-11

Today I live in you, Lord. I may even take my holy nap, for you have promised to give your beloved sleep (Psalm 127:2). With such confidence in you my God, help me to bow my head on your chest and sleep securely under the wings of providence.

The ten thousand who may set themselves against me have great wisdom. This I cannot underestimate. Their skills are remarkably good, and as such are ready to choose me as a hunter hunts for his prey. But I have a place to go which is the rock that is higher, harder and mightier than I.

You require one thing of me, access to my inward parts. Ever since you roused me I have unlocked my being of ownership for the world to see whose I am and to whom I belong.

Oh! come to the merciful saviour, who calls you,

Oh! come to the Lord, Who forgives and forgets;

Though dark be the fortune on earth that befalls you,

There’s a bright Home above, where the sun never sets.

637

Prayer:

Dear God, there is a sleep in holy comfort; close my eyes in peace so that I can sleep in confidence, knowing that you are in control. Amen.

God Has the Last Word

January 06

Read:

Psalm 3

John 6:61-71

Arise, O Lord: save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheekbone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people (Psalm 3:7 - 8).

Our walk in the past has been nothing else but peace and love. We have been victorious in our efforts. I see how you have dealt with things in general, especially those that have been of great challenge to your sovereign rule. You, O Lord are above all gods, and I am happy to have travelled with you.

To turn away from you would be disastrous. The apostle knew his heart when he asked Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the son of the living God (John 6:67-68). The one who turned his back on you entered into chosen darkness with no desire to re-enter your light, and as a result perished.

Be my bread of life, my water for cleansing, and my blood for anxiety. Your supplies will make me look lush - a well watered plant with its root in fertile soil. May our morning walk be filled with community efforts, our afternoon together filled with rich ministry, and our night be one of solitude.

He speaks and the sound of His voice,

Is so sweet the birds’ hush their singing,

And the melody that He gave to me,

Within my heart is ringing.

And he walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joys we share as we tarry there

None other has ever known.

71

Prayer:

O Lord, I pray for those who are in need, those who are alone and infirmed, may the truth of your word, the example of your life, mature me to bring comfort to all with whom I minister today. Amen.

I Am Calling Lord

January 07

Read:

Psalm 4

Matthew 4:12-17, 23-end

Lord, you have promised to hear us when we call upon you; and too, you have promised to answer each call. I am confident that you are never too busy to hear every cry, for you always have room for one more. I am knocking at your door of forgiveness. When you answer, Lord, first wash me with the water from your side and anoint me with that blood which makes a difference from time to eternity.

As I go through this day, I am reminded that you are never weary. No one can usurp your energy in your desire to supply his needs according to your riches in glory. Your necessities will flow until I am absent from this body. As author, sustainer, maintainer, witness, rewarder of all things good, abide with your humble servant as your creation.

Protect your servant from any sorrow that may want to hurt the soul or destroy my being. I do not want to share the fate of the Pharisee who prayed with such arrogance; here am I the sinner who believed in the empty tomb, a risen Christ who has the authority to heal and forgive the polluted ones.

Jesus is tenderly calling thee home

Calling today, calling today

Why from the sunshine of love wilt thou roam

Farther and farther away?

Calling today, calling today

Jesus is calling, is tenderly calling today.

133

Prayer:

My Jesus, you live to bring hope to all who have faith in substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Lord, I believe, but my faith needs strengthening. Strengthen my resolve to be faithful. Amen.

My Life Is Rearranged

January 08

Read:

Psalms 3 & 4

Mark 6:34-44

The gift of life, which you grant to me again today, speaks volumes of your need for my cooperation with you to fulfil your purpose. If there is a rebellious nature within this flesh of mine, that wants me to revolt against you, Lord, I beg you take such nature away, so that at all times your will may be done. The nature I would like is one that signifies that I have taken off the old coat, and have put on the new. The apostle Paul speaks of this nature when he said that his life was rearranged from the old nature to the new nature. Hence, the old is no more, and I am experiencing the new.

You are always on the side of the righteous. Plead my cause at this moment, so that at all times this day, you will be honoured, praised, and magnified.

Whatever my condition, be it hardship or plenty, King of kings, may you please remind me, that being in you is better than the season of harvest. Therefore, in praise, I will face this day, because you, O God, are the only source of my protection.

My Lord has done just what He said

He raised the sick and He raised the dead;

On the cruel cross He suffered and bled

And I’m on my journey home.

513

Prayer:

Thank you God for rousing me to face the daily duties you have planned. Grant me thy spirit’s guidance for this journey that may lead me through the ravines, or the plains, in this earthly pilgrimage. I will endeavour to follow where He leads every step of the way, to pay the sacrificial task. Amen.

Fill the Vacant Spot in Me O Lord

January 09

Read:

Psalm 72:1, 10-13

Hebrews 5

O Lord, in my humility I approach you in your awesome power. Give heed to my feeble words, and do consider my meditation. As I am in your company you will guide my thoughts, so that in my meditation I may ask for what is right, so that you would release the same to fulfil my desire. Through this process, I will be enabled to ask for just what is needful, as you fill the vacancy