Not My Own

Dear God,
You know that I've been struggling with getting things out of my devotions lately, but You are so awesome about giving me something to spur me on exactly when I need it. Last night when reading Acts for my Bible-In-A-Year, verse 24 just leaped off the page at me.

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

After sending my accountability devotionals out to my list, my friend, Kyle, emailed back and pointed out how what Paul says in Acts 20:24 is really similar to what he says in Philippians 1:20-21, "According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Oh, Lord, that is my prayer. Please, God, let my life typify Paul's creed; let my moto to be,

"My life is not my own but lent to me for the purpose of ministering to others and witnessing boldly, so that through joy and the grace of God, Christ may be magnified and exalted through me by means of either my life or my death."

Father, I am awed at Your choice to allow me to serve You, the Creator of the Universe and Ruler of all. Just the thought of it is very humbling. Thank You for loving me.

My God, My Comfort

Dear God,
You always know exactly how to give me peace and encourage me no matter what I'm going through. Thank you for the passage that you gave me the night before Whitney's surgery. It's funny how sometimes the parts of Scripture that I know the best are the ones that I forget about the most, but that doesn't phase You. Thank You for giving me peace that You will always lead me in the best way and that You will always refresh my soul. Thank You that when death comes my way, either for myself or someone I love, You are with me and you will comfort me. Your mercy is with me for my whole life, and I never have to worry about losing it. Thank You for being My God the Comforter.

Psalms 23:1-6 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

I love you.